Overview
From the mountains to the sea, New Zealand’s entire South Island 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 through mystical fern forests and powdery white-sand beaches in Abel Tasman National Park, discover the icy wonder of Fox Glacier, and savor world-famed Milford Sound on a spectacular overnight cruise. Outdoor adventure abounds (as does wine tasting and wonderfully fresh local cuisine!), yet our journey also reveals the unique culture, friendly Kiwi character, and unhurried pace of this nature-blessed land. At journey’s end, extend with an epic hike on the Hollyford Track in Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site.
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
Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Wild Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds / Nelson
We enjoy a hike on the Kaikoura Peninsula and a swim with its most famous local personalities—the playful dusky dolphins who frolic here in pods numbering in the hundreds. In Marlborough Sounds, renowned for its sauvignon blanc wines, we enjoy wine tasting and a vineyard picnic lunch, then end our day in the artists’ haven of Nelson.
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
Our coastal hikes in the fern-forested wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park lead past white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons with fantastic views. At Paparoa National Park, with its densely forested karst landscape, we hike lush trails amid 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.
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 Glacier / Mount Aspiring National Park
The Fox Glacier, longest of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers, ends remarkably in a temperate rainforest just a few miles from the sea, and we hike below its terminus for up-close views. At Munro Beach, we search for the rare Fiordland crested penguins, and in Mount Aspiring National Park, hike through a spectacular river gorge to a natural amphitheater—the perfect place for our picnic lunch.
Fox Glacier / Mount Aspiring National Park - Days 8-11
The Westhaven
Day 8 (1 night), Fox Glacier Township, New ZealandA 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 clean, comfortable, and spacious rooms. There aren’t many choices in this little village, and the Westhaven has a great location and a friendly staff. The electric blankets and heated bathroom floors are a nice touch.
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 sheer 4,000-foot rock walls rising from the water’s edge, Milford Sound is a dramatic meeting of mountains and sea. Our overnight cruise takes us out to a sheltered cove beneath towering Mount Pembroke, where we can explore the fjord by kayak or tender, or simply relax and enjoy the view. Depart on Day 13, or join our Hollyford Track extension.
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Moderate hiking, 3-4 hours a day on hiking days (4-7 hours a day on optional Hollyford Track extension), optional sea kayaking
