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Highlights: Hike through alpine landscapes, exploring rugged slopes, tussocky basins and ancient beech forest. Combine three multi-day walks with kayaking, whale watching and hot springs. Circle the north and east of the South Island, visiting classic New Zealand mountain huts, viewing spectacular wildlife displays and reaching awe-inspiring summits. Includes hiking Nelson Lakes National Park, Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park
"I never could have seen all these places on my own. I learned a lot about the nature in New Zealand and I always had a lot of fun. It was great trip - thank you!" Beat, Germany
Itinerary
Day 1 Tour begins in Christchurch 10km/6 hours hiking
We meet at Christchurch Visitors Centre and after a briefing by your guide we drive north to the wild and rocky Kaikoura coast. After a picnic lunch we pack up for an overnight hike and walk to Mount Fyffe Hut in the Seaward Kaikoura Range. These spectacular mountains rise steeply from sea level providing a stunning backdrop to coastal views. Spend the evening getting to know fellow travellers while enjoying the panoramic views.
Day 2 Kaikoura 15km/2 hours hiking
Up early to climb to the summit of Mount Fyffe (1765m) and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Superb views of the Kaikoura Peninsula below and the coastline stretching northwards. We descend through a rocky arid alpine environment returning to Mount Fyffe Hut, then follow a track down the ridgeline to the car park. From here we head out to the coast.
This area is rich in marine wildlife due to the up welling of nutrients from deep underwater canyons. Sperm whales live here feeding on the giant squid that inhabit the Hikurangi trench. Kaikoura was an important food gathering area for the Maori - the name means ‘meal of crayfish'. A whale watching boat trip ($145* - optional) provides a thrilling opportunity to see whales, dolphins and seals in their natural environment. We drive north up the coast to our coastal campsite at Marfells Beach.
Day 3 Nelson Lakes National Park 16km/5 hours hiking
Start a three day hike into Nelson Lakes National Park. Hike around the shores of Lake Rotoiti through beautiful beech forest, the forest floor carpeted with bright green mosses. Continue up the Travers Valley before branching off up Hukere Stream. Slowly we make our way higher up this valley towards Mount Angelus. We camp in a clearing beside the stream, with views of high mountains all around.
Day 4 Nelson Lakes National Park 9km/5 hours hiking
We start the day with a steep but extremely rewarding climb following the cascading Hukere Stream up into the Angelus Basin. Time to relax and have a cup of tea when we reach the hut, which is perched on a tussock saddle overlooking Lake Angelus. In the afternoon we scramble up to the top of Mount Angelus, 2077m (optional). Because this is such a special place we allow lots of time for just sitting back and enjoying the jaw dropping scenery. Tonight we either stay in the hut*, or camp by the lake.
Day 5 Nelson Lakes National Park 12kms/4 hours hiking
Follow a rocky alpine ridge back out to the vehicle. Incredible views down to Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. We traverse tussock slopes and shattered rock, while looking out for alpine plants such as the bizarre vegetable sheep. Below us emerald tarns sparkle in alpine basins. When we reach the vehicle there is time for a swim and some lunch before driving through to Marahau, to our peaceful campsite at the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 6 Abel Tasman National Park 10km/6 hours kayaking
Enjoy a whole day sea kayaking ($115). A great way to explore the golden sand beaches, islands and sea caves of the park. Time to swim and lay back in the sun. If the conditions are right we may join the kayaks together and sail home on the gentle sea breeze. For those not kayaking, there is the opportunity to go for a walk on the coastal track and make the most of the excellent water taxi service, which can drop you off at a number of idyllic bays. In the late afternoon we drive Tapawera, where we stay in a "classic kiwi camping ground" - there is even a hot tub to revive those aching muscles!
Day 7 Kahurangi National Park 8km/6 hours hiking
Today we pack up for a three day hike in New Zealand's second largest national park, Kahurangi. After a steep climb through beech forest we descend into Ghost Valley, passing the remains of an historic slab-construction prospectors hut. The track then follows Blue Creek up through hardy Dracophyllum forest in the alpine shrub zone to Granity Pass where we either stay in a mountain hut or set up camp nearby.
Day 8 Kahurangi National Park 10km/6 hours hiking
Today we explore the glaciated karst landscape of Mount Owen where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed. The geology here is fascinating - the massif is limestone metamorphosed into marble and is riddled with caves (where dwarfs may dwell), the longest being Bulmer with 36km of passages. We cross gentle tussock slopes (watching carefully for the elusive elves and hobbits) to the sculptured marble maze of Mount Owen where careful route finding takes us to the summit (1875m). We are rewarded with panoramic views across the mountains of Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. Return to hut/campsite, and enjoy another night in this incredible place.
Day 9 Kahurangi National Park 8km/5hours hiking
Take a leisurely descent down through the beech forest to the vehicle. Take a refreshing swim in the river before driving through to the Buller Gorge. We spend the night in a character cottage, and enjoy a home cooked meal made from organic produce by our host. This is a great place to spend the last night of the safari, you will love the funky outdoor shower, which looks out over the confluence of the Buller and Maruia Rivers.
Day 10 Tour ends in Christchurch 4km/2 hours hiking
After a relaxing morning at the cottage and a quick vehicle and gear clean up we drive over the scenic Lewis Pass and back to Christchurch. We stop on the way for a short hike and a soak in the Maruia hotpools. Driving on, we return to Christchurch between 4:00pm and 6:00pm
*Due to the construction of a new hut, there will be no hut accommodation at Lake Angelus available between January and March of 2010. Groups will either camp or stay at Bushline Hut.
Note: People heading north after the safari - we can drop you off in Murchison to meet a Nelson bound bus at 12:45pm (Southern Link), 5:00pm (Atomic) or 5:50pm (Intercity). Please advise guide on day 1 if this is required. Guide can arrange the booking. Bus fare not included in price.
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