We’ll head further south this morning, along the foothills where the Canterbury Plains meet the Southern Alps, before heading into the interior of these mountains. The scenery becomes more dramatic as we head  through the Mckenzie Country and to the shores of Lake Tekapo –  famous for it’s stunning turquoise waters and alpine backdrop. A short distance further brings us to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peaks, namely Aoraki Mt Cook – the highest mountain in New Zealand, standing at 3724 metres. On arrival at Aoraki/Mt Cook we’ll hike up the Hooker Valley where we get to marvel at views of glaciers looming above on Mt Sefton and the imposing south face of Aoraki beyond our turnaround at Hooker Lake, laden with floating icebergs from the glaciers above.

ACCOMMODATION: Aoraki Lodge, Mt Cook Village DISTANCE: 9.6km/5.9  MEALS: (B,L,D)

Today we’ll hike arguably the greatest day hike in New Zealand (or in Phil’s opinion –  anywhere in the world!). Setting out from our lodge we’ll walk a short distance along the flat valley floor at the foot of the Sealy Range before tackling the 2200 steep steps up to Sealy Tarns – a ridge area rest stop dotted with alpine pools. After a short rest, we’ll continue up to Mueller Ridge, where we’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama encompassing glaciers, ice cliffs, vertical rock faces and New Zealand’s highest peaks.

HELI HIKE OPTION: Alternatively, you may want to join a guided heli hike on New Zealand’s longest glacier – the Tasman Glacier. Ask us for more information!

ACCOMMODATION: Aoraki Lodge, Mt Cook Village DISTANCE: 10.4km/6.4  MEALS: (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we continue our journey south  with a short drive to nearby Twizel where we’ll get fitted out with bikes to ride a section of the impressive Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. We’ll ride along the quiet canal roads before crossing the Lake Ohau weir and weaving our way around the lake on a purpose-built cycle track. The views are amazing and there will be plenty of time to stop, take photos and admire the mountains and the amazing blue of the glacially fed Lake Ohau.

We’ll complete our ride at the amazing Ohau Lodge. We’ll relax here, enjoying the views from the balcony for the afternoon or if you prefer, join your guide for an afternoon hike – a great opportunity to enjoy more of the majestic mountains, lakes and rivers.

We dine together in the lodge restaurant tonight.

ACCOMMODATION: Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau DISTANCE: 38km/23.6 miles MEALS: (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast we’ll drive over the stunning Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region and on to Wanaka –  a resort town set alongside its namesake lake. Wanaka is the gateway to a vast wilderness area of pristine beech forests, glaciers, gin-clear rivers and spectacular lakes.

We’ll arrive late morning, allowing time to relax and enjoy lunch and a quick stroll along the lakefront before heading off on the afternoon’s hike to Isthmus Peak. This is a well-marked trail that climbs steeply on to the main range between Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. From the summit, the views of the lakes and mountains of Central Otago are VERY hard to beat.

We base ourselves in Wanaka for the next two nights.

ACCOMMODATION: Altamont Lodge, Wanaka DISTANCE: 9km/5.6 miles MEALS: (B,L)

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: Pinewood Lodge, Queenstown DISTANCE: 10km/6.2 miles MEALS: (B,L,D)

Today is the last day of your Conqueror Adventures hiking exploration of New Zealand’s greatest and most iconic day hikes. 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.

If you’re flying out today, we’ll drop you at Queenstown airport in time for your flight to either Auckland or Christchurch and onward flight home. If you’re staying on in Queenstown, we can offer a tonne of suggestions for optional activities.

MEALS: (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

2022: November 25th

2023: March 13th, March 25th