Small Group Tour - NZ World Heritage Walking Tour (13 days)
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Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Punakaiki - Fox Glacier - Haast Pass - Wanaka - Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Mt. Cook - Christchurch
This is the very best of New Zealand, right here in this fully guided 13 day walking tour. You'll love the small, super-friendly groups, four star accommodation and fabulous food and wine. There's no need for you to carry heavy packs or worry about how to get from A to B! We'll take care of everything - just follow your friendly 'Kiwi' guide and focus on enjoying the spectacular walks, activities and the absolute best that New Zealand has to offer.
2019 Oct 31st / Nov 14th / Nov 28th
2020 - Jan 07th / Jan 13th / Jan 21st / Feb 04th / Feb 10th / Feb 18th / Feb 24th / Mar 03rd / Mar 09th / Mar 17th / Mar 23rd / Apr 06th / Oct 13th / Nov 02nd / Nov 16th / Nov 24th / Dec 08th / Dec 14th / Dec 21st
Tour Cost NZ $8,999 + taxes / twin
Tour Cost NZ $10,598 + taxes / single
This is the very best of New Zealand, right here in this fully guided 13 day walking tour. You'll love the small, super-friendly groups, four star accommodation and fabulous food and wine. There's no need for you to carry heavy packs or worry about how to get from A to B! We'll take care of everything - just follow your friendly 'Kiwi' guide and focus on enjoying the spectacular walks, activities and the absolute best that New Zealand has to offer.
2019 Oct 31st / Nov 14th / Nov 28th
2020 - Jan 07th / Jan 13th / Jan 21st / Feb 04th / Feb 10th / Feb 18th / Feb 24th / Mar 03rd / Mar 09th / Mar 17th / Mar 23rd / Apr 06th / Oct 13th / Nov 02nd / Nov 16th / Nov 24th / Dec 08th / Dec 14th / Dec 21st
Tour Cost NZ $8,999 + taxes / twin
Tour Cost NZ $10,598 + taxes / single
Day 1 –Arrive, Hike Arthur’s Pass National Park
This morning our journey begins! we leave Christchurch and watch the Canterbury plains disappear into the rear vision mirror as we head into the high-country.
Hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park
Fill your lungs with mountain air as we enter Arthur’s Pass National Park. The Majestic Southern Alps are the backbone of the South Island, dividing it into two distinct regions, east and west, each with its own unique climate, landscape and life forms - and this magical park is the gateway.
This afternoon we will show you our favorite places hidden in the National Park. We will walk up the stunning Bealey Valley, through ancient beech forest, alpine wetlands, along the crystal clear mountain stream to the edge of the alpine zone with views up to Mt Rolleston and the permanent glaciers – the perfect start to your advventure.
Surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and set right on the beach, Punakaiki Resort is our home for the first two nights of our trip. The hotel sits right beside the famous Punakaiki Blowholes and has been designed in harmony with the local environment. This is the perfect spot to unwind surrounded by rainforest while taking in the views of the ruggedly beautiful West Coast.
Tonight we stay in Punakaiki. (Lunch, Dinner)
This morning our journey begins! we leave Christchurch and watch the Canterbury plains disappear into the rear vision mirror as we head into the high-country.
Hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park
Fill your lungs with mountain air as we enter Arthur’s Pass National Park. The Majestic Southern Alps are the backbone of the South Island, dividing it into two distinct regions, east and west, each with its own unique climate, landscape and life forms - and this magical park is the gateway.
This afternoon we will show you our favorite places hidden in the National Park. We will walk up the stunning Bealey Valley, through ancient beech forest, alpine wetlands, along the crystal clear mountain stream to the edge of the alpine zone with views up to Mt Rolleston and the permanent glaciers – the perfect start to your advventure.
Surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and set right on the beach, Punakaiki Resort is our home for the first two nights of our trip. The hotel sits right beside the famous Punakaiki Blowholes and has been designed in harmony with the local environment. This is the perfect spot to unwind surrounded by rainforest while taking in the views of the ruggedly beautiful West Coast.
