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New Zealanders are rightfully proud of the natural beauty of their “clean and green” land, so when we visited in early 2008 and asked them to share with us some of their favorite spots, we designed this trip around their recommendations. The result is an exclusive itinerary that takes you tramping (that’s “hiking” in Kiwi) through places like Kaikoura, known for its rich marine wildlife, and the Southern Alp’s Mt. Aspiring National Park, whose tumbling rivers, towering snowfields, and enormous peaks were featured in the Lord of the Rings films. You’ll tour Milford Sound—a shimmering body of water Rudyard Kipling called the “eighth natural wonder in the world”—and have the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site whose towering Mitre Peak rises straight from the sea. For contrast, you’ll also taste the civilized life of New Zealand in towns like Blenheim, in the heart of the Marlborough wine country! From the rugged alpine landscape to the serenity of the seaside, there are endless places to explore in New Zealand. After relaxing and refueling on delicious local cuisine and acclaimed wines, you’ll undoubtedly be hungry for more adventure. Don’t worry, we thought that might happen—so we’ve included an optional five-day extension on the famous Milford Track!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience New Zealand’s glacial mountains, thriving wine country, and infinite secluded beaches—the way the locals do
• Hike famed trails in four of New Zealand’s national parks, including the Kepler and Routeburn tracks, plus visit the Marlborough wine country (and sample wines!)
• Meander through an enchanting fern tree forest to the majestic Franz Joseph Glacier, stretching nearly eight miles toward the Tasman Sea
• Opt for an incredible four-day hike on the celebrated Milford Track, “the finest walk in the world”

Detailed Itinerary: Great Hikes of New Zealand

Day 1 - Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand. Head to Kaikoura, one of the best places in the world to see sea mammals like dolphins and whales. Hike around the peninsula to observe playful seals and sea birds, as well as enjoy spectacular views of the coastal mountains.

Day 2 - Drive to Blenheim, in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, and visit a local winery for a sampling of their fantastic wines (try the award-winning Sauvignon Blanc!). Continue to Nelson Lakes National Park and hike up Roberts Ridge for dramatic views of Tasman Bay and the mountains of Kahurangi National Park.

Day 3 - Hike among the limestone canyons and lush rainforest of the Inland Pack Track in Paparoa National Park. You’ll also check out Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks, whose blowholes put on a fascinating natural fountain display during high tide.

Day 4 - Hike to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier, an enormous river of ice that comes right down through the rainforest to sea level.

Day 5 - Hike into the isolated Siberia Valley in the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park, followed by a wild jet boat ride on the Wilkin River. Overnight in a family-style homestead in the shadow of the mountains.

Day 6 - Hike up the Matukituki Valley, in Mt. Aspiring National Park, to the Rob Roy Glacier, taking in tumbling rivers, towering snowfields, and huge mountain peaks straight from the set of The Lord of the Rings! Continue to Queenstown, known as the “adventure capital of the world.”

Day 7 - A free day in adventure-minded Queenstown: fishing, wine tours, kiwi-viewing, horse trekking, jet boating, hang gliding, and even bungee jumping—it’s all here!

Day 8 - Drive to Te Anau for a hike through ancient beech forests along the Kepler Track, followed by a beautiful drive to Milford Sound, where lush rainforests give way to the massively steep, glacier-carved slopes and waterfalls of the Darren Range.

Day 9 - Take a relaxing boat cruise past Lady Bowen Falls and beneath towering Mitre Peak on Milford Sound, then hike along the Routburn Track to Key Summit, with fabulous mountain views. Return to Queenstown.

Day 10 - Hike above Queenstown in mountains reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. Overnight in Mt. Cook. (If you booked the Milford Track extension, you will depart the group and begin the hike today. See below for details!)

Day 11 - Day hike up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake at the base of the iceberg-filled Hooker Glacier. Celebrate your last night at the locally famous Old Mountaineers Café, offering views of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt. Cook.

Day 12 - Return to Christchurch in the mid-afternoon and fly back to Auckland. Depart Auckland.

Optional Milford Track Extension
Hike the acclaimed 33-mile Milford Track, popularly known as the “the finest walk in the world,” passing through the wonderland of cascading waterfalls (including New Zealand’s highest falls), beech forests, and glacial valleys of Fiordland National Park (part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area). Extension begins on Day 10 of the itinerary (note that this means you will not participate in the last two days of the 12-day itinerary). 4 days moderate hiking on steep, rough, slippery terrain. Lodging for 3 nights in huts with communal bunkroom sleeping arrangements (private accommodations are available for an extra fee).

Photo Credits
©Douglas Steakley