Summer Blast Ex Christchurch - 16 Days - Top Rated Adventure Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Rangitata

Pass By: Rangitata Rafts, 53 Waikari Road, Peel Forest 7992, New Zealand
Leaving Christchurch city centre at 2:30pm your first leg of the journey takes us towards the Southern Alps with fantastic views across the Canterbury Plains real Lord of the Rings country! Tonights unique camp is at the Shearers Headquarters (an actual operating farm) located at the foot of the Southern Alps.

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tonight’s unique camp is at working farm located at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Upgrades available.

Day 2: Rangitata to Lake Tekapo. Get your camera ready as we pass through some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in NZ.

Pass By: Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
Wake up to mountain views and try white water rafting on the mighty Rangitata River! If rafting isn’t for you soak it all in with a morning cycle or walk through Peel forest. We then head through more jaw dropping landscapes (they don’t stop in the South Island) to the picture postcard, Lake Tekapo. Here you will view the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.

Relax in the nearby hot pools or enjoy star gazing at the Mt John Observatory and make the most of staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, plus there are plenty of hike and cycle options to choose from.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Camp with amazing views over Lake Tekapo. Upgrades available.

Day 3: Lake Tekapo to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy hiking by NZs largest peak in Aoraki National Park before heading to the coast.

Pass By: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, 1 Larch Grove, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7999 New Zealand
Today is a real chance to immerse yourself in the snow-capped mountain scenery that New Zealand is famous for. We will be exploring Aoraki National Park and hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain - Mount Cook. We then head back to the Pacific coast with a short stop in the historic town of Oamaru. From there it’s a short drive down the coast to the small village of Moeraki. Go for a walk to a view point and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and try and spot a little blue penguin along the shore. If you have a bike it’s possible to visit a colony of extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins near to camp.

Mount Cook (Maori name - Aoraki meaning 'cloud piercer') dominates the skyline at 3,724m and is New Zealand's highest mountain. Nestled in between the other 18 peaks above 3000m within Aoraki/Mt Cook national, Mt Cook dominates the skyline and is the main feature in the backdrop of our hike to the bottom of the Hooker valley glacier.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: A great camp looking over the Pacific Ocean with upgrades available.

Day 4: Moeraki to Dunedin. Discover the wonders of the Pacific Coast including Moeraki Boulders before our coastal camp.

Pass By: Moeraki Boulders, Moeraki Village, Oamaru New Zealand
Before heading south, we make a stop at the nearby Moeraki Boulders - a collection of perfectly round rocks each weighing up to 4 tonnes that sit down on the beach, and then it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin - the South Island's second-largest city. Its name is the Scots Gaelic word for Edinburgh, a testament to the mostly Scottish settlers who came here. This southern city is also home to the world’s steepest residential street, which makes for a great challenge to see who can get to the top first!

The Otago Coast stretches along the South Island's eastern side and Dunedin marks the halfway point along this coast which has a few decent surf breaks. Our camp is a short walk from the beach and you walk the short distance to St.Clair to grab some food at one of the laid back water front restaurants.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Excellent camp a short walk from the beach (with great surf!). Upgrades available.

Day 5: Dunedin to Fiordland National Park. Experience jaw dropping scenery as we head into NZs most dramatic national park.

Pass By: Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Journey through scenic southern pastures to Te Anau, the hub and jumping-off point for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Our accommodation tonight is a unique and historic site hidden in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley - a true wilderness escape. There is even an onsite museum to learn more about the region and history. For cyclists there is the chance to cycle into camp and for the hikers this camp offers some great short treks (ask your guide about secret glow worm trails).

The south west corner of New Zealand is home to Fiordland - home to wild, dramatic and rugged landscapes. The main town for access to the Fiordland National park region is Te Anau, the park is a World Heritage Area over 1.2 million hectares in size. In this area everything is oversized - gigantic waterfalls, towering mountains and forested valleys meet you around every corner.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tonight we camp in the heart of the Hollyford Valley with cabin upgrades available.

