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 follow a flowing river to its source, the cascading water of the dramatic Devils Punchbowl Falls. 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 your small group walking tour and New Zealand's beauty.

Tonight we stay at Punakaiki Resort*

Explore 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. We’ll hike on the Porarari 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.

Tonight we stay at Punakaiki Resort again*

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.

Tonight we stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef*

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! 

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 to continue our luxury walking tour of New Zealand.

Tonight we stay at Edgewater Resort*

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.

Tonight we stay at Queenstown Ramada Central*

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. 

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.

Tonight we stay at Queenstown Ramada Central again*

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.

Tonight we stay at Queenstown Ramada Central again*

Helicopter ride to Martins Lodge, jetboat and explore Long Reef seal colony

Tonight we stay at Martins Bay Lodge*

Doubtful Sound Cruise

Doubtful Sound is known as Patea to the Maori people - meaning ‘place of silence’. On your nature cruise of the fiord, you'll find silence amongst a dramatic landscape with echoing birdsong or cascading waterfalls the only sound to break the stillness. With no road to the fiord, the experience of getting to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself. We'll firstly board a boat to cruise across the peaceful Lake Manapouri before crossing Wilmot Pass and descending into Doubtful Sound where we'll take our nature cruise. This is your chance to learn more about the unique Fiordland environment from your Doubtful Sound nature guide on board while enjoying the sights, sounds and wildlife of the fiord. This evening we'll retire to our hotel for some delicious kai (the Maori word for food) and a well-earned rest.

Tonight we stay at Distinction Te Anau*

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.

Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel*

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 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 raising up to the imposing height of 3724 metres (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!

Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel again*