Day 1. Thursday. Tour begins in Christchurch - 10km/6 hours hiking

We meet at Christchurch Visitors Centre and after a quick briefing by the guide we drive north to the wild and rocky Kaikoura coast. After a picnic lunch we pack up for an overnight hike and walk to Mt Fyffe hut in the seaward Kaikoura range. These spectacular mountains rise steeply from sea level providing a stunning backdrop to coastal views. In the evening we get to know each other better through an introduction session.

Day 2. Friday. Kaikoura - 15km/2 hours hiking

Up early to climb to the summit of Mount Fyffe (1765m) and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Superb views of the Kaikoura Peninsula below and the coastline stretching northwards. We descend through a rocky arid alpine environment returning to Mt Fyffe hut, then follow a track down the ridgeline to the carpark. From here we head out to the coast. This area is rich in marine wildlife due to the up welling of nutrients from deep underwater canyons. Sperm whales live here feeding on the giant squid that inhabit the Hikurangi trench. Kaikoura was an important food gathering area for the Maori – the name means ‘meal of crayfish’. A whale watching boat trip ($115-optional) provides a thrilling opportunity to see whales, dolphins and seals in their natural environment. We drive north up the coast and then inland to our lakeside camp at Lake Rotoiti.

Day 3. Saturday. Nelson Lakes National Park - 16km/4 hours hiking

Start a 3 day hike into Nelson Lakes National Park. Hike around the shores of Lake Rotoiti through beautiful beech forest, the forest floor carpeted with bright green mosses. Continue up the Travers Valley before branching off up Hukere Stream. Slowly we make our way higher up this valley towards Mt Angelus. We camp in a clearing beside the stream, with views of high mountains all around.

Day 4. Sunday. Nelson Lakes National Park - 9km/5 hours hiking

We start the day with a steep but extremely rewarding climb following the cascading Hukere stream up into the Angelus Basin. Time to relax and have a cup of tea when we reach the hut, which is perched on a tussocky saddle overlooking Lake Angelus. In the afternoon we scramble up to the top of Mt Angelus, 2077m (optional). Because this is such a special place we allow lots of time for just sitting back and enjoying the jaw dropping scenery. Tonight we either stay in the hut, or camp by the lake.

Day 5. Monday. Nelson Lakes National Park - 12 kms/ 4 hours hiking

Follow a rocky alpine ridge back out to the vehicle. Incredible views down to lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. . We traverse tussock slopes and shattered rock, while looking out for alpine plants such as the bizarre vegetable sheep. Below us emerald tarns sparkle in alpine basins. When we reach the vehicle there is time for a swim and some lunch before driving through to Marahau, to our peaceful campsite at the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 6. Tuesday. Abel Tasman National Park - 10 km/6 hours kayaking

Enjoy a whole day sea kayaking ($95). A great way to explore the golden sand beaches, islands and sea caves of the park. Time to swim and lay back in the sun. If the conditions are right we may join the kayaks together and sail home on the gentle sea breeze. For those not kayaking, there is the opportunity to go for a walk on the coastal track and make the most of the excellent water taxi service, which can drop you off at a number of idyllic bays. In the late afternoon we drive to our campsite at Siberia Flat. Excellent swimming holes and gold mining relics to explore.

Day 7. Wednesday. Kahurangi National Park - 8km/6 hours hiking

Today we pack up for a 3-day hike in New Zealand’s second largest national park, Kahurangi. After a steep climb through beech forest we drop into Ghost Valley, passing the remains of an historic slab-construction prospectors hut. We follow Blue Creek up to Granity Pass where we set up camp, nestled among hardy Dracophyllum in the alpine shrub zone.

Day 8. Thursday. Kahurangi National Park - 10km/6 hours hiking

Today we explore the glaciated karst landscape of Mt Owen where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed. The geology here is fascinating –the massif is limestone metamorphosed into marble and is riddled with caves (where dwarfs may dwell), the longest being Bulmer with 36 km of passages. We cross gentle tussock slopes (watching carefully for the elusive elves and hobbits) to the sculptured marble maze of Mt Owen where careful route finding takes us to the summit (1875m). We are rewarded with panoramic views across the mountains of Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. Return to campsite, and enjoy another night in this incredible place.

Day 9. Friday. Kahurangi National Park - 8km/5hours hiking

Take a leisurely descent down through the beech forest to the vehicle. Take a refreshing swim in the river before driving through to the Buller Gorge. We spend the night in a character cottage, and enjoy a home cooked meal made from organic produce by our host. This is a great place to spend the last night of the safari, you will love the funky outdoor shower, which looks out over the confluence of the Buller and Maruia Rivers

Day 10. Saturday. Tour ends in Christchurch - 4km/2 hours hiking

After a relaxing morning at the cottage and a quick vehicle and gear clean up we drive over the scenic Lewis Pass and back to Christchurch. We stop on the way for a short hike and a soak in the Maruia hotpools.

Note: People heading north after the safari - we can drop you off in Murchison to meet a Nelson bound bus ($15) at 1.50 pm. Please advise guide on day 1 if this is required. Guide can arrange the booking.