Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain

A fantastic, well organised trip - I'd certainly recommend people try for themselves. Excellent value for money too! Samantha, UK

This was my first trip of this sort, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Seeing as much as we did in such a short time would be nearly impossible to do on your own. Damin, USA

Length 8 days

Price NZ$3250

(includes accomm. & food)

Grade C - medium, 1 multi-day hike
Extras - 2 evening meals
Start - Christchurch Visitor Centre, Cathedral Square West @ 8:00am
Finish - Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.)

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

The Far North

Volcanoes and Rainforest

See the best of both islands! Make your way to the North Island before or after your Fault-Line Adventure to sample more of what New Zealand has to offer.

Can't think of anything I would change.
Darlene, USA

Fault-Line Adventure

This New Zealand adventure travel tour is for people who want to see "the real New Zealand" and enjoy comfy accommodation as well. This is adventure travel into some of the South Island's most spectacular wilderness areas. Unlike our other trips, this trip includes quality Bed & Breakfast style accommodation and almost all meals & snacks in the tour price.

Highlights

• Hike through lush rainforest in Paparoa National Park
• Explore New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland by kayak
• Guided walk on the spectacular Fox Glacier
• Helicopter to a classic backcountry hut in the Siberia Valley
• Jet boat on a spectacular journey down the Wilkin River

Day 1

From Christchurch you drive across the Canterbury Plains and over Porters Pass. We stop for lunch at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, which sits among spectacular limestone outcrops. Explore this spectacular subterranean canyon before we hike up the nearby 'Bealey Spur'. We finish the day in Arthur's Pass alpine village. 2-4 hours hiking / cave exploring.

Day 2

Picnic at Lake Brunner before heading to the rugged West Coast. Hike the coastal Truman Track and explore old sea caves used by the early Maori. View the famous Pancake Rocks and impressive blowhole at Punakaiki. 2 hours hiking.

Day 3

Up early for a full day's hiking on the Inland Pack Track in Paparoa National Park. Hike through lush rainforests into the spectacular Fox River. Follow the deep "Rivendell" limestone canyon out to the coast. 7-8 hours hiking.

Day 4

Drive south to Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland. With kayaks explore the river delta and paddle deep into the Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests. See birdlife, including White Herons, Godwits, Black Swans and Tui. Help prepare an authentic hangi meal and feast around the beach bonfire. It is then a short drive to our accommodation at the township of Fox Glacier. 4 hours kayaking.

Day 5

Hike on the Fox Glacier, to see a glacier descending into a rainforest. On the hike we explore seracs, crevasses and ice caves and learn about the fascinating natural history of this area. Upgrade (optional extra) to a heli hike, where you can walk and explore the upper reaches of the glacier. Sample local cuisine at a restaurant of your choice. 4 hours hiking.

Day 6

An easy hike to the stunning Lake Matheson. On a clear day, you can see the Southern Alps reflected perfectly in the lake. Visit a salmon farm on the way to Makaroa. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the homestead, set amongst 5 acres of established gardens and deer farm, surrounded by the Mt Aspiring World Heritage Park. Enjoy a delicious group meal of salmon prepared by the guide. 1 hour hiking.

Day 7

Board a helicopter at Makarora for a thrilling flight into the Siberia Valley. View towering mountains, rainforests, lakes and rivers from the air. Land at a classic backcountry hut, which will be our accommodation for the night. From here there is an optional hike up to a pristine alpine lake. 5 hours hiking.

Day 8

Hike to the Wilkin River to meet the jet boat. Enjoy this adrenalin filled jet boat ride through world-class scenery back to Makarora. Drive to Wanaka for a celebratory wine at a local vineyard before driving over the impressive Crown Range to the alpine resort of Queenstown. 3 hours hiking.

Notes

• It is possible to borrow a sleeping bag, backpack, thermals, fleece, raincoat, gaiters and walking poles free of charge on this trip. You MUST request which of the above items you'd like by writing them in the 'Other Information' box on your booking form.

Additional costs

• Dinner on nights 3 and 5 is not provided. On night 3 we go to the local pub which serves good hearty meals for around $15-$20 per main. On night 5 there is a selection of restaurants to choose from in the town of Fox Glacier.

Check out our outdoor tips!

Find some fun stuff to do in Christchurch!