Southern Spring (October) 10 Days

Day 1 – Christchurch to Hokitika

Depart Christchurch heading through Arthurs Pass over a spectacular viaduct, stunning mountain scenery and Kea, the cheeky native parrot. Vegetation changes from the plains of Canterbury to sub-alpine and finally to lush rain-forest, all in one Day. We end the Day at Hokitika, a special West Coast town.

Day 2 – Hokitika to Fox Glacier

Start the Day with a refreshing bush walk at Lake Mahinapua, followed by a drive through to Ross, one of the original West Coast gold towns, and a short walk on the Water-Race Walkway. From Ross we head through to Franz Josef Glacier with time for a walk or view the spectacular film “Flowing West”. Following this we head through to Fox Glacier where we will stop for 2 nights.

Day 3 – Fox Glacier

An optional Day which could include a heli-hike on Fox Glacier (highly recommended), half or full Day glacier-walks, or just walks from Fox Township. Weather permitting we may have an evening meal at Gillespies Beach, and also early morning viewing of Mt Cook from Lake Matheson. We spend a second night at Fox Glacier.

Day 4 – Fox Glacier to Haast Pass

From Fox Glacier we head south travelling through the spectacular southern west coast with stops to view glacier-formed lakes, valleys and stunning coastal views. At Okarito we walk up to one of the earliest trig points for views over the Okarito Lagoon and Mt Cook. Leaving Okarito we head to Monro Beach walk, and ending the Day with 2 short walks at Ship Creek. We end our Day at Haast Pass.

Day 5 – Haast Pass to Wanaka

We start the Day with a short, informative walk at the Okuru Saltwater Lagoon before heading inland, stopping at Thunder Creek, and Pleasant Flat. This area provides views of vast areas of wild beauty, including high untouched snowfields. The Gates of Haast are our next stop. This was the last section of road to be completed in the early 1960’s, completing the link between Otago and Westland. After crossing the Haast Pass we stop at the Blue Pools for a special walk to pools of crystal blue, complete with resident trout. The Day finishes with an interesting drive down glacier-formed Lakes Wanaka and Hawea via “The Neck”, finishing the Day in the township of Wanaka.

Day 6 – Wanaka to Arrowtown

Weather permitting a drive up the Matukituki Valley followed by a walk up to the best viewpoint of the Rob Roy Glacier. This is our highest foray into the mountains and well worth the effort. Departing Matukituki we head over the Crown Range to Arrowtown with its gold-mining history and local walks.

Day 7 – Arrowtown to Alexandra

From Arrowtown we visit Queenstown and surrounds, taking in fascinating walks of the early prospectors and Moke Lake. The itinerary is flexible taking account of the individual wishes of the group, and the wide range of attractions available in this popular district. Our Day finishes in Alexandra.

Day 8 – Alexandra to St Bathans

Alexandra is a town of contrasts, from the spring blossoms that attract thousands of people, to the dredge tailings from a bygone era. Today we walk a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, another relic from a bygone era, preserved for the benefit of cyclists, walkers and horse-trekking. Following this we visit Hayes Engineering, a pioneering workshop preserved in working condition. The Day finishes at St Bathans with its spectacular lake and history.

Day 9 – St Bathans to Twizel

We start the Day with a drive to Bendigo via the Clyde Dam and Lake Dunstan. Bendigo is another fascinating abandoned gold-mining area with amazing preserved stone relics in a stunning setting. Following this we travel through Tarras township and over the spectacular Lindis Pass with its golden tussock faces. We then visit Clay Cliffs, a quirk of nature with its towering pinnacles and chasms. The Day ends at Twizel.

Day 10 – Twizel to Christchurch

Weather permitting, a visit to Mt Cook’s spectacular Hermitage Village with options of walks, scenic flights, or just relaxing over a hot chocolate or coffee at The Old Mountaineer café, and enjoying the views. Following this we start the return journey to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo, and arriving early evening.

Tour includes:

Free pick up within Christchurch metropolitan area.
All travel and accommodation costs.
All meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner (except one evening meal out).
Entry to “Flowing West” film at Franz Josef.
Entry to Hayes Engineering Workshop.

Extras you will need to budget for:
Travel costs to and from Christchurch.
Any extra nights you may wish to stay in Christchurch.
Scenic Flights or Guided Glacier Walks
One evening meal out during the trip.
Café extras (special coffees etc).