Trails of New Zealand

The day is free to relax and recover from the jet lag. Auckland is a

beautiful city and worthy of some time to explore. The nearby Viaduct

restaurants are an ideal means of overcoming the last of the jet lag and the

day just slowly passes by. If you are feeling lucky visit the Sky City Casino

tower for one of those lunches you just don't forget. Those not flying with

the group should meet at the start hotel at 6pm for a full briefing with your

leader.

Auckland is the City of Sails, so what better way to start your holiday than

to take a cruise across the Gulf to the beautiful Rangitoto Island; which at

only 600 years old, is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. The island has

undergone a significant restoration programme and is entirely pest-free which

encourages the native flora and fauna to thrive. We will walk through lava

fields and forests to the summit of the island which stands 259m above sea

level and has some stunning panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.



Walk Profile- Rangitoto Island: Distance- 8.5 km/5 miles, total ascent 249m

and descent 245m, approx. 2-3 hours.

Leaving the city behind us we head south to Rotorua (approx. 3.5 hours drive)

and our accommodation. On arrival we stretch our legs with a hike around the

redwood forest followed by an optional afternoon at leisure in town or a hike

at Blue Lake. The evening highlight is the Marae (ceremonial ground) visit.

Our Maori hosts welcome us in their traditional manner before entertaining us

with a concert and hangi (traditional meal).



Walk Profile- Blue Lakes Circuit: Distance- 6 km/3.7 miles, total ascent

125m and descent 117m, approx. 1.5 hours.

We explore one of New Zealand's most colourful thermal areas with boiling mud

pools, hot streams and silica terraces. The natural wonders that first

attracted the Maori in the 14th century, and later the European's, still draw

large numbers of tourists every year. Rotorua is a unique natural wonder and

a must see destination. Leaving Rotorua we drive south (approx. 3 hours) to

Tongariro National Park. On the way we visit the steaming Wai-O-Tapu

geothermal valley and impressive Huka Falls.



Walk Profile- Wai-O-Tapu: Distance- 8.5 km/5 miles, total ascent 109m and

descent 152m, approx. up to 3 hours.

From the many walking options that exist, you are free to take your choice as

we explore this volcanic landform. Two half-day walks to beautiful waterfalls

and bush lands (unguided) or the amazing optional 8 hour Tongariro Alpine

Crossing are on offer. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been called one of

the greatest one-day walks in New Zealand and provided the weather is kind

the rugged volcanic desert, craters and glacial valleys combined with the

incredible views make this a day to remember. The crossing should not be

under estimated and there are a number of steep sections where the loose

surface can make it tough going, so come well-prepared. The crossing can take

7-8 hours depending on walking ability. 



Walk Profile- Tongariro Crossing: Distance- 19.4 km/12 miles, total ascent

765m and descent 1125m, approx. 7-8 hours.



If you do not wish to do the optional Tongariro Crossing, below are two of

the most popular and scenic walk options accessible by foot from the

accommodation that you may wish to consider. Your leader will also be able to

advise locally with further details/options:



Walk Profile (unguided)- Silica Rapids: Distance- 7 km loop/4.3 miles, total

ascent 190m and descent 190m, approx. 2.5 hours.



Walk Profile (unguided)- Taranaki Falls: Distance- 6 km loop/3.7

miles, total ascent 115m and descent 115m, approx. 2.5 hours.

Relax following yesterday's efforts as we drive (approx. 5 hours) south to

Wellington. Continue across the Rangitikei and Manawatu Plains and down the

Kapiti Coast to Wellington. Across from our hotel is Te Papa, the NZ National

Museum which we can explore in the afternoon along with the beautiful Botanic

Gardens and cable car and enjoy the exciting nightlife of New Zealand's

capital city.

After an early breakfast we board the ferry and leave the North Island behind

as we cross the Cook Strait, passing the Marlborough Sounds with 1500kms of

beautiful coastline. From Picton we have a 90 min drive to Nelson where we

can take time out to explore the city and a chance to stretch the legs with a

short walk to the geographical centre of New Zealand. After this visit we

drive to Motueka (approx. 60 min) on the edge of the Abel Tasman National

Park, with its idyllic golden sand beaches and forests.



Walk Profile- Geographical centre of New Zealand: Distance- 1.6 km/1

mile, total ascent 86m and descent 90m, approx. 1 hour.

Out of Marahau, this morning coastal walk takes us through the beautiful

beaches and ancient forests as the track weaves through the park, providing a

kaleidoscope of impressions. The path is well maintained and the walk will

take approx 3-4 hours. We meet our sailing boat at the Anchorage Bay,

providing the return to Marahau and some time to relax dining out at the

small town of Motueka.



Walk Profile- Marahau to Anchorage: Distance- 12.7 km/8 miles, total ascent

217m and descent 214m, approx. 3-4 hours.

