Off the Beaten Path on New Zealand's South Island

The Trip

Lush rainforests, massive glaciers, steep-walled fjords, desolate plateaus, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and countless miles of rugged coastline all await us in the "Land of the Long White Cloud" -- New Zealand. This trip concentrates on the South Island, where the majority of natural areas and national parks are found. There is significant diversity to keep us busy -- expansive views, challenging hikes, explorations of the rocky coastline, the unique New Zealand bush, towering Mt. Cook in the Southern Alps, sweeping plains, remote sheep farms, and abundant fjords. There is never a dull moment!

Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, we day hike in national parks, forested valleys, the pristine beaches of the Tasman Sea, and the 1,000-year-old kahikatea (white pine) rainforest. We have the opportunity to get close to a glacier, hike portions of New Zealand's famous track system, and cruise along the golden sand beaches of Abel Tasman National Park as well as the fjords of Fiordland National Park. At the bottom of the South Island, we walk along famous hiking trails, witness whales and dolphins from a ship, and marvel in a famous glowworm cave.

Kiwis, as New Zealanders call themselves, offer visitors a friendly reception and we will have plenty of opportunity to interact with them. They are also passionate conservationists; more than one-third of the country is protected in national parks and conservation reserves managed by the government. Marine mammals in the seas surrounding New Zealand are fully protected. Expect to see humpback whales, fur seals, and dolphins plying the waters from our boat or in the water. New Zealand birdlife is unique, and we will see many of the endemic species, like tuis, fantail, and pukeko, and hear the flute-like call of the bellbird as we walk the forested paths.

Many trips are offered to New Zealand, but this one has a strong focus on natural history and hiking. The trip leader has travelled extensively in New Zealand and, combined with our expert naturalist Kiwi guide, provides the opportunity to see and experience New Zealand in a very personal way. Join us for this fantastic adventure!

Day 1: The trip begins in Dunedin, New Zealand, the southernmost city on the South Island. If you arrive at the airport early to mid-morning, the leader and the naturalist guide can pick you up at the airport; otherwise, we will give you a time and place in Dunedin to meet the group in the early afternoon. We will then embark on a delightful cruise on Otago Harbor to Taiaroa Head. Our trip is timed so we arrive at the harbor entrance just as the Northern Royal Albatross arrive back to their only mainland breeding ground in the world. The sight of these magnificent fliers circling the headland is an impressive introduction to this country we will be exploring. Back in the city, we relax and get to know our travel companions at our welcome dinner. Overnight Dunedin.

Day 2: Our day begins with a bus ride through the lush green pastures of the sheep and dairy farms of the South Otago and Southland. We arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland World Heritage Area and Fiordland National Park. At times stunning and at other times mysterious, this park is New Zealand’s largest. Glacially gouged valleys and lakes are nestled between ranges of rugged mountains. We spend the afternoon walking amidst the lush beech forests in the Eglinton Valley. Overnight Te Anau.

Day 3: Expect to be in awe today! We drive along Milford Road through a landscape of high mountains and deep valleys studded with waterfalls and mirror-like lakes. Passing through the upper Hollyford Valley, with its superb boulder and herb fields, we reach the Gertrude Cirque. This cirque contains the finest accessible alpine community in the country. We spend the morning in this botanical treasure trove in the Darran Mountains. After lunch we descend through the Milford Tunnel to sea level at Milford Sound (which is actually a fjord). Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water. There we will take a cruise to the fjord entrance before returning along the road back to Lake Te Anau. Overnight Te Anau.

Day 4: South of Te Anau lies Lake Manapouri, formed (according to Maori legend) by the tears of the two sisters of an old Maori chieftain. We take time to photograph the lake and continue on to the Borland Saddle and the Hunter Mountains. Superb alpine vistas, string tarns, and local endemic plants characterize this area. We hike onto the flanks of Mt. Burns to little-visited alpine lakes overlooking the Grebe Valley. After returning to Te Anau, we have the option of visiting glowworm caves. These amazing 12,000-year-old caves were carved into incredible swirling shapes by the force of the river that flowed through them. We travel through the limestone passages on foot and by boat to find a grotto of thousands of glittering glowworms. Overnight Te Anau.

Day 5: Today we travel through the arid heartland of the South Island, past Lake Wakatipu and then over Lindis Pass to the lakes of the MacKenzie basin.  Along the way in the afternoon, we take short hikes in the beech forest at the foot of the towering Ohau Range before settling into our lodging at Lake Ohau. Before dinner, we may take some time to explore the glacial Lake Ohau and surrounds. Overnight Lake Ohau.

