I found strength that I didn't know I had! I'm very proud I went through that experience, conquering the wind, the rain and the climbing that never seemed to end. Fantastic - thanks! Patricia, Portugal

The trip far and away exceeded my expectations. Truly was value for money and then some. Sergio, UK

Our guide was vivacious, energetic, inspiring and has a true passion for the wilderness she guided us through. Catherine, UK

Where do I get new knees? Richard, UK

Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today. Mark Twain

Length 10 days

Price NZ$1500

NZ$1540 from 1 October 2010

GST (Goods and Services Tax) increases from 12.5% to 15% on 1st October 2010. This tour will increase in price to NZ$1540. Pay before 30th September 2010 and receive the lower price, regardless of the date of travel.

Grade E - hard, 3 multi-day hikes
Extras - NZ$30/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Whale watching cruise (NZ$145), kayaking (NZ$129)
Start - Christchurch Visitor Centre, Cathedral Square West @ 8:00am
Finish - Christchurch 7:00pm (approx.)

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

North Island trips
The Far North and Volcanoes and Rainforest trips depart from Auckland. Why not check out one of these to compliment your South Island adventure?

I'm so glad I chose to hike with you instead of doing it on my own. I learned a lot about hiking and New Zealand in general and saw the most awesome views I've ever seen. I will remember this all my life! Victoria, Sweden

An amazing trip all round. Great people, great guide and saw a lot in a short time. Joel, Canada

Eastern Epic

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. Reap the rewards of this challenging hiking adventure.

Highlights

• Gazing in wonder at the immensity of whales in their natural environment
• Watching the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from the summit of Mount Fyffe in the rugged Kaikoura Range
• Hiking along a rocky alpine ridge with views of glacial lakes in Nelson Lakes National Park
• Sea kayaking the clear blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park
• Exploring a bizarre karst landscape sculpted by glaciers and water, where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed, in Kahurangi National Park

Day 1

Your New Zealand hiking holiday starts with a drive to Kaikoura and pack for our first overnight hike. Follow the Kowhai River before climbing to Mount Fyffe Hut on the spectacular Seaward Kaikoura Range. 6 hours hiking.

Day 2

Climb to the summit of Mount Fyffe (1765m) to see the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Take a different route back to the vehicle before driving to Kaikoura. Take a whale-watching cruise (optional extra), 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. 4 hours hiking.

Day 3

Start a three day hike in Nelson Lakes National Park. Hike around the shores of Lake Rotoiti, through beech forest and up the cascading Hukere Stream to our campsite. 4 hours hiking.

Day 4

Climb up into the spectacular Angelus Basin. Stay in a trampers' hut at Lake Angelus, perched on a tussocky saddle surrounded by rugged mountain slopes. Weather and time permitting, we may scramble up rocky slopes to the summit of Mount Angelus (2077m). 5 hours hiking.

Day 5

Hike along a rocky alpine ridge with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Drive to our campsite in Marahau, entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. 4 hours hiking.

Day 6

Enjoy a day sea kayaking (optional extra), exploring golden sand beaches and sea coves in turquoise waters. Seals and dolphins often play near the kayaks. There is the opportunity to hike into the park for those not kayaking. In the evening we drive to our peaceful riverside campsite. 6 hours kayaking.

Day 7

Pack for a three day hike in Kahurangi National Park. Climb steeply through ancient beech forest then follow a stream up Ghost Valley to Granity Pass hut. 6 hours hiking.

Day 8

Make a day trip to the summit of Mount Owen (1875m) and enjoy panoramic views of distant mountains. Hike through bizarre alpine landscape of sculpted marble, where scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed. 6 hours hiking.

Day 9

Hike down through beech forest to vehicle. Drive to character cottage overlooking the Buller River. Enjoy home cooked meal, made from local organic produce. 5 hours hiking.

Day 10

A restful morning at the cottage, relaxing and swimming. In the afternoon we drive over Lewis Pass back to Christchurch stopping for a soak at Maruia hot springs and vehicle clean-up. 2 hours hiking.

Notes

• People heading north after the trip, on day 10 we can drop you off in Murchison to meet a Nelson-bound bus in the afternoon. Please advise guide on day one if you want them to arrange this booking. Bus not included in price.

Additional costs

• Kitty fund NZ$30/day (for food and camp/hut fees). During winter (April-September) or on wet weather summer trips, you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use alternative accommodation more often.
• The prices for optional activities are listed in the trip summary box on the top right of the page, and in the trip dossier. Optional activities include whale-watching cruise and sea kayaking Abel Tasman National Park.
• Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.