Our departure from the Abel Tasman National Park is followed by a scenic

drive down the mighty Buller River. After a short stop at Cape Foulwind to

see the local seal colony, we then stop at Punakaiki, home of the famous

Pancake Rocks, to watch the setting sun (total driving time approx. 5 hours).

If the tide is up the ground can physically shake and water spurts from the

blow-holes and fissures that dot the coastline.



Walk Profile- Cape Foulwind: Distance- 3.5 km/2 miles, total ascent 76m and

descent 98m, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Passing through areas of lush forests, we continue south down the beautiful

west coast. We drive onto the small village of Okarito nestled on the lagoon,

home of the rare Kotuku (white heron). On offer here is optional kayaking

where we float in on the incoming tide and explore the bush-clad waterways

seeking out the abundant bird life the lagoon is famous for. Those looking to

stretch their legs can hike to the nearby Trig station (approx. 1.5 hours)

for the spectacular views over the Southern Alps. Later we continue the short

drive through to Fox township.



Walk Profile- Okarito Trig Walk: Distance- 4.2 km/2.6 miles, total ascent

171m and descent 170m, approx. 1.5- 2 hours.

After breakfast we stroll around the reflective Lake Matheson, a

photographer's dream. As we head out of town, we take a drive up the valley

and hike to a viewpoint of the spectacular Fox Glacier. 



We then continue south along bush-clad roads and past the dramatic coastline

with its wild windswept beaches to the settlement of Haast. Turning inland we

climb over Haast Pass, the southernmost crossing of the Southern Alps that

forms the boundary between Westland and Otago. From here the tussock lands of

the eastern slopes merge with the beech forests. We travel through to Wanaka,

home for the next two nights.



Walk Profile- Lake Matheson Loop: Distance- 2.6 km/1.6 miles, total ascent

42m and descent 42m, approx. 1.5 hours.



Walk Profile- Fox Glacier Valley Walkway: Distance- 2.6 km/1.6 miles, total

ascent 68m and descent 69m, approx. 1 hour.

In the morning we head into the Mount Aspiring National Park and experience

an exciting jetboat ride along the braided rivers leading into the park.

Jetboating was invented in NZ as a means to negotiate the shallow braided

rivers which we use to access a track leading to a hike into the cirque

surrounded by huge mountain walls. Back at our coach we eat our picnic lunch

before driving onto our 3 hour hike at the beautiful Diamond Lake that

provides stunning views of the river delta and the landscape.



Walk Profile- Matukituki Valley (walk during Jet boat): Distance- 2.2 km/1.3

miles, total ascent 29m and descent 29m, approx. up to 1 hour.



Walk Profile- Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Circuit: Distance- Up to 7.1

km/4.4 miles, total ascent 437m and descent 432m, approx. 2-3 hours.

From Wanaka we depart early heading for Te Anau and then into the Eglington

Valley, enjoying a series of short walks in the spectacular Milford region

and then into Milford Sound itself where we join our floating accommodation

for the night. The Milford Mariner boat has private two bed cabins with

en-suite facilities where we enjoy our overnight stay amidst dolphins and

mighty peaks towering above the fjord.



Walk Profile- various short walk options on Milford Road of up to 1 hour/2

kms duration depending on group fitness, weather and time permitting.

After an early morning breakfast we cruise the inner sound again searching

for dolphins and seals before disembarking and retracing our tracks to The

Divide and the start of the Routeburn Track. Here we take a 3-hour walk

(approx. 6.8km) to Key Summit for some spectacular views. After this hike we

drive via Te Anau (approx. 4 hours) onto Queenstown, where we stay for the

next two nights.



Walk Profile- Routeburn Track: Distance- 6.8 km/4.2 miles, total ascent 430m

and descent 413m, approx. 3 hours.

A free day to enjoy the scenic delights of this world famous destination!

There are numerous activities on offer which your leader can advise about

locally. Or, you may just prefer to simply spend the day shopping or

relaxing!

Travel through the barren Kawarau Gorge where large amounts of gold were

dredged at the turn of the century. Drive over Lindis Pass to the

tussock-covered plains of the Mackenzie basin and into the Mt Cook National

Park (total approx. 4 hours). Beneath NZ's highest peak we walk into the

Hooker Valley with its crashing glaciers and glacial lakes. By early evening

we reach our accommodation and watch the spectacular view from the warmth of

the restaurant.



Walk Profile- Hooker Valley: Distance- 10.5 km/6.5 miles, total ascent 209m

and descent 218m, approx. 3 hours.

After breakfast we drive to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains. After

the devastating earthquakes of 2010/11, Christchurch is undergoing a major

rebuild, unrivalled in the world. The afternoon is free for you to explore

this city as well as the beautiful gardens and Hagley park before we have a

final group dinner.

For Land Only clients, the trip will finish after breakfast and check-out
from the hotel.