9 Day New Zealand Walking Tour

With its multitude of jaw dropping trails, New Zealand is truly a walker’s paradise. Snowcapped peaks reaching into the clouds, a spectacular seacoast dotted with deserted beaches, massive glaciers blanketed in a fine mist, subtropical rainforests and crystal-clear lakes—the amazing diversity of the South Island makes this an ideal walking tour.

Naturally, your trip to New Zealand includes regional specialties such as salmon or venison served with renowned Canterbury Merlot. Some of the highlights of this journey include Abel Tasman National Park, Queen Charlotte Track, and Kaikoura.

Highlights

Explore the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park
Spend the day at leisure exploring Nelson and visiting the Wearable Arts Museum
Walk along two parts of the renowned Queen Charlotte Track
Visit the seaside resort of Kaikoura and explore its magnificent coastline and mountain ranges by foot
Stay 8 nights in superb accommodation including the Bay of Many Coves, Awaroa Lodge and Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses

Day
1

Arrive Wellington

Your journey begins today in Wellington. You may choose to take an afternoon walk around the area of the hotel. Tonight there will be a welcome dinner and a briefing on tomorrows walk.

Overnight: The Intercontinental Wellington

Day
2

Wellington - Queen Charlotte Sound

There is an early start today for our journey onboard the Interislander. The Interislander is the ferry service which crosses the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular cruises in the world.

On arrival at Picton we travel by water taxi to Ship Cove. It was from a hill on Arapawa Island in 1770 that Captain James Cook first saw the sea passage from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea, which was named Cook Strait. This discovery banished the fond notion of geographers that there existed a great southern continent, Terra Australis. Ship Cove is a most historic area, as it was one of James Cook's most popular destinations on his world travels. The area is surrounded by virgin bush and the walk to the top of the ridge provides spectacular views. We then make our way down into Endeavour Inlet to Furneaux Lodge, where a ferry awaits to transfer us to our accommodation.

Overnight: Bay of Many Coves or similar

This walk takes 4 - 5 hours . There is a well worn track however there are steep parts of the track.

Day
3

Queen Charlotte Sound

Today’s mainly coastal walk takes you around Endeavour Inlet through regenerating native bush to the call of bellbirds, fantails and other New Zealand native birds. Pause at the head of the bay to learn more about antimony & the mining industry that thrived there in the 1880s. This area was the site of a large village in the 19th Century where miners lived and worked while the hills beyond where excavated for this precious metal. The track continues gently, following the coastline around and into Big Bay. From the head of Big Bay, continue beside the water’s edge and on to Camp Bay. We take a ferry back to our hotel.

Overnight: Bay of Many Coves or similar

Todays walk will take 4-5 hours over well worn tracks

Day
4

Picton - Abel Tasman National Park

This morning we depart early for our drive to Kaiteriteri, viewing amazing scenery along the way. Upon arrival we transfer by water taxi to Bark Bay. On our walk today we cross Bark Bay estuary or follow the all-tide track around its edge and climb steeply to a saddle. Here you lose all sense of the sea below as you journey through stands of manuka.

We return to the shore at Tonga Quarry, where blocks of granite remain from an old quarrying operation. Tonga Island sits offshore surrounded by marine reserve. A short distance on is Onetahuti Bay. The track then climbs over Tonga Saddle and descends to Awaroa Inlet. We conclude at Awaroa Lodge, our accommodation for the next two evenings. At the quiet northern end of Abel Tasman National Park, Awaroa Lodge is the perfect vantage point to explore the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track - the most beautiful of all New Zealand's 'Great Walks'. It is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. The park was founded in 1942 and with a coverage of only 225.3 square kilometres, is the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand.

Overnight: Awaroa Lodge

Today's walk will take 4-5 hours over well worn paths and along beaches

Day
5

Abel Tasman National Park

After a morning at lesiure we begin our walk for the day. The first part of our walk is from Mutton Cove to Totaranui a little discovered part of the park. Leaving the coast at Mutton Cove we climb to a saddle. From here the track descends to Anapai Bay. The track heads around to the Totaranui estuary, climbs over a low saddle and winds down through lush forest. Travel alternates between sandy beaches and rocky headlands of regenerating kanuka. At Totaranui there is an option of either catching a water taxi back to the Lodge or continuing on by foot back to Awaroa.

For those continuing on by foot the walk takes us to a lookout at Skinner Point before descending to Goat Bay through the forest. We cross the Awaroa tidal crossing at low tide. From its northern side the track crosses a low saddle and drops to Waiharakeke Bay, where a timber mill once operated. The track continues on to Awaroa Lodge.

Overnight : Awaroa Lodge

Today's walk will take 4-5 hours over well worn paths and along beaches

Day
6

Motueka - Kaikoura

This morning we board a water taxi and cruise to Kaiteriteri. Upon arrival we sea kayak from Kaiteriteri to Split Apple Rock. We paddle through the safest, most sheltered area along the Abel Tasman coastline. We view islands, caves and beaches along the way.

