Queen Charlotte Track, Fox Glacier, Abel Tasman National Park, Milford Sound, Plus Optional 3-day Routeburn Track Hike

New Zealand: South Island Adventure

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"Excellent trip design combined with the island’s natural beauty made this one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken." Josephus Norman, Seattle WA

New Zealand is nature’s playground. In fact, the entire South Island feels like one big national park—it’s no wonder that Kiwis celebrate any opportunity to “have a go” at outdoor adventure. We discover first-hand the beauty that inspires them as we explore the full range of South Island environments. On the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, we enjoy an unforgettable swim among the friendly “duskies,” the graceful and acrobatic dusky dolphins who frolic close to shore in pods of hundreds. In coastal Paparoa National Park, we discover New Zealand’s luxuriant lowland rainforest, hiking through glades of nikau palms and beneath towering forest giants like the northern rata, rimu, and miro. On the Fox Glacier, our hike brings us from fern-filled forests onto a mighty river of ice for extraordinary perspectives of pinnacles, lakes, and deep blue crevasses. Our grand finale is Milford Sound, one of the world’s most spectacular meetings of mountains and sea, where we experience it the ultimate way—on an overnight cruise with a chance to explore by sea kayak. At the end of the trip, we offer the option of a fantastic three-day hike on the world-famous Routeburn Track across the spine of the Southern Alps, an unforgettable mountain adventure. Outdoor adventure aside, our visit to friendly New Zealand also allows us to appreciate the unique culture, Kiwi character, and unhurried pace of this nature-blessed island.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Christchurch, New Zealand / Kaikoura

From Christchurch, we head north to Kaikoura, a lovely fishing town nestled between the mountains and the sea on the northeast coast. The often snow-clad Kaikoura Mountains make a spectacular backdrop for the town. The next day, we hike in a native forest of huge tree ferns.

Day 3
Swim with Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds

We don mask, snorkel, and fins and head out by boat for an unforgettable snorkel among Kaikoura’s friendly dusky dolphins in pods of hundreds. Later, an exciting water-taxi ride through Marlborough Sounds brings us to our secluded lodge on the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful long-distance hiking trails.

Days 4-5
Queen Charlotte Track / Abel Tasman National Park

After a hike through lush coastal forests overlooking enchanting coves on the Queen Charlotte Track, we head to Marahau, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park’s golden beaches and crystal-clear seas. We hike through Abel Tasman’s fantastic forests of native ferns the next day, descending to powdery beaches and climbing up into headlands, with fantastic coastal views all along the way.

Day 6
Paparoa National Park

Leaving Tasman Bay, we head around to the South Island’s ‘wild west’ coast, New Zealand’s cultural heartland. Along this rugged coastline, we visit spectacular cliffs including the famous limestone stacks called the Pancake Rocks.

Days 7-10
Fox Glacier / Wanaka / Mount Aspiring / Queenstown

The Fox Glacier Township has a great backdrop—the mighty Fox Glacier framed by the snowy giants of the Southern Alps. Our glacier hike gives us perspectives on a sea of jagged ice. On Day 9, we head to Wanaka, with an evening to explore this beautifully located town. The next day, we hike in the alpine grandeur of Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Site, with views of sapphire-blue Lake Wanaka.

Day 11
Fiordland / Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

We savor this spectacular body of water on an overnight cruise, anchoring in sheltered Harrison Cove, with a chance to sea kayak.

Day 12-13
Queenstown / Depart

After a final morning in Milford Sound, we drive back to Queenstown and depart Day 13 (or join our 3–day Routeburn Hike)

Fiordland / Hiking the Routeburn Track Days 14-16

Our three-day hike on the Routeburn Track is an unforgettable mountain adventure on beautiful trails through a spectacular alpine landscape of beech forest, native bush, and crystal-clear rushing rivers. We hike for four to six hours a day with nights in comfortable mountain lodges that provide great meals, showers, and a chance to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine at day’s end. Depart via Queenstown on Day 16.

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Tour Costs $5495 (9-12 members) $4995 (6-8 members) Single supplement: $1250 Routeburn Extension: $1395 per person *Prices valid through March 2009 **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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