West Coast Wilderness Safari - 11 days Nelson to Queenstown
New Zealand's great hikes
Hiking Safaris are for people looking for a unique hiking experience that combines multi-day hikes with kayaking, caving and camping. An unforgettable outdoor experience in remote wilderness areas with a small and social group. Hikers participate in all aspects of the safari; decision making, cooking, and camp set-up.
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
- A unique opportunity to be totally immersed in the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. Hike through lush rainforests, soak in natural hot pools beneath majestic mountains, visit glaciers and kayak on a giant wetland area. Total diversity, spanning the length of the West Coast, with three multi-day walks, ending in Queenstown.
Please contact us or complete our online enquiry form to receive further information on this tour or to check availability on your preferred date of travel.
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Join tour in Nelson
Begin with a drive to Flora Saddle, where we have lunch and pack gear. Start 2-day hike through beech forest on a pack track down the Flora Stream then up to tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Stay overnight in a natural rock shelter. Introduction night.
4 hours hiking
Buller Gorge
Up early to explore sinkholes. Hike up over Gordon's Pyramid (1501m), past limestone karst to Mount Arthur (1795m). Return to Flora Saddle and drive to a character cottage overlooking the Buller Gorge. Enjoy a home cooked meal made from locally grown organic produce.
7 hours hiking
Paparoa National Park
Visit a breeding colony of NZ fur seals (once almost hunted to extinction), then head south to Paparoa National Park and begin 2-day hike up 'Rivendell' canyon to the Ballroom Overhang to camp with elves.
4 hours hiking
Punakaiki
Hike up a side canyon with a refreshing swim to see glow-worms. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Hike back down river, then to overnight accommodation in Punakaiki. Coastal walks in the afternoon.
6 hours hiking
Okarito
Check out the Pancake rocks, then drive south to Greymouth to pick up food and fellow hikers. Drive to the coastal settlement of Okarito. Camp by the beach and enjoy a hangi and beach bonfire.
2 hours hiking
Okarito
Optional morning kayak on Okarito Lagoon. Catch the in-going tide into the lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, black swans, and tui. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Return to camp. Free time to wander along this remote beach, hike up to a viewpoint, or just relax in the afternoon.
4 hours kayaking plus optional hiking.
Fox Glacier
A short drive takes us to Fox Glacier, which descends from the mountain tops into rain forest. Take a guided walk on the glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. Join your guide for an optional hike in the National Park. Stay in cabins.
4 hours hiking
Welcome Flat
Start 3-day hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest across swing bridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with magnificent views of 3000m-peaks within Westland National Park.
3 hours hiking
Welcome Flat
Rest day, but the keen can explore this alpine valley. Boulder hop up to waterfalls for a refreshing shower and great views of Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). Return to the hut and the hot pools.
4 hours hiking
Moeraki
Hike back down the Copland Valley stopping for a swim (optional) and lunch by this glacial-fed river. Stop at Ship Creek and look out for Hector dolphins. Drive south to Moeraki. Camp at an isolated site with a feed of fresh salmon baked on a campfire.
3 hours hiking
Tour ends in Queenstown
Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for lunch, swims, and vehicle clean-up. Plenty of short hikes to choose from as we drive over Haast Pass. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range arriving early evening.
2 hours hiking
Departing
2011 |
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER |
19th 24th 7th, 21st 5th, 19th |
Alternative Options
If you won't or can't do the whole trip, why not split it?
There are two options available:
- Coast & Canyons - the first five days of the West Coast Wilderness
Four hiking-filled days away from the hustle of mainstream tourism. Two excellent overnight hikes including the alpine ranges of Kahurangi National Park, to the crystal clear rivers in the limestone canyons of Paparoa National Park. Stay at an organic farm in the Buller Gorge and feast on a home grown meal between hikes. Start the fifth days exploring the unusual Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Finish the Coast and Canyons in Greymouth with the option to ride the afternoon TranzAlpine train ($139) back to Christchurch.
Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for lunch, swims, and vehicle clean-up. Plenty of short hikes to choose from as we drive over Haast Pass. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range arriving early evening.
- The World Heritage Wanderer - the final seven days of the West Coast Wilderness
Seven days of outdoor adventure! Kayak across New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland and into the river delta surrounded by towering kahikatea trees. Help prepare and eat a hangi meal on Okarito beach. Join a guided glacier hike on Fox Glacier and explore seracs, ice caves and crevasses. Hike up the Copland Valley and spend two nights soaking in natural hot pools gazing at 3000-metre peaks. End this amazing week in the adventure capital of New Zealand - Queenstown.
