7 Day South Island Adventure

LEVEL: MODERATE

ARRIVE: CHRISTCHURCH

DAYS: 7

DEPART: QUEENSTOWN

REGION: SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

PER PERSON: $US2999

In this all new and revised South Island adventure, you’ll experience THE perfect combination of majestic landscapes all rolled into one small land mass. Turquoise lakes, sparkling glaciers, snow capped peaks, rolling tussock meadows and pristine forests greet you on every day of this epic adventure. We’ve thrown in helicopters and planes to spice things up a bit too – with an epic heli hike on Franz Josef Glacier, and the worlds most scenic flight into the one and only Milford Sound.

Our trip begins in Christchurch where we’ll meet at a central location in the city centre. Once we’ve done our meet and greet, we’ll drive straight into the Southern Alps. The Arthurs Pass region is the main divide and access to the South Islands West Coast. It’s home to some BIG mountains and classic beech forests. We’ll stop right in the heart of Arthurs Pass and walk to The Devils Punchbowl waterfall – not the most original name for a waterfall, but it this waterfall is a sight to behold.

Later we’ll continue through to the west coast, where we’ll have the night in Hokitika and a meal at the Manihapua Tavern – THE classic West Coast Pub.

ACCOMMODATION: Beach Front Hotel, Hokitika

This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds.

Later, we’ll hike to the Okarito Trig – a steep trail up through virgin forest to an absolutely classic view point. As well as the highest peaks in the Southern Alps, you’ll be afforded views all the way up and down the west coast, as well as the Okarito lagoon.

ACCOMMODATION: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

MEALS: (B,L,D)

An outrageously scenic excursion awaits us today. After being fitted with crampons, we’ll board a helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, we’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so our guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions. At the end of our hike on the ice, we’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation.

Later, we’ll continue down the west coast, and back through the Southern Alps. The Haast Pass is an incredible drive! We’ll spend the evening in Wanaka.

ACCOMMODATION: Oakridge Resort, Wanaka MEALS: (B,L,D)

Today we hike one of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful trails. We start off with a stunning drive up the Matukituki Valley, passing through large sheep, cattle and deer farms along the way.

Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge over the Matukituki River before climbing through beech forest alongside the raging boulder strewn Rob Roy River. Eventually we’ll emerge above the tree line into a stunning alpine meadow with a superb view of the Rob Roy Glacier. We’ll take lunch here and soak in the views before heading back down the valley.

Later, we’ll drive over the iconic Crown Range and down into Queenstown.

ACCOMMODATION: The Ramada, Queenstown MEALS: (B,L,D)

We’ll take off from Queenstown, and fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial-fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. Witness what the power of nature has created over the years, as we journey over two remarkable National Parks; Mt Aspiring and the world heritage listed Fiordland National Park.

Upon landing at Milford Sound Airport we’ll be welcomed with a view of Mitre Peak, standing tall at the head of the fiord. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, we’ll board the Mitre Peak Cruises vessel and begin a voyage cruising the length of the 16km fiord out to the Tasman Sea. We’ll complete the journey with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Upon our return to Queenstown, there’s an option to take a late afternoon hike on the Mount Crichton Loop Trail – a local secret classic through gorgeous beech forest.

ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Hotel, Queenstown MEALS: (B,L)

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.

ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Hotel, Queenstown MEALS: (B,L,D)

Today is the last day of your Conqueror Adventures exploration of New Zealand’s most scenic areas. Our aim is to create incredible moments that count with like minded people, and build lifelong friendships through physical activity and shared experiences in some of the worlds most beautiful places.

MEALS: (B)

2023

November 30th – December 6th

2024

March 2nd – March 8th

March 16th – March 22nd

March 25th – March 31st

November 24th – November 30th

DAY 1 - Arrive Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and West Coast

Our trip begins in Christchurch where we’ll meet at a central location in the city centre. Once we’ve done our meet and greet, we’ll drive straight into the Southern Alps. The Arthurs Pass region is the main divide and access to the South Islands West Coast. It’s home to some BIG mountains and classic beech forests. We’ll stop right in the heart of Arthurs Pass and walk to The Devils Punchbowl waterfall – not the most original name for a waterfall, but it this waterfall is a sight to behold.

