SOUTH ISLAND ODYSSEY

STYLE
This tour is the first 11 days of the Best of the South Island tour, and does not include the Routeburn Track. This active adventure is suitable for anyone of average fitness. Over days 1 through 9, we’ll hike two to four miles daily. There will also be plenty of time to relax or enjoy optional activities and excursions. Meals are served by our hosts, enjoyed in restaurants, or, in the case of several picnic lunches, prepared by our guide. Lodgings are the best available in keeping with the unique character of these special areas... cozy bed and breakfast inns and boutique lodges, unique hotels, and comfortable mountain huts (with hot showers!).

DAY 1: ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
Arrive in Christchurch -the most English city outside England- and meet your guide and group at 6:00pm for a welcome dinner and orientation. Overnight at our bed & breakfast inn. D

DAY 2: KAIKOURA
The morning begins with a drive north along the coast to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Once a sleepy fishing village, Kaikoura is waking up to its increasing popularity as one of the best places in the world to view marine mammals. An amazing variety of whales, dolphins, and seals feed in the krill-rich waters surrounding Kaikoura. This afternoon we’ll hike around the peninsula and observe seals and sea birds as well as spectacular views of the surrounding coastal mountains. That evening we stay at an historic convent turned charming bed & breakfast lodge. Our hosts provide wonderful company and a delicious evening meal. B/L/D

DAY 3: DOLPHIN SWIM / MARUIA HOT SPRINGS
Rise early this morning to greet the day with a pre-breakfast get together with some of Kaikoura’s more famous local personalities- the playful Dusky Dolphins! With mask, snorkel, and fins we’ll have the opportunity to enter their world and swim amongst them. If you’d prefer, stay on the boat and marvel at their acrobatic displays. After breakfast we head for the hills, stopping for short walks and a picnic lunch in the forest along Lewis Pass before reaching our home in the mountains. At Maruia Springs we have our own natural hot pools just outside our door. Enjoy a relaxed soak beneath the starry southern sky anytime during our stay. Dinner and overnight at our mountain resort. B/L/D

DAY 4: WEST COAST / PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK
Today it’s on to the wild West Coast. At Cape Foulwind enjoy a coastal hike and views of the Tasman Sea and surrounding Southern Alps. New Zealand fur seals inhabit the rocky coastline and sea birds soar about the clifftops. Then we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at a café overlooking the breakers. In the afternoon we enter Paparoa National Park. Our hike takes us along the Pororari River through limestone landscapes and sub-tropical rainforest. Eventually we emerge from the palm- and fern-filled forest to the sea. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the sand to our lodgings for the night. That evening we enjoy a barbecue by the beach. B/L/D

DAY 5: PANCAKE ROCKS / FOX GLACIER / WESTLAND NATIONAL PARK
A morning walk along the beach and a visit to the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes is a perfect way to start the day. Then it’s on to Westland National Park and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers stopping along the way at the old gold mining town of Hokitika, now a center for local crafts. That afternoon we enjoy a walk through a temperate rainforest for views of the glaciers. Overnight at Fox Glacier. B/L/D

DAY 6: FOX GLACIER
This morning an early walk around Lake Matheson reveals the reflections of New Zealand’s highest peaks: Mounts Cook and Tasman. Then after a hearty breakfast it’s on to the glacier! Hoisting our alpenstocks, we follow the guide as he cuts steps into the ice, leading us on a journey of discovery through crevasses and over moraines. In recent times, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers have advanced far down the mountains cutting a path of destruction through the surrounding rock and rainforest. Overnight at Fox Glacier. B/L/D

DAY 7: SOUTHWEST NEW ZEALAND WORLD HERITAGE AREA / LAKE WANAKA
The day begins as we wind our way along the World Heritage Highway. A rainforest walk brings us to an isolated beach where we may catch a glimpse of nesting penguins. Then it’s up and over the Haast Pass and along the beautiful shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. In the afternoon we’ll make a brief stop to sample local wines at a picturesque winery. Overnight at our Wanaka bed and breakfast lodge. B/L/D

DAY 8: MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
After a morning drive through the Matukituki Valley into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Our hike leads us across a swing bridge, through a river gorge to a grassy paradise surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of hanging glaciers, waterfalls and misty rainbows. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the most amazing scenery. On occasion, spectacular avalanches are seen in the distance. In the afternoon we will return to Wanaka where you can explore town and choose between a number of excellent restaurants. B/L

DAY 9: WANAKA TO MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT
Drive through upended land which was carved, tumbled and jumbled by grinding glaciers during the last ice age. Stop for short walks at areas of interest in Fiordland National Park on the way to Milford Sound. In the afternoon, board our vessel for a cruise through the Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove beneath the towering Mount Pembroke. Before sunset, explore the fiord by kayak or tender craft or simply relax on the deck of the vessel. Overnight onboard our luxury vessel with private cabins & ensuite bathrooms - enveloped by the majesty of Milford Sound. B/L/D

DAY 10: MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN
Wake to the silence and serenity of Milford Sound. After breakfast we head ashore and drive to the Divide to start the Routeburn Track where we will say good-bye to the rest of the group at the Divide and take a bus to Queenstown. The afternoon in Queenstown can be spent exploring this exciting town. Overnight in Queenstown. B

DAY 11: DEPART QUEENSTOWN
Depending on your flight time, there might be time for one more activity in Queenstown after breakfast. Then we will transfer you to the Queenstown Airport for flights home or to continue another adventure. B

Cost: NZ$ 5200.00 per person

Single Supplement NZ$ 600.00

Group Size: Minumum 4 / Maximum 12

What's Included
All ground and air transportation during the tour, meals, accommodation, activities specified in the itinerary, New Zealand goods and services tax, and a Kiwi guide.

What's Not Included
Flights before or after the tour, meals not specified above and any activities mentioned as optional in the itinerary, items and expenses of a personal nature.

Trip dates by request