Overview
From the mountains to the sea, the entire South Island of New Zealand feels like one enormous national park—no wonder Kiwis celebrate any opportunity to “have a go” at outdoor adventure! We discover firsthand the natural beauty that inspires them as we swim among wild dolphins at Kaikoura, hike from mystical fern forests to powdery white-sand beaches in Abel Tasman National Park, discover the icy wonder of Fox Glacier, and take a deluxe overnight cruise in mountain-ringed Milford Sound. Outdoor adventure abounds (as does wine tasting and fresh farm-to-table cuisine), yet our journey also reveals the friendly Kiwi character and unhurried pace of this nature-blessed land.
The New Zealand trip was fabulous, with stunning scenery, great kayaking, delightful dolphin swimming and hikes, and our guide, Chris, was knowledgeable and very entertaining. The trip was everything I imagined and hoped it would be!
— Mary Ellen M., Nanuet, NY
Days 1-3
Christchurch / Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Wild Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds / Nelson
We begin with a bang—a swim amid pods of playful dusky dolphins, some of Kaikoura’s famous local personalities. With wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, we enter the world of these amazing marine creatures, then hike the coastal clifftops of the Kaikoura Peninsula. After a picnic and wine tasting in Marlborough Sounds’ renowned vineyards, we end our day in Nelson, a haven for artists and horticulturalists.
Christchurch / Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Wild Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds / Nelson - Days 1-3
Waves on the Esplanade
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Kaikoura, New ZealandKaikoura is a quiet town spread out along the coastline, and the ocean views are sensational from our accommodation, with its great location on Kaikoura’s main street. Please note that on these two nights, trip members will be sharing one two-bedroom apartment on a double occupancy basis. They are well-furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with spacious living rooms, kitchens, and balconies for enjoying the view. Each apartment has two bathrooms (one bathroom is en suite and the other is in a hall, but both bathrooms are private). It’s just a 5-minute walk to our Dolphin Encounter base, where we get outfitted for snorkeling with Kaikoura’s friendly pods! Optional upgrade for your own private apartment for the two-night stay is at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Nelson, New ZealandWith a waterside setting on the Waimea Estuary outside Nelson, the Grand Mercure is a new resort laid out like an English village, complete with pedestrian streets and an inviting village green. Our accommodation at the resort is in spacious studio apartments with living area, kitchenette, and en suite bathrooms. The resort also offers a pool, laundry facilities, spa services, hair salon, and shops. The restaurant, the Orangerie, is very good, with a menu that blends local ingredients and French style.
Days 4-7
Abel Tasman National Park / Paparoa National Park
With golden beaches, aquamarine waters, native forests, and magnificent coastal trails, Abel Tasman National Park is pure magic for hiking. From our lodge, accessible only on foot or by boat, we follow trails through delicate fern forests to headlands and wild beaches with fantastic views across Tasman Bay. On the wild West Coast, our hikes bring us along the seacliffs of Cape Foulwind and into Paparoa National Park, lush with Nikau palms, northern rata, and cabbage trees.
Abel Tasman National Park / Paparoa National Park - Days 4-7
Awaroa Lodge
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman Nat'l Park, New ZealandThis lodge’s spectacular location can’t be beat—right on the pristine shores of Abel Tasman National Park and accessible only by water taxi, helicopter, or a day’s hike on the park trails. Surrounded by aquamarine waterways and native forest, the Awaroa has well-appointed rooms and a cozy main lounge with a log fireplace. The restaurant has its own organic garden and serves farm-to-table Kiwi specialties, from Marlborough mussels to local lamb, paired with the finest New Zealand wines. Our hikes start right from the front door!
Omau Settlers Lodge
Day 6 (1 night), Westport, New ZealandYou’ll experience renowned Kiwi hospitality at this owner-operated lodge, perfectly located by the sea. Eight private cottage studios offer wonderful views of the mountains and crashing surf right from the veranda. The lounge is a great place to relax by a roaring fire, sip a glass of wine, and chat with fellow travelers. You can also take a soak in the outdoor hot tub or amble on wooden boardwalks through the lodge’s property.
Punakaiki Resort (Feb 3, 2020 departure only)
Day 6 (1 night), Paparoa National Park, New ZealandWith 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 the South Island’s gorgeous west coast. It is a modern hotel complex nestled among tree ferns and featuring views of the Tasman Sea. We enjoy a wonderful sunset view over the west coast’s wild ocean as we enjoy dinner at the restaurant.
Beachfront Hotel
Day 7 (1 night), Hokitika, New ZealandAs the name implies, this comfortable hotel is set right on the beach, close to the heart of Hokitika. We have guest rooms facing the Tasman Sea, so we can experience the raw wild beauty of the West Coast—and a stunning sunset as well!
Days 8-11
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers / Mount Aspiring National Park
The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are flanked by emerald rainforests and framed by the snowy giants of the Southern Alps. Our exciting coastal walk gives us close perspectives of the remnant glacier that has carved this landscape, and as we hike, we may hear it creaking and groaning in the distance. A walk on a rainforest track brings us to Munro Beach in search of rare Fiordland crested penguins, and in the majestic Matukituki Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park, we hike through a spectacular river gorge to a natural amphitheater—the perfect place for our picnic lunch.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers / Mount Aspiring National Park - Days 8-11
Rainforest Retreat
Day 8 (1 night), Franz Josef, New ZealandSet in the heart of Franz Josef village, Rainforest Retreat offers a range of options in a convenient location near the glacier. Guest rooms—or treehouses—have beautiful natural wood accents, comfortable king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with a rain shower, and a nice lounge area. There is a great resturant where you can grab a drink after a day on the trails. If you have time, be sure to enjoy a soak in the hot tub while you listen to the sounds of nature.
Edgewater Hotel
Day 9 (1 night), Wanaka, New ZealandThe Edgewater has a wonderful and peaceful lakefront location just outside the town of Wanaka (it’s about a 20-minute walk to the town center). Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, and sport spectacular lake views right from the balcony or patio. Hotel facilities include a day spa and sauna.
Kinross Cottages & Vineyard
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Gibbston, New ZealandThese brand-new chalet-style duplex cottages are set on a 50-acre vineyard in the Gibbston Valley just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. Here you'll soak up the pioneering history of the Kinross station and family, plus enjoy the romance of a working vineyard that grows Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer grape varieties. Kinross offers comfortable studio and family cottages for up to 28 guests, each with bath or shower option, full kitchen, and super king or split twin beds.
Days 12-13
Fiordland / Milford Sound
With 4,000-foot rock walls rising from the water’s edge, Milford Sound is a dramatic meeting of mountains and sea. We set out for an overnight cruise through this spectacular body of water, gliding past waterfalls and out to the edge of the Tasman Sea. Our anchorage for the night is in sheltered Harrison Cove beneath towering Mount Pembroke. Before sunset, we explore the fjord by kayak or tender craft, or simply relax on deck, keeping an eye out for the dolphins who frequent these waters. Depart on Day 13 via Queenstown, or join our Hollyford Track Extension.
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
