New Zealand's Wild Wonders: Southern Alps & National Parks

Nau Mai Haere Mai ki Ōtautahi: Welcome to Christchurch!

Arrive in Christchurch and transfer at your leisure to the vibrant Drifters Inn, centrally located in the heart of the city. Our first group meeting is 4:00 PM in our hotel lobby, where we will get to get to know one another, and learn more about the adventure ahead. We’ll kick things off with Āmiki Tours Kai Safari—a cultural and culinary walking tour that will introduce us to the rich Māori heritage and flavors of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Along the way, we’ll sample an array of traditional and modern dishes, learning about indigenous ingredients and the deep connection between food and storytelling in Māori culture. This immersive (and delicious!) experience sets the perfect tone for our adventure.

Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Drifters Inn
Daily Activities: Cultural walking tour

We’ll get an early start this morning, heading west toward the rugged coastline. We’ll break the journey for lunch and the delightful Devil’s Punchbowl walk through beech forest, zigzagging up a series of steps to one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls.

We’ll reach Punakaiki, a small community on the West Coast nestled on the edge of the Paparoa National Park, in late afternoon. There may be time to visit a nearby cavern and check out the glowworms that glow through bioluminescence, thereby enticing prey to the sticky silk threads they make which hang like fishing lines. Tonight, we settle in at Punakaiki Resort, just steps from the beach, where we’ll enjoy dinner together with the soothing sound of waves crashing in the background.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Punakaiki Resort
Scenic Drive: 5 hours
Daily Activities: Hike 1 hour

The boundaries of the Paparoa National Park were carefully established to encompass a complete range of landscapes and ecosystems running all the way inland from the coast to the rugged ice- carved Paparoa Ranges. This morning we’ll explore 2 of the Park’s highlights. We kick off our Paparoa National Park experience with a loop walk on one of Aotearoa New Zealand's famous 'Great Walks', the Paparoa Track. From the Punakaiki terminus we have a couple of options, both passing through the stunning Pororari River Gorge, before returning via the same way, or if time allows, through the Paparoa Track alternate terminus to create a loop. From there we’ll head to a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools. The Pancake Rocks were formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. Gradually seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed. Mildly acidic rain, wind and seawater sculpted the bizarre shapes. After lunch we embark on a scenic drive down the West Coast to the village of Franz Josef, a small but vibrant village nestled at the base of the Southern Alps. We’ll arrive in time for a wander - explore the town or take a relaxed walk along the nearby river.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Franz Josef
Scenic Drive: 3.5 hours
Daily Activities: Hiking 4.54 miles, elevation change 800 ft +/-

Today, we swap hiking boots for paddles as we explore the serene waters of Okarito Lagoon. Okarito is New Zealand’s largest unmodified estuarine lagoon - home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kōtuku/white heron and royal spoonbills. The lagoon is surrounded by lush native rainforest, above which rise the towering snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. The area is an important feeding ground for thousands of wading birds and there’s a huge area of shallow open water and tidal flats perfect for sheltered water kayaking. Gliding along the kayak trail will bring us up close (but not too close) and personal with this amazing colony of birds.

After lunch we can either return to Franz Josef for a leisurely afternoon or stay in Okarito and hike to the Okarito Trig Viewpoint. This walk initially meanders through bush before crossing the estuary on a curving boardwalk and then winding gently uphill to the Trig. On a clear day, the view is unbeatable, overlooking Westland National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps’ extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast.

Heading back to Franz Josef, we’ll have time to soak in the Waiho hot tubs before dinner– a treat for tired legs!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Daily Activities: Kayaking 3.5 hours, Optional Hike 2.6 miles

Wake up to the fresh alpine air. The heart of Glacier Country, the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, offer the most accessible rivers of ice in the world, plunging down through rainforest almost to sea level. This morning, depending on the weather, we’ll pick from one of several hikes in the area to showcase these spectacular ice formations, where towering seracs and deep crevasses make for a mesmerizing landscape.

We’ll experience one of the best scenic drives in New Zealand from the Glaciers to the Lakes. Tracking down the West Coast through the breath-taking Haast Pass, pausing to experience the Waiatoto River Safari jet. This route takes us from Ocean to the Alps within a UNESCO World Heritage Area, journeying into remote Haast backcountry that would take days to travel through on foot. We'll be awed by the majestic landscape and stunning scenery- rainforest and native bush, alpine tussock lands, lakes and mountains - this road showcases the best of South Island scenery all in one go. By evening, we arrive in Wānaka, where we’ll settle in for the next two nights.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Edgewater Resort Wānaka
Scenic Drive Time: 5 hours
Daily Activities: Hike up to 6 miles

Continuing with our glacier theme, today’s hike brings us face to face with active glaciers. The Rob Roy Glacier Track leads into Tititea / Mt. Aspiring National Park, an amazing world of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. Following the glacial-fed Matukituki River, we traverse a fairytale-like beech forest and cross dramatic suspension bridges before reaching a stunning alpine valley. At the viewpoint, we’ll soak in the sight of the hanging glacier clinging to the cliffs, with the occasional crack and rumble of falling ice echoing through the valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, known for its playful and mischievous nature. After our return hike, enjoy a free evening in Wānaka, where you can explore lakeside restaurants and cozy wine bars at your own pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Edgewater Resort Wānaka
Scenic Drive Time: 2 hours round trip
Daily Activities: Hike 6.2 miles, 1,300 feet +/-

We start the day with a paddle on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, surrounded by golden tussock fields and the snow-dusted peaks of the majestic Southern Alps. Lake Wānaka is one of New Zealand’s largest lakes, situated in a glacier carved basin making for an unforgettable kayaking adventure exploring the lakeshore.