Tonight we stay in Punakaiki. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2 – Paparoa National Park, Nile River Glowworm Caves
Today we will spend the day discovering one of the most untouched and undiscovered parts of New Zealand:
Welcome to Paparoa National Park
It is the Limestone underlying Paparoa that is responsible for the park’s impressive landforms. Running water over many thousands of years has formed an environment known as karst, featuring deep river canyons, sculptured mountain ridges, a large network of caves, sinkholes – add to this a thick lush cover of Gondwanaland Rainforest.
Underworld Glowworm Walk
Your guides will lead you on a walk through the rain forest close to the Cathedral like Nile River Caves – untouched by man and in its natural state. Discovered relatively recently, the cave we’ll get to explore is one of the few in the world you can easily walk through and experience it in its natural state, the way it was discovered! The large dry upper levels are simply stunning and a very special place complete with spectacular Stalactite and Stalagmite creations with galaxies of glowworms that are unequalled anywhere!
There are two options here – get kitted up in wetsuits to walk then float on a small inflatable raft through the most amazing glowworm caves on the planet or stay dry and walk into the heart of the caves with your guide. Talk to us to find out which option will suit you. Paparoa National Park Hiking
This afternoon's options include hiking a beautiful riverside trail in Paparoa National Park or some downtime at the beach, just a short stroll from our accommodation.
Tonight we stay in Punakaiki again. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we will spend the day discovering one of the most untouched and undiscovered parts of New Zealand:
Welcome to Paparoa National Park
It is the Limestone underlying Paparoa that is responsible for the park’s impressive landforms. Running water over many thousands of years has formed an environment known as karst, featuring deep river canyons, sculptured mountain ridges, a large network of caves, sinkholes – add to this a thick lush cover of Gondwanaland Rainforest.
Underworld Glowworm Walk
Your guides will lead you on a walk through the rain forest close to the Cathedral like Nile River Caves – untouched by man and in its natural state. Discovered relatively recently, the cave we’ll get to explore is one of the few in the world you can easily walk through and experience it in its natural state, the way it was discovered! The large dry upper levels are simply stunning and a very special place complete with spectacular Stalactite and Stalagmite creations with galaxies of glowworms that are unequalled anywhere!
There are two options here – get kitted up in wetsuits to walk then float on a small inflatable raft through the most amazing glowworm caves on the planet or stay dry and walk into the heart of the caves with your guide. Talk to us to find out which option will suit you. Paparoa National Park Hiking
This afternoon's options include hiking a beautiful riverside trail in Paparoa National Park or some downtime at the beach, just a short stroll from our accommodation.
Tonight we stay in Punakaiki again. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 – The West Coast and Okarito Lagoon
Wild West Coast Scenic Drive
First time visitors to New Zealand are always amazed by how stunning the drives are and today you will see this for yourself. Sit back in your seat and enjoy the views - the snowy peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, virgin West Coast rain forest and the rugged Tasman Sea coastline – Wow!
Guided Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon
A quiet kayak is the best and most peaceful way to enjoy this spectacular coastal wetland. Okarito Lagoon is well known for its outstanding bird life (over 70 species of birds have been recorded here). The lagoon is a common feeding ground for kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both of which breed in the nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. We will glide quietly around this beautiful waterway and have the best chance of observing the bird life in their natural habitat without disturbing them. All of this with the mighty southern alps as our backdrop!
Tonight we stay at Okarito. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Wild West Coast Scenic Drive
First time visitors to New Zealand are always amazed by how stunning the drives are and today you will see this for yourself. Sit back in your seat and enjoy the views - the snowy peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, virgin West Coast rain forest and the rugged Tasman Sea coastline – Wow!
