Wild South experience

wild south experience
The Wild South Experience is like no other. A South Island wildlife and wilderness extravaganza, this trip is another one of our favourites. Taking you well and truly off the beaten track, this tour will show you a South Island few visitors have the privilege of seeing.

Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand! Our trip begins in the South Island city of Dunedin. The architecture of this lively university town harks back to its Scottish roots, dubbing it the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ During the gold rush of the late 19th century, Dunedin was New Zealand’s largest city and the ostentatious wealth of that period is evident in the grand Victorian buildings that remain. One of these, Larnach Castle, is perched on the highest point of the scenic Otago Peninsula. A peaceful stroll through its manicured grounds provides a chance to unwind from your international flight before settling in at the estate. Dinner this evening allows us to get acquainted with our fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2: The Otago Peninsula The Otago Peninsula is home to a remarkable number of rare sub-Antarctic animal species, including the yellow-eyed penguin, the Hooker’s sea lion, and the royal albatross. In fact, the peninsula has the only northern royal albatross colony in the world close to human habitat. We take advantage of this accessibility by spending the day viewing the wildlife here and hiking 

Day 4: Stewart Island If you think New Zealand is the ultimate refuge from the rest of the world, imagine a place where New Zealanders go to get away from it all. With its remote walking tracks, unspoiled nature, and a population of roughly 400 residents, Stewart Island is the ultimate retreat. Stewart Island is a birder’s paradise. Here, you can see many native species that are now elusive on the main islands, including parakeets, kakas and kiwis. Today, we’ll take a boat trip to a predator-free sanctuary rich in native bird life. A naturalist accompanies us to interpret the unique flora and fauna as we walk beneath native rimu, rata, and tree ferns. The island’s economy is largely based on fishing and today we also have the opportunity to try our luck in its waters. Even those who don’t fish will enjoy the pelagic sights as albatross and mollymawks feed alongside the boat. For those that prefer to remain on land, there are many walking tracks available around the bay. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Stewart Island to Queenstown Our final morning on Stewart Island allows time for walks or craft-hunting before flying back to Invercargill for our continued journey north to Queenstown. Here, our accommodation for the next three nights is in a sublime setting, overlooking lovely Lake Wakatipu and the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range. (B)

Day 6: Scenic River Safari This morning, we take a daytrip along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to a tiny, secluded settlement at its northern tip, backed by the spectacular ranges of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is Middle-earth country at its best and it is easy to see why this breathtaking location was chosen for the Lord of the Rings . We catch a jet boat for a scenic safari up the beautiful Dart River valley. Upriver, we disembark and board inflatable canoes for a leisurely paddle back, via the awesome Rock Burn Chasm. Ice-blue waters carry us between the sheer rock walls of this narrow chasm, accessible only by canoe and seen by only a lucky few . Pulling our canoes up onto the shore of Paradise, we return to Queenstown for another comfortable night’s stay. (B/L)

Day 7: Routeburn Day Hike Queenstown is the launching point for one of New Zealand’s greatest Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. We spend the day hiking a portion of the track, located in Mt Aspiring National Park. The day walk starts by following the wide and smooth track 6 kms (4 miles) to Routeburn Flats .  Spend time by the river and have lunch in an alpine meadow or continue on and up the more challenging section of the track to lunch at Routeburn Falls Lodge  – . Those who climb to the falls are rewarded with spectacular views. Return late this afternoon to relax back at your hotel, revelling in a day well spent in the wild. (B/L)

Day 8: Queenstown to Mt. Cook After a leisurely morning, we head north, traveling along the eastern slopes of the Southern Alps. We pass through the beautiful tussockland of the Lindis Pass and past the aquamarine, glacial waterways leading from the ranges. The alpine setting is stunning and once settled into our luxurious lodging in Mt. Cook, you will have the chance to explore. (B/L)

Day 9: Mt. Cook Mt. Cook is home to the Tasman Glacier, the longest known glacier outside the arctic regions. This morning, a short hike takes us to the terminal lake where we board small outboards for a trip to the glacier face. Our guides offer a wealth of knowledge as we pass alongside icebergs and watch chunks of ice cleave off the glacier into the waters around us. Hiking opportunities abound in this region and we spend the rest of the day exploring on foot, watching for unique alpine flora and fauna such as the large mountain buttercup, the Mt. Cook lily,and the mischievous mountain parrot, the kea.  (B/L)

