OUR NEW ZEALAND MULTI ACTIVITY TOURS  

This is our most comprehensive tour yet, spanning 10 wonderful days filled with fabulous day walks in remote areas, plus enjoy a unique boat excursion

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Focusing on the Northern regions of the South Island, we start with our favourite walks in Paparoa National Park before heading to the secluded top end of the West Coast, exploring the magnificent Oparara Arches. We'll also take you on a day walk along the renowned Heaphy Track, one of Aotearoa's ten Great Walks.

In the Golden Bay region we'll treat you to a visit to the breathtaking Wharariki Beach, where you can revel in its stunning landscapes and unique charm and then explore the fabulous Labyrinth Rocks. We take our time for New Zealand’s longest sand spit and haven for bird enthusiasts on a locally guided Farewell Spit tour.

And if you think that already sounds pretty amazing, how about an outing into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds by boat to cap it all off?  Our local hosts Pete & Takutai take us out for the day on their beautifully restored ship Tutanekai. They will show us their favourite spots, share their fascinating stories and legends, and take us on delightful bush walks.

Join us for 10 incredible days to explore remote places, recharge in nature, and have fun in great company!

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Day 1: Christchurch – Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

After meeting you in Christchurch in the late morning we take our time on our journey to the fabulous West Coast at the magical Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Reserve. Here we can wander through majestic limestone rock formations before we enter Arthur’s Pass National Park and its breath-taking scenery. We stretch our legs again on a short nature walk and might meet some local cheeky Kea (mountain parrots) amidst panoramic mountain views. We also have time for a café lunch at Arthur’s Pass (not included).

Once we arrive on “The Coast” we enjoy one of the most scenic stretches of the coastal road on our way to the small settlement of Punakaiki. We make sure we don’t miss the famous Pancake Rocks and impressive blowholes. These are tide dependant but as we stay for two nights, we will definitely be able to see them.

Driving time: ~ 4 hours / 285 km

Accommodation: Punakaiki

Meals:  D

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Day 2: West Coast Walks

Today is dedicated to delving into the amazing nature on The Coast. What better way than to go exploring on two of our absolute favourite walks in this region. The Pororari River Track is the start/end point of the Paparoa Great Walk. The easy walk (~ 3.5h) follows a spectacular limestone gorge along a river with huge rocks set amongst deep pools. All this is set amongst beautiful coastal rainforest showcasing subtle changes from subtropical to temperate.

The other walk is the short but impressive Truman Track. Although only about 600 m long, many describe it as the most delightful and interesting short walk on the West Coast. After walking through unspoiled subtropical forest, we emerge on a spectacular coastline with cliffs and caverns. There is a blowhole and a waterfall that plummets straight onto a beautiful rock-strewn beach. Amazing diversity in a 30-minute return trip!

Hiking time: ~ 4 hours

Accommodation: Punakaiki

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 3: Punakaiki – Seals & Limestone Arches - Karamea

We make our way up 'The Coast' as far as you can get on four wheels. We are heading to the tiny settlement of Karamea which sits at the end of an almost 100km long dead-end road, at the entrance to Kahurangi National Park. Well worth checking out on the way is a seal colony and lighthouse at Cape Foulwind near Westport, which can be reached on an easy walkway with fabulous panoramic coastal views (~ 1.5h).

Near Karamea we will go on a short walk (~ 1h) through beech and podocarp forest to an interesting limestone arch with plenty of access to get to the river if you want to. The Oparara Arches are natural limestone tunnels formed by the Oparara River, some of them large enough for a multi-storey house. Then we settle into our Karamea accommodation for the next two nights in this remote slice of paradise.

Driving time: ~ 2.5 hours / ~ 150 km

Hiking time: ~ 2.5 hours

Accommodation: Karamea

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 4: Heaphy Track Day Walk

The Heaphy Track in Kahurangi NP is one of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks and we will experience one of the best sections today. We walk to Scotts Beach following the Kohaihai River up the valley to a long swing bridge. The track then climbs steadily through beautiful bush studded with Nikau palms, Karaka and Rata trees. From the main track we branch off into a short loop walk to the South Island’s largest stand of Nikau palms. When we reach the saddle of the hill, we will see a short track to a lookout with views out to Scotts Beach below. From here it’s an easy track down to the sand and a little further to a sheltered picnic area with toilets and a drinking water fountain – a perfect lunch spot! This day hike to the beautiful remote West Coast beach and back offers an introduction to the luxuriant coastal forest and thunderous surf of the spectacular Heaphy coastline.

Tonight we enjoy dinner in the restaurant of our accommodation (included).

Hiking time: ~ 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Karamea

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 5: Karamea – Takaka

Today will be a long driving day as we are making our way to the Tasman Sea side of the Top of the South. We will basically circumnavigate Kahurangi National Park. Firstly, we have to drive back down to Westport, then onwards through Buller Gorge where we can take in spectacular views of emerald-green foothills surrounding the pristine Buller River.

