Hike through beech forest, past limestone sinkholes and across tussock-covered mountain slopes in Kahurangi National Park. Watch the antics of NZ fur seal pups at a breeding colony. Hike through lush rainforest in a limestone canyon, wade across crystal clear rivers, and explore glowworm caves in Paparoa National Park. Take a guided walk on the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and marvel at its crevasses and ice caves. Kayak the tranquil Okarito lagoon and watch native birds feeding in the shallows. Hike through podocarp forest to natural hot pools surrounded by mountain peaks in Westland National Park. Watch for penguins and dolphins while strolling along isolated beaches.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Flora Saddle, have lunch and pack gear. Hike through beech forest on a pack track down the Flora Stream and up to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a gold miner’s rock shelter. Introduction night around a cosy campfire. 4 hours hiking.
(L, D)
Day 2: Up early to explore sinkholes. Hike up over Gordons Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst to Mount Arthur (1795m). Return to Flora Saddle and drive to the Buller Gorge. Camp at Owen River. 7 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Visit a breeding colony of NZ fur seals (once almost hunted to extinction), then head south to Paparoa National Park and hike up a river canyon to the Ballroom Overhang to camp. 3 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Hike up a side canyon with a refreshing swim to see glow-worms. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Head back down river to Punakaiki’s blowholes and pancake rocks. Camp. 5 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Drive south to Franz Josef Glacier, which descends into rain forest. Walk up to its terminal face or do the guided walk on the glacier ($30). Head to the coastal settlement of Okarito. Camp and gather wood for hangi and beach bonfire. 2 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: With kayaks ($26), catch the in-going tide into the lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, black swans, and tui. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Return to camp. Free time to wander along this remote beach, hike up to a viewpoint, or just relax. 4 hours kayaking.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest across swingbridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hotpools with magnificent views of 3000m-peaks of Westland National Park. 7 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Rest day, but the keen can explore this alpine valley. Boulder hop up to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). Return to the hut and the hotpools. 4 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 9: Hike back down the Copland Valley stopping for a swim (optional) and lunch by this glacial-fed river. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp on isolated beach with another great beach campfire. 6 hours hiking.
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Stop at Ship Creek and look out for Hector’s dolphins. Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Hawea for lunch, swims, and vehicle clean-up. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range. 2 hours hiking.
(B, L)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Allow extra $20 per day food and camp/hut fee fund.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Hiking & Trekking
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