New Zealand’s South Island Walking (Christchurch to Queenstown) 9D8N, Full Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)

Today, you meet with your tour leaders at 8:30 a.m. at the George Hotel in downtown Christchurch, New Zealand. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

After our meeting, we shuttle to the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, an area endowed with vast rolling green hills dotted with giant, curiously shaped limestone monoliths, and considered a sacred site by local Maori. Warm-up your legs with a hike through this spectacular and strange geological treasure the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area has to offer. Leaving here, we head to Arthur’s Pass, stopping along the way for a sumptuous lunch.

After lunch, we continue to our home for the next two nights, the Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass, a unique blend of the secluded resort and working sheep station, designed to conserve and showcase the natural environment. Sitting on a 4000-acre working sheep farm and nature reserve, surrounded by the peaks of Arthur's Pass National Park, the lodge provides a panorama view of its surroundings.

While you’re here, seize the opportunity to watch a sheepdog herding a flock of Merino sheep and see a sheep-shearing demonstration done the old-fashioned way—by hand! Gather tonight for a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner at the hotel's Rolleston Restaurant, a rather surprise in this remote wilderness setting.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 549 m (1800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 853 m (2800 ft)

Behold the lush beech forest with a soft mossy floor, surrounding snow-capped peaks, and braided Waimakariri River today as you hike up Bealey Spur leads past alpine wetlands to a historic sheep station hut once used by shepherds during the days of high-country sheep farming.

A good day to remember for the bird-lovers as you come across different species of birds. Discover the rifleman, New Zealand’s smallest bird, as well as grey warblers, bellbirds, harrier hawks, and gregarious alpine parrots called kea. Continue to the summit for a 360-degree view, which is stunning when the skies are clear.

Head back to the comfortable abode after an adventurous day for some relaxation before reconvening for dinner later tonight.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning at the lodge after which we shuttle to the trailhead for today’s hike. From Arthur's Pass village we climb through a mountain beech forest to a magical alpine garden in a glacier-hewn valley. Take in the undeniable beauty around you as we come across Mighty Mountains, dividing east and west, towering over us as we make our way to the summit of Arthur's Pass. Discover the brilliant flora bloom, such as the New Zealand lily, alpine Hebe, alpine daisy Coprosmas and spiky Spaniard plants.

We will be stopping next at the Kapitea Ridge Lodge for a classic New Zealand barbecue lunch served overlooking the dramatic coastline. Ponder the contrasts of the day, from above the tree line in the Alps to the temperate rainforest and coastal farmland. Marvel at the magnificent views along the road as we head south along the incredible West Coast to Franz Josef, the gateway town to “Glacier Country” and the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s highest mountain range.

Done with today’s activities, we will be heading to our home for the night, the luxurious 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Nestled amongst native West Coast rainforests at Franz Josef and one with nature, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Gather tonight for an exquisite dinner in the hotel with various quality local cuisines to choose from.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)

Our adventure begins with us hiking the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into the temperate rainforest—an unrivalled mingling of dramatically different ecosystems. Over the past century, the glacier has experienced a steady loss of ice and snow, withdrawing to higher elevations that are no longer safely reachable on foot. Feel like exploring the glacier up close? There are a variety of ways to do that with one of them being taking a scenic flight over the glacier (This flight is at own expense).

For the hiking lovers, go along with our tour guides for a guided hike to explore the glacial valley on foot while relishing the magnificent views it has to offer. Continue to the bustling town of Franz Josef where you will be having lunch at your own leisure with an array of restaurants and dishes to select from.

After lunch, we will be travelling to our next destination, Lake Matheson, near the town of Fox Glacier. Go for a stroll around this peaceful and scenic lake, enjoying a mostly forested trail with fantastic flora and bird viewing. On a clear day, New Zealand's highest peaks (Mount Cook and Mount Tasman) can be seen reflected in the lake's naturally dark waters!

Following our afternoon hike, we continue to the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, a sister property of the Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass and our home for the next two nights. With its stunning natural setting, surrounded by lakes, rivers, rainforest, and seacoast in the heart of Te Wahipounamu, the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is truly a paradise on earth. Relax in your spacious rooms with mountain or river views from your private balcony, cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine or take a lovely stroll through the nearby rainforest trails.

