Spectacular South Island - Stunning Scenery - New Zealand

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Spectacular South Island - February 2-14, 2011

Introduction

The stunning scenery of New Zealand's South Island is the backdrop for this Walk through the landscape that inspired Peter Jackson's film trilogy 'The Lord of the Rings'. Beginning our journey in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we retrace the steps of Captain Cook, who landed in these Sounds in 1770. We witness basking seals at Kaikoura, close to the Southern Alps and sample fresh seafood from this quaint sea town. At Christchurch, we explore the Summit walkway on the Cashmere Hills, overlooking this beautiful city and meander along the pretty Flowers track set high above the seaside town of Sumner. There is also time to visit Christchurch's cultural precinct which contains art galleries, museum and an artist's market.

On the West Coast, we explore lush rainforests, river tracks through primeval landscapes and admire the strange, magical pancake rock formations at Punakaiki. The majesty and beauty of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers heralds the end of our stay on the West Coast and we travel east to Wanaka to experience tranquil lakeside walks and also hike to the top of Mount Iron for unsurpassed views of Aspiring National Park. As our journey draws to a close, we visit Arrowtown, an old gold-mining town, walking the shady, river track. Then, we experience the dramatic landscape of Queenstown, surrounded by towering mountain ranges, taking in the Sunshine Valley walk, which follows the lake's shore.Our final destination takes us to the wonderful beech forest walk which is the Routeburn Track. Here, we sample a part of the walk and picnic in pristine surroundings,where forest, mountains and babbling rivers are our companions.

Walk Summary

Date	02-FEB-11 - 14-FEB-11 More dates...
Trip	13 days, 12 nights
Terrain	Walk Rating: Easy to Moderate. Good footing, some hills; transfers each day allow us to cover most of the island. 4-7 miles walking per day.
Price	US$4895.00 per person double occupancy (single supplement US$795.00)

Walk begins in Picton, with arrival at Picton Quayside and ends in Queenstown, with departure from Queenstown Airport.

Walk Itinerary

We'll start here

Wednesday & Thursday

Meet The Wayfarers on the quayside in Picton Harbour for a 30 minute boat transfer to our hotel, which nestles in a quiet inlet between the Queen Charlotte and Kenepura Sounds. We take a short ridge top walk in the afternoon, offering splendid panoramic views of the Sounds and Torea Bay prior to the Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

On the next day our walks along the Queen Charlotte Track retrace the steps of Captain Cook’s landing in 1770 when we walk from Ships Cove to Resolution Bay. Our leader can mimic the call of the bellbird or tui and often is rewarded with an answering call.

Overnight: Queen Charlotte Sounds

Friday & Saturday

We travel south between the snow-capped Southern Alps and along a coastline, where seals bask. We walk the Kaikoura Peninsula to observe migrating whales and then have lunch in Kaikoura before arriving at the George Hotel in Christchurch in the late afternoon.

We offer a variety of walks, which include the Bridle Path Trail with 360-degree views of Sumner Harbor, Port Hills and the Canterbury plain and another coastal walk at Godley Head. Alternatively, relax at your leisure in the Garden City where you can visit the grand Anglican Cathedral, stroll to over 40 studios in the Art Center, take a short taxi ride to the International Antarctic Center where you can see penguins in their native environment, relax at the Botanic Gardens or punt down the Avon River.

Overnight: Christchurch

Sunday & Monday

We journey by road across the Canterbury plain and traverse the Southern Alps by way of Arthur’s Pass stopping for a short invigorating walk with great views of the glacier valley, snow-capped mountains, farmlands and forests. In Paparoa National Park, we explore a luxuriant rain forest. Coastal trails take us to bizarre limestone formations called Pancake Rocks and awesome geyser-like blowholes. Our final afternoon walk takes us along the banks of the Fox River’s impressive gorge where subtle changes in the forest with strands of nikau palms and tangles of kiekie indicate that the warm coastal area is close by.

Overnight: Punakaiki

Tuesday & Wednesday

We pause for a seafood lunch and jade shopping at Hokitika. Our walks include a path around Lake Kanerie, a trek from the rain forest to the face of the Franz Josef Glacier and a hike to a mountain overlook where the bright red flowering Rata trees abound. Between walks you can choose to take an optional helicopter ride to the summit of Mount Cook (12,500 ft) on your own. After dinner, admire the sunset on the glacier or stretch your legs with a casual glowworm forest walk.

