Essential South Island 7-Day

Our trip begins in Christchurch where we’ll meet at a central location in the city centre. Once we’ve done our meet and greet, we’ll drive straight into the Southern Alps. The Arthurs Pass region is the main divide and access to the South Islands West Coast. It’s home to some BIG mountains and classic beech forests. We’ll stop right in the heart of Arthurs Pass and walk to The Devils Punchbowl waterfall – not the most original name for a waterfall, but it this waterfall is a sight to behold.

Later we’ll continue through to the West Coast, where we’ll have the night in Hokitika and a meal at a Beachfront restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: Beach Front Hotel, Hokitika

MEALS: (L,D)

Walking: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), 2.5 hours, elevation +/- 120 meters (390 feet)

This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds.

Later, we’ll hike to the Okarito Trig – a steep trail up through virgin forest to an absolutely classic view point. As well as the highest peaks in the Southern Alps, you’ll be afforded views all the way up and down the west coast, as well as the Okarito lagoon.

ACCOMMODATION: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef  

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Walking: 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles), 2 hours, elevation +/- 160 meters (524 feet)

This morning we’ll continue down the west coast, and follow the spine of the the Southern Alps. Our first hike for the day is around the stunning ''mirror'' lake - Lake Matheson. Shrouded in dense native forest, this stunning trail circumnavigates the lake with beautiful mountain reflections! Later, we'll continue down the West Coast and hike through coastal forest to Munro Beach - a pristine beach famed for penguins. Keep your eyes peeled!

After our hike, we'll continue South through Haast Pass to Makarora, in the heart of the Mt Aspiring area. One of the most pristine areas of New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATION: Wonderland Makarora  

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Walking: 9.8 kilometers (6 miles), 3 hours, elevation +/- 50 meters (164 feet)

An outrageously scenic optional excursion is on offer today for those who are keen. After being fitted with crampons, we’ll board a helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, we’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs, and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so our guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions. At the end of our hike on the ice, we’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilization.

Later, we’ll continue down the west coast, and back through the Southern Alps. The Haast Pass is an incredible drive! We’ll spend the evening in Wanaka. 

This optional excursion is NZ$790 + 15% tax

Today we hike one of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful trails. We start off with a stunning drive up the Matukituki Valley, passing through large sheep, cattle and deer farms along the way.

Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge over the Matukituki River before climbing through beech forest alongside the raging boulder strewn Rob Roy River. Eventually we’ll emerge above the tree line into a stunning alpine meadow with a superb view of the Rob Roy Glacier. We’ll take lunch here and soak in the views before heading back down the valley.

Later, we’ll drive over the iconic Crown Range and down into Queenstown.

ACCOMMODATION: Autoline Hotel, Queenstown  

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Walking:10.3kilometers (6.4 miles), 5 hours, elevation +/- 472 meters (1548 feet)

Today we'll embark on a hike on the Mount Crichton Loop Trail – a local secret classic through gorgeous beech forest. Part of this loop walk passes Sam Summers' Hut - providing a fascinating glimpse of life as a gold prospector. This area was mined off and on between the 1860s and the 1930s.

In the early days of the gold rush, water was used as a tool to blast gravel off the cliffs. The gold-bearing gravel was then washed through a tail race tunnel. The tunnel we'll see on this walk is spectacular - 24 metres long, a metre wide and 10 metres high.

ACCOMMODATION: Autoline Hotel, Queenstown  

MEALS: (B,L)

Walking: 6.4 kilometers (3.9 miles), 3 hours, elevation +/- 317 meters (1040 feet)

We’ll take off from Queenstown, and fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial-fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. Witness what the power of nature has created over the years, as we journey over two remarkable National Parks; Mt Aspiring and the world heritage listed Fiordland National Park.

Upon landing at Milford Sound Airport we’ll be welcomed with a view of Mitre Peak, standing tall at the head of the fiord. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, we’ll board the Mitre Peak Cruises vessel and begin a voyage cruising the length of the 16km fiord out to the Tasman Sea. We’ll complete the  journey with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Add NZ$720 + 15% tax for this option

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.

ACCOMMODATION: Autoline Hotel, Queenstown  

MEALS: (B,D)

Today is the last day of your Earth Sea Sky Travel exploration of New Zealand’s most scenic areas. Our aim is to create incredible moments that count with like minded people, and build lifelong friendships through physical activity and shared experiences in some of the worlds most beautiful places.

MEALS: (B)