Hike through alpine landscapes, exploring rugged slopes, tussocky basins and ancient beech forest. Combine three multi-day walks with kayaking, whale watching and hot springs. Circle the north and east of the South Island, visiting classic New Zealand mountain huts, viewing spectacular wildlife displays and reaching awe-inspiring summits.

Day 1. Thursday. Tour begins in Christchurch - 10km/6 hours hiking
We meet at Christchurch Visitors Centre and after a briefing by your guide we drive north to the wild and rocky Kaikoura coast. After a picnic lunch we pack up for an overnight hike and walk to Mount Fyffe Hut in the Seaward Kaikoura Range. These spectacular mountains rise steeply from sea level providing a stunning backdrop to coastal views. Spend the evening getting to know fellow travellers while enjoying the panoramic views.

Day 2. Friday. Kaikoura - 10km/4 hours hiking
Up early to climb to the summit of Mount Fyffe (1765m) and watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Superb views of the Kaikoura Peninsula below and the coastline stretching northwards. We descend through a rocky arid alpine environment returning to Mount Fyffe Hut, then follow a track down the ridgeline to the car park. From here we head out to the coast. This area is rich in marine wildlife due to the up welling of nutrients from deep underwater canyons. Sperm whales live here feeding on the giant squid that inhabit the Hikurangi trench. Kaikoura was an important food gathering area for the Maori – the name means ‘meal of crayfish’. A whale watching boat trip ($145* - optional) provides a thrilling opportunity to see whales, dolphins and seals in their natural environment. We drive north up the coast to our coastal campsite at Marfells Beach.

Day 3. Saturday. Nelson Lakes National Park - 16km/5 hours hiking
Start a three day hike into Nelson Lakes National Park. Hike around the shores of Lake Rotoiti through beautiful beech forest, the forest floor carpeted with bright green mosses. Continue up the Travers Valley before branching off up Hukere Stream. Slowly we make our way higher up this valley towards Mount Angelus. We camp in a clearing beside the stream, with views of high mountains all around.

Day 4. Sunday. Nelson Lakes National Park - 9km/5 hours hiking
We start the day with a steep but extremely rewarding climb following the cascading Hukere Stream up into the Angelus Basin. Time to relax and have a cup of tea when we reach the hut, which is perched on a tussock saddle overlooking Lake Angelus. In the afternoon we scramble up to the top of Mount Angelus, 2077m (optional). Because this is such a special place we allow lots of time for just sitting back and enjoying the jaw dropping scenery. Tonight we either stay in the hut, or camp by the lake.

Day 5. Monday. Nelson Lakes National Park - 12 kms/ 4 hours hiking
Follow a rocky alpine ridge back out to the vehicle. Incredible views down to Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. We traverse tussock slopes and shattered rock, while looking out for alpine plants such as the bizarre vegetable sheep. Below us emerald tarns sparkle in alpine basins. When we reach the vehicle there is time for a swim and some lunch before driving through to Marahau, to our peaceful campsite at the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 6. Tuesday. Abel Tasman National Park - 10 km/6 hours kayaking
Enjoy a whole day sea kayaking ($129). A great way to explore the golden sand beaches, islands and sea caves of the park. Time to swim and lay back in the sun. If the conditions are right we may join the kayaks together and sail home on the gentle sea breeze. For those not kayaking, there is the opportunity to go for a walk on the coastal track and make the most of the excellent water taxi service, which can drop you off at a number of idyllic bays. In the late afternoon we drive to Tapawera, where we stay in a “classic kiwi camping ground” – there is even a hot tub to revive those aching muscles!

Day 7. Wednesday. Kahurangi National Park - 8km/6 hours hiking
Today we pack up for a three day hike in New Zealand’s second largest national park, Kahurangi. After a steep climb through beech forest we descend into Ghost Valley, passing the remains of an historic slab-construction prospectors hut. The track then follows Blue Creek up through hardy Dracophyllum forest in the alpine shrub zone to Granity Pass where we either stay in a mountain hut or set up camp nearby.

Day 8. Thursday. Kahurangi National Park - 10km/6 hours hiking
Today we explore the glaciated karst landscape of Mount Owen where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed. The geology here is fascinating – the massif is limestone metamorphosed into marble and is riddled with caves (where dwarfs may dwell), the longest being Bulmer with 36km of passages. We cross gentle tussock slopes (watching carefully for the elusive elves and hobbits) to the sculptured marble maze of Mount Owen where careful route finding takes us to the summit (1875m). We are rewarded with panoramic views across the mountains of Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. Return to hut/campsite, and enjoy another night in this incredible place.

