New Zealand Hiking Highlights

Hollyford Track

Round Trip with many selected walks

You find many different landscapes, climate zones and vegetations close together in New Zealand, the "down-under" paradise for nature lovers. This tour includes many walks in the most beautiful National Parks to explore NZ's natural beauty. The highlights include fiords and rainforests, secluded beaches, deep mountain lakes, extinct as well as active volcanoes, geysers and thermal activity areas. Experience the different traditions of the Polynesians, Maoris and European settlers, and feel the cosmopolitan flair of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

A flexible touring option with the ability to experience both the North and South island of New Zealand or either island separately. Via a selection of separate hiking experiences throughout New Zealand you will experience the exquisite beauty and tranquility that the native bush and wildlife exude.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Red skies over paradise

Day 1: Christchurch - Arrival

After your arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your downtown hotel. In the afternoon there will be a sightseeing tour through the "Garden City", including the Port Hills and the "Sign of the Takahe" with its magnificent views over the South Pacific and across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

Whatever the time of year, Christchurch is the perfect choice for a welldeserved short break, longer stay or even for just a few hours. Christchurch's unique combination of fascinating heritage, beautiful coastline, peaceful rivers and spectacular natural harbour appeals to all ages and provides all the ingredients to make your visit extra special.

Christchurch Tourism - the Southern Alps provides a fantastic backdrop to the city. Perched on the coast, the city is the doorway to the Canterbury Plains, which spread westwards towards the mountains. To the south-east, Banks Peninsula, formed by two huge volcanic craters, extends into the Pacific Ocean. Nature has been kind to this part of New Zealand and it is nature that offers the richest rewards for the visitor.

Day 2: Christchurch - Queenstown (490 km)

After a drive across the flat, alluvial Canterbury plains the road climbs the 709 m Burkes Pass which serves as the northern entrance to the area known as the MacKenzie Basin. On a picnic at the shores of Lake Tekapo you will be treated to magnificent views of New Zealand's Southern Alps.

There may be time for an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook, or Aoraki, the cloud piercer. You continue your journey over the Lindis Pass and alongside Lake Dunstan, one of the newest artificial lakes. We travel past fruit stalls and wind through the Kawarau River gorge. There is the opportunity to stop at the world famous A.J Hacket bungy bridge (optional bungy jump) before we arrive in Queenstown.

Welcome to the original home of Bungy, the Kawarau Bridge. A 43 metre Bungy Jump above the Kawarau River. Situated 20 minutes from the heart of Queenstown. Originally built to link Queenstown to Central Otago during the gold rush of the 1880's, later replaced by the larger and more modern Battling Betty Bridge in the 1960's. The bridge fell into a state of disrepair and was deemed unsafe until Henry van Asch and AJ Hackett applied for a one month license to use the bridge commercially for Bungy Jumping in 1988. As they say; the rest is history and a piece of New Zealand heritage has been saved. A fee is paid to the Department of Conservation for every jump by AJ Hackett Bungy to maintain the site. In 2002, the company invested in a new development for the Kawarau Bridge reserve, to include a Cinematic Bungy Experience, interactive displays, quality cafe and shopping facilities.

Day 3: Queenstown (Rest Day)

Queenstown is an outdoor adventurer's playground. Options could be a lake ride aboard the historic steamship Earnslaw, jet boating on the Shotover River, white water rafting, tandem paragliding, scenic helicopter flights, ride up the Gondola or a visit to the Kiwi house to see New Zealand's national icon in the flesh.

Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for Queen Victoria." Queenstown is today recognised internationally as New Zealand's premier visitor destination and offers more than just breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of attractions.

Day 4: Queenstown - Te Anau (168 km)

We suggest an early start this morning for the beautiful 2.5 hr drive alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu until you reach Te Anau, the last township before Fiordland National Park. You have the option to do a half day excursion to the Manapouri Underground Power Station (departure from Te Anau is at 11:30am). Alternatively there is a walk to the bird sanctuary, a 3hr walk on the Kepler Track, kayaking or just relaxing.

Lakes and mountains

Day 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound (121 km)

There are many great walks in this area such as the Routeburn, Hollyford & Key Summit. Depending on the weather the guide will suggest the best option(s) for the day. On the way to Milford Sound, you might spot cheeky Keas (Mountain Parrots) at rest areas next to the road. About 4pm we board a cruiseship (Milford Wanderer) for an amazing journey through the deep glacier carved Fiords of Milford Sound. In the evening you will be served a delicious dinner while anchoring in one of the tranquil bays. The on-board sleeping rooms have multiple beds per cabin - an unforgettable experience.

Milford Sound is located in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. During your visit to this region, you will be treated to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. The Park is home to many of New Zealand's most famous walks. This unspoilt paradise is made up of rugged, mountainous fiords and picturesque coastline, and is almost entirely covered in bush. Possibly the Grandest of the Grandeur of Fiordland, is Milford Sound.

