Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman Hike

We will collect you from a central city location in Christchurch at 8am before we drive north to Kaikoura taking approx 2.5hours. The drive is scenic and we head to the Kaikoura Peninsula where we embark on our first walk along the cliff tops. We are rewarded with dramatic views of mountains and sea, where we can spot seals and seabirds. We continue to drive up the east coast for a further 2 hours to reach Picton; the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds. We have time to explore the town, the marina or take a number of short bush walks before meeting for our first group dinner. We will spend the next 2 nights in Picton. Walking time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours

Meals:  L,D

This morning we have an early start to catch an 8am cruise to the far reaches of the Marlborough Sounds. Our first stop is Motuara Island, where we disembark to the magic of morning birdsong and have 1 hour to explore this interesting bird sanctuary. We can walk to a lookout point, approx 800 meters in each direction offering incredible 360 degree views. Watch out for native penguins, tui, bellbirds, saddleback and yellow-crowned parakeets. Returning to our boat, we cross to Resolution Bay, named after Captain James Cook’s ship the HMS Resolution which he brought on his second and third voyages. We join the Queen Charlotte track and gradually climb uphill through lush native forest and onto an old bridle path. We cross over Tawa Saddle to reach Endeavour Inlet, with a fantastic lookout and interesting information panel, it makes a good place to take a rest and enjoy the views. The track continues to weave through native tree ferns with glimpses of the vivid blue ocean as we descend back to the shoreline. On reaching Furneaux Lodge after a further 2km, there is time for a quick swim or refreshments before we catch our late afternoon water taxi back to Picton. We overnight again in Picton. Walking times: Motuara Island 1 hour, Resolution Bay to Furneaux Lodge 3 hours (10.5km)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we pack an overnight bag to be transported by boat to tonight's accommodation, the rest of our gear is stored on the bus. From Picton we then take a short water taxi to cross the Queen Charlotte Sound to Torea Bay. Todays scenic walk starts with a climb out of the bay to a low saddle to meet up with the Queen Charlotte track. Weaving in and out of Manuka bush, we climb a ridgeline for incredible panoramic views of the vivid blue sea, secluded bays and bush clad shorelines either side of us. We reach a high point where we are rewarded with stunning views in all directions. From here we gradually descend into Lochmara Bay to reach our comfortable lodge, accessible only by foot, bike or boat. The rest of the afternoon provides a great opportunity to relax in one of the many hammocks, take out a kayak or paddleboard, swim, explore the bush walks around the property, visit the Underwater Observatory (own expense) or the art exhibition spaces. When it is dark, make sure to explore the glowworm grotto! Walking time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After a relaxed breakfast, we have chance to enjoy more of the surrounds and activities at our beautiful accommodation. We leave by water taxi at 11am and return to Picton. We then drive to Nelson, where there is an opportunity to walk to "The Centre of New Zealand" which takes us to a vantage point overlooking the city and Tasman Bay. The final drive of the day takes us onto the small town of Motueka, known for its lively café culture and artistic community, where we will stay for the following two nights. Walking time: 1-2 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive to Marahau and the start of the famous Abel Tasman track. We will take a half day hike into Anchorage along the Abel Tasman walkway. The track is well formed and drops into several beautiful sheltered bays and golden sand beaches. Around midday we have a picnic lunch overlooking Torrent Bay and then board a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads and back to our vehicle. To round out a wonderful day, we take some time to enjoy Kaiteriteri beach, with the chance for a late afternoon swim or a relaxing stroll along the golden sands. From here it is only a short drive back to Motueka. Walking time: 3 hours Sailing: 3 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving Moteuka we have a short 1 hour drive inland into the Nelson Lake National Park and at St Arnaud we have a choice of a shorter 2 hour loop in the Lake Rotoiti Nature Recovery area or a 5 hour circuit to the upper slopes of Mt Roberts. This track climbs steeply to the bushline and the summit of the ridgeline with incredible views back over the lake and St Arnaud range, before returning via a loop track back to the bus and our accommodation. The native bush is stunning and Lake Rotoiti is a magic location with a mountainous backdrop. Walking options: 2 hours or 5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Intensive pest eradication has meant native bird numbers are increasing in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Early risers this morning will have the chance to take a short bush walk and experience the morning songs of the forest or “dawn chorus.” We then drive via the spectacular Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to the alpine resort of Hanmer Springs. There is the option for a short walk in the forest, a visit to the hot pools and soak in the thermal springs (own expense) or wander around the small town and relax in a local cafe. Late afternoon we return to Christchurch and drop you off in central Christchurch around 6pm.

Meals:  B,L