Mid morning we fly from Motueka by small plane to Kaikoura. Jutting out from the rugged east coast of the South Island, the town has a backdrop of steep mountains which are often snow capped. Its wildlife including whales, dolphins, seals, birds and crayfish, provides a unique experience. It is an area rich in history and scenic beauty. This afternoon we walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway which provides easy access to explore the Kaikoura Peninsula. An impressive collection of information panels located along the walkway enables you to journey into the fascinating history of the people and to learn of the geology, the animals and the plants that make the area so special.

Overnight: Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

Today we have an easy 2 hour walk

Day
7

Kaikoura Wilderness Walk

This morning we commence our walk to Shearwater Lodge. The journey takes us along the Kaikoura Coast, then up the Puhi Puhi Valley, one of the most spectacular valleys in New Zealand, to the start of the Kaikoura Wilderness Walk. The first part of the walk is a pleasant mix of bush and forest environments; kanuka, manuka, beech, and fern dominate but specimens of rimu and totara can be seen. This part of the walk takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours and climbs to the vantage point at Totara Saddle, where a picnic lunch is served. Extensive views of the ocean to mountain tops at 2438m(8000ft) can be enjoyed. After lunch the track begins with a downhill section from Totara Saddle to the stream below, then a steady walk up through beech forest for approximately an hour. Climbing gently for 2 hours through an ancient totara forest, you will emerge on to alpine meadows covered in mountain daisies (celmesias), before a short climb to another saddle. From here the first view of Shearwater Lodge can be seen in its outstanding alpine setting. The last hour of the walk traverses several streams before reaching Shearwater Lodge where you will be welcomed by the Lodge Host.

Overnight: Shearwater Lodge

The walk today is 6-7 hours and is a strenous walk on tracks

Day
8

Shearwater Lodge - Kaikoura

Today is a full day of walking . Starting with a walk to Surveyor's Peak Lookout then returning to Shearwater Lodge for lunch. A brief visit to the beautiful Beverley Falls is a highlight before the walk out. The final section of the walk meanders down the ridge line before re-entering the beech forest and the return to Puhi Peaks Station. Tonight we stay again in the stunning Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses and will have a special farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

The walk today is 6 hours and is a strenuous walk

Day
9

Kaikoura - Christchurch International Airport

Your journey concludes after breakfast today. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport for your connecting flight home. Approximate time of arrival in Christchurch will be 1pm.

Dates & Prices

Tour Code	Days	Departs	Returns	Price $AUD
NZWT201	9	8th November 2012	17th November 2012	$6,995	Book Now
NZWT300	9	7th March 2013	16th March 2013	$6,995	Book Now

Inclusions

A journey director and local bushwalking guides
All meals; local wine or beer included with dinners
Best available accommodation throughout (with private facilities)
Transportation from the meeting to the departure point
All touring when we are not walking
Walking preparation kit prior to departure, including how much you will need to train for the journey and a packing list
Water bottle and holder
A special backpack for long walks and a Bill Peach Journeys suitcase
All baggage transportation
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service

Journey Details:

This journey commences on Day One in Welington - first service is a welcome dinner. Check in at the Intercontinental Hotel is available from 2pm. Included in your journey is your transfer from Wellington Airport to the Intercontinental Hotel. Early check-in can be requested at the Intercontinental Hotel but is not guaranteed.

The journey concludes on Day Nine at Christchurch International Airport at approximately 1pm - last service is breakfast. . Included in your journey is your transfer from the Hapuku Lodge to Christchurch International Airport.

Please contact Bill Peach Journeys or your local travel agent to arrange your flights.

Mode of Transport:

Planning to travel throughout this region requires careful consideration about the perfect mode of transportation. Our New Zealand Walking journey will include commercial flights, ferries, guided walks, coaches and cruises.

Level of fitness required: Active

These journeys are specifically designed for the active traveller. To fully appreciate the regions visited on this programme, participants will be required to walk on a daily basis between 10-15km on uneven surfaces and unaided, walk up steps and inclines. This journey also includes early morning guided walking tours through National Parks and access into some of New Zealand’s most remote regions.

In keeping with the locations, some of the accommodation is spread out and at some distance from facilities. At Awaroa Lodge it is usually necessary to wade ashore from the water taxi to the beach followed by a 10-minute walk to reach the main building along a sandy track. This journey includes opportunities for bush walking through gorges, bird watching and swimming. As always, we use the best available accommodation. Given the locations, only limited medical supplies are available in areas visited, therefore, all required medications will need to be brought from home by you.

If you have a walking stick or need wheelchair assistance, then this journey is not suitable.

We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey. In respect for your fellow travellers, Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.

Price $6,995 per person.

Single supplement: $1,280
Days: 9
Max Group Size: 12
Activity Level: Active

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