New Zealand : Secret South

Departures:	July to May	Duration:	10 nights	Price:	from £1,066

Expertly guided this itinerary combines excellent and varied hiking with some unusual wildlife and wilderness experiences. From the trails of Fiordland National Park and striking coastline of the Catlins to the alpine landscapes Mt. Cook National Park, with its grinding glaciers.

Itinerary

Day 1 Sunday – Join Tour in Queenstown – 6km/3 hours hiking

Meet at the Queenstown Visitor Centre at 8.00am and after a briefing by your guide head to Te Anau and Fiordland National Park and hike to Key Summit, part of the famous Routeburn track. Return to vehicle and camp in the Hollyford valley.

Day 2 Monday – Milford Sound – 8km/4 hours kayaking

Opt for a morning kayak on Milford Sound (optional - extra cost) then drive back through the Homer Tunnel and south to Lake Monowai for overnight.

Day 3 Tuesday – Fiordland National Park – 12km/7 hours hiking

Drive up to Borland Saddle to begin a 2-day hike above the bush line onto the Hunter Range with great views of Fiordland National Park. Continue along the range and descend to camp for overnight.

Day 4 Wednesday – Catlins Coast – 7km/3 hours hiking

Hike through beech forest and across tussock basins then drive to Curio Bay in the Catlins. Overnight in a summerhouse taking an evening walk along a beach.

Day 5 Thursday – Cannibal Bay – 6km/2 hours hiking

Explore a fossilised forest then head to Cannibal Bay and visit New Zealand sea lion and yellow-eyed penguin colonies. Camp near the beach and enjoy a hangi meal.

Day 6 Friday – Central Otago – Rest day/optional cycling

Enjoy an optional rest day in the picturesque town of Alexandra, in the heart of Central Otago. Arriving late morning, if you are feeling energetic you can join a cycle tour on the historic Otago rail trail that winds its way via the vast and mountainous landscape, through tunnels and across many viaducts (optional - extra cost). Alternatively, you can relax in Alexandra, visiting the local cafés or vineyards. Eat out at one of the excellent local restaurants.

Day 7 Saturday – Ohau Range – 7km/3 hours hiking

Drive up the Clutha Valley through the Central Otago goldfields and to Lake Ohau for a 2-day hike through beech forest to a sub-alpine camp.

Day 8 Sunday – Ohau Range – 14km/7 hours hiking

Hike up into a mountain basin filled with small alpine lakes onto Ohau Range offering superb views of the Southern Alps and Mackenzie Basin. Return to vehicle and overnight at a private hut on the shores of Lake Ohau.

Day 9 Monday – Mt Cook National Park – 8km/5 hours hiking

Hike to Sealy Tarns and possibly Mueller Hut for a view of the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mt Sefton Ice Fall, and Mt Cook.

Day 10 Tuesday – Mt Somers – 5km/4 hours hiking

Drive through Mackenzie Basin, past Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, to south Canterbury for a 2-day hike. Hike up a river canyon and climb up to Trig's point with great views of the Rakaia Basin. Tonight stay in a tramper’s hut.

Day 11 Wednesday – Tour ends in Christchurch – 5km/4 hours hiking

Explore water caves and Tri-Falls Stream and enjoy swimming in Emerald Pool or under a pounding waterfall known as "the Spa" before returning to the vehicle for the final drive to Christchurch.

About this Holiday

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Special Offer:

NEW ZEALAND: Save up to NZ$350 when you book a Hiking trip
Book any small group multi-day hike or hiking Safari, before 31 May 2012

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As destination specialists we pride ourselves on our ability to tailor-make any holiday to suit you. If you would like us to adapt or create an itinerary to your personal requirements then contact us today.

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