Trekking In New Zealand

20 days - from $7000

Explore New Zealand's incredible landscapes, predominantly on foot
New Zealand epitomises contrasting scenery and culture and is an ideal country for adventure travel. Explore both islands as you weave your way through New Zealand on this active trip, visiting all the main highlights and many off-the-beaten-track attractions. Maximise your time in out of the way places and yet still marvel at the iconic destinations. Enjoy true wilderness campsites followed by comfortable lodges. Trek through Jurassic-like rainforest, kayak with fur seals, hike along a glacier, climb up volcanic peaks and enjoy fish and chips on the beach. It's this mix which makes New Zealand extraordinary - it's majestic but down to earth, otherworldly yet reassuringly familiar. A range of activities from whitewater rafting to sea kayaking and glacier walking complement the hikes superbly and keep this tour as diverse and exciting as the landscapes travelled!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Auckland; optional afternoon city tour. 2 Travel to Rotorua. 3 Visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve; hike through the Jurassic-like rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park. 4 South to Tongariro, New Zealand's first National Park (N.P); trek east to west through park. 5 Trek through a moonscape of scarlet lava flows and surreal turquoise lakes. 6 To Wellington; free time in New Zealand's capital city. 7 Short flight to Picton; to Abel Tasman; water taxi to campsite. 8 Optional walk along coastal path, or sea-kayaking in Abel Tasman N.P.; to the Buller Gorge. 9 To Paparoa N.P.; hike up Fox River to the Ballroom Overhang. 10 Hike out of canyon; drive to Punakaiki, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika and Fox Glacier. 11 Optional glacier hike; to Makarora. 12 Stunning heli-flight around Mt Aspiring NP; land in remote Siberia Valley; hike up valley to a glacial lake. 13 Hike above the Siberia River; jetboat trip down Wilkin River; transfer to Queenstown. 14 Free day in Queenstown. 15 To Fiordland N.P. with its huge glacial lakes and dramatic inland coastline; hike to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track; overnight in historic cabins. 16 Drive to Milford Sound; optional boat cruise into the fjord with its cascading waterfalls and marine wildlife; to Te Anau. 17 Drive through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mt Cook; hike up Mueller Ridge. 18 Continue north to Mt Somers; afternoon hike to mountain hut. 19 Morning walk back to vehicle; transfer across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. 20 End Christchurch.

Mode of travel: 12 days walking (3-5 hours per day average, two 5-6 hour walks) including 7 days light backpacking. 5 overnight trips staying in huts/camps. Optional kayaking and glacier walk. Low altitude throughout.
Group size: Normally 5 to 11, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 2 nights standard hotels with ensuite facilities, 7 nights lodges, some ensuite and some with shared facilities, 5 nights huts/camping with basic shared facilities, 5 nights cabins, some ensuite and some with shared facilities.
Food: 17 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 8 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $945.00
Trip Reference: TLZ
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TLZ