Day 9. Friday. Kahurangi National Park - 8km/5hours hiking
Take a leisurely descent down through the beech forest to the vehicle. Take a refreshing swim in the river before driving through to the Buller Gorge. We spend the night in a character cottage, and enjoy a home cooked meal made from organic produce by our host. This is a great place to spend the last night of the safari, you will love the funky outdoor shower, which looks out over the confluence of the Buller and Maruia Rivers.

Day 10. Saturday. Tour ends in Christchurch - 4km/2 hours hiking
After a relaxing morning at the cottage and a quick vehicle and gear clean up we drive over the scenic Lewis Pass and back to Christchurch. We stop on the way for a short hike and a soak in the Maruia hotpools. Driving on, we return to Christchurch between 4:00pm and 6:00pm

Note: People heading north after the safari - we can drop you off in Murchison to meet a Nelson bound bus at 12:45pm (Southern Link), 5:00pm (Atomic) or 5:50pm (Intercity). Please advise guide on day 1 if this is required. Guide can arrange the booking. Bus fare not included in price.

Grade: E
Up to 8-9hrs physical activity each day.
Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m.
Some exposure to heights.
Pack weights of 12-15kgs.
High level of fitness required.

No previous hiking experience is required, but you need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Terrain mostly tracks. Some may be slippery or rough; some off-track hiking and river crossings.

If you are unsure about your Hiking and Fitness please request a Safari Application Form.

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. That is why we work hard to make sure we hire the best guides. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry. Our guides will ensure that your time with us is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.

Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find!

Mark Brabyn (MSc) founded Hiking New Zealand in 1993 (then known as NZ Nature Safaris). He has a Masters in zoology and did research on whale strandings for his thesis. He has assisted with conservation projects around the world including humpback whales in Tonga, southern right whales in the Sub-Antarctic and elephants and chimpanzees in Uganda. Mark has been active in the outdoors all his life, and his interests include tramping, sea kayaking, scuba diving and mountain biking.

Daniel Murphy studied agricultural science and has worked in the tourism industry for several years including in Spain where he managed an adventure lodge. Dan is the General Manager for Hiking New Zealand.

Andre Booth studied Botany at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, worked as a Park ranger and lived in the Canadian Rockies. He enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, tramping, rugby, cricket and boutique outdoor New Zealand music festivals.

Glenys Erskine is a local South Islander, from Tuatapere. She will most likely take your booking when you call or email our office - but also guides, and will make sure you get to some secret locations in her home town. She is passionate about the outdoors and has travelled and lived in several countries around the world.

Chris Steel (BVSc) worked as a vet for 20 years before becoming a hiking guide. He is a keen tramper and mountain biker and has a talent for backcountry cooking.

Jaron Frost has worked as an outdoor instructor in NZ and the USA. He enjoys whitewater kayaking, rock climbing and surfing.

Juanita Miln spent five years in the NZ Army and travelled to Antarctica. She has a National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation. Juanita is a keen tramper and mountaineer.

Other guides may be used during peak periods.

New Zealand’s weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000 metres. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.

Essential Items

hiking boots (not shoes)

backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)

backpack liner (plastic bag)

3-season sleeping bag

waterproof raincoat (Gore-tex or similar)

warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)

shorts for hiking

polypro/thermal underwear / top & and long-johns

3 pairs of socks (they get wet)

warm hat or balaclava

sunscreen and sunglasses

drink bottle (1 litre)

spare shoes or sandals

flashlight/head lamp

insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)

spare set of clothes

gloves/mittens

Optional items: (but highly recommended)
Gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

We supply: Therm-a-rest sleeping mat, tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.

Luggage: We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the vehicle. Hiking New Zealand accepts no responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Equipment Hire: We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our Hiking Safaris. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date. Cancellation of gear hire must also occur at least 5 days in advance or no refund will be given.

Equipment Hire (NZ$)	7-11 day trip
Sleeping bag	$50
Backpack	$50
Polypro top+bottom	$20
Fleece jacket	$20
Raincoat	$40
Full set (all of above)	$140
Gaiters	$20
Walking pole	$20each

You will travel in a 10 or 12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and your luggage. All vehicles have a public address system, and a stereo with a variety of music. It is also equipped with a range of natural history reference books. The average driving time per day is around 2-3 hours and there will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guide will often stop the vehicle for you to take photos. On some of the nights you will be camping by the vehicle.

Safari food is run on a kitty system - each person contributes to the food and accommodation kitty ($25/day). The first stop is usually the supermarket where everyone helps with buying food for the next few days. Everybody is involved with the preparation and cooking of meals: barbecues, salads, pancakes, curries, pasta, stir-fries, hangi...Vegetarian meals are no problem. When you are on overnight hikes the group will usually eat pasta and rice meals. There is always a lot of hiking food - chocolate, peanuts, raisins, biscuits. The vehicles carry a full range of cooking equipment including gas burners, woks, frying pans and billies. When you go on an overnight hike the group will carry a portable stove.

