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11
days
Hike New Zealand
Christchurch to Christchurch Trek Code: HNZ
SOUTH ISLAND Rafting Mt. Cook NP Hollyford Valley Milford Sound Mt Burns Catlins Forest Park STEWART ISLAND Christchurch Sheep Station Queenstown
51
Active Hiking Tour
ITINERARY
Departs our Christchurch hotel at 07.30 hrs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Queenstown L Hollyford Valley Lake Monowai Green Lake L Curio Bay L Cannibal Bay 7. Central Otago L 8. Mt Cook 9. South Canterbury L 10. Mt Somers L 11. Christchurch
Hike in stunning scenic locations and explore the wonders of the South Island.
Departing from the Garden City of Christchurch we drive through the McKenzie country to the picturesque Lake Tekapo. After a picnic on the lakefront and a swim in the crystal clear waters we continue south to the buzzing centre of Queenstown. Our first hike is in Fjordland National Park to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track. This national park, the largest in New Zealand, is dominated by water with lakes and cascading waterfalls in every direction. This night is spent in the Hollyford Valley to maximise our time in this wilderness wonderland. A short drive to the Milford Sound where we have the opportunity to hire kayaks and head out into the fjord with views of the famous Mitre Peak. We are often joined on this expedition by frolicking dolphins, penguins and fur seals. The next day we get organised for our first overnight hike. We traverse along the Hunter Range before dropping down to the gorgeous Green Lake. For those with extra energy, there is the option to climb to the tops of Mt Burns for expansive views of the area, others may wish to take an afternoon swim before spending our first night in a mountain hut. We hike through beech forest before carrying on to the unspoiled scenic coast of the Catlins. Here we stay in a typical New Zealand summerhouse so a hot shower can be enjoyed after a swim at Porpoise Bay, home to the rare Hectors dolphin. Whilst in the Catlins we explore the world's most extensive fossil forest and view the Yellow Eyed penguins. At our camp on private farmland we prepare a hangi (Maori earth oven) for dinner. The next day, we travel into the Central Otago region to experience life on a high country sheep station. It is a short drive to Mt Cook where we hike up to Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut. Awe-inspiring views of New Zealand's highest peak are seen throughout this hike along with spectacular glaciers and ice falls. The next stop is South Canterbury, the backdrop of Edoras' in Lord of the Rings. We take an exhilarating 2.5-hour rafting trip through this area and are rewarded at the end with a hot shower and classic kiwi barbecue. What better way to end a fabulous tour than another overnight hike! We rock hop up a river canyon to our final night in a mountain hut. Our last morning is spent exploring water caves, swimming in the Emerald Pool and standing under the pounding waterfall known as the spa'. On returning to the vehicle we drive across the Canterbury plains to Christchurch where we say our goodbyes.
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TRIP DETAILS
Duration: 11 days Start/Finish: Christchurch/Christchurch Accommodation: 4 nights camping, 6 nights budget lodging Meals: NZD$10 daily food kitty, Some meals paid locally Group Size: 11 Maximum Flights: See page 58 or contact us for competitive flight quotes
WHAT'S INCLUDED
* Experienced tour guide, camping fees/equipment, budget accommodation and all en-route transportation * Rafting on the Rangitata River * National Park guiding fees * Admission to all national parks and cultural sites as per itinerary
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
* Kayaking
Please Note: This tour is operated by a partner company who are specialists in trekking the South Island of New Zealand.
For departure dates and prices please see pages 56-57
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