Ultimate South Island Adventure
Ultimate South Island Adventure
Ultimate South Island Adventure
14 Days Starting in Christchurch and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Kaikōura, Gore Bay, St. Arnaud, West Coast, Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier, Paparoa National Park, Ōkārito Lagoon, Rocky Mountain Track, Queenstown, Kepler Track, Te Anau, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UltSouth
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 14
Age range:
16-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Looking for a great, outdoorsy way to see New Zealand? Our signature trip, the Ultimate South Island Adventure, is the perfect hiking tour for you. We'll take you on an unforgettable journey exploring our mountains in Mount Cook National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park, walking the West Coast rainforest and coastlines, getting up close to glaciers in Franz Josef, cycling incredibly scenic trails such as the Alps to Ocean trail, hiking sections of our Great Walks, and even cruising on Milford Sound. You'll experience our unique culture and wildlife along the way. Each night, we'll stay in carefully hand-picked accommodations in some of New Zealand's most stunning settings. We've been fine-tuning this perennial favorite since 1996, and it's simply an incredible trip. You'll explore the most beautiful, famous and little-known places in the South Island with legendary hospitality and unsurpassed attention to detail on our 14-day Ultimate South Island Adventure tour. Be prepared to leave a piece of your heart in New Zealand.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive, Visit Gore Bay And Explore Kaikoura
Location: Christchurch, Kaikōura, Gore Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sudima Kaikoura, Kaikoura
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving in Auckland early Monday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you. You’ll start your trip by travelling up the coast, stopping off at Gore Bay for a picnic lunch, and exploration of the rugged coast with its fresh air. You'll continue onto the seaside town of Kaikoura, passing weathered limestone cliffs, where we can walk to view fur seals basking on the rocks and playing in the eddies from a look-out point. This stretch of rugged coastline that was uplifted in the Kaikoura earthquake - it’s amazing to see this brand new land! Today is a relaxed introduction to New Zealand. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll probably find jetlag is no big deal. It’s a 12 to 13 hour direct overnight flight from the West Coast of the USA to Auckland so you’ll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.Hiking:0.5-1 hour
Day 2 : Multi-Day Options
Location: St. Arnaud
From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along spectacular coastline for a couple of hours to Blenheim, a town in the Marlborough wine region. We’ll have a picnic lunch before we head off to St Arnaud.
DAY 2 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
Your hike begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut and jetty. From here, we’ll board a water taxi to take us back to St Arnaud, where you’ll stay for the next couple of nights.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
DAY 2 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
The Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking option begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut, a small mountain cabin at the head of the lake and our home for the night. Our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. All you’ll be carrying is a backpack with your sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and a share of our food. To protect this beautiful and fragile environment, we always keep our group sizes small and our exact route flexible. (Note: The Angelus Hut Challenging Option is rated a Level 4 on our Activity Scale)
Accommodation: Lakehead Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Day 2 : Multi-Day Options
Location: St. Arnaud
From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along spectacular coastline for a couple of hours to Blenheim, a town in the Marlborough wine region. We’ll have a picnic lunch before we head off to St Arnaud.
DAY 2 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
Your hike begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut and jetty. From here, we’ll board a water taxi to take us back to St Arnaud, where you’ll stay for the next couple of nights.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
DAY 2 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
The Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking option begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut, a small mountain cabin at the head of the lake and our home for the night. Our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. All you’ll be carrying is a backpack with your sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and a share of our food. To protect this beautiful and fragile environment, we always keep our group sizes small and our exact route flexible. (Note: The Angelus Hut Challenging Option is rated a Level 4 on our Activity Scale)
Accommodation: Lakehead Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Day 3 : Multi-Day Options Continued
Location: St. Arnaud
DAY 3 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Coldwater Hut to St Arnaud
After breakfast, you’ll return by water taxi to the top end of the lake, and this time you’ll arrive at Coldwater hut and jetty – just across the river from Lakehead hut. From here you'll follow the trail as it gently winds its way around Lake Rotoiti to Whisky Creek, and the beautiful Whisky Falls. Feel free to fill up your water bottles from Whisky Creek, but it IS only water, honest! After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to West Bay and loop back to St Arnaud for the evening.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 295 feet (90 meters) ascent, 295 feet (90 meters) descent
DAY 3 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Lakehead Hut to Angelus Hut
Today is an unforgettable day – the scenery gets better with each step! You'll follow the Travers River through beech forest, before heading up the Hukere Stream towards the ridgeline. This is a challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), but it’s absolutely worth it. The Angelus Circuit has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. There’s no rush and your guides will be there to encourage you the whole way. It’s a tremendous feeling at the top when you reach Angelus Hut, nestled beside a gorgeous alpine lake. Many people tell us this hidden gem was the highlight of their New Zealand adventure, and a lot of Kiwis prefer the Angelus Circuit to better-known tracks.
