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Home > Destinations > Pacific > New
Zealand > Wild New Zealand
Wild New Zealand
Discover the best of New Zealand's South Island on this active adventure while exploring mountains and sounds on both sides of the dramatic Southern Alps. Led by Kiwi naturalist guides, you journey through a spectacular range of landscapes and ecosystems in five national parks and World Heritage Sites that provided much of the Middle Earth setting for the Tolkien trilogy movies, Lord of the Rings. Hike along deserted beaches, through ancient rainforests and over an active glacier. Trek hut-to-hut on the world famous Routeburn Track, swim with dolphins, and sea kayak in Abel Tasman National Park and from a luxury overnight vessel in Milford Sound. Our Wild style of travel presents opportunities to meet local Kiwis from ranchers to vintners, at dinner in a local home, and overnights hosted by family-run B & Bs, boutique hotels, and comfortable mountain lodges.
DAY 1 : EXPLORE CHRISTCHURCH
Fly into Christchurch (said to be the most English city outside England), transfer on your own to tonight's charming lodging and recover from your travels. Stroll along the banks of the Avon and meander through the Botanical Gardens with its amazing collection of exotic and indigenous plants. Check out the nearby Arts Center or experience Maori culture at the Nga Hau e Wha National Marae (a traditional complex of Maori buildings). Visit Cathedral Square, built in Gothic Revival style and frequented by the Wizard, a famous eccentric who often expresses his views from a soapbox somewhere in the square. Meet your local Kiwi guide and travel companions for a welcome dinner and trip orientation. Overnight in Christchurch hotel. [D]
DAY 2 : KAIKOURA MARINE LIFE
Drive North through a patchwork of rich fields and wineries bordered by beaches littered with driftwood to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Once a sleepy fishing village, the secret is slipping out! Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to view marine mammals with an amazing variety of whales, dolphins, and seals frolicking and feeding in the krill-rich waters. Hike past limestone sea caves and formations on the Kaikoura Peninsula observing seal and sea bird colonies. Feast your eyes on the spectacular views of surrounding coastal mountains. Overnight at The Old Convent, built in 1911 for a French order of nuns. Our engaging hosts at this enchanting bed and breakfast are fifth generation New Zealanders. [BLD]
DAY 3 : DOLPHIN SWIM - DISCOVER NELSON
Greet the day early for a pre-breakfast visit with some of Kaikouras famous local personalities, the playful Dusky Dolphins! Don wet suit, mask, snorkel, and fins and plunge into their underwater world. Swim among the dolphins enthralled by their antics or remain dry and marvel at their acrobatic displays from the boat (Must be at least 8 years old to swim and at least 3 years to watch - subject to sea conditions). Savor a delicious lunch in the town of Nelson. Check out Nelsons local arts and crafts and beautiful beaches before hopping into the van for the drive to magnificent Abel Tasman National Park. Dinner and overnight at a beach resort. [BLD]
DAY 4 : ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK HIKING OR KAYAKING
What a choice! Sea kayak along the impressive and diverse coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. Investigate the secluded bays and islands, look for friendly seal colonies, take in the beautiful environment and bask in the sun. Alternatively, travel by water taxi along the coastline and deep into the National Park. Hike the lush forest interior and explore tranquil golden sand beaches and crystal clear bays. Back from kayaking or hiking, watch the sunset over Tasman Bay while dining on delicacies from the sea. Overnight at beach resort. [BLD]
DAY 5 : WEST COAST - PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK
Off to the wild West Coast, isolated and defined by New Zealands Southern Alps. Stop at Cape Foulwind and hike the rugged coast of the Tasman Sea. Observe New Zealand fur seals basking along the rocky coastline and sea birds soaring above the cliff-tops. Relax with lunch at a delightful cafe' overlooking the breakers. Explore Paparoa National Park, one of New Zealand's least known parks. Hike along the Pororari River, through limestone landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest before emerging from the palm and fern filled forests onto the shores of the Tasman Sea. Optional Pororari River canoeing or mountain biking along the riverbank. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the sand to tonight's inviting lodging. Dinner barbecue by the beach. Overnight at beach cottages. [BLD]
DAY 6 : PANCAKE ROCKS - WESTLAND NATIONAL PARK
Kick off the day with a walk along the beach to the famous Pancake Rocks where crashing waves have forced spectacular blowholes through a stratified pancake-like stack of weathered limestone. Invigorated, head south and stop at the old mining town of Hokitika, now a center for local crafts including blown glass, local greenstone (jade) and woven wool. On to a highlight of any visit to New Zealand; Westland National Park and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Walk through temperate rainforest with magnificent views of the glaciers or explore the Okarito Lagoon and its White heron colony by sea kayak. Overnight at Fox Glacier Village. [BLD]
DAY 7 : FOX GLACIER HIKING
Lake Matheson rewards early morning walkers with stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Get fortified with a hearty breakfast before tackling Fox Glacier. Follow your guide as he cuts steps into the ice providing a pathway over the surface of the glacier along crevasses and moraines. This hike is fun and safe for all. No experience is necessary as no technical climbing is involved. Learn more about the destruction to surrounding rock and rainforest caused when the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers advance. Overnight at Fox Glacier Village. [BLD]
DAY 8 : WORLD HERITAGE AREA - LAKE WANAKA
