No content in this sectionCut 2” from the top and .1” off the outside edge after folded. Final size, 9” x 8.4”

Thermal hot pools – alpine Karst landscapes – sea-kayak Able Tasman whale watching – wine tasting – overnight hikes on Mt Owen & Table Lands swimming with dolphins – whitewater rafting

This active trip explores the top of the South Island, known for its sunshine, golden beaches and accessible mountain landscapes framed beautifully above farms, orchards and vineyards. Between two stunnning overnight hikes, we’ll sea-kayak the sandy beaches of Able Tasman National Park, swim with dolphins, go whitewater rafting and visit natural hot springs. Our most active trip, you’ll want a moderate to high level of fi tness and the ability to carry a backpack with gear for two days.

Mountains to Sea12 DAYS

MONDAY

Christchurch —Lewis Pass National ParkWelcome to New Zealand! Our trip departs from Christchurch by 10 a.m. We head north toward Lewis Pass National Park. After climbing the pass, we drop down to the valley fl oor to spend the night in a small remote hotel nestled by the Maruia River, surrounded by native beech forest – aka “goblin” forest. After dinner, take a relaxing soak in natural thermal hot springs under the stars as you unwind from your fi rst day’s journey.

TUESDAY

Lewis Pass National Park —Motueka ValleyToday, we travel down the remote Maruia Valley past dairy and sheep farms, surrounded by native forest-covered hills. Following lunch, we’ll meet up with our afternoon guides who will take us white-water rafting down the mighty Buller River’s Ariki section: grade III – IV, big volume water rafting through a river gorge. We then travel to our evening’s accommodation and prepare for our fi rst overnight hike.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: EXPERIENCED

No content in this sectionCut 2” from the top and .1” off the outside edge after folded. Final size, 9” x 8.4”

No content in this sectionCut 2” from the top and .1” off the outside edge after folded. Final size, 9” x 8.4”

WEDNESDAY

Motueka Valley — Mount Owen, Kahurangi National ParkFollowing a hearty breakfast, we get an early start for our two-day overnight hike in Kahurangi National Park. We’ll set our sights on the majestic Mount Owen (6150 ft), location fi lming spot for Lord of the Rings. This is an amazing place with a karst (marble) landscape of crevices and worn rock formations. Today’s hike is around 6 - 8 hrs. We begin on the valley fl oor at Court House Flat, climbing up through open forest before emerging into a clearing with spectacular views. From here, we climb steeply up through marble outcrops before leveling out to follow a dry creek bed toward Granity Pass. We spend the night in tents and pack in everything we need (sleeping bags, tents, spare cloths and food), though we’ll make sure to travel as light as possible for comfort and speed.

THURSDAY

Mount Owen, Kahurangi National Park — NelsonSummit day. Following a route marked by poles and stone cairns, we travel over tussock grassland past small tarns (alpine lakes), over marble outcrops crevices … this is truly an amazing landscape to explore. We gain the summit and the world opens up to us with panoramic views that make all the hard work worth it. From here, its all downhill as we return to Court House Flat. We then travel into Nelson Bays where we spend three nights in the same accommodation, taking time to relax and explore.

FRIDAY

NelsonWe chill out today. In the morning you can just relax or walk along the beach and explore on your own. Nelson Bays, known as the “Sunshine Capital” of New Zealand, is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant arts scene and award winning vineyard. Mid-morning we travel into downtown Nelson, checking out a couple of artist studios along the way and picking up some fresh locally grown fruit for our picnic lunch on the beach. Water temperatures may be perfect for a swim. In the afternoon, we’ll visit two wineries, taking time to sample local Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

SATURDAY

Nelson and Able Tasman National ParkFollowing our rest day, we travel out to the magical Kaiteriteri Beach to embark on a sea-kayaking adventure – the best way to explore the coastline of Able Tasman National Park. After a 30 minute water taxi, we’ll get dropped off at Bark Bay. Using the sea breeze to help us paddle, we travel 10 miles at an easy pace exploring lagoons, islands, a seal colony and dozens of beaches. No previous paddling experience required.