IMPORTANT: For guests participating in early season departures (i.e. September, October, and sometimes early November) access to Angelus Hut can be impeded due to the removal of the Hukere Stream bridge on the upper section of the Cascade Track, during the New Zealand winter months, to prevent possible avalanche damage. The reinstallation of the bridge depends on the amount of snow in the area and so in the event Angelus Hut cannot be accessed, we will either enjoy alternative hikes in the area and stay a second night at Lakehead Hut, or venture to Bushline Hut.
Accommodation: Angelus Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), 6-8 hours. Note: Rated a Level 4 on our Activity Scale
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) ascent
Day 3 : Multi-Day Options Continued
Location: St. Arnaud
DAY 3 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Coldwater Hut to St Arnaud
After breakfast, you’ll return by water taxi to the top end of the lake, and this time you’ll arrive at Coldwater hut and jetty – just across the river from Lakehead hut. From here you'll follow the trail as it gently winds its way around Lake Rotoiti to Whisky Creek, and the beautiful Whisky Falls. Feel free to fill up your water bottles from Whisky Creek, but it IS only water, honest! After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to West Bay and loop back to St Arnaud for the evening.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 295 feet (90 meters) ascent, 295 feet (90 meters) descent
DAY 3 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Lakehead Hut to Angelus Hut
Today is an unforgettable day – the scenery gets better with each step! You'll follow the Travers River through beech forest, before heading up the Hukere Stream towards the ridgeline. This is a challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), but it’s absolutely worth it. The Angelus Circuit has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. There’s no rush and your guides will be there to encourage you the whole way. It’s a tremendous feeling at the top when you reach Angelus Hut, nestled beside a gorgeous alpine lake. Many people tell us this hidden gem was the highlight of their New Zealand adventure, and a lot of Kiwis prefer the Angelus Circuit to better-known tracks.
IMPORTANT: For guests participating in early season departures (i.e. September, October, and sometimes early November) access to Angelus Hut can be impeded due to the removal of the Hukere Stream bridge on the upper section of the Cascade Track, during the New Zealand winter months, to prevent possible avalanche damage. The reinstallation of the bridge depends on the amount of snow in the area and so in the event Angelus Hut cannot be accessed, we will either enjoy alternative hikes in the area and stay a second night at Lakehead Hut, or venture to Bushline Hut.
Accommodation: Angelus Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), 6-8 hours. Note: Rated a Level 4 on our Activity Scale
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) ascent
Day 4 : Multi-Day Options Continued
Location: West Coast
DAY 4 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Hike Roberts Ridge
After breakfast, don your hiking boots and set out for this morning's walk. You'll explore the beautiful peninsula track, stretching out into Lake Rotoiti, before making our way to the Pinchgut Track. This trail gives access to Mt. Robert, and Robert's Ridge, where the rest of the group will be approaching from the Angelus Circuit. You'll wind our way up the trail through the native beech trees and manuka scrub to meet the group. Once we’re back together we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, before carrying on to the West Coast.
Hiking: Up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) ascent, up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) descent
DAY 4 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti
Wake up on top of the world! After breakfast, you’ll hike out along the barren Robert Ridge with dramatic views of Tasman Bay and the mountainous Kahurangi National Park in the distance. You’ll descend below the tree line again into native beech forest completing our hike on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here, you’ll meet up with the Rotoiti Circuit explorers and share stories of our adventures, before carrying on to the West Coast.
