Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch to Saint Arnaud
You'll meet the group in Christchurch at 8 am, though if you're arriving early, the Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum are worth a walk through at your own pace. After the welcome meeting wraps up, you're heading to Hanmer Springs in Lewis Pass National Reserve for a hike up Conical Hill, which gives you good views of the surrounding area. From there, continue to the alpine village of Saint Arnaud where you'll settle in for your first night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Conical Hill Walk - panoramic views over Hanmer Springs, forest and mountains
- Scenic drive through Lewis Pass National Reserve
Optional Activities
- Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens to see native plants
- Visit Canterbury Museum to learn about the region's cultural heritage
Landmarks Christchurch Botanic Gardens Canterbury Museum Conical Hill Lewis Pass National Reserve Hanmer Springs 
- Day 2
Saint Arnaud to Marahau
Start early with the Mt Robert Circuit, a loop track that circles the northern side of Pourangahau with views looking out over Lake Rotoiti. Once you finish the hike, a bus takes you to Marahau, a seaside spot in the Tasman Region. After that, your time is open to do what you want, whether that's swimming at the beach, taking it easy, or checking out a local restaurant with suggestions from your leader.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mt Robert Circuit - loop track around northern face of Pourangahau with views over Lake Rotoiti
Optional Activities
- Swim at Marahau beach
- Explore Marahau at your own pace
- Dine at local restaurants in Marahau
Landmarks Mount Robert (Pourangahau) Lake Rotoiti Marahau - Day 3
Abel Tasman Coast Track
After breakfast, a water taxi gets you to Anchorage where you'll hike the final section of the Abel Tasman Coast track back to Marahau. The walk follows the coast and you'll spot native birds like fantails and wood pigeons along the way. Depending on when you arrive back, there's a chance to rent a kayak and paddle the Falls River to finish off your time in Abel Tasman.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic Water Taxi Ride from Marahau to Anchorage
- Abel Tasman Coast Track - Anchorage to Marahau
Optional Activities
- Rent a kayak and paddle along the Falls River in Abel Tasman
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman Coast Track Anchorage Falls River 
- Day 4
Marahau to Lochmara Bay
Today you're traveling to Marlborough Sounds, which is really a network of sheltered inlets and forested areas at the northern tip of the South Island. Once you get to Picton, you'll take a water taxi out to Anakiwa on the Queen Charlotte Track. From there, hike to your lodging in Lochmara Bay, a quiet spot tucked away nicely. Your leader will invite everyone to join together for dinner, which is a good chance to connect with the other travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Scenic Water Taxi Ride from Picton to Anakiwa
- Queen Charlotte Track - Anakiwa to Lochmara Bay
Optional Activities
- Join fellow travellers for dinner at Lochmara Bay
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Queen Charlotte Track Anakiwa Lochmara Bay Picton - Day 5
Lochmara Bay to Christchurch
A water taxi takes you this morning to Kaipupu Sanctuary, a nature reserve focused on conservation work. You'll do a short loop around the sanctuary, then drive along the east coast heading down toward Kaikoura, a town known for its wildlife. Stop to see a fur seal colony before continuing on to Christchurch, where the trip finishes this afternoon. If you want to stay longer, let your booking agent know ahead of time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kaipupu Sanctuary - short loop track at nature conservation reserve
- Seal Colony Visit in Kaikoura
Landmarks Kaipupu Sanctuary Kaikoura Kaikoura Fur Seal Colony