Guided Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon
A quiet kayak is the best and most peaceful way to enjoy this spectacular coastal wetland. Okarito Lagoon is well known for its outstanding bird life (over 70 species of birds have been recorded here). The lagoon is a common feeding ground for kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both of which breed in the nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. We will glide quietly around this beautiful waterway and have the best chance of observing the bird life in their natural habitat without disturbing them. All of this with the mighty southern alps as our backdrop!
Tonight we stay at Okarito. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 4 – Glacier Country & Mt Aspiring National Park
Fox Glacier
At 13 kilometers in length, Fox Glacier is the largest and most accessible of the West Coast glaciers and the terminal valley is impressive in it’s own right, a real testament to the sheer force of nature.
The valleys and lakes around the Fox township are all remnants of the ice age and provide some excellent hiking trails, all under the imposing shadow of New Zealand’s highest peaks.
We’ll hike to the Fox Glacier terminal face and also the Lake Matheson track, for the famous reflections of Mt Cook! You also have the option for a heli hike here too.
The Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes
As we continue the scenery is impressive all the way, once over the Haast Pass the views change dramatically as we head into the mountains and bid farewell to the coastline. We follow the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes district, this pass was used by Maori on Pounamu (jade) and food gathering expeditions as one of the earliest routes linking the West Coast and central Otago.
Tonight we stay in Wanaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Fox Glacier
At 13 kilometers in length, Fox Glacier is the largest and most accessible of the West Coast glaciers and the terminal valley is impressive in it’s own right, a real testament to the sheer force of nature.
The valleys and lakes around the Fox township are all remnants of the ice age and provide some excellent hiking trails, all under the imposing shadow of New Zealand’s highest peaks.
We’ll hike to the Fox Glacier terminal face and also the Lake Matheson track, for the famous reflections of Mt Cook! You also have the option for a heli hike here too.
The Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes
As we continue the scenery is impressive all the way, once over the Haast Pass the views change dramatically as we head into the mountains and bid farewell to the coastline. We follow the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes district, this pass was used by Maori on Pounamu (jade) and food gathering expeditions as one of the earliest routes linking the West Coast and central Otago.
Tonight we stay in Wanaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 – Lake Wanaka & Mou Waho Island
Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Wildlife Walk
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve which is accessible by a 35 minute boat ride over one of New Zealand's most stunning waterways. We are walking with our long time local guide and eco warrior! He will lead us on the well-formed track on our gentle climb through the native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak.
Just before the top we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it – very intriguing! From the top we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. On a hot day you may not be able to resist a dip in the cool crystal clear waters.
The Cardrona Valley and Queenstown
Our afternoon drive takes us through the Cardrona Valley, over the Crown Range into the amazing Wakatipu basin. You have probably seen pictures of this area and the Range is by far the most scenic way into Queenstown!
Tonight we stay in Queenstown. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Wildlife Walk
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve which is accessible by a 35 minute boat ride over one of New Zealand's most stunning waterways. We are walking with our long time local guide and eco warrior! He will lead us on the well-formed track on our gentle climb through the native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak.
Just before the top we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it – very intriguing! From the top we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. On a hot day you may not be able to resist a dip in the cool crystal clear waters.
The Cardrona Valley and Queenstown
Our afternoon drive takes us through the Cardrona Valley, over the Crown Range into the amazing Wakatipu basin. You have probably seen pictures of this area and the Range is by far the most scenic way into Queenstown!
Tonight we stay in Queenstown. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 – The Routeburn Track
Hiking on the famous Routeburn Track
Today will be one of the hiking highlights of the trip! The famous Routeburn Track.
Our day starts from Queenstown with a beautiful journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the ‘Head of the Lake’, the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever see! We reckon if you’re coming all the way to New Zealand and not heading to the head of Lake Wakatipu and Glenorchy then you’re missing out!
Once on the trail your guides will lead you through the Beech Forest (lots of Lord of the Rings filming locations around here), alongside the crystal clear river onto Routeburn Flats and for those looking to stretch their legs a bit more, Routeburn Falls.
