The Best Hikes of the South Island as Recommended by the Kiwis
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 Alps' 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 experience 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 given you the option to end your adventure on a 5-day hike along the Milford Track, or spend two beautiful days exploring the white peaks of Mount Cook!
Activities
10-12 days moderate hiking on uneven, slippery terrain
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience New Zealand's glacial mountains, thriving wine country, and picturesque coastline-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 Josef Glacier, stretching nearly eight miles toward the Tasman Sea
- Opt to end your adventure on the celebrated Milford Track, "the finest walk in the world," or on the snowcapped peaks of Mount Cook!
2010/2011 FALL AND WINTER PRICES
12-day itinerary with Mount Cook
$4,795 (11-14 members)
$5,195 (8-10 members)
$5,395 (6-7 members)
$800 single supplement
14-day itinerary with Milford Track
$6,095 (11-14 members)
$6,395 (8-10 members)
$6,595 (6-7 members)
$700 single supplement
$500 Milford Track private Queen/Twin
$1,000 Milford Track private single
Duration: 14 days Start Location: Christchurch End Location: Christchurch (12-Day) or Queenstown (14-Day) Best time to go: January - March, October - December
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Christchurch – Kaikoura Peninsula
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.
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Day 2 : Marlborough Winery – Hike Nelson Lakes National Park
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.
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Day 3 : Hiking at Punakaiki – West Coast
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.
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Day 4 : Franz Josef Glacier
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.
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Day 5 : Hike in Siberia Valley, Mt. Aspiring National Park
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.
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Day 6 : Hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park, Queenstown
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."
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Day 7 : Free Day in Queenstown
A free day in adventure-minded Queenstown: fishing, wine tours, kiwi-viewing, horse trekking, jet boating, hang gliding, and even bungy jumping-it's all here!
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Day 8 : Hiking Kepler Track, Milford Sound
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 massively steep, glacier-carved slopes and waterfalls of the Darren Range.
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Day 9 : Milford Sound Boat Cruise, Hike Routeburn Track – Queenstown
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.
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Day 10 : Hike along the Milford Track to Glade Lodge - or Hike up Ben Lomond before transfering to Mount Cook
Transfer to the Milford Track, and hike to the Glade House, or hike above Queenstown in mountains reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, before transfering to Mount Cook. Overnight at the Glade House, or on Mount Cook.
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Day 11 : Hike along the Milford Track to Pompolona Lodge - or Hiking near Mount Cook
Hike along the Milford Track to Pompolona Lodge, or day hike up the Hooker Valley to an iceberg filled lake at the base of Hooker Glacier. 12-Day group celebrates your last night at the locally famous Old Mountaineers Café, offering views of New Zealand's highest peak, Mt. Cook.
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Day 12 : Hike along the Milford Track to Quintin Lodge - or Depart Christchurch
Hike along the Milford Track to Quintin Lodge, or return to Christchurch in the mid-afternoon and depart.
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Day 13 : Hike the Milford Track to Mitre Peak Lodge
Hike the Milford Track to Mitre Peak Lodge
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Day 14 : Complete the Milford Track Hike, and Depart from Queenstown
Finish your 33 miles along the Milford Track, cruise across the Milford Sound, and return to Queenstown fpr international flights home.
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Milford Lodge
Milford SoundNestled beneath the towering peaks of the Darran Mountains, the facilities include a large comfortable lounge, a communal kitchen and the indoor/ outdoor courtyard dining areas.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
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