Discover, Plan & Go!

The South Island Adventure is our most action-packed New Zealand trip with plenty of options to suit your fancy! Enjoy a snorkeling trip to a seal colony, an incredible 3-day guided backpacking trek, choose from unforgettable biking or sea kayaking options and take some of New Zealand's most stunning day hikes. This trip maintains plenty of options and flexibility ensuring the trip works for everyone. Two local kiwi guides take good care of you. The South Island Multi-Sport Adventure is an awesome way to see New Zealand if you enjoy the outdoors and like a bit of a challenge. Accommodations vary - for over half the trip stay in accommodations of high standards (B & B’s, lodges, etc.) and for the rest of the trip experience more rustic accommodations in order to be in the most beautiful, isolated, and off-the-beaten-track places in New Zealand.

Day 1 - Monday - Arrive Christchurch, Kaikoura snorkel

Upon arrival you are met by our local Kiwi guides before driving up the coast to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the Kaikoura Peninsula with a snorkeling trip to a seal colony. You'll be supplied with a wetsuit, a mask and a snorkel, and you can swim within a couple of feet of the native New Zealand Fur Seals as they cavort in the water.

Accommodations: Bed & Breakfast, Kaikoura

Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - Tuesday - Begin hiking, biking or kayaking option

Drive north for a couple of hours to Blenheim, in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Visit Forrest Estate Winery, where you will sample some fantastic wines while picnicing on the vineyard lawn. At the time of booking, you have the choice of a 3-day/2-night backpacking trip in Nelson Lakes National Park, a 3-day/2-night sea kayaking trip in the Marlborough Sounds, or a 3-day/2-night biking trip on the Queen Charlotte Track. The backpacking trip entails staying in mountain huts, while the cyclists and sea kayakers stay in more conventional lodgings, often with amenities like hot tubs, private bathrooms and even a bar! After lunch, head off for our various activities:

HIKING OPTION:

Day 2 - Tuesday (Continued) Nelson Lakes National Park

Our hike starts at the charming village of St. Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. Spend a relaxing afternoon hiking alongside Lake Rotoiti. Enjoy an overnight stay at Lakehead Hut, a small mountain cabin at the head of Lake Rotoiti. The setting is gorgeous with a river running by and mountains everywhere you look. Nelson Lakes National Park straddles the northern part of the Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. It's a special place and in our opinion vastly superior to its more famous neighbor, Abel Tasman National Park. This is serious wilderness country - no roads, no shops, no TVs - just incredible views and marvelous solitude. You don't have to carry a heavy pack - our guides carry the lion's share of the load. Most hikers carry a sleeping bag, clothes for 3 days, and a little food. Backpacks and sleeping bags are available for rent $35 each.

Accommodations: Lakehead Hut

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Wednesday - Nelson Lakes Naional Park

Today walk alongside the Travers River, through native beech forest, before heading up the Hukere Stream. The rest of the day is spent hiking up a mountain ridgeline. This is a steep hike, with an elevation gain of 3000 feet, but it's absolutely worth it. There is a gorgeous alpine lake at the top and the remote but comfortable Angelus Hut is ideally situated right on the edge of the lake. Relax at the hut rewarding your climb with a hot cup of tea or if you're still keen for more, we'll scramble up a nearby peak to enjoy stunning views in every direction. Many of our hiking option clients tell us that the Angelus Circuit - still unspoiled and non-commercial - was the highlight of their New Zealand experience, and many Kiwis prefer this trip to the better-known Milford and Routeburn Tracks.

Accommodations: Angelus Hut

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Thursday - Nelson Lakes National Park

Wake up on top of the world. After breakfast, it's a four-hour walk out, first along the stark ridgeline with dramatic views down to Tasman Bay and the mountains of Kahurangi National Park beyond, then proceeding down through native beech forest. It's a challenging walk out, but it's worth every drop of sweat! We'll hook up with the kayakers and cyclists before carrying on to the coast. END HIKING OPTION

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

SEA KAYAKING OPTION

Day 2 - Tuesday - Marlborough Sound

After lunch at the winery kayakers depart for Anakiwa on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. The waters here are calm and isolated, surrounded by lush forests and rocky coastline. Here you are outfitted with a modern sea kayak and all the necessary safety equipment for paddling. No experience is necessary this option, but experienced sea kayakers, will not be bored. After a thorough safety briefing, head out with your guide. It'll be late afternoon by now, so it's a fairly gentle first day's paddle.