As with all our hikes, there is a lot of flexibility, if you want to push yourself a little or just enjoy a comfortable hike on the flat trail, it is all here. Either way, the scenery is magnificent and your guides are there to take care of you all the way.
We stay in Queenstown again tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Hiking on the famous Routeburn Track
Today will be one of the hiking highlights of the trip! The famous Routeburn Track.
Our day starts from Queenstown with a beautiful journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the ‘Head of the Lake’, the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever see! We reckon if you’re coming all the way to New Zealand and not heading to the head of Lake Wakatipu and Glenorchy then you’re missing out!
Once on the trail your guides will lead you through the Beech Forest (lots of Lord of the Rings filming locations around here), alongside the crystal clear river onto Routeburn Flats and for those looking to stretch their legs a bit more, Routeburn Falls.
As with all our hikes, there is a lot of flexibility, if you want to push yourself a little or just enjoy a comfortable hike on the flat trail, it is all here. Either way, the scenery is magnificent and your guides are there to take care of you all the way.
We stay in Queenstown again tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 7 – Explore Queenstown
Queenstown offers something for everyone, from adrenalin activities to much more gentle pursuits and in so many ways it encapsulates much of what New Zealand is about. Famed for its international winter ski profile, Queenstown is also a brilliant spring, summer and fall destination. Today is yours to make the most of Queenstown’s scenic beauty, easy walks, and endless opportunities to relax. You might like to try – fishing, golfing, gold panning, wine tasting, or boating. One thing is certain you won’t run out of things to do and we’ll be on hand to make sure you have all the information and support to make the most of your day.
Tonight we stay in Queenstown (Breakfast)
Queenstown offers something for everyone, from adrenalin activities to much more gentle pursuits and in so many ways it encapsulates much of what New Zealand is about. Famed for its international winter ski profile, Queenstown is also a brilliant spring, summer and fall destination. Today is yours to make the most of Queenstown’s scenic beauty, easy walks, and endless opportunities to relax. You might like to try – fishing, golfing, gold panning, wine tasting, or boating. One thing is certain you won’t run out of things to do and we’ll be on hand to make sure you have all the information and support to make the most of your day.
Tonight we stay in Queenstown (Breakfast)
Day 8 – Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound
Lake Wakatipu & Te Anau BBQ lunch
After a relaxed start to the day we’re off to begin three fabulous days exploring the most pristine corners of World Heritage New Zealand – Fiordland National Park. Our day starts with a drive, famous for its stunning scenery, down to the Southern end of Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau for a lakeside lunch. Nestled on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake and with the expanses of Fiordland stretching as far as we can see, our lakeview lunchspot is just perfect.
Eglington Valley, Homer Tunnel & Milford Sound
After lunch we’re off into the the most famous of all our national parks and we’ll feel the spirit of the early explorers as we follow the trails they blazed through forests and across mountain passes. Travelling into Milford Sound from early afternoon means we enjoy our stops in peace and quiet, we’re not in a rush to get anywhere and there’s so much to see. The Eglington Valley, our first glimpse of the Hollyford, the Divide and the Homer Tunnel are just some of the highlights on this journey you’ll never forget.
Arriving into Milford and the sanctuary of our lodge with plenty of time for a walk to the foreshore and the opportunity for your own memorable photos of the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, Milford Sound.
Tonight we stay in Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Lake Wakatipu & Te Anau BBQ lunch
After a relaxed start to the day we’re off to begin three fabulous days exploring the most pristine corners of World Heritage New Zealand – Fiordland National Park. Our day starts with a drive, famous for its stunning scenery, down to the Southern end of Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau for a lakeside lunch. Nestled on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake and with the expanses of Fiordland stretching as far as we can see, our lakeview lunchspot is just perfect.
