The Grand Explorer

Day 1 – Welcome & day walk on the Kepler Track

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure. This morning we'll head to Fiordland National Park and your first Great Walk, The Kepler Track. The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. We’ll walk the section from Rainbow Reach up to Moturau Hut following the Waiau River through beech forest and wetlands until we emerge out onto the spectacular viewpoint at the lakeside Moturau Hut. Cast your eyes out over beautiful Lake Manapouri, framed against a backdrop of Fiordland peaks for a spectacular welcome, or welcome back, to New Zealand! Afterwards, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau for a delicious meal and the chance to rest up before tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 2 – Cruise Milford Sound & explore Fiordland National Park

After waking up in Te Anau, it’s time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, seeing Milford Sound! You’ll have time to appreciate Milford’s undeniable grandeur as we cruise to the mouth of the fiord leading out into the wild Tasman Sea. Whether the sun’s shining brightly or the sky’s clouded over, the beauty of Milford Sound never disappoints. In a perfect world, it would be raining heavily as that’s when the fiord’s hundreds of waterfalls are at their most powerful. Get close enough to feel the spray on your face as the thundering torrents cascade down the vertical rock faces – it’s an exhilarating experience.

Day 3 – Explore Arrowtown, High Country Lakes and Aoraki/Mount Cook

After a relaxed start this morning, we'll make our way to the gorgeous mountain setting of Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a quaint gold mining town bursting with history. We'll enjoy a walk along the Arrow River Trail and have the chance to explore the Chinese Goldmining Settlement. This afternoon we’ll journey to the heart of the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, an area of vast snow-covered mountains and glacier-fed lakes. This National Park is truly a jewel in New Zealand’s crown. Named in honour of our highest peak, the majestic mountains tower above bright turquoise lakes surrounded by vast fields of golden tussock. With a settlement population of less than 100 people and building restrictions enforced, Aoraki/Mount Cook offers not only a feast for the eyes, but a rare tranquillity that soothes the soul.

Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel*

Day 4 – Glacier Boat Tour and options in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Today we have a full day to explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Some of New Zealand’s best alpine hikes are found here. Surrounded by the peaks where Sir Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before successfully summiting Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953, you’ll want to explore for yourself. Mount Cook, or Aoraki “the Cloud Piercer” as named by the Maori people, stands proudly at its heart rising up to the imposing height of 3724 metres (over 12,000 feet).  You have a choice of activities this morning including hiking, exploring the village or a glacier heli-hike for truly mind-blowing views. Whichever option you choose you won’t be disappointed. This afternoon a scenic glacier boat cruise takes us across the terminal lake to the ancient ice face of the Tasman Glacier, affording us incredible up-close views – keep your camera at the ready!

Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel again*

Day 5 - Explore Tekapo & Christchurch

Today’s journey takes us from mountain to ocean as we head through the fertile plains of Canterbury towards the East Coast. This morning we'll explore the lakeside town of Tekapo. The unreal colour of Lake Tekapo contrasts brilliantly against our highest peaks in the distance, creating the perfect backdrop for photos you’ll treasure in years to come. We'll take a walk along the lakefront before heading through to Christchurch in the afternoon. The city of Christchurch is a lovely spot with a mix of green parks and state-of-the-art architecture. The Avon River weaves its way through a city in the process of regeneration, with plenty to see including the colourful Spanish Mission architecture of New Regent Street, curious cardboard cathedral and lush botanical gardens. 

Tonight we stay at Quest Cathedral Junction*

Day 6 - Whale watching in Kaikoura

Just north of Christchurch lies the small coastal town of Kaikoura. The Kaikoura Peninsula is a striking area set on the edge of a deep continental shelf where towering cliffs meet an ocean floor that plunges even further in the other direction. The nutrient-rich water and startling topography has created a unique mecca for an abundance of marine life. Whales, dolphins, fur seals and more are thriving in ideal conditions and are a regular sight in the waters off the mainland. This afternoon we'll board a purpose-built catamaran and head out on the water to search for whales. Using special hydrophones (underwater microphones) our captain will listen out for the whale clicks and songs that will lead us to where the whales are breaching. 

Tonight we stay at Sudima Kaikoura*

Day 7 - Marlborough Sounds wine tasting and Nelson

Today we'll follow the coastline northwest through the Marlborough Sounds to the golden beaches of Nelson, the gateway to the hikers’ paradise of Abel Tasman National Park. Marlborough is world-famous for its zesty Savignon Blancs and a journey through the region isn't complete without a delicious lunch and a spot of wine tasting before we venture onward. Once we arrive in Nelson you’ll have an afternoon to explore this coastal town which is known as one of the sunniest places in New Zealand! 