We will take a break about half-way for a café lunch in Murchison (not included).

After reaching the Tasman Sea at Motueka we drive over the highest point at Takaka Hill and then descend down to the lovely small township of Takaka, which will be the base for our next two days / three nights.

Driving time: ~ 6 hours / 375 km

Accommodation: Takaka

Meals: B, D

 

Day 6: Wharariki Beach & Labyrinth Rocks

Yesterday was a long driving day which can be quite tiring, so we will focus on recharging in some beautiful landscapes today. First, we will spend ample time on one of New Zealand's most surprising beaches. A 20-minute walk across farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest leads us to the most spectacular coastline in the region, featuring caverns, islands, sand dunes, and a stunning long stretch of beach. We will take our time to savour this amazingly diverse landscape.

Then we drive to a nearby hidden gem. The aptly named Labyrinth Rocks are one of Golden Bay’s most wondrous destinations. Nature has sculpted a fascinating maze of limestone formations, over time creating remarkable chasms, channels, arches and mini gorges. Exploring them is great fun, not just for kids!

Hiking time: ~ 2-3 hours

Accommodation: Takaka

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 7: Farewell Spit Guided Tour

Today is dedicated to Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sand spit and northernmost point on the South island, which we will explore in-depth. It currently comprises 25 km of stable land with a further 5 km of sand spit, all of which is a protected wetland and an important sanctuary for migrating birds. The Spit provides a variety of habitats for birds and more than ninety species of birds have been recorded here. In Collingwood we embark on a  Farewell Spit tour with a knowledgeable local guide including much more than just sand dunes, fascinating birds & panoramic views. We discover fossilized shells and marine life in the rock pools at Fossil Point, delve into local history at the Lighthouse Reserve, where we will indulge in refreshments while soaking in the ambiance of the lighthouse keepers' cottage, and peep over the edge of the dramatically sculpted sandstone cliffs at Cape Farewell to spot a haven for NZ fur seals. A day of exploration and discovery in a very special place.

Guided tour length: 6.5 hours

Accommodation: Takaka

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 8: Takaka – Waikoropupu Springs - Nelson - Picton

There is no shortage of beautiful regions at the Top of the South – let’s head to the stunning Marlborough Sounds!

But before we leave the Golden Bay region, we’ll visit the mesmerizing Waikoropupu Springs. New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs produce a remarkable 14,000 litres per second and the crystal-clear water is absolutely astounding.

From here, we take the coastal route and enjoy the vistas. In Nelson we take a break to stretch our legs and explore what this town, famous for its year-round sunshine and large creative community of working artists, has to offer.

From Nelson it’s less than two hours to Picton, our base for the next two nights. The last stretch is along a windy but very scenic coastal route that offers fabulous views over the Sounds – tomorrow's outing is starting its allure!

Driving time: ~ 3.5 hours / 240 km 

Accommodation: Picton

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 9: Boat Tour Marlborough Sounds incl Motuara Island

Today we will enjoy one of the absolute highlights of this tour. We’ll immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds and experience true Manakitanga (Maori hospitality)! Skipper Pete shares stories about the land, the sea and his lovingly restored ship with us - a nearly 90-year-old Kauri-planked classic launch called Tutanekai, which we will have all to ourselves today.

His wife Takutai guides us on bush walks through native forests and island bird sanctuaries, home to some of New Zealand's most endangered birds, while sharing local traditions and her knowledge of Maori bush lore and Rongoa (Maori medicines). Not to forget her amazing homemade bread & soup for lunch!

We have the chance to encounter dolphins, little Blue Penguins, seals and a whole raft of sea birds in their natural habitat. We could get lucky and even spot some rare Hector Dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world, only found in NZ. A day filled with wonderful experiences, feel pampered, relax and unwind!

To celebrate our adventures, we go to a local restaurant (included) to reminisce, as this is sadly already our last evening together.  

Accommodation: Picton

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 10: Picton – Christchurch

Time flies! We need to make our way back to Christchurch. Driving down the coast, we can enjoy more lovely coastal views and stop several times to stretch our legs. Kaikoura is a definite stop, where you can wander through the township and have lunch (not included). We will arrive back in Christchurch around mid-afternoon, with plenty of time for you to make your way home.

Driving time: ~ 4.5 hours / 335 km 

Meals: B

B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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Grading for this tour: Grade 2 (Easy) to Grade 3 (Moderate)

All tracks on this tour are mainly well-formed; some sections may be rough or muddy, with some steep sections. The walks and hikes range from easy to moderate. You will encounter altitude differences of up to 300m and average walking times of about 2-5 hours. Prepare for this unforgettable tour by making sure you have an adequate level of fitness to fully enjoy the exciting experiences that await you.

​If you would like more info please see our blog articles about our hiking grading system.