A wonderful tour through a wonderful country with wonderful people in the group and, last but not least, a wonderful guide! Danke schön, for everything. You've never lost your good mood, even if some people sometimes ask too much about trees! Andreas, Germany

Thanks for this wonderful safari on this great country! Denise, Portugal

Our guide Kath has unending enthusiasm and knows tonnes about New Zealand nature, history and people. Kareen, Canada

Length 11 days

Price NZ$1235

Grade D - medium, 3 multi-day hikes
Extras - NZ$25/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Fox Glacier hike (NZ$80), kayaking (NZ$80)
Start - Nelson Visitor Centre, Corner Halifax & Trafalgar Streets @ 8:00am
Finish - Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.)

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

Secret South
Take two days to rest and play in Queenstown, then jump on the Secret South.

North Island trips
The Far North, Volcanoes and Rainforest and Volcanic Plateau trips leave Auckland Monday to Wednesday so you have at least three days to bus or fly north. (Note some Auckland trips run fortnightly.)

I wasn't sure what to expect having just arrived in New Zealand but it was the best decision I have made. Experience New Zealand the New Zealand way. Sandra, UK

West Coast Wilderness

A unique opportunity to be totally immersed in the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. Hike through lush rainforests, soak in natural hotpools beneath majestic mountains, visit glaciers and kayak on a giant wetland area. Total diversity, spanning the length of the West Coast, with three multi-day walks, ending in Queenstown.

Highlights

. Beech forests, limestone sinkholes, and the mountains of Kahurangi National Park
. Wading across rivers and exploring glowworm caves in Paparoa National Park
. Guided walk on the spectacular Fox Glacier (optional extra)
. Kayaking the tranquil Okarito lagoon into rainforest full of native birds
. Hiking through podocarp rainforest to natural hot pools surrounded by mountain peaks

Day 1

Drive to Flora Saddle and start 2-day hike through beech forest to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a natural rock shelter. 4 hours hiking.

Day 2

Hike over Gordons Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst, to Mount Arthur (1795m). Drive to a character cottage overlooking a gorge to enjoy a home-cooked meal made with locally grown organic produce. 7 hours hiking.

Day 3

Visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, then head south to Paparoa National Park and begin 2-day hike up ‘Rivendell’ canyon. 4 hours hiking.

Day 4

Hike up a side canyon to see glowworms, stopping along the way for a refreshing swim. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Head back down river to Punakaiki. 6 hours hiking.

Day 5

Check out the Pancake rocks, then drive south to Greymouth to pick up food and fellow hikers. Drive to the coastal settlement of Okarito. Camp by the beach and enjoy a hangi and beach bonfire. 2 hours hiking.

Day 6

Kayak (optional extra) into Okarito lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, and black swans. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Wander the remote beach, hike to a viewpoint, or just relax. 4 hours kayaking.

Day 7

A short drive takes us to Fox Glacier, which descends from the mountain tops into rainforest. Take a guided walk on the glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves (optional extra). Join your guide for an optional hike in the National Park. Stay in cabins. 4 hours hiking.

Day 8

Start 3-day hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest and across swing bridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with magnificent views of 3000m peaks within Westland National Park. 7 hours hiking.

Day 9

Rest day, but the keen can explore the alpine valley. Boulder-hop to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). 4 hours hiking.

Day 10

Hike back down the Copland Valley, stopping for a swim and lunch by the glacial-fed river. Stop at Ship Creek and look out for Hector dolphins. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp at an isolated site and eat fresh salmon baked on a campfire. 6 hours hiking.

Day 11

Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for lunch and swims. Plenty of short hikes to choose from as we drive over Haast Pass. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range. 2 hours hiking.

Additional costs

. Kitty fund NZ$25/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 Fox Glacier guided walk and sea kayaking on Okarito Lagoon.
. Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.