Day 10: Mt. Cook to Akaroa We take a leisurely drive to Akaroa with scenic stops along the way, including the startlingly-blue Lake Tekapo and a lush native forest of stately podocarps. Originally a French settlement, this charming town strives to retain its roots, from its boutique cheese factory, herb gardens, and Provence-inspired wineries, to French street names. (B/D)

Day 11: Akaroa to Christchurch Today, we cruise on the bay, surrounded by dramatic scenery and unique wildlife. Luck may allow a glimpse of the rare, native Hector’s Dolphin as well as penguins and other sea birds as we hear about Akaroa’s intriguing past. After a day of enjoying the town’s sights, shops, and cuisine, we travel to Christchurch. Enjoy exploring options for dinner at one of Christchurch’s many award-winning restaurants, with recommendations from your guide. (B)

Day 12: Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass This morning we board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and take a trip into the scenic Southern Alps. Arriving at the tiny alpine settlement of Arthur’s Pass, we take time to enjoy the setting before travelling to our wilderness lodge for a two-night stay amidst the grandeur of this mountain region. The lodge, sited on its own 6,000-acre high-country sheep station and nature reserve, is a wonderful base from which to explore the area’s unique features. (B/D)

Day 13: Arthur’s Pass Exploration Our lodge lies between the Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Craigieburn Forest Park and is surrounded by native beech forest and tussock grassland. Guided activities and a network of mountain, forest, river, and farm walks make for a wonderful day of immersion in high-country ecology and wildlife. After dinner this evening, you can enjoy the mountain views, gaze at the stars in the southern night sky, and browse through the books in the lodge’s well-stocked library. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Arthur’s Pass to Karamea This morning, we witness a dramatic change in scenery as we travel from the highest pass in the Southern Alps down to the Tasman Sea. Flanked by impenetrable rainforest and statuesque rock formations, we wind our way along the stunning coastal road. We stop at the geologically intriguing Pancake Rocks before continuing to the remote village of Karamea, near the road’s terminus. This area defines “off the beaten track” and we spend the next three nights in this unique region. (B/D)

Day 15: The Heaphy Track Karamea lies at the end of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The final leg of the track, winding through nikau forests and along pristine sand beaches, is arguably one of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand. Because of its remoteness, it is also one experienced by few overseas visitors. We take a helicopter ride from the start of the track to the Heaphy Hut for an unforgettable, all-day hike back to the trail end . We return to our lodging for a relaxing evening. (B/L/D)

Day 16: Limestone Landscape The area’s dense, primeval rainforest is graced with spectacular limestone arches and the vast Honeycomb Caves system. This area was home to the now-extinct giant moa, the world’s largest flightless bird, whose remains can be found in these caves. A visit to the caves and a walk beneath the rainforest’s moss-laden canopy reveal the treasures of the region . (B/L/D)

Day 17: Karamea to Nelson This morning, we depart Karamea and drive through the lush Buller Gorge region toward Nelson. Along the way, we stop in the Nelson Lakes National Park for a beech forest walk along one of the lakes, rimmed by the St. Arnaud Range. For the next two nights, we stay in the heart of Nelson, a town renowned for its vibrant arts community and with a wide range of fantastic restaurants and cafes to enjoy. (B)

Day 18: Nelson Today is free to take in Nelson’s many offerings. Galleries and studios throughout the city feature glass, ceramic, jewellery, paintings and other work from local artists and craftspeople. Hike to the Centre of New Zealand atop Botanical Hill for stunning views or stroll along the peaceful Maitai River, hire a bicycle and ride along the waterfront to a beautiful swimming beach, and more. The choices are yours. (B)

Day 19: Abel Tasman National Park With its golden sand beaches, natural granite sculptures, and stunning blue-green waters, this is one of New Zealand’s favorite national parks. This morning, we drive to the park and board a water taxi, travelling to a remote lodge in its heart. The lodge’s stunning, environmentally-sensitive architecture is a blend of modern and rustic. Meals feature produce from the lodge’s own organic garden. Nestled amongst native bush and framed by forested mountains and golden beaches, this glorious setting is our base for our final two nights. (B/D) Day 20: Abel Tasman National Park Enjoy the lodge’s setting and activities, including sea kayaking, swimming, and walks along the Abel Tasman track—another of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Tonight, a farewell dinner is our chance to reminisce about our trip and to revel in the friendships we’ve made. (B/L/D) Day 21: Homeward Bound This morning, a water taxi carries us back through the park to civilization. A last scenic drive transfers us to Nelson Airport for our final farewells. (B) n