Hiker's Paradise

Day 2 : Arthurs Pass

This morning, pick up your rental car in Christchurch and drive to Arthurs Pass. Discover wild nature in a spectacular mountain setting and experience life on a 2,400-hectare nature reserve at your lodge accommodation. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, moss-lined streams and lakes. Forget your car for a couple of days, settle in and explore! 

Hotel for 2 nights: Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass 

Day 3 : Arthurs Pass

Get to know the rugged landscape around the stunning Wilderness Lodge today as a skilled nature guide takes you on a half day tour. Witness the dramatic beauty and learn about the flower and fauna of the region. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and taking advantage of the lodge’s facilities. 

Day 4-5 : Franz Josef

Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of alpine landscape will take your breath away. Cross beautiful stretches of countryside to Franz Josef. Tomorrow, witness the majesty of the beautiful Franz Josef Glacier from the air as your helicopter takes to the skies then descend onto the glacier itself and set foot on the ice. Admission to the Franz Josef Hot Pools included. 

Hotel for 2 nights: Te Waonui Forest Retreat 

Day 6 : Queenstown

Depart Franz Josef and travel to Fox Glacier. Then on through red and white pine forests to Bruce Bay. Pass through bush scenery to the township of Haast; drive the Haast Pass Highway, stopping enroute to see Mt Brewster Glacier, then continue over the undulating countryside and skirt Lake Hayes to descend to Queenstown. Drop off your rental car in Queenstown tonight. 

Hotel: St Moritz 

Day 7 : Hollyford Track

This morning you will be picked up and taken through some of New Zealand’s most divine scenery to the start of the Holyford Track in the Hollyford Valley; a 3-day guided walk. On day 1 beneath the gaze of the mighty Southern Alps, you’ll re-trace footsteps of original Maori and early pioneer explorers, undulating through native forest and beside tumbling waterfalls. At the end of the day you will be welcomed at Pyke Lodge.  
Hotel: Pyke Lodge

Day 8 : Hollyford Track

After a short walk this morning, board a jet boat for a scenic cruise; you may even encounter a family of Bottlenose Dolphins. Afterwards, continue hiking through the stunning Hollyford Valley where the human history is as incredible as the scenery. Next reach the Long Reef, which plays host to a colony of Fur Seals; end the day at Martins Bay Lodge 

Hotel: Martin’s Bay Lodge

Day 9 : Queenstown

Today you’ll explore Martin’s Bay Spit. View historical sites of Maori occupation where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the isolated beach and sand dunes, then take a scenic flight into the truly spectacular Milford Sound where you’ll marvel at the grandeur of granite walls rising from the sea. Afterwards you will be transfered back to Queenstown.

Hotel for 2 nights: Hotel St Moritz

Day 10 : Queenstown

Experience everything Queenstown is known for today. You will be picked up and taken to the exhilarating Shotover Jet for the ultimate jet boat experience. Take a unique breath-taking ride through narrow canyons; hold on tight for exhilarating 360-degree spins. Afterwards, climb aboard your 4WD vehicle for an off-road adventure. Explore the abandoned gold mining area of the Arrow River and film locations used in Lord of the Rings, later on you will be transferred back to your hotel.  

Day 11 : Nelson

Today, you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Queenstown Airport for your flight to Nelson. On your arrival into Nelson Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The beautiful township of Nelson is situated on the pristine Glenelg River, some two kilometers from the mouth but with views of the ocean across the sand hills to the south either side of the river estuary. 

Hotel: Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Day 12 : Abel Tasman

You will be picked up this morning to meet your guide for a welcome briefing; the start of your 3-day guided walk through Abel Tasman. Next take a cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, along the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline. From Totaranui, walk through beech forests and along secluded golden beaches to the Awaroa inlet. Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast. 

Hotel: Meadowbank Homestead 

Day 13 : Abel Tasman

Wake to breakfast overlooking the gardens of Meadowbank Homestead, watching the movement of the tides over golden sands. Walk the stunning expanse of Onetahuti Beach then paddle to Torrent Bay, through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and exploring hidden inlets along the way. Enjoy the sensation of paddling through the clear turquoise waters of the Park as you cruise past Tonga Quarry and learn the history of this granite area. 

Hotel: Torrent Bay

Day 14 : Nelson

Leave Torrent Bay by kayak this morning and glide along the coast to discover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D’urville in 1827. Paddle the idyllic waters of Te Pukatea Bay. Stop for lunch before continuing your journey through azure waters to the famous Kaiteriteri beach, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Hotel for 2 nights: Rutherford Hotel Nelson.
 

Day 15 : Golden Bay

Today, choose from a selection of exclusive tours; explore the wild north west and witness incredible views of the national parks and Farewell Spit, Te Waikoropupu Springs and Wharariki Beach. Or head to the Golden Bay for spectacular scenery, caves & short walks. You might like to take a guided walk of Mt Arthur and Kahurangi National Park or discover the Nelson Lakes Nature Recovery on a scenic Drive and Guided Walk of Lake Rotoiti. The choice is yours.

Day 16 : Tongariro

You will be met at your accommodation and transferred to Nelson Airport for your flight to Taupo. On arrival in Taupo, pick up your rental car and drive to Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park; it has an important Maori cultural and spiritual association as well as outstanding volcanic features.

Hotel for 2 nights: Chateau Tongariro Hotel.
 

Day 17 : Tongariro

Today enjoy New Zealand’s best day one-day hike. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with scoured volcanic rocks and emerald lakes. Summer offers a majestic landscape with a vast array of colours created by mineral deposits; Winter provides the luxury of few other walkers and the fun of sliding on snow. 
 

Day 18 : Auckland

Drive to Taupo and drop off your rental car at the airport, before taking your flight to Auckland. Aucklanders have embraced the culinary arts of all those who have come to call it home, resulting in a dining culture that prizes variety, inventiveness and presentation, so why not eat out tonight? Rest up in your hotel before your flight home tomorrow.

Hotel: Novotel Auckland Airport.
 

Day 19 : Departure

Take your onward flight today.