Eglington Valley, Homer Tunnel & Milford Sound
After lunch we’re off into the the most famous of all our national parks and we’ll feel the spirit of the early explorers as we follow the trails they blazed through forests and across mountain passes. Travelling into Milford Sound from early afternoon means we enjoy our stops in peace and quiet, we’re not in a rush to get anywhere and there’s so much to see. The Eglington Valley, our first glimpse of the Hollyford, the Divide and the Homer Tunnel are just some of the highlights on this journey you’ll never forget.
Arriving into Milford and the sanctuary of our lodge with plenty of time for a walk to the foreshore and the opportunity for your own memorable photos of the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, Milford Sound.
Tonight we stay in Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 – Morning – Milford Track & Milford Sound
Boat Cruise & Hiking on the Milford Track
Today will be one of the highlights of your 'World Heritage Walking Tour', we promise! Moody and dramatic, Milford Sound is simply stunning and offers what is surely the most spectacular fiord scenery in the southern hemisphere. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you. Rudyard Kipling once described Milford as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and we think he was right – your time in Fiordland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this area.
Take a short cruise across Milford Sound to the world famous Milford Track for our morning guided walk to Giant's Gate Falls. As you walk through the pristine rainforest and catch glimpses of the jagged peaks towering above you’ll understand why this is this ‘Finest Walk in the World’
Afternoon – Milford Sound by Air & Fiordland Wildlife Walk
Helicopter into the Hollyford Valley - Our scenic flight over the rugged Fiordland backcountry into Martins Bay is simply awe-inspiring. Firstly we fly out into Milford Sound, gaining a bird’s eye view of its pure majesty with massive vertical granite walls rising from the sea, waterfalls cascading either side... then over the mighty Darran Mountain Range across the Hollyford Valley and into stunning Martins Bay.
Martins Bay seal colony - We explore the Martins Bay area on foot, learning about how early Maori used the valley as a greenstone transportation corridor and the historical sites of ill-fated European settlement. Your guide will also highlight the plant-life of this unique environment, helping you to discover the diversity of this truly remote area. Our afternoon hike takes us to the Martins Bay seal colony where we can view the New Zealand fur seal at close quarters in total seclusion, a totally natural wildlife experience. If we are lucky we may even catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
This evening we stay in Martins Bay Lodge on the Hollyford Track (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Boat Cruise & Hiking on the Milford Track
Today will be one of the highlights of your 'World Heritage Walking Tour', we promise! Moody and dramatic, Milford Sound is simply stunning and offers what is surely the most spectacular fiord scenery in the southern hemisphere. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you. Rudyard Kipling once described Milford as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and we think he was right – your time in Fiordland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this area.
Take a short cruise across Milford Sound to the world famous Milford Track for our morning guided walk to Giant's Gate Falls. As you walk through the pristine rainforest and catch glimpses of the jagged peaks towering above you’ll understand why this is this ‘Finest Walk in the World’
Afternoon – Milford Sound by Air & Fiordland Wildlife Walk
Helicopter into the Hollyford Valley - Our scenic flight over the rugged Fiordland backcountry into Martins Bay is simply awe-inspiring. Firstly we fly out into Milford Sound, gaining a bird’s eye view of its pure majesty with massive vertical granite walls rising from the sea, waterfalls cascading either side... then over the mighty Darran Mountain Range across the Hollyford Valley and into stunning Martins Bay.
Martins Bay seal colony - We explore the Martins Bay area on foot, learning about how early Maori used the valley as a greenstone transportation corridor and the historical sites of ill-fated European settlement. Your guide will also highlight the plant-life of this unique environment, helping you to discover the diversity of this truly remote area. Our afternoon hike takes us to the Martins Bay seal colony where we can view the New Zealand fur seal at close quarters in total seclusion, a totally natural wildlife experience. If we are lucky we may even catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
This evening we stay in Martins Bay Lodge on the Hollyford Track (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 – Fiordland National Park Jetboat & the Hollyford Track
Jetboat Lake McKerrow & up the Hollyford River
Regarded by many as New Zealand’s most beautiful wilderness valley, this is the perfect setting for our final incredible walking experience. Our adventure today starts with a jetboat across Lake McKerrow before your guides lead you on your day's hiking through the World Heritage beauty of the Hollyford Track.
