World Heritage – Our Original Luxury Walking Tour

Hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as we stretch our legs in one of New Zealand’s incredibly scenic National Parks. The majestic Southern Alps run like a backbone down the South Island, dividing it east and west into two distinct regions, with Arthur’s Pass serving as its gateway. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a gentle hike alongside a crystal-clear stream through the dramatic Bealey Valley. With views up to Mount Rolleston and the permanent glaciers that carve their way down the mountain faces, this hike is a perfect introduction to New Zealand’s beauty and your Trails trip.

Underworld Glowworm Caves

Upon arrival in Charleston, your guides will lead you on a walk through the rainforest to the Nile River Caves. These natural cathedral-like caverns were discovered relatively recently and the cave we’ll explore this morning is one of only a few in the world you can easily walk through and experience in the same state as it was found. The dry upper levels are a remarkable sight, complete with stalactites and stalagmites shimmering with galaxies of glowworms. We’ll get kitted up in wetsuits and walk a short distance to a fleet of small inflatable rafts, which we’ll use to float through this amazing subterranean environment. It’s a surreal, uniquely New Zealand experience you’ll never forget.

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.

Guided Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon

Gliding across the waters of Okarito Lagoon in a kayak is undoubtedly the most peaceful way to enjoy this spectacular coastal wetland. Okarito is known for its outstanding population of birdlife, over 70 species of birds have been recorded here. The lagoon is a common feeding ground for kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both of which breed in the nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Quietly paddling around this tranquil waterway, with the mighty Southern Alps as our backdrop, you’ll have the best chance of observing the birdlife in their natural habitat, without disturbing them.

Franz Josef Glacier

At 12 kilometres (7.4 miles) in length, Franz Josef Glacier is the largest and most accessible of the West Coast glaciers. The terminal valley itself is a testament to the sheer force of nature. The valleys and lakes around the Franz Josef township are remnants of the ice age and provide some excellent hiking trails for us today. We’ll hike to terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier, as well as stretching our legs on the Lake Matheson track. The reflections in the water of our highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook are outstanding! For those who want to set foot on the ice, you have the option to take a heli hike up to the glacier itself.

The Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes

As we make our way down the coast and inland, the stunning views continue. Once over the Haast Pass, the landscape changes dramatically as we head into the mountains. Linking the West Coast to Central Otago, this pass was used by early Maori on Pounamu (jade) gathering expeditions. We follow the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes area.

Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Wildlife Walk

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.

The Cardrona Valley and Queenstown

Our afternoon drive takes us through the Cardrona Valley and over the Crown Range, down into the Wakatipu Basin. Prepare to be wowed as we wind our way down the mountain road and towards the bustling hub of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Hiking on the famous Routeburn Track

Today will be one of the hiking highlights of the trip, as we walk a section of the famous Routeburn Track. Once on the trail your guides will lead you through lush beech forest (Lord of the Rings fans might spot some familiar landscapes from the movies around here). The track meanders alongside the clear waters of the river and down into the meadows of Routeburn Flats – the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. If you’re keen to stretch your legs further, we’ll carry on and up to Routeburn Falls.

As with all our hikes, there’s lots of flexibility. If you want to push yourself and really get your pulse pumping, or you’d rather just enjoy a relaxed hike on the flat trail, there are options to suit. No matter what you decide, the views will be equally magnificent.

There’s something for everyone, from adrenalin activities like bungy jumping and jet boat rides, to more gentle pursuits such as wine tasting, a round of golf or a spa treatment. Famous as a winter ski destination, Queenstown is equally magnificent in spring, summer and autumn. Today is yours to make the most of what Queenstown has to offer, your guides will be able to point you in the right direction to ensure you do. After a day spent soaking it all up, you’ll enjoy a third night in your Queenstown lakeside accommodation.

Lake Wakatipu & Te Anau BBQ lunch

As we leave Queenstown and journey up to the southern end of Lake Wakatipu and beyond, the landscape begins to shift from mountains and lakes, to rolling hills and alpine tundra. We’ll make a stop in Te Anau for a delicious barbeque lunch. Snug on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and offers expansive views of the scenery beyond – the perfect spot to enjoy lunch and anticipate the adventure that awaits us.

Eglington Valley, Homer Tunnel & Milford Sound

After lunch we’re off to the most famous of all our National Parks, Fiordland. This is the stuff of legends and you’ll feel the spirit of the early pioneers as we follow the trails they blazed over mountain passes and through dense forests. Travelling to Milford Sound in the early afternoon means we’ll enjoy our stops along the way in peace and quiet, as most people catch a bus to Milford early in the morning. There’s no rush for us though and with so much to see, you’ll want to take your time. Eglinton Valley, the Hollyford, the Divide and the impressive Homer Tunnel are just some of the highlights on this journey you’ll never forget. We’ll arrive in Milford Sound with plenty of time for a foreshore walk and the opportunity to capture your own memories of this “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the achingly beautiful Milford Sound.

Hiking on the Hollyford Track

Wandering through the Hollyford Valley is like stepping into a lost world, a prehistoric wilderness unchanged for thousands of years. The Hollyford Track is the only major track in Fiordland at a consistently low altitude throughout, gently undulating through native forests, past picturesque lakes and roaring waterfalls, following the clear swift waters of the Hollyford River. The valley is home to a diverse array of vegetation; 1000-year-old rimu trees, ancient beech forest and crimson southern rata stand tall, as intricate ferns, emerald mosses and velvet lichens blanket the roots. An area truly worthy of its World Heritage status.

We have options available for all fitness levels. Get in touch to discuss the best one for you.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

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.

International Dark Sky Reserve

Recently recognised as one of only three of the world’s Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserves, tonight we’ll experience the unforgettable Mount Cook night sky and the southern-most observatory on earth. Accompanied by a night sky expert, you’ll marvel at the myriads of stars visible to the naked eye, as well as through telescope and specialised binoculars. View the wonders of the Milky Way, Southern Cross and Alpha Centauri. Your imagination will be spinning as you ponder your place in the universe.

Glacier boat and Hiking in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Some of New Zealand’s best alpine hikes are found here. Surrounded by the peaks where Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before successfully summitting 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 raising up to the imposing height of 3724 meters (over 12,000 feet). The glacier boat cruise this morning 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!