Tonight we stay in Nelson*

Day 8 - Explore Nelson and water taxi to Torrent Bay

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Nelson, “the sunniest place in NZ”, is famous for its arts scene, award-winning wines, craft beers and fruit orchards, with plenty to keep you entertained within walking distance. Most of our guests are happy to spend a relaxed day exploring Nelson, browsing the shops and galleries, strolling along the beach or reading a book – it’s a lovely place to re-energise yourself for the rest of your adventure. There are over 350 local craftspeople and artists creating Maori, traditional and contemporary art in the area, so it’s also a chance to discover what inspires New Zealanders creatively. 

Later in the day, you’ll head to Abel Tasman National Park where you'll board a water taxi from Kaiteriteri to the exclusive Torrent Bay Lodge, which is only accessible by boat or foot. Here you can relax on the beachfront sundeck, enjoy a lovely meal and stargaze before bed!

Tonight we stay at Torrent Bay Lodge*

Day 9 - Walk on the Abel Tasman Track between Torrent Bay and Awaroa

Today you will embark on a truly stunning walk from Torrent Bay to Awaroa, where you’ll spend the night. You’ll follow the coastal track through lush native forest, before reaching more of the regions much-loved golden sand beaches. Today we have a relaxed and an active option so you can choose to walk as much or as little as you want to. 

This evening you'll stay beachfront again at Awaroa Meadowbank Homestead. This lodge is deep in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park and is only accessible by foot or boat. The original homestead dates from 1884 and the recently built lodge is set amongst the historic camelia and rhododendron gardens.

Tonight we stay at Awaroa Meadowbank Homestead*

Day 10 - Walk Awaroa to Totaranui and water taxi to Kaiteriteri

Leaving Awaroa by foot, you’ll spend the morning passing through secluded beaches and native forest on your way to the clear waters of Totaranui. From here, a water taxi will transport you back to Kaiteriteri where you’ll swap sea legs for wheels and begin your journey southwest to the seaside village of Punakaiki in the heart of Paparoa National Park.

Limestone and eons of time are responsible for most of Paparoa National Park’s impressive landscape. For thousands of years, water ran over the relatively soft rock forming a topography known as karst. Characterized by deep river canyons, sculpted mountain ridges and an extensive network of caves and sinkholes, Paparoa’s landscape is covered in a lush layer of thick green rainforest.

Tonight we stay at Punakaiki Beachside Resort*

Day 11 - Hike Paparoa National Park and explore Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier

With its towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, this area feels like something straight out of Jurassic Park. We’ll hike the Porarari Loop Track this morning through Paparoa National Park, a visually rich area made up of dense sub-tropical forest and limestone cliff gorges. You’ll also have the chance to check out an interesting geographical phenomenon in the town of Punakaiki – the curious-looking but aptly named Pancake Rocks. The surge of the incoming sea is forced into chambers creating a geyser-like explosion through rock blowholes. The unusual limestone formations, overlaid with soft mud and clay, have been forged over millions of years by the immense pressure of the sea, wind and rain, creating the pancake effect we see today. After our hike, we’ll visit the quirky town of Hokitika, famous for its greenstone carvings and jewelry before heading through to Franz Josef for a short walk to the Glacier viewpoint. 

Tonight we stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef*

Day 12 - Scenic helicopter, hike and jetboat in Mount Aspiring National Park

Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! We’ll begin the day with a scenic helicopter ride deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a tasty picnic lunch, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, jet boats will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.

Tonight we stay at Edgewater Wanaka*

Day 13 – Lake Wanaka boat cruise and hike in Mou Waho Island wildlife reserve

This morning you'll have free time to explore the peaceful lakeside town of Wanaka before we take an afternoon cruise across picturesque Lake Wanaka to the tiny island wildlife sanctuary of Mou Waho. Guided by an experienced ecologist, we’ll explore one of the most magical spots on the South Island. Close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, accessible by a 35-minute boat ride. Accompanied by our favourite eco warrior and long-time local guide, we’ll walk a well-formed track that gently climbs through native bush to the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top we come to Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island, with yet more islands in it – very intriguing. From our vantage point there’s a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a hot day, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip in the cool clean waters of the lake.

Day 14 - Day walk on the Routeburn Track

This morning we'll head over the Crown Range and towards Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. This is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand and you’ll be greeted by mountain peaks and endless impressive vistas before we reach another of our fine Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. Your guide will fill you in on the local history and special flora and fauna of the area as you walk through beautiful native beech forest alongside a crystal clear glacial river. Our destination today is the expansive open meadow at Routeburn Flats, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the Routeburn River.

This afternoon we'll finish our adventure in Queenstown, and it’s time to say goodbye to your guides, travel companions and new-found friends as we drop you at the airport or your accommodation. If you’re joining us to explore the North Island on our Sweet North trip, we’ll ensure a smooth transition for you. If not, we hope to see you again soon in the Land of the Long White Cloud.