OUR NEW ZEALAND MULTI ACTIVITY TOURS  

Enjoy eight wonderful days filled with fabulous day walks in remote areas, plus a unique waka adventure.

Focusing on the Northern regions of the South Island, we start with our favourite walks in Paparoa National Park before heading to the secluded top end of the West Coast, exploring the magnificent Oparara Arches. We'll also take you on a day walk along the renowned Heaphy Track, one of Aotearoa's ten Great Walks.
In the Golden Bay region we'll treat you to a visit to the breathtaking Wharariki Beach, where you can revel in its stunning landscapes and unique charm and then explore the fabulous Labyrinth Rocks. We take our time for New Zealand’s longest sand spit and haven for bird enthusiasts on a loop walk that takes in both sides of the spit.
And if you think that already sounds pretty amazing, how about a unique guided waka (Māori canoe) tour in stunning Abel Tasman National Park?

Join us for eight incredible days to explore remote places, recharge in nature, and have fun in great company!

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Day 1: Christchurch – Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

After meeting you in Christchurch around 10:00 to 10:30 am we take our time on our journey to the fabulous West Coast at the magical Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Reserve. Here we can wander through majestic limestone rock formations before we enter Arthur’s Pass National Park and its breath-taking scenery. We stretch our legs again on a short nature walk and might meet some local cheeky Kea (mountain parrots) amidst panoramic mountain views. We also have time for a café lunch at Arthur’s Pass (not included).

Once we arrive on “The Coast” we enjoy one of the most scenic stretches of the coastal road on our way to the small settlement of Punakaiki. We make sure we don’t miss the famous Pancake Rocks and impressive blowholes. These are tide dependant but as we stay for two nights, we will definitely be able to see them.

Driving time: ~ 4 hours / 285 km

Accommodation: Punakaiki

Meals:  D

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Day 2: West Coast Walks

Today is dedicated to delving into the amazing nature on The Coast. What better way than to go exploring on two of our absolute favourite walks in this region. The Pororari River Track is the start/end point of the Paparoa Great Walk. The easy walk (~ 3.5h) follows a spectacular limestone gorge along a river with huge rocks set amongst deep pools. All this is set amongst beautiful coastal rainforest showcasing subtle changes from subtropical to temperate.

The other walk is the short but impressive Truman Track. Although only about 600 m long, many describe it as the most delightful and interesting short walk on the West Coast. After walking through unspoiled subtropical forest, we emerge on a spectacular coastline with cliffs and caverns. There is a blowhole and a waterfall that plummets straight onto a beautiful rock-strewn beach. Amazing diversity in a 30-minute return trip!

Hiking time: ~ 4 hours

Accommodation: Punakaiki

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 3: Punakaiki – Seals & Limestone Arches - Karamea

We make our way up The Coast as far as you can get on four wheels. We are heading to the tiny settlement of Karamea which sits at the end of an almost 100km long dead-end road, at the entrance to Kahurangi National Park. Well worth checking out on the way is a seal colony and lighthouse at Cape Foulwind near Westport, which can be reached on an easy walkway with fabulous panoramic coastal views (~ 1.5h).

Near Karamea we will go on a short walk (~ 1h) through beech and podocarp forest to an interesting limestone arch with plenty of access to get to the river if you want to. The Oparara Arches are natural limestone tunnels formed by the Oparara River, some of them large enough for a multi-storey house – a wonderful area to explore! Then we settle into our Karamea accommodation for the next two nights in this remote slice of paradise.

Driving time: ~ 2.5 hours / ~ 150 km

Hiking time: ~ 2.5 hours

Accommodation: Karamea

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 4: Heaphy Track Day Walk

The Heaphy Track in Kahurangi NP is one of New Zealand’s ten Great Walks and we will experience one of the best sections today. We walk to Scotts Beach following the Kohaihai River up the valley to a long swing bridge. The track then climbs steadily through beautiful bush studded with Nikau palms, Karaka and Rata trees. From the main track we branch off into a short loop walk to the South Island’s largest stand of Nikau palms. When we reach the saddle of the hill, we will see a short track to a lookout with views out to Scotts Beach below. From here it’s an easy track down to the sand and a little further to a sheltered picnic area with toilets and a drinking water fountain – a perfect lunch spot! This day hike to the beautiful remote West Coast beach and back offers an introduction to the luxuriant coastal forest and thunderous surf of the spectacular Heaphy coastline.

