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
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Christchurch / Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Wild Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds / Nelson
We begin with a bang—swimming and snorkeling amid pods of playful dusky dolphins on the Kaikoura Peninsula. We hike the coastal clifftops here, and after a picnic and wine tasting in Marlborough Sounds’ renowned vineyards, end our day in Nelson, a haven for artists and horticulturalists.
Days 4-7
Abel Tasman National Park / Paparoa National Park
The golden beaches and coastal trails of Abel Tasman National Park are pure magic. From our lodge, accessible only on foot or by boat, we hike through fern forests to wild beaches with fantastic views across Tasman Bay. On the west coast, our hikes bring us along the seacliffs of Cape Foulwind and into Paparoa National Park, lush with nikau palms.
Days 8-11
Franz Josef Glacier / Mt. Aspiring National Park
Our walk below the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier gives us close perspectives of this mass of ice framed by the giants of the Southern Alps. At Munro Beach, we look for rare Fiordland crested penguins, and in Mt. Aspiring National Park, we hike through a fantastic river gorge to a natural amphitheater, the perfect place for our picnic lunch.
Days 12-13
Fiordland National Park / Milford Sound
With 4,000-foot granite walls, Milford Sound is a dramatic meeting of mountains and sea. On our overnight cruise, we glide past waterfalls out to the edge of the Tasman Sea and explore by kayak or small craft, keeping an eye out for the dolphins who frequent these waters. Depart on Day 13 via Queenstown, or join our extension to Auckland and beyond on the North Island.
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
