Masterpiece New Zealand Adventure Tour

Hike from Arrowtown to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking. As part of your introduction to New Zealand, we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today you’ll be walking the Arrow River Bridge Trail, a favourite weekend walk for us locals.

Road trip to Mount Cook

After a morning of exploring, we’ll head to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the home of New Zealand’s highest peak standing tall at 3,724m (over 12,000 feet). Along the way, we’ll travel over the Lindis Pass and down into wide open valleys before catching our first glimpse of Aoraki/Mt Cook, ‘the cloud piercer’ as it’s known in Māori. This area is a UNESCO International Dark Sky Reserve, which means all you need do is step outside and look up for some world-class star-gazing this evening.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region*

Whichever option you decide on, you won’t be disappointed. After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a delicious meal and a chance to trade stories from the day or do some more stargazing.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region again*

Mount John & Mackenzie Country

This morning we’ll make the steady climb up Mount John though forest and tussock to the observatory at the top. As we walk, we’ll look out over 360-degree views across the impressive Mackenzie Basin flats and surrounding mountains and lakes. After our hike, we’ll check out the famous and much photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as Tekapo’s statue of the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land. This afternoon, after our exploration of Mackenzie country and learning of its history, we’ll travel on towards Christchurch and watch as the passing scenery shifts from tussock and mountain to the lush Canterbury plains and arable land.

Tonight we stay at Carnmore Hotel Christchurch*

Discover Christchurch

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. Discover amazing street-art and innovative projects as the new urban heart of the city blends with the garden-like greenery of the old. Be sure to sample an expertly made coffee from one of the many locally owned cafes in the area. If you are feeling energetic you can join your guides for a morning hike on the Godley Heads track for incredible views over Banks Peninsula.

Kaikoura Peninsula

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. Tonight, if we’re lucky we’ll catch an impressive sunset over the ocean as we enjoy a delicious and quintessentially Kiwi dinner of fish and chips on the beach.

Tonight we stay at White Morph Kaikoura*

Dolphin Swimming

The early start is well worth it today for the best chance at meeting some of the local wildlife that calls this area home. We’ll don flattering(!) wetsuits to swim with a pod of dolphins in their natural environment. Of course, this is dependent on whether the dolphins cooperate, but they usually do! These dolphins are totally wild and it's their choice whether they interact with us or not, however, these dusky dolphins are well-known for their interactive behaviour as well as their acrobatic feats and usually love to put on a show for us. The tour is an educational experience that is designed not to interfere with the natural behaviour, routines or habitat of the dolphins. There are strict regulations in place to protect and respect the dolphins and to keep you safe in the water. Our boats are well-equipped with swimming/snorkelling platforms. Whether you opt to get in the water or watch from the boat, it’s a joyful experience for all. Many of our guests have told us this is one of the highlights of their New Zealand adventure tour.

Meet the Wildlife of Queen Charlotte Sound

From Picton, we water taxi across the glorious Queen Charlotte Sound to our accommodation for the night. Set amongst a landscape of native plants and abundant birdlife, with views of the glistening bay, you’ll enjoy an excellent meal and the chance to truly relax in this remote but well-equipped location.

Tonight we stay at Lochmara Lodge*

Queen Charlotte Sound

After a nourishing breakfast at the lodge, we’ll take to the water in our kayaks and paddle back to Picton, exploring some hidden coves and bays along the way. Gliding along on the water is a lovely way to spend the morning while you check out the beautiful coastline.

Marlborough Vineyards

Home to some of New Zealand’s best vineyards, the Marlborough region is famous for producing excellent wines savoured around the world. We will sample some impeccable wines from this region, before carrying on towards Nelson and our accommodation for the next two nights.

Tonight we stay at The Palms, Nelson*

Hike along West Coast to Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

The remote but spectacular wild West Coast is where we will stop for a delicious picnic lunch, before heading out on a coastal walk.  Take in the Tasman Sea in all its glory, pounding on the cliffs below as you make your way to the Tauranga Bay seal colony, well known for its seal pup rookery.

Explore West Coast Beaches

Our next destination takes us further south to ‘The Coast’ as it’s known by locals, a journey rated by Lonely Planet readers as one of the best coastal drives in the world. Rainforests, rivers and glaciers meet deserted beaches and crashing waves, making for a unique and sometimes stark coastline. Sunsets on the West Coast are incredibly special and tonight you’ll see just why.

Tonight we stay at Omau Settlers Lodge*

Hike Paparoa National Park & visit the Pancake Rocks

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.

Explore Hokitika

After our hike, we’ll visit the quirky town of Hokitika, famous for its greenstone carvings and jewellery. You might also want to check out another form of artwork on the beach, where creative locals have built impressive driftwood sculptures for all to enjoy.

Tonight we stay at 10 Cottages, Franz Josef*

Hike Lake Matheson

Today we'll walk on the Lake Matheson Track where you'll enjoy stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and our towering Southern Alps. Renowned for its glassy still waters you'll enjoy spectacular mirror-like reflections across Lake Matheson as we make our way through native forest and learn about the fascinating glacial history of the area.

Haast River Jet Boat and Waterfalls

We’ll then travel to the confluence of the Haast River where we’ll meet our jet boat driver who will whisk us down the coast. Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Most visitors only see this area from the roadside, our exclusive jet boat trip will get you deep into the heart of this World Heritage wilderness area.

Tonight we stay in the Wanaka region*

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track

If you’re feeling keen to lace up your hiking boots your day will start with a hike to Diamond Lake to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. If you fancy more of a challenge, you can carry on up the Rocky Mountain trail. It’s a steady climb and one that will no doubt get your heart pumping, but with each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, making it all worth it at the top.

If you’d prefer to have a more relaxed morning, there’s plenty to do in the town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle amble along the beach and an obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture. We’ll regroup this evening for a delicious meal together in a local eatery.

Tonight we stay in the Wanaka region again*

Hike Lake Wanaka Outlet Track

This morning's hike will take us along the mighty banks of the crystal clear Clutha River. This stretch of river is world-renowned for its trout fishing and winds its way gently along the wooded banks of the river. A particularly picturesque sight in Autumn.

Kepler Track Hike

Breathe in the fresh Fiordland air with an afternoon walk along a pleasant section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. We'll meander through glorious native beech forest before emerging at a spectacular viewpoint on the shores of Lake Te Anau.

After a full day of spectacular views, we'll head to Te Anau - the gateway to the fiords - in preparation for our journey into Milford Sound tomorrow.

Tonight we stay at Parklands Te Anau*

Cruise 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.

Hike the Routeburn Track to Key Summit

This afternoon we’ll head deeper in Fiordland’s wilderness for a heart-pumping hike on the world famous Routeburn Track up to Key Summit. A well-formed track leads us through lush beech forest and past tall tree ferns, with velvety mosses blanketing the rich earth underfoot. Native birdsong provides a soothing soundtrack to our walk and as we climb higher, views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley stretch out beneath us providing a fitting reward for our efforts. On your final night of the trip, you’ll sleep soundly having spent the past 13 days exploring the best of the South Island.

Tonight we stay at Parklands Te Anau again*

Walk Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights

Our last journey together is a scenic trip through small farming towns, before tracing the shoreline of the impressive Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown for the last hike of the trip. The Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights walk traces the shores of Lake Wakatipu and offers incredible sweeping views of swaying tussock and The Remarkables mountain range.

Finish in Queenstown

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 or New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – North, 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

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.