Tonight we enjoy dinner in the restaurant of our accommodation (included).

Hiking time: ~ 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Karamea

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 5: Drive from Karamea to Motueka

Today we swap sides - we are making our way to the Tasman Sea side of the Top of the South. We will basically circumnavigate Kahurangi National Park. Firstly, we have to drive back down to Westport, then onwards through the picturesque Buller Gorge where we can take in spectacular views of emerald-green foothills surrounding the pristine Buller River. We will take a break about half-way for a café lunch in Murchison (not included).

We reach the Tasman Sea at Motueka and rest here tonight before we start our exploration of the fascinating northernmost tip of the South Island tomorrow.  

Driving time: ~ 5 hours / 330 km

Accommodation: Motueka

Meals: B, D

 

Day 6: Waka Tour on the Abel Tasman Coast & Visit Labyrinth Rocks

Only a few kilometres of driving to Kaiteriteri separate us from today's unforgettable adventure, which will leave a lasting impression for sure. Waka Abel Tasman take our group on a journey of discovery - a combination of idyllic surroundings, movement, history and tradition. Most people may never have travelled in a waka (Māori canoe), and we will learn many fascinating facets of our rich maritime history and heritage. We will paddle along the coast to Split Apple Rock/Toka Ngāwha, a beautiful, atmospheric site and one of the most famous places on the Abel Tasman Coast. The return journey takes about two hours and by the end we will understand how empowering membership of a waka crew can be.

We enjoy lunch at a cafe (not included) in Kaiteriteri before we drive on to Tākaka, where we stay the next two nights. On the way we take time to visit a hidden gem. The aptly named Labyrinth Rocks are one of Golden Bay’s most wondrous destinations. Nature has sculpted a fascinating maze of limestone formations, over time creating remarkable chasms, channels, arches and mini gorges. Exploring them is great fun, not just for kids!

Guided paddling in a waka: ~2 hours

Walking time: ~ 1 hour

Driving time: ~ 1.5 hours / 70 km

Accommodation: Tākaka

Meals: B, D, S

 

Day 7: Farewell Spit Walk & Wharariki Beach & Waikoropupu Springs

Today is dedicated to the very top of the South. First, we spend time at Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sand spit and northernmost point of the South Island. It currently comprises 25 km of stable land with a further 5 km of sand spit, all of which is a protected wetland and an important sanctuary for migrating birds. The Spit provides a variety of habitats for birds and more than ninety species of birds have been recorded here. Explore this special place on a circuit walk that takes in both sides of the spit.

Then we drive the short distance to Wharariki Beach, one of New Zealand's most surprising beaches. A 20-minute walk across farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest leads us to the most spectacular coastline in the region, featuring caverns, islands, sand dunes, and a stunning long stretch of beach. We will take our time to savour this amazingly diverse landscape.

Before we head back to Tākaka we make sure to stop and take in the views from Farewell Spit Lookout. Just before Tākaka we visit the mesmerizing Waikoropupu Springs. New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs produce a remarkable 14,000 litres per second and the crystal-clear water is absolutely astounding.

Hiking time: ~ 3-5 hours

Driving time: ~ 2 hours / 110 km

Accommodation: Tākaka

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 8: Tākaka – Riuwaka Resurgence - Nelson

From Tākaka we make our way to Nelson, famous for its year-round sunshine and large creative community of working artists.

About half-way we take a little detour to visit Te Puna o Riuwaka (the Riuwaka Resurgence). Here you can stretch your legs and enjoy a lovely short stroll through lush native bush to beautiful crystal clear waters that emerge from a cave system beneath Tākaka Hill to form the Riwaka River – a sacred, beautiful and peaceful place.

After another hours’ drive we arrive in Nelson, where we have to say farewell around midday. Your guide can drop you off at the airport or in town. You can also opt to drive back to Christchurch with the guide (~410km/5.5h, $75)

Driving time: ~ 2 hours / 115 km 

Meals: B

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B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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Grading for this tour: Grade 2 (Easy) to Grade 3 (Moderate)

All tracks on this tour are mainly well-formed; some sections may be rough or muddy, with some steep sections. The walks and hikes range from easy to moderate. You will encounter altitude differences of up to 300m and average walking times of about 2-5 hours. Prepare for this unforgettable tour by making sure you have an adequate level of fitness to fully enjoy the exciting experiences that await you.

​If you would like more info please see our blog articles about our hiking grading system.