New Zealand: South Island Adventure
A Hiker’s Dream Journey in Nature’s Wonderland
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5195 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 13 days |
| Arrive: | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Depart: | Queenstown, New Zealand |
| Lodging: | 11 nights hotels, historic inns, and beachside lodges, 1 night private cabins on boat describe |
| Meals: | All meals except 2 dinners |
| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Wildlife & Natural History |
| Trip Level: |
Moderate hiking, 3-4 hours a day on hiking days (4-7 hours a day on optional Hollyford Track extension), optional sea kayaking
|
Highlights
- Swim with wild dolphins off the Kaikoura Coast
- Rainforest walks, overnight cruise in Milford Sound, hike on Fox Glacier
- Wonderful cuisine, fresh seafood, and delightful picnics
- Optional hiking extension on the unforgettable Hollyford Track
New Zealand is incredibly welcoming—great food, good fun, and a world of waterfalls.Lynne G.—New York, NY
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
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New Zealand is one of nature’s best playgrounds. From mountains to sea, the entire South Island feels like one big national park—no wonder Kiwis celebrate any opportunity to “have a go” at outdoor adventure! We discover firsthand the beauty that inspires them as we swim among wild dolphins at Kaikoura, scramble on the towering ice formations of Fox Glacier, hike through glades of nikau palms at Paparoa, and savor the wonder of world-famed Milford Sound on a spectacular overnight cruise. Outdoor adventure abounds, yet our journey also reveals the unique culture, friendly Kiwi character, and unhurried pace of this nature-blessed land. At the end of our odyssey, we offer an optional hike on the Hollyford Track, a journey through one of New Zealand’s most stunning valleys.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-3
Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds
From Christchurch, we explore and hike the stunning Kaikoura Coast, where snow-clad mountains make a spectacular backdrop, and set out for unforgettable snorkeling among the area’s friendly dusky dolphins, who swim here in pods of hundreds. Later, we enjoy a picnic and wine tasting amid the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famed for its sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir wines.
Days 4-5
Abel Tasman National Park / Awaroa Lodge
Our water taxi whisks us to glorious Abel Tasman National Park, where we hike a coastal trail through tree fern forests, onto soft, powdery wilderness beaches, past lagoons with turquoise waters, and up into headlands, with fantastic coastal views all along the way. Our overnights are at deluxe Awaroa Lodge, set in a 47-acre private reserve inside the park.
Days 6-7
West Coast / Paparoa National Park / Hokitika
Circling the wild West Coast, we follow trails through luxuriant rainforest at Paparoa, whose rugged coastline features spectacular cliffs, water-sculpted blowholes, and the famous limestone stacks at Punakaiki. We also visit Hokitika, a former gold mining town now the jade-carving capital of New Zealand.
Days 8-11
Fox Glacier / Wanaka / Mount Aspiring / Queenstown
The Fox Glacier, flanked by emerald rainforests and framed by the snowy giants of the Southern Alps, is the setting for our exciting glacier walk that grants us up-close perspectives of a river of jagged ice. After a walk around Lake Matheson, where the reflections of Mt. Cook (New Zealand’s highest peak) and Mt. Tasman are often perfectly mirrored, we head to Wanaka, a picturesque town set on the edge of a sapphire-blue lake. In the alpine grandeur of Mount Aspiring National Park, we hike through a spectacular river gorge ending in a natural amphitheater surrounded by hundreds of waterfalls pouring from hanging sheets of ice and over vertical cliffs. On Day 11, we explore charming Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Days 12-13
Fiordland / Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Set among the soaring peaks of Fiordland National Park, the watery chasm of Milford Sound is one of the world’s most sublime meetings of mountains and sea, where 4,000-foot-high walls rise directly from the water’s edge. We head out into the Sound, where we can try our hand at sea kayaking, and have the fjord to ourselves as we anchor for the night in a sheltered cove beneath towering Mount Pembroke. At dawn, the grand silence and serenity greets us as the morning light falls across the sheer granite peaks. Spending the night enveloped by the majesty of this environment is simply the best way to experience Milford Sound! Depart Day 13 via Queenstown, or join our Hollyford Track Extension.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Hollyford Track Extension
Days 13-17
Enjoy a panorama of mirror-like lakes, spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, ancient beech forest, sand dunes, surf, and plentiful birdlife while hiking from the base of the Southern Alps all the way to the Tasman Sea. At the end of each day, relax in comfortable lodges with hot showers and delightful three-course meals.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2+, Easy to Moderate. This is a trip for people who enjoy hiking. In general you can set your own pace while hiking, and there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers. Although you carry only a daypack, there are some steep ascents and descents and some sections that cross rough or rocky trails. On one or two occasions, our hiking routes cross an estuary or small stream and you will likely get your shoes wet (bring some Tevas or shoes appropriate for walking through water). For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition for the trip. Daily walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail.
