New Zealand : West Coast Wilderness

Day 1 Monday - join tour in Nelson
(11km/4 hours hiking)
After a briefing with our guide drive to Motueka and up as far as the Flora Saddle – already at 1000m in altitude. After sorting all the gear set off through the beech forest, following a stream to the tablelands of Kahurangi, New Zealand’s newest national park. Follow traces of the many tracks that criss-cross the region, the result of gold being discovered here in the 1850s. Overnight in a goldminer’s rock shelter.

Day 2 Tuesday - Buller George
(15km/7 hours hiking)
The limestone of this region riddled with a labyrinth of sinkholes and caves, which can be investigated safely. Climbing through mossy forest to the tree line, climb Gordon’s Pyramid (1489m). The more energetic in our group can also hike to the summit of Mt. Arthur (1795m) for a panoramic view of the Nelson region. Meet with the vehicle back at Flora Saddle and drive to Owen River camp in the Buller Gorge.

Day 3 Wednesday - Paparoa National Park
(8km/4 hours hiking)
After a short drive, reach the wild West Coast of the South Island at the aptly named Cape Foulwind, where fur seals can be observed. Continuing the drive, stop at the one time gold rush town of Charleston that once boasted 80 hotels but is now a sleepy hamlet. South of here is Paparoa National Park, riddled with limestone features. The trail winds through spectacular rainforest, with some river crossings to negotiate before reaching ‘home’ for the night, the massive ‘Ballroom Overhang’.

Day 4 Thursday - Punakaiki
(12km/6 hours hiking)
Explore the nearby limestone canyons and caves with stalagmites and stalactites. Here, find cave wetas (large wingless insects), glow worms and the tallest moss in the world. Hike and wade back down river to Punakaiki, and admire the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, so named because they resemble stack of pancakes. Overnight camp by the sea.

Day 5 Friday - Okarito
(5km/2 hours hiking)
Driving south we pass the mining towns of Greymouth and Hokitika, famous for its jade or ‘greenstone’, which was treasured by the Maori. Continue to Franz Josef and hike to the snout of the glacier, which has recently begun to advance again towards the rainforest. Camp by the sea at Okarito, where a Maori ‘hangi’ is built using driftwood.

Day 6 Saturday - Okarito
(10km/4 hours kayaking)
The sleepy one-time gold-rush village of Okarito is surrounded by lush rainforest and coastal lagoon. Opt to kayak ($40) through the lagoon and quietly observe some of the bird species it is famous for, which include the tui, black swans and white herons. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this stunningly beautiful place, take a beach walk or catch up on some reading.

Day 7 Sunday - Fox Glacier
(12km/5 hours hiking)
It's just a short drive this morning through to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where glaciers extend down into the rainforest. You have the option of taking a guided hike (NZ$89) on this dynamic glacier where you will explore seracs, ice caves and crevasses.  Free time in the afternoon to relax in one of the local cafes in this charming village.  There is also the option to join the guide for a 2 hour hike around Lake Matheson or take a stunning helicopter flight (additional cost) over the glacier and surrounding mountains and out to the coast.  Stay in local cabin accommodation.

Day 8 Monday - Welcome Flat
(18km/7 hours hiking)
Starting early drive south for an hour before hiking up the Copland Valley, through podocarp forest (relatively unchanged in 70 million years). The hike takes the group across swing-bridges and mountain streams, and we often see the endangered and very primitive blue duck. Opportunity to relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with views of 3000 metre peaks - the best in New Zealand!

Day 9 Tuesday - Welcome Flat
(8km/4 hours hiking)
A rest day or the chance to explore further up this lovely alpine valley. Hike off track up to some beautiful waterfalls, from where there are often very good views of New Zealand’s highest peak, 3754m Mt Cook.

Day 10 Wednesday - Moeraki
(18km/6 hours hiking)
This morning hike down the Copland Valley and drive south through the remote West Coast region to Moeraki. Stop at Ship Creek to look for Hector’s dolphins and take a walk through coastal ecosystems of dunes, swamp and podocarp forest.