Day 6: Milford Sound - Wanaka (351 km)

We disembark around 9am and drive back towards Queenstown. There may be time for a little detour to Arrowtown - an old gold rush village with lots of history. Continuing in the vehicle we drive over the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest road to Wanaka. At the west end of Lake Wanaka you can see the glittering snowtops of Mount Aspiring (3,027 m).

Day 7: Wanaka - Mount Aspiring NP - Wanaka (109 km)

After a short drive into the Matukituki Valley, your hiking trek takes you to the Rob-Roy Glacier, from where you have splendid views of the surrounding lakes and mountains (4-5hr trek). This is the third largest park in New Zealand. Set within the Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, this is one  of the most spectacular pristine wilderness areas anywhere in the world. The pinnacle of the park is Mt. Aspiring (Tititea), rising elegantly from its flanking glaciers to 3,027 m, a peak much loved by local and international climbers, and photographers. Many gentle walking tracks meander through its open valleys or you can fly overhead and gaze down on golden river flats, forested ridges and spilling glaciers.

Day 8: Wanaka - Fox Glacier (265 km)

The journey takes you alongside Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. First through arid countryside followed by dense rainforest on the border of Mount Aspiring NP. After a short walk through beech forest at Haast Pass  you continue to the township of Fox Glacier. There may be time for a walk to the Glacier Face, or an optional scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers (including a landing on the Glacier).

Here in the heart of the Southern Lakes, ringed by golden hills, snow-clad peaks, ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, you'll find time and space to truly enjoy yourself. The town acts as a magnet for New Zealanders and international visitors alike who want to return to sample the delights of a range of activities, cafes, shops and restaurants.

Glaciers and treks

Day 9: Fox Glacier - Westport (305 km)

In the morning, you drive to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout before continuing on to Hokitika. Those who are interested can visit a Greenstone factory, where you have the opportunity to buy jade carvings and jewellery at reasonable prices. Pounamu is the Maori name for Greenstone. In Punakaiki, you will see the well known pancake rocks and will walk the Truman Track. If time permits we can do the walk along the Pororari River (approx. 2hrs return, or a shorter walk of 40 mins) which takes you through sub-tropical forest with many of those remarkable Nikau palm trees and lime stone cliffs. Then it is just a 57km drive (50 mins) to Westport along the spectacular
coastal road. Before checking into our motel, we drive out to Cape Foulwind (just a few kms from Westport), where you will see a seal colony on one of the short coastal walks.

Day 10: Westport - Picton (292 km)

If we didn’t have time to visit the seal colony at Cape Foulwind yesterday, we can do that this morning. We then continue in the vehicle to Murchison and follow the Buller River to Lake Rotoiti. We take a lunch break at St. Arnaud, where there may also be time to do a walk (approx. 2 hours) in the Nelson Lakes National Park.

We drive down the Wairau Valley to the world-renowned grape growing region of Marlborough, where we stop for some wine tasting at one of the well known vineyards. Then it is just a short distance to tonight's destination of Picton.

Day 11: Picton - Queen Charlotte Walkway

An early boat transfer this morning from our little fishing village, through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound to the beginning of the same named walking track. In 4-5 hours (15 km), you walk through natural scenic reserves with lush coastal forest and over mountain ridges, with splendid views of the Sound. At 3pm, the small boat meets you again and takes you to the idyllic Portage Resort nestled right on the waterfront, where your luggage is already waiting for you.

The Queen Charlotte Track runs almost the entire length of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound. It stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa passing through historic sites, secluded bays and lush coastal bush. Experience the breathtaking ridgetop panoramas of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds and enjoy the company of friendly hosts and superb food and wine. It doesn't get much better than this...

They call me the Wanderer...

Day 12: Queen Charlotte Walkway - Wellington

In the morning, you hike along the coast through dense rainforest with its gigantic tree ferns. At Mistletoe Bay a boat pick-up is scheduled for 12noon, which will take you back to Picton. This afternoon you enjoy the 3 hour journey on the Interislander Ferry via the Marlborough Sounds and Tory channel across Cook Strait and to Wellington, arriving early evening.

(Today is the arrival day in Wellington for those who have booked the North Island only.)

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation’s capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. Extending just two kilometres in diameter, Wellington is a truly "walking city". Here you’ll find a unique blend of national treasures, arts and culture, gastronomic delights, shopping sensations and scenic beauty, making Wellington the ultimate urban destination in New Zealand. Wellington has a feast of cultural attractions and its crowning glory is Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand. Situated on Wellington's magnificent waterfront, this internationally acclaimed museum combines leading edge technology with traditional exhibits to tell the stories of New Zealand's land and people.