Day 6: Milford Sound and the Routeburn Track. Prepare to be amazed by the 8th wonder of the world and NZs best great walk

Pass By: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Travel one of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Described as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. The fiord's cliffs rise dramatically from the dark waters (home to seals and dolphins) whilst waterfalls as high as 1000 metres cascade downwards. Board the optional boat cruise to explore the fiord up close. Afterwards those who love hiking are in for a treat with the start of the Routeburn Track. This 3 day walk passes through 2 National Parks and is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest. After dropping off our brave Routeburn hikers the rest of us will head back to Te Anau for the night where you can explore more of this small town with the awesome lake front and great mountain views.

In any weather Milford Sound is an incredible spectacle. The sheer cliffs and dramatic waterfalls lead along a spectacular 16km journey to the Tasman sea and back again. The boat cruise lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes and is a great way to see the fiord and get a feel for the scale of this awe-inspiring place!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Perfectly lake front accommodation with great upgrade options

Day 7: Te Anau to Queenstown. Time to enjoy the adrenalin capital of the World

Pass By: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Today we journey to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. Once we arrive at the adventure capital of New Zealand you have a huge selection of activities to choose from. There is everything here, from adrenalin pumping bungy, canyon swing and skydiving to a relaxing horse trek or boat cruise – this place has it all. There are great tracks around the lake ideal for bikers and hikers and all with wonderful views of this alpine region.

Camping isn’t feasible in this bustling alpine village, for the next two nights we stay in dorm-share accommodation in a centrally located hostel. Perfect for making the most of all Queenstown as to offer.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: A great centrally located hostel - included free with your trip!

Day 8: Queenstown. Enjoy a full day to explore this wonderful alpine town with panoramic views & adventure options galore!

Pass By: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
With so much to do we spend another day in fantastic Queenstown with the opportunity to enjoy those once in a lifetime experiences (don’t forget to try the legendary and very tasty fergburger!). Routeburn Track walkers re-join the group here with time to try the many exciting activities this vibrant city has to offer. Tonight you get the opportunity to dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a true kiwi feast (own cost).

Rightfully regarded as the adrenalin capital of New Zealand (if not, the World) Queenstown has something for every taste. It is also a spectacular location, nestled beside the deep blue of Lake Wakatipu by the foot of the Remarkables Range. Queenstown thrives year round with its superb alpine facilities and ski slopes - it was recently voted one of the top 25 cities in the World by a top travel magazine and we know why!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: A great centrally located hostel - included free with your trip!

Day 9: Queenstown to Makarora. One last buzz in Quenstown before heading to our serene lakeside setting.

Pass By: Haast Pass, New Zealand
Our final morning in Queenstown and your last chance to indulge in the Queenstown’s action before leaving at 2:30pm as we travel past mountains and on towards more stunning glacial lakes. On the final stretch to camp we start getting views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Wanaka is just over the next ridge and it’s on the edge of this glacial lake that we find our next wilderness camp. Enjoy great views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains beyond as we absorb the beauty of the area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lakeside camp with stunning views

Day 10: Makarora to Glacier Country. Enjoy iconic mountain views as we start our journey up the wild West Coast.

Pass By: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
Today we're heading to the wild west coast! Today is a substantial drive but the scenery we'll be travelling through is quite dramatic plus we'll be making stops along the way for walks, views, waterfalls, coastline and a couple of bike options! We start the day tracing the northern edge of Mt Aspiring National park crossing the Haast pass and the gateway to the Westland region before meeting the Tasman Sea. Tonight, we will be staying beside the beautiful Lake Paringa enjoying a true West Coast wilderness experience.

The wild "West Coast" refers to the beautiful and diverse area lodged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. This area is home to arguably the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand and the the least number of people - a perfect combination for our tours. The region is dotted with towering mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, thundering rivers and rain forest. The national parks in this region have been designated as World Heritage Areas to help keep this area of supreme natural beauty intact. Residents of the region are known as "coasters" and known for their genuine friendliness.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Great camp with some upgrade options

Day 11: Franz Josef to Okarito Lagoon. Today is about natural beauty - get inspired by the most amazing geological wonders.

