Wild West - 6 Days

Pickup location: Outside Nomads Queenstown

Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi Adventure! Departing at 10:00, we’ll leave the thrills and spills of Queenstown behind as we travel past mountains and on towards stunning glacial lakes and calmer shores. On the final stretch to camp we’ll get views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Hawea is just over the next ridge and it’s on the edge of this glacial lake that we find our next wilderness camp at Lake Hawea where we can enjoy great views of the lake and the mountains beyond as we absorb the beauty of the area.

Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Multiple walking options
Bike rides: Hawea River Track (12 km), Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea (30km)    
Activities (own cost): Too many to list - something for everyone (check out Flying Kiwi's website or ask them for details)

We’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp and then we’re continuing north through Mt Aspiring National Park. Before we reach the West Coast, we’ll stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, then head through the dramatic Haast Pass, on roads woven over braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it’s possible to spot Hector dolphins. Tonight, we’ll stay in the iconic Fox Glacier on the wild west coast.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Walks: Blue Pools, Ship Creek
Bike rides: Gladstone Track (13kms Return from Lake Hawea Camp), Fox Glacier Cycle Way (12kms Return from Fox Glacier Holiday Park)

Today is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders - the Franz Josef Glacier. This staggeringly beautiful work of nature descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier via a stunning walk through the main valley. We also recommend taking a walk to Peter’s Pool for another incredibly scenic view. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we’ll take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Next, we’ll board the bus and continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home of the Greenstone and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir. Passing through Greymouth we’ll keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape as huge limestone cliffs appear and Nikau Palm trees become abundant. Our beach camp for tonight offers great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestone rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. This evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark and then enjoy a beverage at the local tavern.

Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Sunrise Lake Matheson
Bike rides: Trail to Lake Matheson (4.3kms one way), Bullock Creek trail (15 km)
Optional activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks & blowholes (free)

Before leaving Punakaiki we’ll take some time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park, walking along the Pororari river or cycling up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we’ll travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Situated in one of the sunniest areas of the country and home to heaps of beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. We look forward to spending 2 nights at our perfectly located camp, close to the park entrance which makes it the ideal place to explore all corners of the stunning Abel Tasman.

Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Walks: Truman track                 
Bike rides: Bullock Creek, Coastal ride to camp and Kaiteriteri bike park, Great Taste Trail
Activities (own cost): Skydiving

Take time today to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) and for those seeking a thrill, join the one in a lifetime canyoning experience!

Meals included: Breakfast
Walks: Abel Tasman National Park track     
Bike rides: Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park
Activities (own cost): Kayaking, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk

Today is the final day of your tour. First, we head to sunny Nelson, one of the sunniest areas of NZ and home to more than 350 working artists and craftspeople creating traditional, contemporary and Maori arts. Relax and enjoy the sunshine and café culture before we depart for wine country - Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

Meals included: Breakfast

- Experienced tour guide
- All local transportation
- 5 night's accommodation
- Meals as specified in itinerary