SUNDAY

Nelson — Salisbury Lodge, Kahurangi National ParkAfter an early start, we drive up the Motueka Valley and then up to the Mt. Arthur carpark. With almost all the altitude gained, we begin two days of hiking into an area of Kahurangi National Park known as the Table Lands, an area of beech forest and tussock plains beautifully framed by mountains. We spend 2/3 of the 8.6 mile hike today in dense beech forest following a stream along a well-formed track before slowly heading up hill to climb onto the Table Lands plateau. You’ll walk past rock bivvies and cross swing bridges. Reaching the tussock covered plateau, we walk out onto the plains surrounded by spectacular mountain views. We fi nish today’s hike at Salisbury Lodge – a New Zealand backcountry hut. You’re also welcome to sleep out under the stars if the night allows.

MONDAY

Kahurangi National Park — Golden BayToday’s hike is a little over 8 miles and is mostly out in the open with views of Mt Arthur, the Leslie Valley, Lockett Ranges and Marshall Ranges. We cross the tussock covered Table Lands walking past Balloon Hut and then begin an easy climb up and around Lake Peel to the Cobb Valley to fi nish our hike. Our transportation is waiting to whisk us away into the magical area of Golden Bay. This stunning bay is framed on one side by Able Tasman National Park and on the other by the West Coast and the tailings of the Southern Alps. Separated from the rest of the South Island by the 2490 ft Takaka Hill (the only road access), Golden Bay is truly off the beaten path. We spend the next two nights in the same accommodation.

TUESDAY

Golden BayAfter a sleep-in, we’ll head towards Cape Farewell, the most northerly point of the South Island. Depending on how people feel, we are able to explore the area with either a leisurely 2 or 4 hour walk around Wharariki Beach and Puponga Farm Park Reserve. A short walk takes us over farmland to the West Coast and Wharariki Beach, a part of the coast exposed to the intense weather of the West Coast. There are unique rock formations, wind blown trees and sand dunes, streams and lakes. At the end of the day we make sure to stop by the Mussel Inn, a Golden Bay icon, known for its organic and home-grown food, beer and cider.

WEDNESDAY

Golden Bay — KaikouraWe travel out of Golden Bay, traversing Tasman Bay to cross over into the Wairau Valley and the Marlborough region (the largest wine producing area in New Zealand).

We stop for lunch at a vineyard and then travel South down the East Coast to the town of Kaikoura to spend the night.

THURSDAY

Kaikoura — Hanmer SpringsKaikoura is a small coastal town, known for its Cray fi shing industry (lobster) and whale watching. With the Kaikoura Canyon just out at sea, the water depth plunges to 3200 ft.

You have three options for the morning:1. Whale Watching: Board a catamaran and travel out to the

Kaikoura Canyon, with the town of Kaikoura and the Kaikoura ranges framing the view behind you. The potential sea life include the year-round Giant Sperm Whale, fur seals and pods of Dusky Dolphins. Also, migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, Orca, Hectors Dolphins and the rare Southern Right Whale may be seen.

2. Dolphin Swimming — Head out to the coastal waters off the coast for your chance to swim with the dusky dolphin. You’ll be wearing a wetsuit and snorkel gear. Dusky dolphins travel in pods sized from 100 to 800 and are known for their acrobatics. This can be a an incredible experience for those who are comfortable in the cool open ocean.

3. Scenic fl ight: Take to the air and experience Kaikoura from the seat of a small plane with a 30 minute fl ight. You’ll get panoramic views of the sea and the mountains a chance to see Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphins.

Following our morning’s adventures, we head inland to the small Canterbury town of Hanmer Springs for our farewell evening. After a delicious dinner, we’ll end the trip in a similar fashion to our start – by soaking in the natural hot springs which made this picturesque village town famous.

FRIDAY

Hanmer Springs – ChristchurchWe travel from Hanmer Springs back to Christchurch. We arrive in the city by 1 p.m. – if you’re arranging a fl ight, please do not schedule domestic fl ights prior to 2.30 p.m. and international fl ights prior to 3.30 p.m. Most direct fl ights to North America leave in the late afternoon / evening and, depending on your fl ight itinerary, you may need to take a short fl ight back to Auckland.

No content in this sectionCut 2” from the top and .1” off the outside edge after folded. Final size, 9” x 8.4”

Canterbury Bight

Foveaux Strait

Pacific Ocean

SouthIsland

Blenheim

Kaikoura

Golden Bay

MaruiaSprings

Nelson

Hammer Springs

Christchurch

Mountains to Sea12 DAYS

www.truenewzealand.com