The West Coast becomes increasingly more pristine as the World Heritage Highway winds south. Stretch your legs walking in the rain forest past giant tree ferns and Kahikatia trees to an isolated beach where nesting penguins may be glimpsed. Continue driving from the rain soaked West Coast, over Haast Pass, to the rolling grasslands along the beautiful shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Stop to sample local wines at a picturesque home and family winery. Overnight at a Wanaka bed and breakfast. [BLD]
DAY 9 : MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT
Dont forget the camera! Drive through upended land which was carved, tumbled and jumbled by grinding glaciers during the last ice age. Stop for short walks in Fiordland National Park on the way to Milford Sound. Cruise through awe inspiring Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove beneath towering Mount Pembroke. Explore the fiord by kayak or tender craft or simply relax on deck and watch the sunset. Overnight onboard a luxury vessel in a private cabin with en-suite bath enveloped by the majesty of Milford Sound. [BLD]
DAY 10 : FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Wake to the silence and serenity of Milford Sound. Pack up, head ashore and drive to the start of the Lake Marian track. We'll hike through Silver Beech forest, past a spectacular series of waterfalls, and then our track ascends to a hanging valley, formed by glacial action, where Lake Marian is nestled in one of the most beautiful settings in Fiordland. The lake is above the bush line and reflects the Darran Mountains which surround it. This afternoon we'll head to Te Anau, a scenic lakeside town with the mountains of Fiordland National Park forming an incredible backdrop. [BLD]
DAY 11 : ROUTEBURN TRACK
Drive to the Divide to start the Routeburn Track. Begin the 3 day/2 night, twenty-five mile hut to hut hike across New Zealands Southern Alps along one of the most spectacular treks in the world. Start in dense beech forest along a well graded trail which winds above the treeline at Key Summit followed by a brief descent to Lake Howden. Climb steadily upwards to magnificent Earland Falls before descending to the hut at Lake MacKenzie. Dinner and overnight at MacKenzie Hut. (Hiking distance: 9 mi) [BLD]
Enjoy the ease of trekking with professional guides who take care of all the meals and logistics. Carry only an overnight pack with your clothes and personal items. Overnight in private huts accommodating four guests per room with comfortable bunks, down comforters, flush toilets and even hot showers. Note: South Island Odyssey: Participants on the shorter 11 day itinerary say goodbye to the group after getting a taste of the Routeburn Track and seeing the stunning views on the hike to Key Summit. Transfer to Queenstown for the night and journey onward or homeward the following morning. Overnight Queenstown hotel [B]
DAY 12 : ROUTEBURN TRACK - MT ASPIRING
Depart the emerald waters of Lake MacKenzie, traversing above the bushline and crossing the dramatic alpine terrain of the Hollyford Face (3,200). From the Harris Saddle descend past Lake Harris and into an immense alpine basin that is often carpeted by wildflowers. Hike downward alongside a final pitch of impressive cascading waterfalls. Dinner and overnight at the Routeburn Falls Huts. (Hiking distance: 9 mi). [BLD]
DAY 13 : ROUTEBURN - QUEENSTOWN
Descend to the alpine meadows of Routeburn Flat with the tiered cascades of Routeburn Falls providing an impressive backdrop. Discover the deep green pools of the Route Burn River and the unspoiled hearty beech forest walking to the waiting van. (Hiking distance: 7 mi). Relax on the drive back to Queenstown. Freshen up and gather for dinner with fond memories of the Routeburn Track. Overnight in Queenstown. [BLD]
DAY 14 : DEPART QUEENSTOWN
Linger over a gourmet breakfast, take a quiet stroll along Lake Wakatipu or sneak in some last minute shopping before your transfer to the Queenstown airport in time for your international departure. [B]
| - Route Map, Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
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Days: 14 | Grade: II, Active adventure (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $4995 per person | Trip length | Price | 14 day trip | $4995 | 11 day trip | $4190 |
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| Single Supplement: $1220 (click for info) | *The 11 day trip ends in Queenstown and excludes the Routeburn Track. Private luxury itinerary available for 4 or more persons available on request. Prices based on exchange rate July 2007 @ 1.28 subject to change. | | | 2009 Price: From $4995 per person | Trip Length | Price | 14 day trip | $4995 | 11 day trip | $4190 |
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| Single Supplement: $1220 (click for info) | *The 11 day trip ends in Queenstown and excludes the Routeburn Track. Private luxury itinerary available for 4 or more persons available on request. Prices based on exchange rate July 2007 @ 1.28 subject to change. | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | Nov 16 - Nov 29, 2008
Dec 21 - Jan 3, 2009
| Feb 8 - Feb 21, 2020
Mar 8 - Mar 21, 2009
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above including accommodations, luxury overnight cruise; local land transportation, services of a local Kiwi guide throughout, park and entrance fees, all meals except one dinner and one lunch; hotel transfers, Wildland Adventures' travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: International and domestic air transportation, airport taxes, tips and gratuities, optional or suggested services on your own, insurance of any kind, personal expenses, extra beverages & alcoholic drinks, medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. Souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary. | | | Trip Notes: Routeburn Track is subject to availability at time of booking. Alternative hiking routes are available if Routeburn is full. Price subject to change. Based on current exchange rate against New Zealand dollar as of February 2007. Trip deposit is $500 plus $1000 non-refundable for the Routeburn Track reservation. | |
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