Accommodations: Lochmara Lodge

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Wednesday Marlborough Sound

Today enjoy a full day's paddling among the remote reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound. Paddle at your own pace and our guides will make sure that you get as much or as little "sea time" as you like! Along the way check out secluded beaches and pristine forests; while seeking a variety of native birds. With a bit of luck, we'll be paddling alongside the local dolphins and even penguins! In addition to paddling there is plenty of time for beach and forest walks. After the day's activities, enjoy a hot shower and a delicious dinner before a comfortable night's sleep.

Accommodations: Lochmara Lodge

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Thursday - Marlborough Sound

Spend the morning paddling to our takeout point at Anakiwa. Here we will transfer to St. Arnaud, where we join the rest of the group before proceeding to the coast.

END KAYAKING OPTION.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

BIKING OPTION

Day 2 - Tuesday (continued)

After lunch at the winery cyclists head for Anakiwa, on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound. Here the group is outfitted with modern mountain bikes and begins with a gentle warm up ride. The biking option offers a lot of flexibility. This afternoon's ride gives your guide the opportunity to tailor the next two days to your level of experience. We offer a range of fantastic trails to suit your experience and interests - from gentle pedaling along a wide, flat forest trail to more challenging single-track. It's your call. In the evening enjoy an awesome dinner in a local lodge before the big day tomorrow.

Accommodations: Queen Charlotte

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Wednesday - Queen Charlotte Track

Today choose from a big ride or a gentle cruise. Experienced bikers will enjoy challenging single-track riding on the renowned Queen Charlotte Track, while many prefer the wide smooth trails that wind through the coastal forest. The Queen Charlotte Track is legendary because it is one of the few areas of wilderness where mountain bikes are permitted. No matter which trail you choose, you'll experience the pristine beaches, native forest and birdlife that characterize this area. Along the ride there is plenty of time to stop for short beach and forest walks.

Accommodations: Queen Charlotte

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Thursday - Queen Charlotte Track

Spend the morning biking back towards Anakiwa before joining the hikers and the kayakers in the afternoon and carrying on to the coast.

END BIKING OPTION.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Thursday (Continued) - Proceed to West Coast

After regrouping head to New Zealand's wonderful West Coast- 500 miles of coastline with a population of only 40,000 people! Stop at the tiny seaside settlement of Charleston to pick up the quintessential Kiwi dinner - fish and chips! If weather permits enjoy fish and chips on the beach before heading south down the stunning coastline towards the coastal village of Punakaiki.

Accommodations: West Coast Lodgings

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Friday - Punakaiki & Okarito Lagoon

Spend the day in Punakaiki hiking among the limestone canyons and lush rainforest of the Inland Pack Track. Gold miners originally established this trail and opened up the area over a century ago. Check out the world famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes of Punakaiki. This afternoon to drive down the scenic coastal road and stop at Hokitika stopping at local art galleries and pounamu carving workshops (" pounamu" is Maori for jade). Carry on to Okarito Lagoon, an untouched gem of the West Coast with a population of only 31 people!

Accommodations: Okarito Beach House

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Saturday - Okarito Lagoon

There are a wide variety of options, from relaxation to adventure at Okarito. Some travelers prefer to relax and recharge in this sleepy but beautiful beach community. Others enjoy sea kayaking on the lagoon with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, exploring the deserted beach or hiking in the rainforest. The Okarito Lagoon hosts the only white heron colony in New Zealand. This evening - after a traditional Kiwi roast dinner (with vegetarian options of course) - head out to listen for New Zealand's most famous bird, the rare and elusive kiwi. You'll almost never see a kiwi, as they are nocturnal and very shy, but they have a very distinctive call, so it's great fun to go out and listen for them. And the sunsets around here are definitely not to be missed.

Accommodations: Okarito Beach House

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Sunday - Franz Joseph Glacier

Just south of Okarito are two formidable glaciers descending from the mountains to the Sea. Our guides lead an awesome hike through the rainforest up to Roberts Point, overlooking the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier. We only do this hike in good weather, as the rocks get very slippery in the rain. If it's raining, we'll do a shorter walk to the terminal face of the Fox Glacier, hike around Lake Matheson, and visit the Blue Pools near the Haast Pass. From Franz Josef it's about three hours down the coast to Makarora (pop. 30), a camp settlement directly next to Mt. Aspiring National Park. Enjoy an overnight stay at a beautifully landscaped homestead on the edge of the camp, in the shadow of the mountains.

