Faultline Adventure

CHRISTCHURCH TO QUEENSTOWN (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)

New Zealand did not become one of the most diverse and dramatic landforms on earth by accident. Where New Zealand is situated happens to be right over a collision zone of two of the largest slabs of the earths crust forming a fault-line. Over millions of years this collision has created the Southern Alps which are the backbone of the south island. During this 8 day adventure, we actually cross over the fault-line twice, once when we cross the alps near Arthurs Pass and again on day 6 on our way to Haast Pass. Don’t worry if you are a bit confused by plate movement, collision zones and fault-lines because you are guaranteed to love the amazing play ground that it has created for us, and you will see it from so many different perspective’s whether it be hiking through deep limestone canyons, kayaking across pristine lagoons, jetboating down the Wilkin River or from the air in a helicopter above the mountains of Mt Aspiring National park. This is a trip of a lifetime, the perfect combination of adventure and incredible scenery with quality character accommodation to relax in at the end of the day.
This tour caters for people who want to see “the real New Zealand”. An active adventure into some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness areas. At the end of the day stay in a quality Bed & Breakfast style accommodation.

Day 1:
From the garden city of Christchurch drive across the Canterbury Plains and over Porters Pass. We stop for lunch at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, which sits among spectacular limestone outcrops. Explore this spectacular subterranean canyon before heading on to Arthur’s Pass alpine village. There is time in the afternoon for an optional hike up Avalanche Peak. 2-4 hours hiking / cave exploring.

Day 2:
Picnic at Lake Brunner before heading to the rugged West Coast. Hike the coastal Truman Track and explore old sea caves used by the early Maori. View the famous Pancake Rocks and impressive blowhole at Punakaiki. 2 hours hiking.

Day 3:
Up early for a full day’s hiking on the Inland Pack Track in Paparoa National Park. Hike through lush rainforests into the spectacular Fox River. Follow the deep ‘Rivendell’ limestone canyon out to the coast. 7 – 8 hours hiking.

Day 4:
Drive south to Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. With kayaks explore the river delta and paddle deep into the Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests. See birdlife, including white herons, godwits, black swans and tui. Help prepare an authentic hangi meal and feast around the beach bonfire. It is then a short drive to our accommodation at Franz Josef. 4 hours kayaking.

Day 5:
Enjoy a half-day hike onto Franz Josef Glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. This is one of the few places you can see a glacier descend into the rainforest. After this informative hike, drive to Fox Glacier and hike to the mouth of the glacier or relax at our local accommodation. 4 hours hiking

Day 6:
An easy hike to the stunning Lake Matheson, on a clear day see the Southern Alps reflected perfectly in the lake. Visit a salmon farm on the way to Makaroa. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the homestead, set amongst 5 acres of established gardens and deer farm, surrounded by the Mt Aspiring World Heritage Park. Enjoy a delicious group meal of salmon prepared by the guide.

Day 7:
Board a helicopter at Makarora for a thrilling flight into the Siberia Valley. View towering mountains, rainforests, lakes and rivers from the air. Land at a classic backcountry hut, which will be our accommodation for the night. From here there is an optional hike up to a pristine alpine lake. 5 hours hiking

Day 8:
Hike to the Wilkin River to meet the jet boat. Enjoy this adrenalin filled jet boat ride through world-class scenery back to Makarora. Drive to Wanaka for a celebratory wine at a local vineyard before driving over the impressive Crown Range to the alpine resort of Queenstown. 3 hours hiking.

The trip concludes in Queenstown. You may wish to take advantage of a free shuttle return to Christchurch on Day 9 or you can stay in Queenstown to enjoy the endless activities this town offers.