Overnight: Franz Josef Glacier

Thursday & Friday

We admire Mount Cook reflected on the surface of Lake Matheson as we walk the lakeshore before traveling further down the West Coast Highway (actually a very scenic two lane country road) pausing at a salmon farm for a delicious lunch of either fresh or smoked salmon. Our afternoon drive begins by ascending the Haast Pass and then opens up to more desert like conditions with wonderful views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka on either side of the highway. We arrive in Wanaka, a favorite Kiwi resort town where we move into the Te Wanaka Resort for two nights.

Probably the most spectacular walk of the expedition is a hike to the base of the Rob Roy Glacier. We have a picnic lunch beneath the glacier, which offers wonderful views of the Matukituki Valley. We have other walks to Iron Mountain and rediscover landscapes originally inhibited by the Maoris over 1000 years ago. We enjoy a gourmet cuisine of New Zealand in local restaurants overlooking Lake Wanaka with impressive Mt. Aspiring in the distance.

Overnight: Wanaka

Saturday & Sunday

We journey to the Millbrook Resort at Arrowtown which was made famous in the 1862 Gold Rush with several buildings from that era still surviving as a memento to a short but exciting period in New Zealand’s history. Our final full day of walking begins with a drive to Glenorchy along Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the snow-capped Remarkable Mountains and other peaks in Mount Aspiring National Park in the distance.

Our minds are transferred back to the days of Middle Earth as we spend the day near the Dart River, which provided many scenes for The Lord of the Rings movies. On our return, we meet a sheep farmer whose family was one of the original European settlers in Otago some hundred years ago. Queenstown also offers optional activities such as bungee jumping, exhilarating jet boat rides and a cruise on TSS Earnslaw (a working vintage steam ship) to the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Overnight: Queenstown

Monday

We say farewell at breakfast, but we can assist you with your travels in this lovely country. None is better than a cruise on the world renowned Milford Sound or a longer 24-hour cruise incorporating both Milford and Doubtful Sounds.

This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.

Hotels

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The Portage Resort Hotel - Wednesday & Thursday

2923 Kenepuru Road
Marlborough Sounds

T: +64 3573-4309
F: +64 3573-4362
E: enquiries@portage.co.nz
W: www.portage.co.nz

This very eco-friendly resort is positioned in the quiet bay of Kenepuru Sound with spectacular views of the gardens and the bay. It is located just a short water taxi from Picton and is close to the Queen Charlotte walkway, a 71-kilometre track the track which passes through lush coastal forest, around historic bays and along skyline ridges, and is suitable for both walkers and mountain bike riders.
The Wayfarers rooms have large decks facing the famous Kenepuru Sound, and feature color TV, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, fridge, internet access and telephone. If you arrive before the start of the walk, the resort has many amenities which might interest you including sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, Eco cruises, a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and indoor spa. The fine Te Weka Restaurant offers exciting, contemporary cuisine which is prepared with daily fresh ingredients.

The George - Friday & Saturday

The George
50 Park Terrace
Christchurch 8013

T: +64 3-379-4560
F: +64 3-366-6747
E: reservations@thegeorge.com
W: www.thegeorge.com

The George is a small luxurious boutique hotel, renowned for offering a personalised stay of the highest quality with attentive staff, impeccable service in an intimate ambience. Quite simply from the moment you step inside this tranquil Christchurch hotel, your every accommodation need is catered for in the most friendly and personal manner. Located picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch overlooking its very own "Central Park," this very individual hotel is just a step away from all the key attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theaters and gardens.
Designed to a very high specification, the bedroom have private bath, cable television, phone, plush robes, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, safe and have Wi-Fi internet access. Boasting world-class restaurants that rate amongst the best in New Zealand, visitors come from far and wide to savor the delicious cuisine.

Punakaiki Resort - Sunday & Monday

State Highway 6
Punakaiki

T: +64 3731-1168
F: +64 3731-1163
E: info@punakaiki-resort.co.nz
W: www.punakaiki-resort.co.nz

Punakaiki Resort is a modern accommodation complex located on Punakaiki Beach near the world famous Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes on the West Coast of the South Island. This award-winning hotel is architecturally designed to maintain a sense of privacy but also maximise the views of the rainforest and ocean. The rooms throughout are environmentally friendly and feature energy efficient design and fabrics. Bedrooms are spaced around the landscaped grounds and are linked by a series of suspended board walks. All have ensuite bathrooms and are equipped with a hairdryer, SKY TV, radio alarm clock, tea and coffee making facilities and Wi-Fi internet access. The award-winning Waterline restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows which wrap around the restaurant so diners can enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Punga Grove - Tuesday & Wednesday

