Scenic Trail - New Zealand Tour Itinerary

This morning we depart Wellington and board the Inter-Islander Ferry to Picton. The short drive from Picton to Blenheim takes us across the Wairau Plains past vineyards and wineries. From Blenheim we follow State Highway One south and turn into the Awatere Valley. We are en-route to a unique High Country experience. Driving past the Acheron River, we travel direct on the Archeron Road which is open to the public for just over three months of the year, from late December to mid April. The road being open is subject to weather conditions and fire danger, so we have an alternative route if we cannot cross the Station and also for Winter departures. We arrive at the Molesworth Cob Cottage Campsite where we will spend the night. Overnight Historic Molesworth Cob Cottage Campsite. (B, L, D)

Today is a free day to explore or relax. You will have access to the back country for walks, the station's 4WD tracks, mountain biking over rugged terrain or we can just star gazing while relaxing in one of the spa-pools at night. With some of the South Island 's most dramatic scenery on its doorstep there is no shortage of places to explore on this 10,000ha high country paradise. Whether you choose to do it on foot, 4WD, mountain-bike or horse-back it will be an experience. We have the afternoon to swim in the pool or have a spa, play tennis, petanque or croquet. This evening is another beautiful night at the Station. Overnight Glenfallach Sation. (B, L, D)

This morning we take time to depart Glenfalloch Station. We pass through small towns like Fairlie and Geraldine and then through the Peel Forest, which is about 20Km north of Geraldine. Peel Forest is a remnant of a magnificent podocarp forest which once covered a huge area in mid-Canterbury. Now only 700 hectares remain, but what is left of the forest is rich and diverse. Lake Tekapo lies in the centre of the South Island. This highland lake and settlement (at 2300 feet) is in the heart of the Mackenzie District its 20 kilometer glacial lake is completely surrounded by mountains - including along one flank, New Zealand’s impressive Southern Alps. The name Tekapo comes from Maori words Taka (sleeping mat) and Po (night). Finely ground rock in the glacial melted waters give Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise color. On the edge of the lake is The Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935, congregations of the three main faiths worship regularly in the Church, which offers awe inspiring views of the lake and mountains through the altar window. Overnight Lake Tekapo Camp Ground. (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

We leave Lake Tekapo and drive towards Central Otago - New Zealand’s most inland region; also the hottest, coldest and driest. We travel drive South via Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago. The pass crosses a saddle between the valleys of the Lindis and Ahuriri Rivers at an altitude of about 970 metres above sea level. The pass is the highest point on the South Island's state highway network. We cross Lake Dunstan and drive through Cromwell. The Central Otago region has magnificent expansive landscapes, defined seasons, a distinctive heritage, numerous wine trails and New Zealand’s first rail trail. Central Otago rivers were rich with gold and the focus of the early mining of river flats during the first rush in the early 1860s.  People came in their thousands – Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Chinese, Italians and others – pioneers; adventurers – willing to break new frontiers and risk everything to seek their fortunes in the goldfields. They endured searing summers and freezing winters, facilitated booming commerce and created technological innovations that led the world. These people shaped a legacy that is part of what makes Central Otago so unique. We stop at Roxburgh for the night. Roxburgh is flanked by rocky, tussock-clad high country and nestled on the mighty Clutha River. The Old Man Range and Mount Benger to the west are magnificent especially with a dusting of snow. The valley always looks spectacular whether in full spring blossom or blanketed in autumn’s golden and red hues. Weather permitting we will drive out to nearby Lake Onslow (the source of the Teviot River and a spectacular drive inland through rugged farm land) for an early evening wine and BBQ dinner. Overnight Roxburgh Teviot Camp Ground. (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

We traverse high country landscapes and trout fishing rivers on the road to Te Anau. Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest of the southern glacial lakes. Rolling hill country characterises the eastern side of the lake; the western side is a magnificent wilderness of forest and mountains - the Kepler and Murchison Ranges. The road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. The Homer Tunnel brings us into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. We take an afternoon cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound. You cruise past St Anne’s Lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea. Your guides will point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself - towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor. You may even encounter the local fur seal colonies - once nearly hunted to extinction – the rare Fiordland crested penguins or pods of dusky dolphins. Overnight Milford Sound Lodge Camp Ground. (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.

Leaving Te Anau behind, we traverse high country landscapes and trout fishing rivers on the road to Queenstown. The alpine resort of Queenstown; exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic. It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure - including bungy, jet boating, horse trekking and rafting. It’s also a destination for some calmer experiences ie gourmet food and wine, and spa treatments. After an early evening drink together, you are free this evening to wander as you wish. Overnight Nomad's Queenstown (or similar). (B, L) 


You have today to explore this adventure town or just relax in the array of coffee shops on and around the lakes edge; the surrounding view will see your day pass very easily. Queenstown is one of top, and most scenic adventure venues in the world. Within the stunning setting of mountains and lake, you can do almost anything here. There are a number of wineraries here that offer very good wines - especially Pinot Noir - and claim to be the most southerly wineraries in the world. Instead of jetboating on the Shotover River, perhaps a relaxing wine trail is more to your liking. You can take time to relax and get your breath back, or you can fasten your seatbelt and jump right in..Jump off the bungee bridge, go white water rafting or do a free fall. When you think you have had enough, there's always more..Overnight Nomad's Queenstown (or similar). Your evening is again free to discover this beautiful Alpine township (B) 


 

Fox Glacier is one of the world’s most accessible and still advancing glaciers. It is a 13km long glacier located in Tai Poutini National Park. You can spend the morning enjoying a breathtaking guided glacier walk, a heli-hike or a guided Terminal Face Walk. Before departing Fox Glacier this afternoon, we will drive to nearby Lake Matheson which is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. The lake is a traditional mahinga kai (food gathering place) for Māori people. We depart Fox Glacier for Puanakaiki via Hokitika and Greymouth. Punakaiki, on the doorstep of Paparoa National Park, is where we see the stunning Pancake Rocks and accompanying blowholes. After years upon years of layering and weathering, what you see today is a wonder of nature. Formed 30 million years ago from fragments o skeletons and shells, these limestone rocks have been sculpted by mildly acidic rain, wind and waves. The well-formed stone steps and boardwalks lead us to the best viewing spots. Overnight Punakaiki Beach Camp. (B, L, D)

The spectacular West Coast coastline guides us North to Cape Foulwind (named by Captain Cook for the difficult sailing conditions and not the smell of the seals). We may see a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals: a well marked and easy 10 minute walking track takes you to colony where you can see the creatures lazing around or swimming in the ocean. We continue to the port town of Westport which has a history of gold mining, logging and coal mining. We pass by Whites Creek; New Zealand's longest swing bridge, Inangahua (the first major town in the region) and Murchison to arrive in Kaiteriteri. Kaiterteri, with its sunshine, clear blue-green waters and genuine golden sand is just 5 km from Marahau - the main gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Kaiteriteri is one of the best beaches in the South Island, due in no small part to the wonderful colour of its sands. These come from the weathering of ancient granite rocks, releasing crystals of quartz and mica, which are washed down to the sea, and finely ground into glittering gold particles of sand. You can take a tour of the nearby Ngarua Caves which are known for their wonderful stalactites and stalagmites, visit the 183 metre deep vertical shaft of Harwood’s Hole or just laze on the golden sand beach. Afternoon free to relax, swim, walk around.Overnight Kaiteriteri Camp Ground. (B, L, D)     *Upgrades may be available here.