New Zealand Hiking

Nelson 

We meet at the Hotel Rutherford at 11:00 am and transfer to Nelson Lakes National Park, situated in the northernmost ranges of the Southern Alps. (90 min shuttle). After lunch and settling in to the Alpine Lodge, we will walk a trail in Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area that is a great introduction to hiking on the South Island. This 100,000 hectare park also boasts the spectacular Rotoiti and Rotorura Lakes, surrounded by tranquil beech forest, soaring mountain peaks, clear streams, open tussock lands and river edge clearings.

Nelson Lakes National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, walk the Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk and an optional add-on that climbs through beech forest and stands of manuka and kanuka to a viewpoint at Black Hill – a solid mound of volcanic rock. Near the top is a clearing from which St Arnaud Village and Big Bush can be viewed. Or consider a trail that zigzags up the aptly named Pinchgut Track on to Mt Robert, with beautiful Lake Rotoiti in view for much of the way. If time allows, the side-trip along Robert Ridge towards Lake Angelus is irresistible, with expansive mountain vistas into the heart of the park. Amble back down via the gentler Paddy’s Track. Back at the Alpine Lodge, enjoy delicious dinner in the dining room.

Abel Tasman Park

Depart for Kaiteriteri, the access point for the famous Abel Tasman Park. The drive is approximately 2 hours, followed by a cruise aboard the comfortable Sea Shuttle. You can enjoy lunch en route, enjoying the scenery along the way. Arriving to Awaroa Abel Tasman Park, walk a trail to the lodge and relax. There is also the option to sea-kayak and explore Awaroa Bay, Onetahuti Beach & Tonga Island. Discover dolphins, fur seals, and penguins! The Abel Tasman Park boasts the highest number of sunshine hours year-round in the country.

Abel Tasman Park

After a leisurely breakfast, walk directly from the lodge along the Awaroa inlet and along beautiful trails through beech forests to the visitor center at Totaranui’s National Park Headquarters. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It offers bush and beach walking on a well formed track, mostly shaded by native forest. Weaving between long, golden-sand beaches, there are some gentle climbs between bays with no point higher than 200 metres (650 ft).

Marlborough Sound

Begin the day on the Sky Track trail, open only to hotel guests or you can opt for an early morning sea-kayak. Mid-morning, cruise to Kaiteriteri and then drive towards the Marlborough Sound district, stopping in the pleasant Moutere Valley to taste some wonderful wines. Afterwards, choose between a 3-hour cruise, sampling mussels en-route or if you prefer less time on the water (and more time wine tasting), shuttle to Te Mahia jetty (45 minutes drive) for the 10 minute crossing by private boat. Arriving to Raetihi Lodge sit back and enjoy the scenery and serenity of this magical place.

Queen Charlotte Track

Today, you can walk another of the Great Walks of New Zealand along the Queen Charlotte Track. Departing from the lodge by short boat shuttle to the trail head, you can walk the distance of your choice. A popular option is to walk from Te Mahia to Portage which takes 4-5 hours and provides some of the most stunning views along this trail.

Kaikoura 

Depart Marlborough Sounds and transfer along the coast passing Waipapa Bay and the Ohau waterfall. In Kaikoura, walk the Peninsula Walkway along the sea, a popular area for whales, fur lions and dolphins. Afterwards, shuttle to the lodge at Hanmer Springs.

Hanmer Springs

Half-day walks at Hanmer Springs include a climb to a viewpoint and a stunning waterfall or consider the Chatterton River Track along a trail that is less visited and slightly more remote, but equally beautiful. Complete your day with a soak in the natural hot springs and if you wish, visit town.

Depart

Depart for Christchurch by shuttle (90 minutes), included in your trip. Consider Extension to Queenstown.

Queenstown Extension

Stay at the Hotel St. Moritz with two days to explore the city and environs. We’ll provide hiking routes and ideas for everything from jet boating to bungy jumping as this is the adventure capital of New Zealand.