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (200 ft)

Enjoy today all by yourself and at your own pace with lots of activities to engage in. Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is beautifully situated in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, which protects ancient forests from future development and preserves the region's pristine beauty and unique wildlife, including flightless birds that evolved without natural predators. Naturalists at the lodge offer a wide variety of activities appropriate to the weather and season.

You can set out on a hike through the rain forest and get to discover 1000-year-old trees, orchids, and a myriad of ferns, afterward travel across the lake on a canoe. Go for a walk to Munro Beach and down at the water while basking in the spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and the sound of the pounding surf. For a slower pace, unwind back at the lodge with a book by the fireplace or relax at the lounge with glorious views all around you.

Tonight, we will be meeting in the lodge's lovely riverside lounge before sitting down for dinner. A spectacular evening to enjoy fine dining in a quality wilderness setting.

FOUR HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

After a hearty breakfast this morning, we will take a scenic drive down the coast, and the over-dramatic Haast Pass kicks off today’s activities. The contrast is obvious as we leave the ancient rain forests of the verdant West Coast and move into the grasslands and stark beauty of the eastern side of the Alps.

We begin our hike in Gladstone on the shore of Lake Hawea. Travel into the friendly Hawea Township with each step bringing you closer to the enticing views of the town and its surroundings. Pass through this resort town’s neighbourhoods, a boat dock, and eventually reach downtown where we stop at a delightful café for lunch.

This afternoon, you can choose to continue exploring this enchanting town with lots of Wanaka’s shops to browse through, or go on a hike to Rocky Mountain for a 360-degree view.

Alternatively, go for a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and experience the astonishing Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most famous natural treasures. Relish the views of soaring cliffs laced with waterfalls and covered with dense foliage as you embark on a boat cruise through the fjord.

For something a little more relaxing, head to the luxurious Edgewater Resort which lies right at the water’s edge of Lake Wanaka. The resort offers picturesque lake views for your pleasure and state-of-the-art amenities for you to relax including tennis courts. In Wanaka today, enjoy dinner on your own with mouth-watering New Zealand cuisine and a wide range of regional wines in numerous restaurants to choose from.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 549 m (1800 ft)

After a delicious breakfast today, we will be heading into the heart of the Mount Aspiring National Park, where the road ends in the heat of Matukituki Valley. Walking along the floor of the valley, go across the West Matukituki River on a swing bridge and begin climbing up a well-formed trail to a spectacular viewpoint below the Rob Roy hanging glacier.

Often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the South”, the Rob Roy originated from the slopes of Mount Aspiring and was first climbed in 1909. With majestic views all around you, enjoy a delicious packed lunch before heading back to Wanaka for a relaxed afternoon.

Head out to the sauna, book a therapeutic spa session at the hotel, or take a dip in the hot tub before dinner together at a favorite local restaurant, Bistro Gentil. A chic bistro serving exquisite French dishes à La carte and in 7-course tasting menus with wines and cocktails.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)

We will be leaving Lake Wanaka today and travelling into the Central Otago wine region, which lies between Wanaka and Queenstown. Also known for its gold mining heritage, Gibbston Valley is home to several wineries, famous for producing some of the best pinot noirs in the world. After a hike along the undulating shores of the Kawarau River Gorge and among the Gibbston Valley vineyards, we take a break to enjoy a local wine tasting and lunch.

Travel through rolling farmland and past the historic mining village of Arrowtown and discover picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand’s “Adventure Capital”. We will be spending the last night of this amazing adventure at the well-appointed Sherwood Queenstown. Located on a hillside with breathtaking views overlooking the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountain Range.

Take advantage of the hotel's yoga studio, relax in the sauna, or head downtown. Afterwards, we gather for cocktails before a farewell dinner.

Round off this memory-making experience with an early-morning walk along Lake Wakatipu before returning to the hotel for a delightful breakfast. Better still, you can choose to sleep in and enjoy a more leisurely morning, later on, you shuttle to the Queenstown airport bringing an end to this amazing journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.