4 Jan: CHRISTCHURCH

Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand. I can provide recommendations on getting there from wherever you need. Also, feel free to arrive earlier to explore the city and area. Stroll along the Avon River at Oxford Terrace and a look at the Cardboard Cathedral, take a short hike along the Godley Head Walkway, visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, take the gondola for impressive views over the city, or take a swim at the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools. This afternoon we’ll check into our lodging and meet for a special welcome dinner! Lodging is TBD.

5 Jan: ARTHUR’S PASS

Drive Time: 2 hours | Drive Distance: 149km

After breakfast, we’ll head to the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps. Along the way, we’ll stop at Castle Hill for amazing valley views before arriving at Arthur’s Pass Village. When we arrive, we can take the short (1.2 mile and 45 min) Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, the (1.9 - 2.7 miles and .5 to 1 hour) Bealey Valley Track, the more challenging (3.9 miles and 4-6 hours) Avalanche Peak Track, or one of the other tracks for incredible views.

After checking into our lodging, we’ll have some time to relax and enjoy dinner before turning in for the night.

Lodging in Arthur’s Pass Village is TBD.

6 Jan: HOKITIKA GORGE and FRANZ JOSEF/FOX GLACIERS

Drive Time: 1 hr 45 mins + 2 hours | Drive Distance: 132 + 161 km

After breakfast, we will head to Hokitika Gorge, a photogenic gem of turquoise waters, white granite cliffs, and lush green forest. From here we will hit the road again and drive for another 2 hours to Franz Josef for our next overnight stop.

In Franz Josef, we have options to enjoy the Waiho Hot Tubs, West Coast Wildlife Centre (for kiwi bird viewing), go to the Fox Glacier Viewpoint, visit Lake Matheson, and/or take one of the other local walks.

Lodging in Franz Josef is TBD.

7-8 Jan: OPTIONAL HELICOPTER RIDE and WANAKA

Drive Time: 4 hours | Drive Distance: 284km

Before we leave for Wanaka, we will have the option to take a 60 min helicopter flight to see several glaciers and land in the snow! In the event of inclement weather, this event may be cancelled (and refunded).

Along the way to Wanaka, we can stop at some scenic spots like Ship Creek, Roaring Billy Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, and the Blue Pools (temp closed but may reopen).

Once we arrive in the incredibly scenic Wanaka, we can see the famous Wanaka Tree, explore some of scenic local beaches, or take a short hike.

The next day, we will start early to take the challenging (8 - 10 miles and 3.5 - 5 hours) but incredibly rewarding Roys Peak Track for breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, and surrounding mountains. Afterwards, we can explore more of Wanaka and maybe experience some local wine tasting.

Lodging in Wanaka is TBD.

9 Jan: ARROWTOWN and QUEENSTOWNE

Drive Time: 1 hour 10 min | Drive Distance: 75km

After breakfast, we’ll take the 50 min drive to Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town on the banks of the Arrow River. From here, we’ll head to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown.

In Queenstown, we can take an optional jet boat ride, take a leisurely bike ride around Lake Wakatipu, go on a short hike, visit the onsen, or just explore the scenic city.

Lodging in Queenstown is TBD.

10 Jan: SIDETRIP TO GLENORCHY

Drive Time: 1.5 hours roundtrip (plus stops) | Drive Distance: 90 km

Glenorchy is a small settlement on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to stop at a Lord of the Rings filming location (Ithilien Lookout), Bob’s Cove, Bennett’s Bluff Lookout, and Glenorchy Wharf. After lunch, we’ll return to Queenstown to explore the city more (see Day 6), do an innovative wine tasting, or perhaps take an afternoon hike.

If you’d like to skip this sidetrip to plan your own activites this day, there’s plenty to do in Queenstown from bungy jumping, 4WD off road adventures, whitewater rafting, and more!