Our vehicle touring is over good roads in a comfortable bus. The trip is designed to make the most of our time exploring the diverse landscapes of the South Island. We stay in a range of delightful accommodations along the way, including a charming bed-and-breakfast, a luxurious lodge accessible only by water taxi, and private cabins on a wonderful Milford Sound cruise boat.
Departures & Leaders
Nov 14-26, 2010 Jon Imhoof
Dec 12-24, 2010 Jon Imhoof
Jan 9-21, 2011 Chris Cochrane
Jan 23-Feb 4, 2011 Jon Imhoof
Feb 6-18, 2011 Chris Cochrane
Feb 20-Mar 4, 2011 Jon Imhoof
Mar 6-18, 2011 Chris Cochrane
Nov 13-25, 2011
Dec 11-23, 2011
Jan 8-20, 2012
Jan 22-Feb 3, 2012
Feb 5-17, 2012
Feb 19-Mar 2, 2012
Mar 4-16, 2012
Tour Costs
Prices valid through Spring 2011
$5195 (9-12 members)
$5595 (6-8 members)
Single supplement: $1250
Hollyford Track extension: $1400 per person
more on pricing
Tour Cost Includes:
- expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- accommodations as noted
- welcome and farewell dinner and meals as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
- land and boat transportation as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
- airport departure transfer to Queenstown airport
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, airport transfer on arrival in Christchurch, any meals not specified after each itinerary day, airport departure taxes, optional activities, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.).Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Day 1 (1 night), Christchurch, New Zealand
Set in the heart of the city in Cathedral Square, this large new modern hotel is perfectly located, just steps from magnificent Christchurch Cathedral and an easy walk to the expansive botanic gardens, art and history museums, and local shops. Along with clean, comfortable, and spacious rooms, the hotel features a restaurant, popular bar, and free WiFi and Internet access.
Waves on the Esplanade
Day 2 (1 night), Kaikoura, New Zealand
Kaikoura is a quiet town spread out along the coastline, and the ocean views are sensational from our accommodation, with its great location on ...
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Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Nelson, New Zealand
With a waterside setting on the Waimea Estuary outside Nelson, the Grand Mercure is a new resort laid out like an English village, complete with ...
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Awaroa Lodge
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman Nat'l Park, New Zealand
The location of this place can’t be beat—it is surrounded by native bush and pristine beaches right in Abel Tasman National Park. The ...
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Punakaiki Resort
Day 6 (1 night), Paparoa National Park, New Zealand
With a stunning location on Punakaiki Beach next to the Pancake Rocks, this is the perfect place for us to stop after our day’s drive along ...
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The Westhaven
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Fox Glacier Township, New Zealand
A minute’s walk from the cafes and pubs in the “one street” town of Fox Glacier Township, the Westhaven is a nice new motel with ...
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Te Wanaka Lodge
Days 9 to 10 (2 nights), Wanaka, New Zealand
This is a cozy B&B with great hosts in the quiet lakeside town of Wanaka. The rooms are small but very clean and nicely decorated. Tea and cake ...
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Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel
Day 11 (1 night), Queenstown, New Zealand
The Novotel has a perfect location directly on Queenstown’s picturesque lakefront. In the heart of town but on a quiet side street, it has ...
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Milford Mariner
Day 12 (1 night), Milford Sound, New Zealand
For our overnight cruise in spectacular Milford Sound, we have comfortable private cabins with en suite bathrooms on the 60-passenger Milford ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Chris Cochrane hails from Sydney, Australia, where he spent four years training as a chef. After graduation, he traveled to New Zealand to further his career. Upon arrival in Queenstown, he realized his chosen path was not the one he really wanted and set out to retrain himself for a life in the ...
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Jon Imhoof has a degree in Anthropology from the University of Hawaii, where he first began leading hiking and sailing trips in the 1980s. He moved to Queenstown, New Zealand in 1989. Jon has been an innovator in adventure tourism, starting the first river-surfing company in the world in ...
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Client Comments
New Zealand is incredibly welcoming—great food, good fun, and a world of waterfalls.Lynne G., New York, NY
The trip was spectacular. Like other WT trips, the itinerary started out amazing and seemed to get more spectacular every day. I would encourage anyone to go on this trip!Candace S., Palo Alto, CA
I think this trip allowed me to see places and have experiences that I would not have seen or done on a do-it-yourself trip. This was a wonderful trip with a great group of people.Linda S., Benicia, CA
The variety of hikes, scenery, and activities together with a great Trip Leader made this a fabulous trip.Heidi A., APO, AE
We’ve traveled a lot and this was one of the very best trips ever!Howard G., Bethesda, MD
Good trip design combined with the island’s natural beauty made this one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken.Josephus N., Seattle, WA
I may repeat this trip in the future. I bet I will be telling my children and grandchildren about this trip.Matt P., Cape May, NJ
One of the best trips of all time.Ken P., Santa Barbara, CA


