At a Glance
Experience the unmatched wonders of nature as you explore New Zealand from Christchurch to Queenstown on this 9-day walking adventure. From striking mountains, picturesque lakes and lush beech forest to enchanting towns; prepare to be astounded at every turn.
Your adventure begins at the George Hotel in downtown Christchurch, where you travel to the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, a spectacular geological treasure. Hike to the historic sheep station hut. Bask in the beauty of this breathtaking land as you make our way to the summit of Arthur’s Pass, then after head south to Franz Josef. Tour the bustling town of Franz Josef, and go for a stroll along the peaceful and scenic Lake Matheson. Explore Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area at your leisure. Journey into Hawea Town with spectacular views, and ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- All meals as specified
- 8 nights of accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Park and other entry fees
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Today, you meet with your tour leaders at 8:30 a.m. at the George Hotel in downtown Christchurch, New Zealand. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes. Bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). After our meeting, we shuttle to the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, an area endowed with vast rolling green hills dotted with giant, curiously shaped limestone monoliths, and considered a sacred site by local Maori. Warm-up your legs with a hike through this spectacular and strange geological treasure the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area has to offer. Leaving here, we head to Arthur’s Pass, stopping along the way for a sumptuous lunch. |
||
After lunch, we continue to our home for the next two nights, the Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass, a unique blend of the secluded resort and working sheep station, designed to conserve and showcase the natural environment. Sitting on a 4000-acre working sheep farm and nature reserve, surrounded by the peaks of Arthur's Pass National Park, the lodge provides a panorama view of its surroundings. While you’re here, seize the opportunity to watch a sheepdog herding a flock of Merino sheep and see a sheep-shearing demonstration done the old-fashioned way—by hand! Gather tonight for a welcome reception followed by a gourmet dinner at the hotel's Rolleston Restaurant, a rather surprise in this remote wilderness setting. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Behold the lush beech forest with a soft mossy floor, surrounding snow-capped peaks, and braided Waimakariri River today as you hike up Bealey Spur leads past alpine wetlands to a historic sheep station hut once used by shepherds during the days of high-country sheep farming. A good day to remember for the bird-lovers as you come across different species of birds. Discover the rifleman, New Zealand’s smallest bird, as well as grey warblers, bellbirds, harrier hawks, and gregarious alpine parrots called kea. Continue to the summit for a 360-degree view, which is stunning when the skies are clear. Head back to the comfortable abode after an adventurous day for some relaxation before reconvening for dinner later tonight. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning at the lodge after which we shuttle to the trailhead for today’s hike. From Arthur's Pass village we climb through a mountain beech forest to a magical alpine garden in a glacier-hewn valley. Take in the undeniable beauty around you as we come across Mighty Mountains, dividing east and west, towering over us as we make our way to the summit of Arthur's Pass. Discover the brilliant flora bloom, such as the New Zealand lily, alpine Hebe, alpine daisy Coprosmas and spiky Spaniard plants. We will be stopping next at the Kapitea Ridge Lodge for a classic New Zealand barbecue lunch served overlooking the dramatic coastline. Ponder the contrasts of the day, from above the tree line in the Alps to the temperate rainforest and coastal farmland. Marvel at the magnificent views along the road as we head south along the incredible West Coast to Franz Josef, the gateway town to “Glacier Country” and the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s highest mountain range. |
||
Done with today’s activities, we will be heading to our home for the night, the luxurious 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Nestled amongst native West Coast rainforests at Franz Josef and one with nature, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Gather tonight for an exquisite dinner in the hotel with various quality local cuisines to choose from. |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Our adventure begins with us hiking the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into the temperate rainforest—an unrivalled mingling of dramatically different ecosystems. Over the past century, the glacier has experienced a steady loss of ice and snow, withdrawing to higher elevations that are no longer safely reachable on foot. Feel like exploring the glacier up close? There are a variety of ways to do that with one of them being taking a scenic flight over the glacier (This flight is at own expense). For the hiking lovers, go along with our tour guides for a guided hike to explore the glacial valley on foot while relishing the magnificent views it has to offer. Continue to the bustling town of Franz Josef where you will be having lunch at your own leisure with an array of restaurants and dishes to select from. After lunch, we will be travelling to our next destination, Lake Matheson, near the town of Fox Glacier. Go for a stroll around this peaceful and scenic lake, enjoying a mostly forested trail with fantastic flora and bird viewing. On a clear day, New Zealand's highest peaks (Mount Cook and Mount Tasman) can be seen reflected in the lake's naturally dark waters! |
||
