Trek Notes - New Zealand

World Heritage Wanderer 7 Days

Itinerary

Seven days of outdoor adventure! Take this opportunity to kayak New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, walk on the majestic Fox Glacier and hike into Welcome Flat to soak in natural hot pools beneath the towering mountain peaks of Westland National Park.

Day 1        Join Tour in Greymouth or Christchurch       5km/2 hours hiking

You can begin your journey in either Greymouth or Christchurch. From Christchurch, catch the TranzAlpine Train across the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains, through the impressive Waimakariri Gorge, over huge wooden viaducts and the lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park. The 223km journey takes just over four hours. Arriving in Greymouth, you will meet fellow hikers who have just finished the northern part of the West Coast Wilderness. We drive down the coast in the afternoon to the peaceful coastal village of Okarito, where the rainforest meets the sea. For dinner tonight we enjoy a hangi feast (the traditional Maori way of cooking food in an underground earth oven) and everyone can be involved in the preparation. A relaxing evening spent sitting around the beach bonfire listening to the pounding surf. Camp by the beach.

Day 2                   Okarito                   10km/4 hours kayaking

This morning there is the option of taking a guided kayaking trip ($80* - optional) to catch the in-going tide into the Okarito Lagoon (the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand) to see birdlife - including white herons, black swans and tui. We explore a river delta and channels into kahikatea (white pine) forest, our tallest forest species - it can grow up to 60 metres high. For people not kayaking there is an excellent four-hour coastal hike (unguided), with dramatic views of the Southern Alps. Free time in the afternoon to wander the remote beach or hike to a viewpoint of this World Heritage Park, with snow-capped mountains, rainforest and coastal wetlands. Spend a second night camping in this special location.

Day 3        Fox Glacier                   12km/5 hours hiking

It's just a short drive this morning through to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where glaciers extend down into the rainforest. You have the option of taking a guided hike ($95* - optional) on this dynamic glacier where you will explore seracs, ice caves and crevasses. Stunning views of New Zealand's highest peaks dominate the vista at the head of the glacier. Free time in the afternoon to relax in one of the local cafés in this charming village. There is also the option to join the guide for a two hour hike around Lake Matheson or taking a stunning helicopter flight (additional cost) over the glacier and surrounding mountains and out to the coast. Stay in local cabin accommodation.

Day 4                   Welcome Flat                   18km/7 hours hiking
Your three day hike begins today up the Copland Valley, through podocarp forest (relatively unchanged in 70 million years). The hike will take us across swing-bridges and mountain streams, and we often see the endangered and very primitive blue duck. The pleasant hike through the forest and alongside the river finally ends at Welcome Flat, where we stay in a mountain hut. We have the opportunity to relax our weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with views of 3000 metre peaks - the best in New Zealand!

Day 5                   Welcome Flat     8km/4 hours hiking
Today you can either rest or explore this alpine valley. A short off-track hike, with some boulder-hopping, takes us up to beautiful waterfalls high in the alps for a refreshing shower. On our walk, you may be lucky enough to see amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook (3754 metres), New Zealand's highest mountain. We return to the hut via Welcome Flat's alpine grasslands. Tonight we prepare dinner and afterwards spend another evening immersed in the incredible hot pools - one is hot, one just right, the other just warm!

Day 6                   Moeraki                   18km/6 hours hiking
This morning we hike down the Copland Valley and drive south through the remote West Coast region to Moeraki. We stop at Ship Creek to look for Hector's dolphins and take the opportunity to walk through coastal ecosystems of dunes, swamp and podocarp forest. Our last night of the tour is spent in cabins or tents at Haast. For dinner we enjoy a feast of local salmon and visit the pub for a celebratory drink.

Day 7        Tour ends in Queenstown    3-8km/2-5 hours hiking
Today marks the end of the journey. Turning inland, we drive over the Haast Pass, snaking along beside the wide Haast River. The pass was only opened in 1965. There are some great hikes we can choose from, a climb to an alpine hut high on the slopes of Mount Brewster (if the legs are not too weary). We stop at Lake Wanaka for lunch, a swim and a clean-up of our vehicle. This lake is so deep that, though its surface is at an altitude of 345 metres, its bottom lies 65 metres below sea level. After this enjoyable break we head over the Crown Range to Queenstown, arriving in the early evening where the tour ends.

Hiking & Fitness

Grade: D

Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 12-15kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800m.
Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required.

You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Terrain mostly tracks. Some may be slippery or rough; some off-track hiking and river crossings.