OUR NEW ZEALAND MULTI ACTIVITY TOURS  

​📌New Itinerary

 

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Day 1: Queenstown to Wanaka – Mou Waho Island Boat Trip and Walk

We meet in Queenstown between 10:00 and 11:00 am, then enjoy a scenic drive to Wanaka over the picturesque Crown Range Road – the highest main road in the country. There’s time in Wanaka to grab some lunch (not included) before our first special highlight – a scenic boat trip on Lake Wanaka.

We board a water taxi (~ 1 hour each way) to the stunning and remote Mou Waho Island, where we admire its rugged coastline, diverse birdlife, and a unique, enchanting lake perched high on the island – a lake on an island in a lake! On the way, our skipper shares fascinating stories about the island’s history and geology.

Upon arrival at the island’s small jetty, you’ll have 1.5+ hours to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Take a leisurely hike to discover the hidden lake, formed by ancient glacial activity. Those feeling brave can even take a refreshing dip. It’s well worth venturing up to the peak for stunning views of lakes and majestic mountains before we return to the mainland.
We’ll stay in charming Wanaka for the first two nights – a perfect base to unwind and explore.

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Walking Time: ~ 1.5 hours (self-guided walk)

Accommodation: Wanaka – Guest House

Meals: D

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Day 2: Mount Aspiring National Park – Rob Roy Glacier Walk

We drive for about 1 hour on an unsealed road into the beautiful Matukituki Valley near Wanaka to the starting point of the Rob Roy Glacier Track that takes us into a dramatic alpine landscape including snowfields, glaciers, sheer rock cliffs and waterfalls. After crossing a swing bridge, the track climbs through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine vegetation at the head of the valley, with great views of the Rob Roy Glacier. Chances are high that we will encounter the playful and inquisitive Kea mountain parrots here – lots of wonderful photo opportunities today, that’s for sure!

Walking Time: ~ 3.5 hours

Accommodation: Wanaka – Guest House

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 3: Haast Pass Walks - Jet Boat Safari - Ship Creek - Fox

Leaving the Wanaka region, we make our way to one of the most fascinating and remote parts of the West Coast. Our route takes us via Haast Pass – another spectacular drive. This 140 km stretch of highway offers stunning scenery as it links Wanaka with Haast. We take our time on several shorter walks to enjoy views of the changing landscapes from golden tussock-covered hills to steep mountains cloaked in lush rainforest. Once we reach Haast, rather than staying on the main highway, we turn off towards the remote Jackson Bay to dive deep into The Coast.

Here we go on a Jet Boat Safari (~ 2.5 hours) up the Waiatoto River - one of the best Jet Boat trips in New Zealand (in our opinion). This tour is not a 'thrill ride' but is full of adventure and local stories, in one of the most picturesque areas you can imagine.

Then we head on up The Coast to Fox, taking a break at Ship Creek, where we can immerse ourselves in lush, shaded forest and experience one of the best examples of swamp forest, featuring stunning specimens of New Zealand’s tallest tree, the Kahikatea. We will stay in Fox for two nights.

Walking Time: different walks between 20 to 45 mins each

Accommodation: Fox – Holiday Houses

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 4: The Best Short West Coast Walks

Today we are spoilt for walking options! One of them is definitely a walk around nearby Lake Matheson, known as one of the most picturesque mirror lakes in the world. On a calm day the lake is usually so still that we can fully enjoy the truly stunning reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks – Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

A visit to Gillespies Beach offers a scenic drive, lovely views of the Southern Alps, a historic cemetery and coastal walks of different lengths. And then there are of course walks to take in Fox Glacier as well as the temperate rainforest. We’ll decide together on the day depending on the weather and the group’s preferences.

Walking Time: different walks between 20 mins to 3 hours each

Accommodation: Fox – Holiday Houses

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 5: Lake Wombat Walk or Glacier by Heli (optional) - 3-Mile Lagoon Walk - Okarito

In the morning we drive to nearby Franz Josef where we go on an easy walk leading us through lush Rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat. Termed a kettle lake, Lake Wombat was formed by the melting of a huge piece of ice left amidst glacial debris about 9000 years ago. This walk offers good opportunities for bird watching if you stop quietly along the way.
Alternatively you can opt for a scenic tour by helicopter (not included) to experience the Southern Alps and glaciers from a different perspective – your guide can assist you with the booking.