Day 13: Wellington - Tongariro National Park (348 km)

(Departure from Wellington for those who have booked the South Island only.)

During your sightseeing tour through the city, euphemistically known as the "Windy City”, you will see among other things the Parliamentary Buildings and the historical district with its St. Paul Cathedral. You will be driven to Mount Victoria, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city and the harbour. Time permitting you can visit one of the most innovative museums of the world, the National Museum "Te Papa". Towards the evening you reach the small National Park village with amazing views of the largest volcanoes in the country.

Day 14: Tongariro National Park - Rotorua (200 km)

The Tongariro Crossing is one of New Zealand's premier day walks. This is an optional non guided walk, which takes you on a fascinating journey through a variety of vegetation zones, over scorer-scattered moonscapes, past the most beautiful turquoise blue lakes, solidified molten rock pillars and boiling hot springs. There are some spectacular panoramas over the surrounding countryside during this 7-8 hour trek. If you are unlucky and the weather is unfavourable, there are a number of alternative shorter walks of 2-3 hours in the National Park. In the afternoon you will drive alongside Lake Taupo, New Zealands biggest Lake before you reach Rotorua, the most unique and active thermal area in the country.

In 1993, Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised cultural criteria describing cultural landscapes. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people and symbolize the spiritual links between this community and its environment. The park contains active and extinct volcanoes, a diverse range of ecosystems and highly scenic landscapes.

Day 15: Rotorua

The morning is free for you to explore the active thermal valley, or take a walk along the lake shore with a visit to the historic St. Faith's Church and its beautiful woodcarvings. Around 4pm, visit the Maori Cultural Centre, "Te Puia", which is famous for its active wonderland of geysers, colourful terraces, hot springs and boiling mud pools. In the early evening there is the optional "Hangi and Cultural experience" at one of the popular Maori Villages, where the successor of the first Polynesians present their culture. It is a relaxed evening including a series of song and dance performances followed by a banquet or Hangi (food cooked in the traditional earthfire oven).

Rotorua is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand, and has a long history of welcoming visitors. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.

Day 16: Rotorua - Whitianga (240 km)

Today the tour travels past Lake Rotorua and through the unspoiled Kamai Mamaku forest to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. The mild climate is excellent for kiwi fruit growing. We then drive onto Coromandel Peninsula. At the beginning of the 19th Century this region was in a gold rush. A walk through Broken Hills near Pauanui is a reminder of the turbulent times. Once a gold-mining and timber town, this township of Victorian buildings is a haven for craftspeople, conservationists and alternative lifestylers.

Today, this Coromandel Town offers the chance for visitors to sample a unique lifestyle that blends past and present in one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand. Enjoy beautiful gardens. Explore art and craft galleries. Take a train ride through some of New Zealand's unique bush-clad hills. Check out some of our gold mining history. Or simply drop out from the rest of the world and take time to "recharge your batteries."

Day 17: Whitianga (Coromandel Peninsula)

This Peninsula has a diverse landscape on a small scale. On one side you find bare mountains of volcanic origin and on the other side a rugged  coastline with beautiful beaches. This day has a lot to offer, from kayaking, riding or hiking some of the local bush walks, to an excursion to Hot Water Beach, so named because a hot spring bubbles up through the sand, making it a lovely warm place to relax at low tide and watch swimmers enjoying the sea and surf.

Day 18: Whitianga - Auckland (190 km)

In the morning, you drive south to the small village of Waiomu. On a 2-hour hike with several river-crossings or swing bridges, you will see some of the few Kauri trees (local giant) left. You will leave the Coromandel Peninsula and reach Auckland after about 3 hours drive. During a sightseeing tour in the "City of Sails", which is famous for its many sailing yachts in the Hauraki Gulf, you will see among other things the Harbour Bridge, Waitemata Yacht Harbour and Mount Eden, from where you can see the Skytower.

Like Sydney, Auckland is dominated by the sea and by the hills. If Rome was built on seven hills, Auckland was built on seven extinct sea-side volcanoes. On one side of the isthmus on which it is built is the Pacific Ocean; on the other the Tasman Sea. At its narrowest, this isthmus is only about a kilometre wide. The city, however, sprawls sideways along the shores of Waitemata and Manukau Harbours and along the Hauraki Gulf. Waitemata Harbour - Sea of Sparkling Waters - is dominated by Rangitoto Island. This closeness to water has two results. First, everyone in Auckland is mad bonkers on sailing. There is one boat to every 16 people. Another effect is that Auckland has a very temperate climate. Most of the rain falls in June, July and August and the coldest month, July, averages about 13 degrees Celsius during the day.

Day 19: Auckland - Departure

The last morning is for your own leisure. We offer free transfers to the airport departing the Hotel between 7am and 3:30pm.