Following our afternoon hike, we continue to the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, a sister property of the Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass and our home for the next two nights. With its stunning natural setting, surrounded by lakes, rivers, rainforest, and seacoast in the heart of Te Wahipounamu, the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is truly a paradise on earth. Relax in your spacious rooms with mountain or river views from your private balcony, cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine or take a lovely stroll through the nearby rainforest trails. |
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (200 ft) Enjoy today all by yourself and at your own pace with lots of activities to engage in. Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is beautifully situated in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, which protects ancient forests from future development and preserves the region's pristine beauty and unique wildlife, including flightless birds that evolved without natural predators. Naturalists at the lodge offer a wide variety of activities appropriate to the weather and season. You can set out on a hike through the rain forest and get to discover 1000-year-old trees, orchids, and a myriad of ferns, afterward travel across the lake on a canoe. Go for a walk to Munro Beach and down at the water while basking in the spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and the sound of the pounding surf. For a slower pace, unwind back at the lodge with a book by the fireplace or relax at the lounge with glorious views all around you. |
||
Tonight, we will be meeting in the lodge's lovely riverside lounge before sitting down for dinner. A spectacular evening to enjoy fine dining in a quality wilderness setting. |
FOUR HIKING OPTIONS: After a hearty breakfast this morning, we will take a scenic drive down the coast, and the over-dramatic Haast Pass kicks off today’s activities. The contrast is obvious as we leave the ancient rain forests of the verdant West Coast and move into the grasslands and stark beauty of the eastern side of the Alps. We begin our hike in Gladstone on the shore of Lake Hawea. Travel into the friendly Hawea Township with each step bringing you closer to the enticing views of the town and its surroundings. Pass through this resort town’s neighbourhoods, a boat dock, and eventually reach downtown where we stop at a delightful café for lunch. This afternoon, you can choose to continue exploring this enchanting town with lots of Wanaka’s shops to browse through, or go on a hike to Rocky Mountain for a 360-degree view. Alternatively, go for a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and experience the astonishing Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most famous natural treasures. Relish the views of soaring cliffs laced with waterfalls and covered with dense foliage as you embark on a boat cruise through the fjord. |
||
For something a little more relaxing, head to the luxurious Edgewater Resort which lies right at the water’s edge of Lake Wanaka. The resort offers picturesque lake views for your pleasure and state-of-the-art amenities for you to relax including tennis courts. In Wanaka today, enjoy dinner on your own with mouth-watering New Zealand cuisine and a wide range of regional wines in numerous restaurants to choose from. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: After a delicious breakfast today, we will be heading into the heart of the Mount Aspiring National Park, where the road ends in the heat of Matukituki Valley. Walking along the floor of the valley, go across the West Matukituki River on a swing bridge and begin climbing up a well-formed trail to a spectacular viewpoint below the Rob Roy hanging glacier. Often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the South”, the Rob Roy originated from the slopes of Mount Aspiring and was first climbed in 1909. With majestic views all around you, enjoy a delicious packed lunch before heading back to Wanaka for a relaxed afternoon. Head out to the sauna, book a therapeutic spa session at the hotel, or take a dip in the hot tub before dinner together at a favorite local restaurant, Bistro Gentil. A chic bistro serving exquisite French dishes à La carte and in 7-course tasting menus with wines and cocktails. |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: We will be leaving Lake Wanaka today and travelling into the Central Otago wine region, which lies between Wanaka and Queenstown. Also known for its gold mining heritage, Gibbston Valley is home to several wineries, famous for producing some of the best pinot noirs in the world. After a hike along the undulating shores of the Kawarau River Gorge and among the Gibbston Valley vineyards, we take a break to enjoy a local wine tasting and lunch. Travel through rolling farmland and past the historic mining village of Arrowtown and discover picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand’s “Adventure Capital”. We will be spending the last night of this amazing adventure at the well-appointed Sherwood Queenstown. Located on a hillside with breathtaking views overlooking the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountain Range. |
||
Take advantage of the hotel's yoga studio, relax in the sauna, or head downtown. Afterwards, we gather for cocktails before a farewell dinner. |
Round off this memory-making experience with an early-morning walk along Lake Wakatipu before returning to the hotel for a delightful breakfast. Better still, you can choose to sleep in and enjoy a more leisurely morning, later on, you shuttle to the Queenstown airport bringing an end to this amazing journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Christchurch
- The finish point is Queenstown
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Christchurch.
New Zealand’s maritime climate makes November to April the most ideal months for travelling to the country.
The South Island’s temperature during summer ranges from 1030 ºC, with a pleasant 40 50% humidity. However, the country’s mountainous terrain and position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ means its weather changes frequently, sometimes unexpectedly. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler, and snowfall is not uncommon, even in summer. Ergo, you should ensure you have a good waterproof jacket and warm clothing.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.