Pass By: Okarito Lagoon, Okarito New Zealand
Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – Franz Josef Glacier. This staggering beautiful work of nature is 12 kilometres and descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier with a stunning walk through the main valley up to the terminal face.

Before arriving at Franz Josef, we take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity.

Late afternoon, we have a short drive up the coast to our beautiful beachside campsite next to the Okarito lagoon – one of the very few places where there are still rare sightings of our native kiwi bird and the home to NZ’s only colony of the White Heron (kotuku). Enjoy a fire down on the beach taking in the rugged coast and epic mountain views.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Wonderful remote campsite. Enjoy amazing night skies.

Day 12: Okarito to Paparoa National Park. Enjoy scenery rated as one of the top 10 drives in the world by Lonely Planet.

Pass By: Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, State Highway 6, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki 7873 New Zealand
If you're feeling up to it then you can head out on an early morning walk to watch the sunrise before we continue up this spectacular coastal stretch to Hokitika – home to the Greenstone factories where you can see these skilled craftsmen at work and a great place for a traditional souvenir of your visit. We travel on through pristine native forest to Paparoa National Park where giant columns of water shoot skywards at Pancake Rocks! This beach camp has great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestones rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. In the evening we can relax at the local tavern and explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark.

Hokitika and the surrounding area is a traditional source of greenstone (pounamu) - several stores and outlets offer a variety of jewellery and other items in this thriving arts and crafts scene. Paparoa National Park is home to a plethora of luxuriant coastal forests, limestone cliffs, canyons, caves and underground streams, and an absolutely spectacular coastline, all packed into one national park.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sleep to the sound of the ocean at this beach side camp. Upgrade options available.

Day 13: Punakaiki to the Abel Tasman National Park. Two national parks in one day - spectacular coasts and views guaranteed.

Pass By: Abel Tasman Coast Track, Harvey Road, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park 7010 New Zealand
Leaving Punakaiki mid-morning we make our way inland through the majestic Buller Gorge to one of our favourite National Parks, Abel Tasman. In one of the sunniest areas of the country you will discover beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sands. There are all kinds of options to experience the park but on the day we arrive it's all about getting a birds eye view by skydiving over the area. If you're not keen for this adrenaline activity we'll take you to camp and you can explore from there. Our campsite is located near the entrance to the park and we will be staying here for 3 nights to give you every chance to explore all corners of the park.

New Zealand has a range of fantastic national parks but this is our favourite - maybe it's because this little gem lies on the doorstep of Flying Kiwi HQ but mainly it's due to the the golden sandy beaches, twisting rocky outcrops, turquoise clear waters and beautiful hidden bays. The park is also home to a range of life from dolphins and orcas to tuis and bellbirds. Whether from the ground, water or air the Abel Tasman never fails to disappoint aspiring photographers looking for the perfect beach shot!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Perfectly situated accommodation with upgrade options

Day 14: Abel Tasman National Park. A full day to explore New Zealand only coastal national park - simply spectacular!

Pass By: Abel Tasman Coast Track, Harvey Road, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park 7010 New Zealand
Free day to explore the National Park by kayaking or sailing the crystal-clear waters, or multiple walking options.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Perfectly situated accommodation with upgrades available

Day 15: Abel Tasman National Park. Another full day to explore our favorite spot in New Zealand by air, bike, boat or kayak.

Pass By: Abel Tasman Coast Track, Harvey Road, Marahau, Abel Tasman National Park 7010 New Zealand
We spend another full day at the doorstep to New Zealand’s smallest but most visited national park and our personal favourite, the Abel Tasman.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Perfectly situated accommodation with upgrade options available.

Day 16: Abel Tasman to Picton. Head along the coast in the sunniest area of NZ with free wine tasting

Pass By: Picton Sound, Picton New Zealand
Leaving early, we make our way to Nelson arriving by 11am. If finishing your tour in Nelson its time to say farewell to your fellow travellers. If you are continuing onto finish in your tour in Picton you have a short time to explore Nelson city before leaving at 12:30pm. On route to Picton well make a stop at Pelorus bridge, a Hobbit film location and great place for a quick dip on a warm day arriving into Picton and saying farewell by 5pm.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.