The Hiking Safaris use a range of accommodation: camping, backcountry huts, cribs (summer house), hostels and cabins. You will generally camp if the weather is fine, so you get to enjoy the outdoors more and it costs you less. In less pleasant weather your guide will arrange accommodation for the group. Note that the accommodation and food costs are not included in the price of the safari.

Camping - We will camp as much as possible in a range of locations; under natural rock overhangs, on the beach, Department of Conservation campsites, established campgrounds with showers. You are provided with 2-person hiking tents to share and therm-a-rest sleeping mats. You may have a small campfire if fires are permitted.

Huts - Your guide will make use of excellent Department of Conservation huts. They are equipped with mattresses, running water and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. We do not have sole rights to huts and so must share with other hikers. Please be respectful of other hut users.

Cabins/Cribs - When the weather is bad your guide will seek out alternative accommodation. This can be anything that is available, from a private crib (summer house) to a cabin at a campground. Cost is usually less than $25 per night.

You must be prepared to go for three days (sometimes more) without a hot shower. There is always a river or lake for you to wash in. Some campsites/huts have natural hot pools!

Do we all get involved with camp duties?
Everyone is fully involved with the running of the safari, from collecting firewood, to setting up camp and cooking meals. You are expected to do your share of work. If you are not a great cook, don't worry - your guide and other people in the group will help you.

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?
Most of the people on safaris are travelling alone. The safaris are strong on group activities and participation including playing outdoor games, going for swims, helping one another to cross rivers, explore caves, and overcome obstacles and challenges. We encourage you to participate in activities, but if it's not your thing that is also OK. We allow time for people to be by themselves on safari if they need it.

Can I do more than one safari?
Yes. More and more people are doing connecting safaris covering the whole of New Zealand. We really are the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand's best adventures. Safaris are timed to leave you a couple of days in between trips to get your laundry done, experience some ‘city activities’.

I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the safari - what should I do with it?
You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on safari. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a daypack). Depending how full the safari is, we may require you to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes everything is locked securely in the vehicle.

What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money, etc.) while we are hiking?
Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.

Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?
No. On safari we try to leave the city early so we can spend more time in the wilderness. It is much easier for everyone to meet at a central location - usually the local Visitors Information Centre - and it doesn't cost much to get there on a taxi, shuttle or bus (or walking!).

I'm a vegetarian - is that a problem?
Not at all. We often have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. We also have lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or we may cook a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods. We can also cater for other dietary requirements, but please notify us when you book.

What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the remote mountainous regions where we spend most of our time. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and then the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect - see the 'What To Take' section. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important.

Will I be fit enough?
Our safaris are graded B, C or D. Read the section 'Hiking and Fitness' and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness get out there and do day hikes in the weeks prior to your safari departure.

Who is in my group?
A small group (maximum 9 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. Seventy percent of people are between 20 and 40, though we have had people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

How far in advance do I need to book?
The sooner the better for safaris departing in the peak season (November to April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment. Availability for our trips is updated regularly on our departure dates page.

What type of gear should I buy?
If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment - good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after safari then you could buy cheaper alternatives - just remember that it won't last as long nor do the job as well. You may also rent certain items from us.

What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?
New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to them make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the safari. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.

Can I charge my camera/phone/laptop, etc. while on safari?
About two or three times per safari we stay at places that have electricity so you will be able to recharge batteries. If you have a vehicle adapter, bring it along as there may be an opportunity to charge items while we are driving.

Can I do laundry on safari?
Yes, at least once, usually half way through the safari. We recommend bringing items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear, since you will most likely have to line-dry clothing.

Kitty fund for food and camp/hut fees NZ$25/day
During winter (April - September) or wet weather summer safaris you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use accommodation more often.
Optional activities: Whale Watching ($145*), Abel Tasman kayaking ($129*).

Kitty fund and optional activities are paid for during the trip.
* Prices for optional activities correct at time of publishing.

Payment: For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

Transferring: You can transfer to another safari/ departure as long as it is more than 20 days prior to your pre-booked departure. Transfers within 20 days will require a cancellation and new booking. All transfers are subject to seat availability.

Cancellations:
More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund of full ticket price
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund of full ticket price
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Safari. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Medical Conditions: When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings and food allergies.

Client Responsibilities: With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Hiking New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.

The staff and management of Hiking New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Hiking New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.

Hiking New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to published schedules but no guarantee is given. Hiking New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.

Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at anytime if in the opinion of the guide or operator that person may be likely to risk the health, safety or comfort (including unsociable behaviour) of other clients, him or herself, or the environment. In such circumstances Hiking New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.