A unique option this afternoon, instead of the Roberts Point hike, is to take a helicopter ride up towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps. If you choose this option, you'll be landing 4,000 feet up on the glacier itself to start a 3-hour hike on the ice, with crampons, ice axes etc. (Heli-hike option approximately US$200).

Accommodations: The Homestead, Makarora

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Monday - Mount Aspiring National Park to Queenstown

Head down the road to Lake Wanaka for a short hike over-looking the lake and the surrounding mountains. A short drive across the mountains at Cardrona Saddle and we drop into Queenstown in time for lunch. Queenstown is a great place to spend a couple of days. It's the adventure capital of New Zealand - you'll find all the comforts of civilization: massage therapists, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, window shopping, and adrenaline pumping activities! You'll find some incredible optional activities here, such as hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing, and wine tours - it's all here! There are also incredible hikes and bike rides as well. Queenstown is not a big place - the population is about 5000 - but there's plenty to do! Or you can do nothing. Many of our clients enjoy lounging about just reading a book after the hiking and paddling on the West Coast.

Accommodations: Queenstown condominiums

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday - Free day in Queenstown

Accommodations: Queenstown condominiums

Included Meals: breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday - Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys & Routeburn Track

Today begin two days of the most unforgettable cycling you may ever experience! This morning head down through Te Anau towards Milford Sound. You'll be fitted with a 21-speed front suspension bike for a spectacular ride through the legendary Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys to The Divide. We maintain plenty of flexibility - keen cyclists can start early and cover 50 miles or more throughout the day. Moderately keen cyclists can be picked up anytime along the way, for a shorter ride. If cycling is not your thing, you can skip it and just enjoy the scenery - like all activities, the cycling is completely optional. After recovering our cyclists, we'll hike part of the famous Routeburn Track up to Key Summit for unbelievable views of the surrounding peaks. The Routeburn is one of the best-known hiking tracks in New Zealand and we include the best part of the track overlooking the Hollyford Valley, Lake Marion, and Mt. Christina. After hiking back to the trailhead, cyclists can take to the bikes again for the short downhill ride to Gunn's Camp, in the Hollyford Valley. Gunn's Camp is an isolated and rustic establishment, originally set up in the 1930s for the workers who built the Homer Tunnel and the Milford Road. They didn't live in luxury, but they lived in a beautiful, tranquil place, with about a dozen cabins scattered about a central building. Gunn's Camp is right next to the Hollyford River and is surrounded by the towering peaks of Fiordland National Park.

Accommodations: Gunn's Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Thursday - Milford Sound

An early drive through the Homer Tunnel comes out at the top of a spectacular alpine road winding downhill to Milford Sound. The lush rainforest carpeting the lower slopes of the mountains gives way to the massively steep glacier-carved slopes and waterfalls of the Darren Range. Milford Sound, rated the 8th Natural Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, is breathtaking. Sheer rock walls plunge thousands of feet to the sea, surrounded by snow-capped mountains! Most people see Milford Sound from the deck of a cruise ship, but we've got a better way - gliding along in a sea kayak, causing minimum disruption to the seals and dolphins, which are very friendly and often eager to visit. After the morning paddle, head to the Lake Manapouri Inn, beautifully located on the water's edge. Guests appreciate spectacular views of Lake Manapouri and the surrounding mountains of Fiordland National Park. This afternoon relax and enjoy the surroundings or explore the countryside by bicycle.

Accommodations: Lake Manapouri Inn

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Friday - High Country Sheep Farm

Today return to Queenstown, where we stop for a couple of hours for lunch and last minute shopping before heading back into the wilderness for the remainder of your trip. Drive up to Lake Pukaki, near Mt. Cook, where we stay on a 60,000-acre working, high-country sheep farm, called Braemar Station. ("Station" is the New Zealand word for a big ranch.) While here, we'll stay in the sheep shearers' quarters. While not luxurious, many previous clients have told us this was one of their favorite places on the whole trip! The view out the kitchen window in the morning will knock your socks off - one huge mountain, rearing towards the sky on the other side of a gorgeous cobalt-blue lake. And with no lights for miles around, the stars on a clear night are like nothing you've ever seen - just the place for your last couple of nights in New Zealand!

Accommodations: OShearers' Quarters, Braemar Station

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Saturday - Mount Cook

This morning it's an hour or so to Mt. Cook village, at the head of Lake Pukaki. Mt. Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, and we have a stunning and little-known day hike (weather permitting) to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It's a challenging hike, but you'll remember the view of the Mueller Glacier and the surrounding peaks of the Main Divide forever! There are other hiking options for those who prefer to take it a little easier. The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it is a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If we aren't able to do the Mueller hike, we'll take an impressive hike up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake at the base of Hooker Glacier, complete with icebergs! Return to the shearers' quarters for the last night. Enjoy a traditional Kiwi BBQ and a cold drink as the sun sets over Mt. Cook.