Cron Street
P.O. Box 85
Franz Josef Glacier
South Westland

T: +64 3752-0001
F: +64 3752-0002
E: host@pungagrove.co.nz
W: www.pungagrove.co.nz

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village, Punga grove is set against a stunning backdrop of Alpine peaks and glacier views. It is a short walk to the shops, bars and restaurants where the group dine in the evenings and just a few minutes’ drive to the access point of the Franz Josef Glacier itself.
Each ensuite room is an individual self-catering unit with phone, TV, radio and fully equipped kitchen and The Wayfarers' guests have cooked breakfast brought to their room each morning. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available on the property.

Edgewater - Thursday & Friday

Sargood Drive
PO Box 61
Wanaka

T: +64 3-443-0011
F: +64 3-443-8323
E: reservations@edgewater.co.nz
W: www.edgewater.co.nz

With lawns stretching right to the water's edge of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater is a welcoming retreat in a stunning location. There is beauty to be found in all directions so you can immerse yourself in the landscape and take in the full majesty of nature’s changing colours. Each hotel bedroom features an ensuite bathroom with bath, hairdryer, Sky TV, phone and tea and coffee making facilities.
Located in the heart of the resort, Sargoods Restaurant has a fresh, contemporary feel and the chef injects a distinctive Kiwi flair to his delicious menus. The spa and sauna have recently been refurbished and are the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. There is Wi-Fi access throughout the resort and a guest computer in the lobby.

Millbrook - Saturday & Sunday

Malaghans Road
Arrowtown

T: +64 3-441-7000
F: +64 3-441-7007
E: reservations@millbrook.co.nz
W: www.millbrook.co.nz

Surrounded by some of the world's most spectacular scenery, Millbrook Resort is designed to embody the relaxed New Zealand country lifestyle. Set within 500 acres of grounds on the outskirts of historic Arrowtown it is only a 20-minute drive to Queenstown and 10 minutes to Queenstown airport by courtesy shuttle. One of the first luxury lodges to be built in New Zealand, Millbrook was recently refurbished by a highly-acclaimed interior designer who was conscious to still reflect the historic, pioneer past of the resort. The beautifully appointed and spacious bedrooms have en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower, satellite TV, DVD, phone, coffee maker, hairdryer, internet access and a balcony or patio with spectacular views over the golf course, mountains or Millbrook grounds. The ambience is that of a country cottage - warm, rustic and cosy .
There are a selection of dining venues including contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a rural setting at The Millhouse Restaurant. Locally sourced seasonal produce complements wild game and fresh seafood in dishes blending European concepts with a South Pacific influence. The roaring fire evokes an ambience of romance. Nearby is an abundance of world-renowned attractions from award winning wineries and boutique art galleries to adrenalin adventures such as jet boating, helicopter sightseeing and four wheel drive tours into Lord of the Rings territory.

This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.

Photo Gallery

Travel Information

Before & After:

Visits to Auckland and Wellington, cities in friendly rivalry for the title of the country's cultural capital
At the end of the walk, take a day cruise to Milford Sound or a 24-hour cruise to Doubtful Sound
Stay in Blenheim only 30 minutes from Picton, situated in the heart of the South Island wine country
Gardens to Visit - see www.gardenstovisit.co.nz for inspiration
Whitewater rafting, fly fishing, helicopter flight to view the glaciers can be arranged by the Walk Leader
Wine tasting in Marlborough and Otago
Punt on the Avon in Christchurch

Weather:

We visit New Zealand in their summer where daytime temperatures will vary from 65ºF to 85ºF degrees but with low humidity and long daylight evenings. Although most of the rain comes in winter, showers can occur at any time and are more likely during the 4-5 days we spend along the West Coast.

To see more Travel Information and a list of our recommended tips please register or sign in. Once you confirm a booking for this walk, as a registered website member, you will be able to access detailed Joining Instructions including exact arrival and departure points and times as part of the Travel Information.

FAQs

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Are there any hidden costs?
Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager.
How large are the Groups?
Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people.
Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler.
Can you accomodate special diets?
Yes!
How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.

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What's Next?

At this point we would like to thank you for looking at our website, we hope you will have seen a little of the places we walk to, hotels we stay in and that we have answered some of your questions.

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As always with The Wayfarers, there is plenty to see and explore on this website, we love to hear from any Wayfarers and look forward to tempting you to join us on the trail!