14-Nights New Zealand Wilderness Adventure – South Island Escape

Day 1: Nelson; Arrival in Nelson

Arrive in Nelson. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Abel Tasman National Park; Abel Tasman Kayak and Walk – Cruise to Meadowbank Homestead

Take a scenic drive through the coastal orchard and vineyards lining the highway from Nelson to Motueka and Kaiteriteri. Board a comfortable Vista Cruise for a journey along the golden Abel Tasman coast from Kaiteriteri north to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks. From Totaranui, walk through native forest and secluded beaches to reach Awaroa Inlet and Meadowbank Homestead.

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park; Abel Tasman National Park (B,L,D)

Wake to breakfast overlooking Meadowbank’s gardens and the waters of Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti where your guide will settle you into your stable, double kayak with full instructions and safety briefing. You’ll then kayak through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and explore hidden inlets on the way to Torrent Bay.

Day 4: Nelson; Abel Tasman Kayak and Walk – Guided Kayaking and Walks

Wake to breakfast at Meadowbank overlooking the gardens and Abel Tasman’s largest tidal estuary. Walk over a forested saddle to Onetahuti, where your guide will provide instructions for kayaking. Kayak through Tonga Island Marine Reserve and explore hidden inlets on the way to Torrent Bay.

Day 5: Kaikoura; Travel to Kaikoura & Whale Watching Cruise

Collect your rental vehicle and make your way to Kaikoura. This afternoon, board your Whale Watch Kaikoura vessel at “The Whaleway Station” for a whale watching cruise. Enjoy chances to view giant sperm whales and take in the marine scenery aboard a comfortable, modern catamaran.

Day 6: Christchurch; Kaikoura to Motunau (B,D)

Head out this morning towards Hanmer Springs, a resort town renowned for its thermal pools and mineral waters. Enjoy a choice or a private sauna or steam, followed by a relaxing body massage before relaxing in one of the outdoor pools. After feeling relaxed and revitalized, make your way to Motunau and the Korimako Purepod. Your journey to the Korimako PurePod starts with a scenic drive through a beautiful and historic farming area. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, which switches from rolling farmland to forest and back to farmland again. If you are lucky you might even get to see a cow or two wandering right beside the road or meet the local farmer moving a mob of sheep along the road. After about 25 minutes you will reach the PurePod carpark. Leave your large luggage items in your locked car (it will be safe) then follow the walking track as it gently winds its way up through the native bush. The walk is just under 450m and will take you around 10 minutes. As you walk, keep an ear out for all the birds, including bellbirds (korimako), fantails (piwakawaka) and the occasional rifleman (titipounamu). Please note, this PurePod is not suitable for those with mobility challenges due to the walk and the steps up to the PurePod. You can bring your own supplies for meals, or ask our team about adding breakfast and dinner provisions.

Day 7: Christchurch; Motunau (B,D)

Relax and take in the serene environment or enjoy an optional guided farm tour. Rent a mountain bike and ride the off-road mountain bike looped 8km track, with beautiful views towards the Hurunui River mouth and the Pegasus Bay coastline.

Day 8: Mount Cook; Motunau to Mt Cook/Aoraki (B)

After breakfast, make your way to Mt. Cook, enjoying the changing scenery as your cross the Canterbury Plains and head towards the Southern Alps.

Day 9: Mount Cook; Mt Cook/Aoraki (B)

Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand's biggest glacier with the thrill of breath-taking scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand's largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You fly in to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier. Your guide will outfit you with special ice spikes for your feet, called crampons, designed for glacier conditions. Then you'll go exploring the amazing ice formations, following your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from New Zealand's Mountain pioneers. Your trip finishes with another spectacular scenic flight back to the Aoraki/Mt Cook base. Every journey is unique, because the glacier is changing all the time and the experienced guides are always finding something new and interesting to show the visitors. Time on the ice is up to 2 hours, weather permitting.

Day 10: Queenstown; Mt Cook to Queenstown (B)

This morning, continue South to Queenstown. The drive from Mount Cook to Queenstown is a captivating journey through the South Island's Southern Alps. You'll witness stunning alpine scenery, including snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. As you descend into Central Otago, the landscape changes to rolling farmland, vineyards, and finally, the dramatic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range welcome you to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. This afternoon, head down to the Main Pier for a 60-minute jetboat ride that offers unforgettable thrills, spins and exhilaration across three waterways in one of the world's most stunning locations.

Day 11: Queenstown; Routeburn Track Day Hike (B)

Rated one of the world’s “Top Ten Classic Hikes”, the Routeburn Track combines personal achievement with awe-inspiring scenery. Today, venture high above the valley and be rewarded with spectacular views and a picnic lunch. Follow the Routeburn River through a magnificent gorge on a gradual ascent through a magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest.

Day 12: Queenstown; Milford Sound Day Trip

After checking in, your pilot will provide a detailed pre-flight briefing, highlighting the route and scenic wonders you'll encounter. Notable sights include Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (famous for its role in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films), and the Donne glacier, among other breathtaking features. The 35-minute flight culminates with a majestic overflight of Milford Sound before landing. The second part of this adventure unfolds in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks. There, you'll board the "Spirit of Milford" for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise, limited to 150 passengers, ensuring an intimate experience. Nature Guides provide insightful commentary as the catamaran delves into the fiord's intricate corners, brushing against sheer rock faces to study the flora and fauna up close. Following your Milford Sound cruise, your return flight offers sweeping views of pristine alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls, a hallmark of Fiordland National Park. Among these, you'll spot the towering Sutherland Falls, stretching 580 meters (1900 feet). The flight lasts an additional 35 minutes, creating a total trip time of about five hours. Enjoy the scenic flight back from Milford Sound before arriving in Queenstown.

Day 13: Queenstown; Funyak Safari (B,L)

Your Funyak journey begins with an exhilarating jet boat ride from Glenorchy up the Dart River deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your jet boat ride, you will travel back down stream with our expert guides in our unique Funyaks (inflatable canoes) working your way through pristine waters as they flow from the Southern Alps to Lake Whakatipu. Explore channels and side-streams in this spectacular wilderness location and witness the native flora and fauna of the area. Take a break at the rivers edge to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch while you take in the sounds of the native birds and the serenity of the native beech forest. Finish up your epic adventure by jumping aboard our coach back to Glenorchy. Travel through paradise and pass some of New Zealand's most renown filming locations, seen in movies such as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and X-Men Origins - Wolverine.

Day 14: Queenstown; Day at leisure Queenstown

Today is free to explore Queenstown at leisure.

Day 15: Queenstown; Depart Queenstown (B)

Free time this morning before heading to Queenstown Airport to return your rental vehicle