Day 1 - CHRIISTCHURCH - QUEENSTOWN

Depart Christchurch by shuttle at 8:30am via an independent bus service arriving into Queenstown at approximately 4:40pm where a Flying Kiwi guide will be waiting to accompany you to camp. The departure time will be confirmed at the time of booking. The bus service from Christchurch to Queenstown runs daily (apart from Christmas day) so if you would like to have a few days to explore Queenstown this is your chance, contact us to arrange your bus transfer to Queenstown a few days earlier! Enjoy a group dinner out in Queenstown and get to know your fellow travellers (own cost).
Included meals: None

Day 2 - QUEENSTOWN - LAKE WANAKA

Leaving Queenstown at 2:30pm, we travel through mountains and on towards stunning glacial lakes. On the final stretch to camp we start getting views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Wanaka is just over the next ridge and it’s on the edge of this glacial lake that we find our wilderness camp. Enjoy great views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains beyond as we absorb the beauty of the area.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - LAKE WANAKA - GLACIER COUNTRY

Enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp then it's northward bound through Mt Aspiring National Park. Just before we reach the West Coast we stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, and then head over the dramatic Haast Pass. As we travel towards the wild West Coast, the road follows braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it is possible to spot Hector dolphins.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - GLACIER COUNTRY - OKARITO

Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – Franz Josef Glacier. This staggering beautiful work of nature is 12 kilometres and descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier with a stunning walk through the main valley up to the terminal face. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Late afternoon, we have a short drive up the coast to our beautiful beachside campsite next to the Okarito lagoon – one of the very few places where there are still rare sightings of our native kiwi bird and the home to NZ’s only colony of the White Heron (kotuku). Enjoy a fire down on the beach taking in the rugged coast and epic mountain views.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - OKARITO - PUNAKAIKI

Enjoy an early morning walk, with a view of the sunrise over the Southern Alps as a reward. We then continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home to the Greenstone factories and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir of your visit. Passing through Greymouth we keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape and vegetation with huge limestone cliffs appearing and Nikau Palm trees become abundant. Our beach camp has great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestones rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. In the evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark then relax at the local tavern.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - PUNAKAIKI - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Before leaving Punakaiki we take time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park with a walk along the Porarari river or cycle up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto our favourite National Park, Abel Tasman. In one of the sunniest areas of the country you will discover beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. On arrival, you have the option to skydive or hang glide and then we look forward to spending 3 nights at our perfectly located campground, close to the park entrance which makes it the idea place to explore all corners of the park.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Taking time to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here.You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) Explore the heart of the park on one of our most highly rated optional activities - canyoning high flow waterfalls and rapids!
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

We spend another full day at the doorstep to New Zealand’s smallest but most visited national park and our personal favourite, the Abel Tasman.
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK - NELSON/PICTON

Leaving early, we make our way to Nelson arriving by 11am. If finishing your tour in Nelson, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers. If you are continuing onto finish in your tour in Picton you have a short time to explore Nelson city before leaving at 12:30pm. On route to Picton we’ll make a stop at Pelorus bridge, a Hobbit film location and great place for a quick dip on a warm day arriving into Picton and saying farewell by 5pm.
Included meals: Breakfast