Today we make our way to the wild and wet West Coast; but first we will stop at Arrowtown, one of the first gold mining settlements in New Zealand. Its tree lined streets and historic buildings lie beautifully nestled at the foothills of the Crown Range. We will then make one more stop before arriving at Fox Glacier, at Wanaka, one of the most desirable places to live in New Zealand. With Lake Wanaka lapping at the shores, the picture postcard Southern Alps as its background and bordering Aspiring National Park, you will soon feel the same way as many others. We now head through the remote area of Haast and the dense rain forests, and make our way to the foot of Fox Glacier.

Covering 13 kilometres and descending 1200 metres, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are only 6 km from the Tasman Sea and are amongst the fastest moving in the world. Here you have the chance to partake in some optional excursions such as a guided walk on ice, or maybe you would like to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over this amazing mass of frozen water. After the glaciers have been conquered (or not..) we head up the West Coast to the small settlement of Pukekura, population 2. Pukekura is really known for the Bushman's Centre and Museum, and the adjoining cafe that serves 'road kill soup fo the day'....

We drive further north today stopping at Paporoa National Park where we see the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes at Dolomite Point  at the small coastal settlement of Punakaiki. The National Park offers an array of outdoor activities: trekking, horse trekking, kayaking and rock climbing. For those that mya have had their fill of adventure in Queenstown, you can always take time to curl up with a good book or perhaps watch for the dolphin pods that vie with the surfers for the best wave.

We continue north and for the next two nights we camp at Marahau, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman National Park, is New Zealand's smallest National Park, but one of the most beautiful. 23,000 ha of rolling hills, native bush, hidden golden sand beaches and over 91km of coastal scenery and is home to the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. 

Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park:   Accommodation 

The National Park can be enjoyed by walking the coastal track one way and with the return trip by launch or water taxi , or by sea kayaking the Coast and drifting slowly taking in the spectacular sights and watching dolphins, seals and the wildlife. There are numerous water taxi operators that offer day trippers the option of being dropped off at one beach and picked up at another. Or you can walk the length of the Coastal Walkway.. You can go sea kayaking, swim with seals, go sailing, have a microlight flight or  go tandem hang gliding. Options galore.

Before we leave the South Island, we will visit Nelson which is known as the sunniest place in the country. Nelson is a very lively and modern town and is renowned as a vibrant arts, crafts and festival centre. Within 100 kms are some of the best beaches in New Zealand and some of the most diverse National Parks. Nelson has over 300 artists resident in town, so it is obvious the Arts also feature heavily as an attraction. Wineries and local breweries are another big draw card..

Driving to Picton, we once again board the ferry to enjoy the scenery as we leave the South Island and head for Wellington. You will have time now to enjoy New Zealand's Capital city one more time.

From Wellington we travel north to the Rangitikei region. After passing through Taihape (the home of The World Gumboot Throwing Festival..) we carry onto a remote farmstay on the Rangitikei River.  The Lodge is set in amazing countryside with million dollar views of the magnificent Rangitikei River; and with the Ruahines towering above the retreat, it is the perfect place to spend a very peaceful night. Spend the afternoon by the pool , fishing for trout in the river, taking a bush walk or even playing country style mini-golf.

This morning you have the option to take a gentle raft trip up the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River to the Mokai Canyon where you can take a chair lift to the top of the bungy bridge and opt for either a Bridge Swing or a Flying Fox ride.  Otherwise,  jump in the truck and drink coffee in the Canyon cafe and watch your fellow travellers swing through the 80 metre deep canyon! From here we continue to Ohakune near the  southern edge of the Tongariro National Park. Ohakune is our base for the next two nights.

We travel to the tiny village of Pipiriki to take a jet boat ride to the 'Bridge to No-where. You will have a guided jet boat tour of the majestic Wanganui River and it's fern-clad gorges and then come to the Mangapurua Landing. This is the gateway to the 'Bridge to Nowhere'  in 'The Valley of Abandoned Dreams' which you arrive at after an easy 40 minute walk through native bush. After lunch, you jump in your canoes and paddle back to Pipiriki. Simply relax and take in the tranquil and majestic river.  Back in Ohakune for the night.

Day 11: Ohakune to Waitomo via National Park:   Accommodation  

All Overland NZ tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our expeditions can sometimes be effected by local climatic conditions and anything else unexpected so please treat this information as a guideline only.  When you come to New Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don’t forget your sense of humour!