After lunch, we set out on a spectacular drive over Crown Range Road, the highest sealed alpine pass in New Zealand, offering sweeping views of the Wakatipu Basin. We hug the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu, Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest lake, to Kingston and then cross through several small farming settlements, before ending our journey in the township of Te Anau, a tranquil lakeside town and the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Te Anau
Scenic Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Daily Activities: Kayaking (4 hours)

Prepare for one of the most breathtaking experiences of the journey as we venture deep into Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its towering fjords, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. We’ll follow the scenic Milford Road, with awe-inspiring viewpoints along the way, including the Mirror Lakes, where the still waters perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains.

Reaching The Divide, we hike to Key Summit, a 3 hour return hike which forms part of the Routeburn Track, gives spectacular views of the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt and Earl mountain ranges. By mid-afternoon, we board our overnight cruise on the tranquil waters of Milford Sound. As the boat glides through the fjord, we’ll be dwarfed by sheer rock faces soaring 4,000 feet or more from the sea. At 5,551 feet, the iconic Mitre Peak is a spectacular sight and New Zealand’s most photographed mountain. In the heart of a rainforest, we’ll witness walls of temporary waterfalls. Glorious on a fine day, the ethereal, moody beauty in the rain is equally spectacular.

Be sure to keep an eye out for fur seals, penguins, and even bottlenose dolphins playing in the wake. After a delicious onboard dinner, relax under a starlit sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

The Milford Mariner is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfect for cruising the fiord with private ensuite cabins, an onboard specialist nature guide and delicious food prepared by the onboard chef. During our time on the boat, there are options to kayak, explore the shoreline and even take a swim and the opportunity to do a short walk on the Milford Track, weather permitting.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Milford Mariner
Scenic Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Daily Activities: Hike 3 miles, 1,250 feet +/-, Kayaking options

Wake up to the serene beauty of Milford Sound as mist swirls around the peaks and the first rays of sunlight illuminate Mitre Peak. After a leisurely breakfast on board, we disembark and resume our journey south. We’ll stop just beyond Te Anau to experience a delightful section of another of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Kepler Track. The easy-going track meanders along the terraces of the Waiau River through red and mountain beech forest to Rainbow Reach. In the afternoon, we continue to Queenstown, our home for the next two nights and where you'll have a well-earned rest day tomorrow.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Blue Peaks Lodge Queenstown
Scenic Drive Time: 4 hours
Daily Activities: Hike 5.6 miles, 150-300 feet +/-

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 cafes, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. There is an endless variety of incredible optional activities here: kayaking, fishing, winery tours, horse trekking, a gondola, mountain biking, jet boating, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. The guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for anything you want to do on your free day today.

Accommodations: Blue Peaks Lodge Queenstown (no meals included)

Today, we venture into the breathtaking Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park—a rugged land of ice and rock, home to 19 peaks soaring over 3,000 meters. It’s home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook– named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Māori.

Leaving Queenstown, we wind through the scenic Gibbston Valley wine region before entering the historic gold-mining district of the dramatic Kawarau River Gorge. Next, we pass through Cromwell, famous for its orchards, before following the shores of the serene Lake Dunstan towards the spectacular Lindis Pass. Crossing the pass, we enter the vast high-country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin, and from there, the final stretch leads us along the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.

This afternoon, you’re free to walk in the park, visit the fascinating Edmund Hillary Centre, or explore the highly recommended DOC Centre. Save some energy—tomorrow promises an epic adventure!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hermitage Hotel Aoraki Mt Cook
Scenic Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Daily Activities: Hike 1-2 hours

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a dramatic wilderness of ice and rock, best experienced on foot. Today, we hit the trails to immerse ourselves in this awe-inspiring landscape. The Hooker Valley Track is a must-do, leading us through the stunning valley alongside the Hooker River, across three swing bridges, and all the way to the glacier lake. If the weather is kind, we’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Mueller Glacier, along with floating icebergs for that extra touch of magic.

For those craving a challenge, the Sealy Tarns hike—fondly known as the “Stairway to Heaven”—offers a heart-pumping 2,200-step ascent, with breathtaking panoramic views as your prize. And for the truly adventurous, a guided option to Mueller Hut may be available, depending on group enthusiasm and weather conditions.

Prefer a more relaxed day? No worries! You can explore shorter walks in the village at your own pace—your guide will happily recommend must-do trails and scenic spots.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hermitage Hotel Aoraki Mt Cook
Daily Activities: Hike 6-10 miles- Hooker Valley 6.2 miles, 3hrs; Sealy Tarns 3-4 hrs, 2200 steps +985 feet

Our journey back to Christchurch offers more great views as we head back down the shimmering shores of Lake Pukaki and continue through the MacKenzie Basin via Lake Tekapo to the charming country towns of Fairlie and Geraldine.

Along the way, we’ll take on the Mt. John Summit Track, one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking hikes. This rewarding trail winds through golden tussock fields, shaded pine forests, and exposed ridgelines, culminating in a stunning 360° panorama of Lake Tekapo’s brilliant turquoise waters, the Southern Alps, and the vast, untamed landscapes of the high country. At the summit, we’ll enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before making our descent and continuing across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving in the late afternoon.

Tonight, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner at a local bistro, celebrating the past two weeks of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable landscapes.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Drifters Inn
Daily Activities: Hike 5 miles, 1300 feet +/-

Time to say goodbye—or “Ka kite anō” (see you again)!

You will leave refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you'll have had in New Zealand! You may fly out at any time today.