Accommodations: Shearers' Quarters, Braemar Station

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 - Sunday - Depart for Home

Depart after breakfast for the three-hour drive to Christchurch, and arrive in time for afternoon flights back to Auckland. Any flight after 4pm is ideal but we can make 3pm flights if we have advanced notice. International flights from Auckland usually leave early evening, so if you're heading back to North America, you'll get home on Sunday, even though you left on Sunday evening!

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

8 day version Christchurch to Queenstown

Day 1 Sun: Arrive and hike in Arthur's Pass

Day 2 Mon: Hiking near Franz Josef Glacier

Day 3 Tue: Fly into Mt. Aspiring National Park

Day 4 Wed: Hiking through Siberia Valley & jet boat ride

Day 5 Thu: Cycling Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys & hiking Routeburn Track

Day 6 Fri: Sea kayaking in Milford Sound

Day 7 Sat: Free day in Queenstown or local hikes

Day 8 Sun: Depart for home

Notes on Itinerary: This trip may also be run in reverse going to Queenstown first and finishing with Kaikoura. Whichever trip you take, all the above activities are included, just in a different order.

Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of some of our accommodations on this trip, we sometimes need to alter our accommodations. For instance, every now and then the shearers' quarters at Braemar Station are required by the shearers. We try to make as few changes as possible, but we ask that you know we retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be.

Recommended Flights: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, or out on the last day, we recommend arriving in Christchurch by approximately 9 - 10 am on Monday, and departing from Christchurch after 3 - 4 pm on Sunday. Other flight times may also be possible - if you are considering other flight times please let us know.

Arrival Information: Most travelers depart North America on a Saturday evening and arrive in Auckland early on Monday morning. You'll lose a day to the dateline - but you get it back on the way home! You'll immediately take the short flight to Christchurch in the South Island arriving by 10am. Our guides greet arriving travelers at the Christchurch airport in front of the information desk at 11 am. Many travelers prefer to arrive early and spend a day in Christchurch (we can arrange accommodations if you wish). Early arrivals meet at Holiday Inn City Centre in Christchurch at 10.30 am.

Most North American travelers find that jetlag is no big deal. For instance, it's a 12-hour direct overnight flight from the West Coast of the USA to Auckland and there's only a 3 hour time difference between New Zealand and US Pacific time.

Departure Information: On the last day of the trip we drop you off at the Christchurch airport in time for the flights above, or anywhere in central Christchurch in mid-late afternoon.

Land Cost Includes: "All guiding services. We always have at least two guides per trip, and we usually take up to 14 clients per trip. Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organize accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later. All your meals, except in Queenstown where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there! All hiking, cycling, and kayaking described in the itinerary, excluding optional extra activities, such as the heli-hike at Franz Josef. We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities operated by local activity operators in US dollars, including all required equipment, but these rates may vary according to the USD/NZD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the cheap or free options. Although some people enjoy sampling hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and so on, others prefer to focus more on the hiking, paddling and cycling, which is of course the reason you're coming to New Zealand in the first place!

Not Included: Airfare to New Zealand, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations: We've chosen interesting and comfortable accommodations throughout. Some places are quite luxurious while others are simple and rustic - off the beaten track. Our clients often say a real highlight of the trip is meeting their New Zealand hosts. You'll love the places we stay!

Qualifications: You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the South Island Multi-Sport Adventure. You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of regular exercise.

No experience is necessary to enjoy this trip. Our experienced guides are highly trained, and will look after you! You don't have to carry a heavy pack. You don't need to have been in a sea kayak to enjoy kayaking Okarito Lagoon or Milford Sound. You don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy some of the rides we have available. In fact we have so many options available that you don't need to ride at all, if you'd rather hike, fish, or just laze around! All we ask is that you be energetic and in reasonable shape - and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. The challenges are there, though, if you're looking for them. For instance, on the second day of the backpacking trip we spend the day climbing to Lake Angelus on the Robert Ridge. The views are incredible - and they get better the higher you go, so the fitter members of the party often push on to the top of the ridge for some unforgettable views of both sides of the South Island, while others enjoy just staying at the hut and admiring the view. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced.

To Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to New Zealand's North Island.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today