Hiking on the Hollyford Track
Stepping into the Hollyford Valley is literally like entering a lost world, it feels like a prehistoric wilderness untouched for thousands of years! The Hollyford Track is the only major track in Fiordland that is consistently at a low altitude, undulating gently through native forests, beside picturesque lakes and roaring waterfalls as we shadow the swift, clear waters of the Hollyford River. Naturally spectacular, this valley has an unparalleled diversity of vegetation and wildlife from 1,000-year-old giant rimu trees to ancient beech forest, hundreds of intricate ferns, crimson southern rata and the emerald mosses and velvet lichens of the under-story.
This evening we stay in Te Anau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Jetboat Lake McKerrow & up the Hollyford River
Regarded by many as New Zealand’s most beautiful wilderness valley, this is the perfect setting for our final incredible walking experience. Our adventure today starts with a jetboat across Lake McKerrow before your guides lead you on your day's hiking through the World Heritage beauty of the Hollyford Track.
Hiking on the Hollyford Track
Stepping into the Hollyford Valley is literally like entering a lost world, it feels like a prehistoric wilderness untouched for thousands of years! The Hollyford Track is the only major track in Fiordland that is consistently at a low altitude, undulating gently through native forests, beside picturesque lakes and roaring waterfalls as we shadow the swift, clear waters of the Hollyford River. Naturally spectacular, this valley has an unparalleled diversity of vegetation and wildlife from 1,000-year-old giant rimu trees to ancient beech forest, hundreds of intricate ferns, crimson southern rata and the emerald mosses and velvet lichens of the under-story.
This evening we stay in Te Anau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 – Gibbston Valley, High Country Lakes & Stargazing
Queenstown Winery Lunch
This morning we will take it easy after our adventures of the last few days, enjoy a sleep in or stroll along the lakefront before we depart for Queenstown and the famous Gibbston Valley and our friends at Waitiri Creek wines. The scenery and warm welcome alone make this spot special enough, but for wine lovers you'll also have the chance to try some of the famous ‘Central Otago’ wines with lunch.
Mount Cook National Park
After lunch, we're heading for the Mount Cook region, a beautiful area of highland turquoise lakes surrounded by vast fields of golden tussock, gazed upon by the spectacular Southern Alps. With a settlement population of less than 100 people and building restrictions enforced, Aoraki Mt Cook offers a tranquility seldom found, its uninterrupted natural views will stop you in your tracks – is there anybody out there?
International Dark Sky Reserve
Recently earmarked as one of only three of the world’s Gold Standard Dark Sky reserves – tonight we will experience the unforgettable Mt Cook night sky, the reason the southern-most observatory on earth is located here. Accompanied by an expert star watching guide you will get a learned insight into our universe and beyond. Through both telescope and specialized binoculars view the Milky Way Galaxy, the Southern Cross and Alpha-Centauri. You may also have the opportunity to see star clusters like the fascinating Jewel Box, faraway planets, our own Milky Way and distant worlds which test the limits of our imagination.
Tonight we stay in Mt Cook Village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Queenstown Winery Lunch
This morning we will take it easy after our adventures of the last few days, enjoy a sleep in or stroll along the lakefront before we depart for Queenstown and the famous Gibbston Valley and our friends at Waitiri Creek wines. The scenery and warm welcome alone make this spot special enough, but for wine lovers you'll also have the chance to try some of the famous ‘Central Otago’ wines with lunch.
