The Routeburn Track, New Zealand

We set out for an array of adventures on the beautiful South Island, from swimming with wild dolphins to hiking on the Fox Glacier. Extend your journey with an unforgettable 4-day lodge-based hike on the famous Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park.

Photo by Bob Strode

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New Zealand: South Island Adventure

A Hiker’s Dream Journey in a Kiwi Wonderland

New Zealand is nature’s playground. In fact, 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 first-hand 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 savors the unique culture, friendly Kiwi character, and unhurried pace of this glorious green island. At the end of our active South Island hiking odyssey, we offer an optional hike on the Routeburn Track, one of the world’s great treks.

Highlights

  • Swimming with wild dolphins at Kaikoura
  • Rainforest walks, overnight cruise in Milford Sound, hike on Fox Glacier
  • Wonderful cuisine, fresh seafood, and delightful picnics
  • Optional 3-day hike on the spectacular Routeburn Track

Details

  • 13-day trip begins in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown
  • 11 nights in hotels, historic inns, and beachside lodges, 1 night in private cabins on boat
  • All meals except 2 dinners
  • Moderate hiking, 3-4 hours a day (3-6 hours a day on optional Routeburn Track), optional sea kayaking

Tour Costs

$5095 (9-12 members)
$5495 (6-8 members)

Single supplement: $1250

Routeburn Track Extension: from $1195

Prices are for Fall 2009 / Winter 2010, call for Fall 2010 Winter 2011 pricing

Departures & Leaders

Mar 28-Apr 9, 2010  Jon Imhoof
Nov 14-26, 2010
Dec 12-24, 2010
Jan 9-21, 2011
Jan 23-Feb 4, 2011
Feb 6-18, 2011
Feb 20-Mar 4, 2011
Mar 6-18, 2011

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
New Zealand: South Island Adventure route-map

Days 1-3
Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds

From Christchurch, we explore and hike on the stunning Kaikoura Coast, where the often snow-clad Kaikoura Mountains make a spectacular backdrop. We set out for unforgettable snorkeling among Kaikoura’s friendly dusky dolphins, who swim here in pods of hundreds, then enjoy wine-tasting in the vineyards of Marlborough Sounds.

Days 4-5
Abel Tasman National Park / Awaroa Lodge

Our “water taxi” whisks us to the glorious Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden beaches and translucent seas. From deluxe Awaroa Lodge, we hike through fantastic forests of towering tree ferns, descend to powdery beaches, and climb up into the headlands with sweeping coastal views all along the way.

Days 6-7
West Coast / Paparoa National Park / Hokitika

Circling the wild west coast, we follow trails through luxuriant rainforest at Paparoa and visit Hokitika, a former gold mining town.

Days 8-11
Fox Glacier / Wanaka / Mount Aspiring / Queenstown

On the Fox Glacier, we don crampons for a walk across a sea of creaking ice. The next day, we explore the alpine grandeur of Mount Aspiring National Park. On Day 11, we explore charming Queenstown.

Days 12-13
Fiordland / Milford Sound

Overnight Cruise Milford Sound is a spectacular meeting of mountains and sea. On our cruise, we have a chance to explore by sea kayak. After an overnight in cabins with private baths, we awake to the silence and serenity of Milford Sound as the morning light falls across sheer granite peaks. Depart Day 13 via Queenstown (or join our Routeburn Track Extension).

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following option:

Chateau on the Park

Day 1 (1 night), Christchurch, New Zealand

A modern hotel set on five acres, the Chateau has a tranquil location, colorful gardens, an excellent restaurant, and a very helpful staff. Enjoy ...
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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 Rocks Villa

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 ...
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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 ...
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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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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions option:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.