South Island Walks New Zealand

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Three Parks Gourmet Guided Experience - 3 days Nelson to Nelson

Our 3 day gourmet guided walk through the three National Parks of the Nelson region of Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park are all inclusive packages - starting and returning to Nelson.  We walk in each of the parks over three days, your experienced guide will choose the destination each day depending on the local weather conditions, and this means that each day will make the optimal use of the conditions.

Depending on the package that you choose, in the Classic package you can either stay in very comfortable hotel type accommodation within Nelson, or if you choose the Deluxe package you will find yourself nestled out in the Nelson country side at one of the boutique accommodations that are almost a destination in themselves.

All of your dinners and breakfast are included in your package price, as well as a delicious gourmet lunch conjured up each day by your personal guide.

We have become known as the gourmet guided walk company, not only because of the high standard of food that is presented, (we cater for all dietary requirements) but also the personal, relaxed and friendly style of trips we orchestrate, with an emphasis on your comfort and enjoyment of the experience.

Whether it is information on the flora and fauna, conservation gems along the way or just the great company of your group and guides.

NB. Because of the varying weather conditions, the order of the following day walks is decided by your personal guide to allow the best views and safe experience within your three days.

Accommodation - Classic: The Rutherford Hotel.         

Deluxe: Boutique Bed and Breakfast

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Itinerary

OVER THE THREE DAYS WE WILL EXPLORE AMONGST THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL PARKS:

Day 1 - Coastal Walk - Abel Tasman National Park
(approx. 4-5 hours/13.9km) 

We begin in Nelson where we pick you up from your accommodation at 7am and drive to Marahau where we start our journey by water taxi (boat) to the picturesque Torrent Bay. The boat ride is often a highlight for our guests as we cruise beside the golden bays, keep an eye out for seals and dolphins!

Once we arrive we begin our days walk. Leaving Torrent bay we walk inland slightly, with an option to visit the beautiful Cleopatra's pool for a swim. The morning is set at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to stop and admire the views or swim in the tranquil waters.

Stopping for a gourmet lunch at Bark Bay we head onward to arrive in Tonga Bay, just in time for some more relaxing until our water taxi arrives to return us to our vehicle.

We leave Marahau, and your guide will then take you to your accommodation for the evening and brief you for the following day, before leaving you to relax and contemplate your day in your very comfortable accommodation.

Day 2 - Option 1 - Lake Track - Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park
(Either 3 or 7 hours / 9 or 19km)

Depending on your preference and weather conditions, we have the choice of either a long or short option today. Both walks begin at the Lakeside where we take a water taxi up Lake Rotoiti to either Cold-water Hut (Long Option) or Lake Head Hut (Short Option).

For the long option we walk up the mighty Travers Valley to the Travers swing bridge. Crossing the river, we make our way back to Lake Head Hut (start short option) and stroll back through enchanting beech forest on the lake's eastern side to St Arnaud. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the area and walking beside a bird protection area, this is an awe inspiring day.

Day 2 - Option 2 - Mountain Hike - Mt Robert, Nelson Lakes National Park
(approx. 4 hours/6km) 

The drive to the Nelson Lakes region is a beautiful one, and in itself holds some historical interest. Once we arrive in the Alpine village of St. Arnaud we then drive to the car park to begin our ascent of Mount Robert, the great thing about this particular cark park, is that it is halfway up the mountain, this means that soon after starting we are afforded magnificent views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.

Our walk uphill brings us to the Bushline Hut where we enjoy a fresh cup of plunger coffee or a selection of fine teas with a gourmet lunch. It's a great spot to soak in the spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti, ancient beech forests & the valleys beyond.

Take the opportunity to gain an even higher perspective on the way home and look into the old Mt Robert Ski Field basin. We descend, weaving in & out of lush beech forest, the understory dripping with goblin moss from the tree branches giving the walk a truly enchanted feel.

Day 3 - Native Forest Walk - Flora Valley, Kahurangi National Park
(approx. 4 - 5 hours/10km)

Today the drive takes us to the border of Kahurangi National Park, where we disembark, and enter into one of the most diverse National Parks in New Zealand. We set off from the car park and immediately we are immersed in lush native and ancient beech forests.

Our walk takes us through a wondrous environment following a gentle creek into the Flora Valley. We dine out on a gourmet lunch under a natural rock shelter, before returning the way we came.

At the end of your day, your guide will deliver you safe and sound back into Nelson at a destination of your choice, so you may carry on with your own travel plans.
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