11-13 Jan: TE ANAU, MILFORD SOUND, DOUBTFUL SOUND

Drive Time: 2 hour + 1.75 hour | Drive Distance: 171km + 117km

After breakfast, we’ll make the drive to Te Anau. This scenic lakeside village is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Here we will explore the renowned glowworm caves and take a short stroll along Rainbow Reach.

Next we’ll head to Milford Sound, a small village deep within the Fiordland National Park. New Zealanders refer to Milford Sound as the 8th Wonder of the World! Here we are likely to see fur seals and maybe some bottlenose dolphins. We’ll check into our lodging and have some time to chill and walk the shore.

Lodging in Milford Sound is TBD. Alternative overnight stop in Te Anau (2 hour drive) depending on availability in Milford Sound.

On 12 Jan, we’ll get up early for some of the most scenic kayaking you’ll likely ever experience! This trip will take us on a big loop of Milford Sound with opportunities to spot wildlife and photograph waterfalls. This experience is rated as moderate and includes 3.5 hours of paddling.

In the afternoon, we’ll have the option of taking a boat cruise through the fiord or a combined (short) paddle and hike experience on a remote part of the the famous Milford Track.

On 13 Jan, we’ll leave early for Manapouri where we will give in to the wilderness and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park! Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses us in nature. We will wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna. Experience includes dinner, breakfast, weather-dependent excursion (kayak or tender craft), and onboard nature specialist.

14 Jan: DUNEDIN

Drive Time: 3 hours 20 mins (plus stops) | Drive Distance: 288km

After we disembark from our cruise, we’ll head to Dunedin.

Depending on group interest, we’ll have the option to make some detours along the way to see spots like the Cathedral Caves, Waipati Beach, McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, and/or Nugget Point.

In Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, we will have the opportunity to walk around and view its unique Victorian architecture, visit Larnach Castle, and/or take a short drive out to the scenic Tunnel Beach.

Lodging in Dunedin is TBD.

15-16 Jan: LAKE PUKAKI, MOUNT COOK (NZ’s TALLEST PEAK)

Drive Time: 3.25 - 4 hours | Drive Distance: 276 - 317km

After breakfast, we’ll pass through Moeraki Boulders Beach (with its unique rock formations) as we make our way to Lake Pukaki, with its stunning blue alpine waters. This is said to be one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.

At Lake Pukaki, we’ll have the opportunity to view the incredible lake from different perspectives, and get in a short hike or two before and/or after we check into our lodging near the lake or in Mount Cook Village. Tasman Glacier and Sealy Tarns (3.6 miles and 3-5 hours) are excellent shorter hikes to do and offer excellent views of the area around Mount Cook (New Zealand’s tallest peak! 12,218 ft)

On 16 Jan, we’ll get an early start for hiking the incredible Hooker Valley Track (6.2 miles and 3 hours) and/or other hiking options. Afterwards, you’ll have time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. This is also an opportunity to book another helicoptor flight if the previous one is cancelled due to weather.

17 Jan: LAKE TEKAPO and CHRISTCHURCH

Drive Time: 1 hour + 3 hours | Drive Distance: 104km + 226km

If you’re feeling really motivated, you’re welcome to go on a short sunrise hike (30 mins roundtrip) to see the sunrise over Tasman Glacier, the lake, and surrounding mountains.

After breakfast, we’ll drive 40-60 mins to Lake Tekapo.

Here we’ll have an opportunity to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, perhaps get some exercise in while hiking the Mount John Summit Circuit (5.2 miles and 2 - 2.5 hours), go for a cold swim at one of the beaches or a hot swim at Tekapo Springs.

From here, we’ll head back to our starting point in Christchurch where the afternoon will be yours to do as you wish. This evening we will have a farewell dinner and celebrate our shared adventures!

18 Jan: CHRISTCHURCH and TRIP END

Today our trip ends. After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes as everyone departs for home or their next destination.

*We may make slight modifications to the itinerary to enhance the experience