Hiking: 6.8 miles 11 kilometers(), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 230 feet (70 meters) ascent, 2,755 feet (840 meters) descent
DAY 4
Regroup, travel to West Coast
After regrouping in St Arnaud, we’ll head across the Southern Alps to the West Coast – a dramatic and rugged coastline stretching 372 miles (600 kilometers), with a population of only 40,000 people. You’ll mingle with the ‘Coasters’ tonight in the seaside village of Punakaiki, exchanging tales of our adventures over dinner.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Multi-Day Options Continued
Location: West Coast
DAY 4 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Hike Roberts Ridge
After breakfast, don your hiking boots and set out for this morning's walk. You'll explore the beautiful peninsula track, stretching out into Lake Rotoiti, before making our way to the Pinchgut Track. This trail gives access to Mt. Robert, and Robert's Ridge, where the rest of the group will be approaching from the Angelus Circuit. You'll wind our way up the trail through the native beech trees and manuka scrub to meet the group. Once we’re back together we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, before carrying on to the West Coast.
Hiking: Up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) ascent, up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) descent
DAY 4 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti
Wake up on top of the world! After breakfast, you’ll hike out along the barren Robert Ridge with dramatic views of Tasman Bay and the mountainous Kahurangi National Park in the distance. You’ll descend below the tree line again into native beech forest completing our hike on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here, you’ll meet up with the Rotoiti Circuit explorers and share stories of our adventures, before carrying on to the West Coast.
Hiking: 6.8 miles 11 kilometers(), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 230 feet (70 meters) ascent, 2,755 feet (840 meters) descent
DAY 4
Regroup, travel to West Coast
After regrouping in St Arnaud, we’ll head across the Southern Alps to the West Coast – a dramatic and rugged coastline stretching 372 miles (600 kilometers), with a population of only 40,000 people. You’ll mingle with the ‘Coasters’ tonight in the seaside village of Punakaiki, exchanging tales of our adventures over dinner.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 : Hike Punakaiki Rainforest, Explore Hokitika
Location: Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier, Paparoa National Park
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning hiking the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons, following in the footsteps of gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. While we’re in Punakaiki, you’ll also check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through the relentless pounding of the Tasman Sea. Traveling along the scenic coastline, we’ll stretch our legs in Hokitika and check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade), before carrying on to the township of Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next couple of nights. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country.Hiking:6 kilometers (4 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 130 meters (425 feet)
Day 6 : Kayak Okarito Lagoon, Hike Coastal Forest And Beach
Location: Ōkārito Lagoon, Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. You'll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds. Later we’ll head back to Franz Josef where you’ll have the option to take another walk or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying a traditional Kiwi roast dinner.Hiking:4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 120 meters (394 feet)Kayaking:2-4 hours
Day 7 : Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through temperate rainforest to just 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. We’ll spend most of the day near Franz Josef Glacier hiking up through the forest to get incredible views of the ice. Wet weather can inhibit these hikes, so we may opt to hike around Lake Matheson and to the Blue Pools near Haast Pass instead.
From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest and then inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt. Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.Hiking:Alex Knob Hike: Up to 8 kilometers (5 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation +/- 1,100 meters (3,610 feet)Notes: Optional Activities:Optional Heli-hike (extra fee applies): An outrageously scenic alternative to this afternoon’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilization. The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only.Â
Please note also there is a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds).
Day 8 : Hike Rocky Mountain
Location: Rocky Mountain Track
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The landscape this morning changes rapidly from dense beech forest to semi-arid mountainous terrain. You’ll hike the Rocky Mountain track today, a spectacular circuit through an area carved out by Ice Age glaciers, with native forest and shrubland. Enjoy lunch after your hike in Wanaka before a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, our base for the next couple of days.Hiking:7 kilometers (4.5 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 375 meters (1,230 feet)
Day 9 : Free Day In Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.