Then we continue to the lovely small coastal settlement Okarito, tonight’s base, and embark on the Three Mile Lagoon Walk. It takes us through native forest with views of the Southern Alps, then down to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary. Depending on the tides we either return via the pack track or follow the coastline back along the wonderful, wild West Coast beach.

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Walking Time: ~ 1.5 hours & ~ 3.5 hours

Accommodation: Okarito – Holiday Houses

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 6: Two Diverse Boat Tours plus a Treetop Walk

Today we take to the water in two different locations – a wonderful way to experience the diverse charm of this captivating part of the West Coast. In the morning we explore the beautiful Okarito Lagoon, a haven for bird watchers, on a two hour long guided eco tour. We immerse ourselves in the unique diversity of New Zealand's largest wetland on a boat custom-built for the lagoon. We journey with our local guide through breathtaking landscapes with views of the Southern Alps’ tallest peaks, glaciers, ancient Kahikatea forest, wetland, ocean and everything in between. We learn about the unique eco system and keep our eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that call this place home.

As we drive further up The Coast we take the time for another special experience – a Treetop Walk. Experience yet another perspective on a leisurely stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest canopy including ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees.

We will have lunch at Tree Top Café (not included) before continuing towards Hokitika. We check into our accommodation for our last night.

In the afternoon our second boat trip beckons. We go aboard the Eco Adventurer and enjoy a cruise (~ 2.5 hours) that captures the picturesque beauty of the Mahinapua waterways along the original route used by pioneers, gold diggers and early explorers. A wetland tour of its finest.

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Walking Time: ~ 45 mins

Accommodation: Hokitika - B&B

Meals: B, D, S

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Day 7: Hokitika Gorge – Arthurs Pass Ōtira Valley Walk - Christchurch 

In the morning you can enjoy whatever takes your fancy in Hokitika (for about 1 - 1.5 hour) – maybe finding a lovely souvenir in one of the many dedicated local Greenstone / Pounamu craft shops or heading to the beach to check out the renown driftwood sculpture that spells the town’s name.
But our last day together has yet some more natural treasures in store. On a calm day, the vibrant turquoise water of the nearby Hokitika Gorge, fringed with stark white limestone cliffs and lush green rainforest, is a sight to behold. An easy, well-formed forest trail (~ 1.5 hours roundtrip) leads us to this visual feast.

On the way back to Christchurch we enjoy another short walk through the ‘mountain garden’ of Ōtira Valley (~1–1.5 hours) near the top of Arthur’s Pass. The track meanders through a picturesque alpine valley near Mount Rolleston/Kaimatau, climbing over a glacial moraine and passing through subalpine shrubs and tufts of grass, which in summer have an abundance of alpine flowers. We are likely to spot some more cheeky Kea mountain parrots amidst panoramic mountain views of the Southern Alps, and with a bit of luck maybe even a native giant mountain dragonfly (Kapokapowai).
Then it’s time to head down to Christchurch, where we arrive around 4:00pm and have to bid farewell.

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Walking Time: ~ 2.5 - 3 hours

Meals: B, L, S

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

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Tour Grading

🥾 West Coast Special – Grade 1–2 (Easiest to Easy) with one optional Grade 3 section (Moderate)

This tour offers a beautiful mix of easy walks – mostly flat or gently undulating tracks, with walking times ranging between 20 minutes and 3.5 hours.

There’s one longer day (Grade 3) that involves more time on foot, but it can be shortened if needed, so you’re never pushed beyond your comfort zone.

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👉 Our recommendation:
Ideal for women with little or no hiking experience, or for those who have done plenty in the past and now prefer shorter, enjoyable walks. It’s also the perfect way to (re)discover your joy for walking – in a relaxed and supportive group atmosphere.

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You can find more about how we grade our tours here:

→ Our Hiking Track Grading System explained