Mount Cook National Park
After lunch, we're heading for the Mount Cook region, a beautiful area of highland turquoise lakes surrounded by vast fields of golden tussock, gazed upon by the spectacular Southern Alps. With a settlement population of less than 100 people and building restrictions enforced, Aoraki Mt Cook offers a tranquility seldom found, its uninterrupted natural views will stop you in your tracks – is there anybody out there?
International Dark Sky Reserve
Recently earmarked as one of only three of the world’s Gold Standard Dark Sky reserves – tonight we will experience the unforgettable Mt Cook night sky, the reason the southern-most observatory on earth is located here. Accompanied by an expert star watching guide you will get a learned insight into our universe and beyond. Through both telescope and specialized binoculars view the Milky Way Galaxy, the Southern Cross and Alpha-Centauri. You may also have the opportunity to see star clusters like the fascinating Jewel Box, faraway planets, our own Milky Way and distant worlds which test the limits of our imagination.
Tonight we stay in Mt Cook Village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Walk the Hooker Valley Track
Today we are hiking one of New Zealand’s most popular and scenic trails – the Hooker Valley track in Mount Cook National Park. Unlike any of the hikes on the trail so far, this is a real alpine world of rock, snow and ice, all viewed from a safe distance.
Our return hike to the glacier lake offers unforgettable views of New Zealand’s highest peak, truly living up to it’s Maori name Aoraki - “the Cloud Piercer”. For flower lovers the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see the Mount Cook lilies in season.
Explore the Tasman Glacier
Your ‘World Heritage Walking Tour’ will finish on a real high on New Zealand's longest glacier, nearly twice as long as any other glacier in the country. Take your pick from a boat ride on the terminal lake right up to the ancient ice of the glacier face itself or the optional extra of a guided heli hike.
Stay in Mt Cook Village again. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Walk the Hooker Valley Track
Today we are hiking one of New Zealand’s most popular and scenic trails – the Hooker Valley track in Mount Cook National Park. Unlike any of the hikes on the trail so far, this is a real alpine world of rock, snow and ice, all viewed from a safe distance.
Our return hike to the glacier lake offers unforgettable views of New Zealand’s highest peak, truly living up to it’s Maori name Aoraki - “the Cloud Piercer”. For flower lovers the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see the Mount Cook lilies in season.
Explore the Tasman Glacier
Your ‘World Heritage Walking Tour’ will finish on a real high on New Zealand's longest glacier, nearly twice as long as any other glacier in the country. Take your pick from a boat ride on the terminal lake right up to the ancient ice of the glacier face itself or the optional extra of a guided heli hike.
Stay in Mt Cook Village again. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 – Lake Tekapo & Mackenzie Country
The final day and we’ve saved some of the best for last. You’ll be left in awe at the unreal colours of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, the perfect backdrop for those photos you’ll treasure for years to come. We'll say our goodbyes with drop-offs at Christchurch airport or your city accommodation.
Your Trail ends today in Christchurch. (Breakfast, Lunch)
The final day and we’ve saved some of the best for last. You’ll be left in awe at the unreal colours of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, the perfect backdrop for those photos you’ll treasure for years to come. We'll say our goodbyes with drop-offs at Christchurch airport or your city accommodation.
Your Trail ends today in Christchurch. (Breakfast, Lunch)
World Heritage Walking Tour Highlights
- Guided walking on New Zealand’s best hiking trails - the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks and in Arthur’s Pass and Aoraki Mt Cook National Parks.
- Spectacular rail journey on the TranzAlpine
- A galaxy of glowworm experienced in the most unique way imaginable!
- Guided kayaking on tranquil Okarito Lagoon
- Lake Wanaka cruise and island wildlife encounter
- Fox Glacier Guided Hiking
- Explore Gibbston Valley wine country and Queenstown
- Spectacular helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Martins Bay
- Martins Bay seal colony and (if we’re lucky) penguins or dolphins
- Overnight stays in Milford Sound and secluded Martins Bay Lodge
- Fiordland back country jetboat
- Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve guided star gazing and planetarium