Day 10 : Hike Kepler Track
Location: Kepler Track, Te Anau
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll make our way around Lake Wakatipu, leaving behind the towering Remarkables, and head west to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. This afternoon we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Wainu River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views! Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.Hiking:9.5 kilometers (6 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/-50 meters (165 feet)
Day 11 : Milford Sound Cruise, Hike Key Summit
Location: Te Anau, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodge
Accommodation Name: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s an early start this morning as we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breath-taking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water. We’ll jump on board the first boat cruise of the day, where we’ll have the water to ourselves, as we gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. We may be lucky enough to encounter the friendly fur seals and dolphins that are sometimes in the area. After the cruise, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before heading out to explore more of Fiordland’s wilderness on foot. We’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track for unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina, before making our way back to Te Anau for the night. Hiking:3.4 kilometers (2 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 380 meters (1,246 feet)
Day 12 : Journey Over Lindis Pass, Bike The Alps To Ocean Trail
Location: Lake Pukaki
Accommodation Name: We use a variety of accommodation for stays in this region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, we’ll head back through Queenstown and head North, driving through the tussock-country of Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki, where you’ll hop on a bike and ride a portion of the Alps to Ocean Trail, following the well-groomed trail around the alpine lake with views across to the magnificent Aoraki Mount Cook, passing a range of native plants including Kowhai (with brilliant yellow flowers, popular with endemic Tui birds), flax and tussocks. The trail then cuts through farmland across the Mackenzie Country basin and we’ll make our way back to Twizel. We’ll bike straight to our accommodation for our last two nights, with stunning views stretching across the Southern Alps. We’re in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with light pollution strictly controlled in the area, so it’s the ideal spot to stargaze!Biking:24 kilometers (15 miles), 2 hours
Day 13 : Hike Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park
Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park visitor centre
Accommodation Name: We use a variety of accommodation for stays in this region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mt. Cook, named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite the mountain, we'll set off on a stunning day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It’s a challenging hike, but you’ll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever! The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it’s a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If we aren’t able to do the Mueller Glacier hike, or you’d like to take it a little easier, there’s an impressive hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier. Then you'll head back to your accommodation for the last night of your adventure, where we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner together and watch the sun set over the Southern Alps.Hiking:Mueller Ridge Hike: 7.2 kilometers (4.4 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation +/- 975 meters (3,200 feet)Hiking:Hooker Glacier Hike: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 100 meters (328 feet)
Day 14 : Depart For Home
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast you’ll head to Christchurch, arriving in time for afternoon flights. We hope you'll leave refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand! If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation for the entire period you are with us.
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Fully Guided
Highly experienced trip leader on this tour.
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Meals
All meals except where indicated in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Gratuities for your guides.
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Insurance
Travel insurance.
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
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Optional
Optional extra activities.
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15% NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
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Pre/Post Accommodation
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Rental gear
Trip Notes
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Activity Level 4: Challenge Accepted, I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it. Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents. Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime. Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide.
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What is the maximum group size?
The max group size is 14 people.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included.
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What is the minimum group size?
The min group size is 5 people.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days. If you've chosen the Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking option, you'll also require a good quality trekking pack with well-fitting shoulder and waist straps. Your pack should be 60 litre size (3500 cubic inches), large enough to fit your sleeping bag inside along with all your multi-day gear.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are covered by our Active Adventures Assurance policy.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1996
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our trips attract a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, countries and ages, which makes our small group adventures all the more interesting and fun. All our people tend to enjoy active lifestyles, great food, good company and new experiences. If this sounds like you, then you’ll be in good company
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We send online booking information via our club page you’ll gain access to your trip notes, destination information, a detailed gear list and all the information you need for your trip. There are a few things to fill in – medical and dietary information, extra accommodation requests, gear hire requests etc. – to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure vacation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travellers Against Plastic
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes,
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
When it comes to the safety of our guests, it has always been our number one priority. We’ve introduced strict protocols to adhere to current Covid safety guidelines that are relative to the destination, country and location of your adventure – these are dependent on the current rules and restrictions that are in place at the time of your trip.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Health and safety are just as important as the amazing places in the most stunning parts of the world we travel. Another focus of ours is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure we are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Active Adventures allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Active Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform active adventures, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Active Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of active adventures charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.