Later we’ll continue through to the west coast, where we’ll have the night in Hokitika and a meal at the Manihapua Tavern – THE classic West Coast Pub.

ACCOMMODATION: Beach Front Hotel, Hokitika MEALS: (L,D)

DAY 2 - Sea Kayak Okarito Lagoon

This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds.

ACCOMMODATION: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

MEALS: (B,L,D)

DAY 3 - Heli Hike Franz Josef Glacier

An outrageously scenic excursion awaits us today. After being fitted with crampons, we’ll board a helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, we’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so our guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions. At the end of our hike on the ice, we’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation.

Later, we’ll continue down the west coast, and back through the Southern Alps. The Haast Pass is an incredible drive! We’ll spend the evening in Wanaka.

ACCOMMODATION: Oakridge Resort, Wanaka

MEALS: (B,L,D)

DAY 4 - Hike Queenstown Hill, Queenstown

We’ll have a relaxed morning in Wanaka, taking in the lakefront and surrounding mountains, before driving over the Crown Range and into the Wakatipu Basin, and Queenstown. Before heading to our accomodation, we’ll walk the iconic Queenstown Hill track. This walk is a 500-metre climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui (mountain of intense sacredness). We’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, some of Queenstown’s main landmarks and Lake Wakatipu.

ACCOMMODATION: The Ramada, Queenstown

MEALS: (B,L,D)

DAY 5 - Experience Milford Sound and Hike Mt Crichton

We’ll take off from Queenstown, and fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial-fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. Witness what the power of nature has created over the years, as we journey over two remarkable National Parks; Mt Aspiring and the world heritage listed Fiordland National Park.

Upon landing at Milford Sound Airport we’ll be welcomed with a view of Mitre Peak, standing tall at the head of the fiord. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, we’ll board the Mitre Peak Cruises vessel and begin a voyage cruising the length of the 16km fiord out to the Tasman Sea.

Upon our flight return to Queenstown, there’s an option to take a late afternoon hike on the Mount Crichton Loop Trail – a local secret classic through gorgeous beech forest.

ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Hotel, Queenstown

MEALS: (B,L)

DAY 6 - Free Day in Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.

ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Hotel, Queenstown

MEALS: (B,L,D)

DAY 7 - Depart or Explore Queenstown

Today is the last day of your Conqueror Adventures exploration of New Zealand’s most scenic areas. Our aim is to create incredible moments that count with like minded people, and build lifelong friendships through physical activity and shared experiences in some of the worlds most beautiful places.

MEALS: (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

2023

November 30th – December 6th

2024

March 2nd – March 8th

March 16th – March 22nd

March 25th – March 31st

November 24th – November 30th

MAP

The Details

INCLUSIONS

All meals as per itinerary * All transport and shuttles * Guiding and hosting * All park entrance fees * All accommodation * Luggage transfers

EXCLUSIONS

International and domestic flights * Travel Insurance * Personal hiking gear * Luggage * Personal snacks * Alcoholic beverages

ACCOMMODATION

We understand the importance of a good nights rest. We have carefully chosen only locally owned lodgings that understand the importance of a place to unwind and share the experience with your fellow travelers. While you won’t be glamming it up at the Ritz (that’s not our style), you’ll enjoy a comfortable accommodation with amazing local hosts.

GETTING THERE – FLIGHTS

Arriving in Christchurch is simple. International flights into New Zealand arrive into Auckland, where you can easily add a domestic flight to Christchurch. Because this tour begins in the morning, we recommend you arrive by 9am at the latest on day 1, or the night before. The tour ends in Queenstown on Day 7. There are numerous flights leaving throughout the day, returning to Auckland. Talk to us about flight arrangements – we’re here to help!