Active South Island

New Zealand is an active traveler's dream, with an abundance of rewarding outdoors adventures. Spend your days hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and exploring remote sheep stations by 4x4 on this active trip around South Island.

1. Days 1-2: Christchurch

   Begin your active adventure around South Island in the garden city of Christchurch on the east coast. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch is a beautiful compact city – the largest in the South Island. Take a stroll in the picturesque Hagley Park or take a punt down the River Avon – a gentle introduction to New Zealand after your long flight.

   Accommodation: Hotel Montreal (1 night)

2. Days 2-5: Canterbury and the West Coast

   Collect your hire car and continue to Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, a working farm located high in the dramatic Southern Alps. The journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass is an adventure in its own right. Pass through heart of the mighty Southern Alps witnessing breath-taking scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes as you cross the mountainous spine of the South Island.  Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass is a charming eco-lodge which offers unbelievable mountain views and a huge variety of activities from sheep-shearing to guided nature walks around the 4000-acre estate. Other activities included guided stargazing allowing you to spot constellations and even planets or alternatively kayaking excursions and guided mountain hikes can also be arranged. For a little extra you can opt to climb high up into a glacial basin admiring the mountain panoramas and cascading waterfalls that surround Arthur’s Pass National Park. 

   Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass (3 nights)

3. Days 5-8: Canterbury and the West Coast

   Returning South today your next destination is a remote sheep station at Lake Heron. Located in an extremely remote area of New Zealand, Lake Heron Station defines the definition of seclusion. A typical working high-country farm, Lake Heron Station is home to thousands of merino sheep as well as cattle and covers the entire valley and every mountain in sight. This is your adventure playground just begging to be explored, taking your 4x4, a map and a picnic lunch and driving anywhere you choose, setting off on foot and conquering a mountain or canoeing on the lake.

   Accommodation: Lake Heron Station (3 nights)

4. Days 8-11: Canterbury and the West Coast

   The Ahuriri Valley is your next stop and your final experience of the Southern Alps before you head to the Fiordland region of New Zealand. Stay at The Lindis - a brand new luxury lodge set in the most breathtaking of environments. With a plethora of activities on offer from the lodge including gliding, cycling and horse riding - the choice is yours how you wish to spend your time here. Admire the simply outstanding scenery from one of the lodges many panoramic windows and as the sun falls be mesmerized by the thousands of stars shining bright above you. 

   The surrounding area is home to some outstanding full day hikes in some of New Zealand's most inspiring scenery, as well as challenging mountain biking, heli-hiking on glaciers, mountaineering, horse riding and quad biking.

   Accommodation: The Lindis (3 nights)

5. Days 11-15: Fiordland National Park

   Last but by no means least, head into the Fiordland region, truly getting off the grid. After spending one night at Fiordland Lodge, cruise overnight on the Doubtful Sound, retracing the steps of early explorers who navigated these often-foggy waters in search of a landing point on the island. You'll get the chance to swim in the calm waters, if you’re lucky play with the playful dolphins, as well as kayak in this silent sound looking out for wildlife from  Fiordland penguins and fur seals. Your final couple of nights will be back on dry land at Fiordland Lodge, where you can enjoy wonderful day hikes on the Kepler or Milford track, with a helicopter ride back to the lodge at the end of the day if you wish or spend time fly-fishing if you prefer.
   
   

   Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge (4 nights)

• Dart River Jet Boat Safari (Shared)

  The Dart River Jet Boat Wilderness Safari is a spectacular Jet Boat journey through the Dart River located at the foot of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time.

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• Helicopter Flight and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (Private)

  Soar above the staggering mountain scenery, the rugged peaks and lush valleys of the Southern Lakes, Mount Aspiring and the Fiordlands before taking to the waters on a paddleboard.

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• Jet Boating & Walking in Matukituki Valley (Shared)

  Deep in the Matukituki Valley, this exciting half day jet boating adventure will take you beneath the breath-taking scenery of mountains and glaciers, Lord of the Rings and Hobbit locations, into the World Heritage Mount Aspiring National Park.

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• Lake Wanaka Cruise and Island Nature Walk (Shared)

  The magical nature reserve of Mou Waho Island is home to the rare flightless Buff Weka, and a picturesque spot to explore the bush, or simply sit back and relax on the beach after a scenic boat cruise across Lake Wanaka to the island.

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Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Lake Heron, Wanaka, Fiordland