Day 6: Aoraki/Mount Cook shimmers and beckons! At the foot of the mountain is the spectacular Hooker Valley. The dramatic Mueller Ridge hike awaits today with amazing views all the way along the Southern Alps. We notice the vegetation changes on the successive moraines as we hike below the Hooker and Mueller glaciers. Giant Mount Cook buttercups, golden Spaniards, and sub-alpine shrubs abound amidst unforgettable landscapes. Return to Lake Ohau in the late afternoon to watch the sun set over the Southern Alps. Overnight Lake Ohau.

Day 7: Today, we cross the Canterbury plains to the Peel Forest Park. We travel through the arid inter-montane basins of the Mackenzie Country, named after a notorious Scottish shepherd and sheep thief in the 1850s. This is the place where much of Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of The Rings” and “The Hobbit” were filmed. After traveling over Burkes Pass, we enjoy a lowland walk through a moist primeval totara forest. We continue on to the sub-alpine forest of Arthur’s Pass, where we stay for two nights in a luxurious wilderness lodge that shares its property with a 6,000-acre sheep farm set amidst the alpine wonderland. Overnight Arthur’s Pass.

Day 8: We have a day to explore the wonderful Arthur’s Pass National Park, with a variety of options for all appetites. You can hike on the nearby Cragieburn range trails to the scree-covered upper slopes and ridges, enjoy a gentle forest hike through the beech and manuka forest, take a hike on the sheep farm and learn about merino wool and sheep dogs, or just relax around the lodge. Keep a look out for the New Zealand kea, a cheeky parrot that lives in the sub-alpine areas and is not afraid of people. We share our stories of the day with each other over a gourmet dinner. Overnight Arthurs Pass.

Day 9: We travel through Arthur’s Pass down to the tumultuous West Coast and head north, following a road that edges some of the most iconic and beautiful coastline in the world. We hike in the Porarari River valley through lush nikau palms and steep limestone gorges so characteristic of the Paparoas National Park. We look for native birds such as the fantail, wood pigeon, and tui. Before heading inland, we stop at Punakaiki Rocks, amazing pancake-like limestone formations that have been sculpted by the relentless pounding of the Tasman Sea. Mid afternoon, we continue inland to Nelson Lakes National Park. Overnight St. Arnaud.

Day 10: St. Arnaud is situated on lovely Lake Rototiti, in the heart of the Nelson Lakes National Park. Surrounding the lake is evergreen New Zealand beech forest. After the long day yesterday, the option to relax and meander through this enchanting forest may be enticing. Those with energy to spare may choose to hike up to treeline on the St. Arnaud range overlooking the lake. Overnight St. Arnaud.

Day 11: Today we immerse ourselves in protected New Zealand parkland! You may opt for a strenuous hike to Mt. Robert, climbing up through the beech forest to the tree line and onto the sub-alpine tussock lands for breathtaking panoramas of the park. On the hike, we can hunt for the hilarious alpine native plant called “vegetable sheep,” named for its huge sheep-like shape and white flowers that look like wool. Alternatively there is a lovely ramble along Lake Rototiti for those wanting to stretch their legs and have a more leisurely day. Dinner is at our lodge, where we can exchange stories. Overnight St. Arnaud.

Day 12: The Graham Valley -- a delightful mix of apple orchards, hop farms, and the occasional vineyard -- provides the most convenient access to the newly formed Kahurangi National Park. This is the second-largest national park in New Zealand, and its high plateaus and alpine herb fields are seldom visited. We hike onto the uplifted plateau of Mt. Arthur and surrounding tablelands area, walking through red, silver, and mountain beech forests. The alpine terrain is rugged and beautiful, with tussocks and gnarled beech anchoring the landscape. Weary from hiking, we board the bus and travel to Nelson, a charming city and a haven for artists that's located on the sunny side of the South Island. Overnight Nelson.

Day 13: We spend the day exploring the final national park on our journey. Abel Tasman National Park is famous not only for its golden beaches and sculptured granite cliffs, but also for the world-renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track. We hike a part of this track through stands of ancient rimu, totara, and rata, accompanied by the melodious calls of bellbirds. Two- or four-hour hiking options can be combined with a delightful cruise along the spectacular coast. Late afternoon return to Nelson. Overnight Nelson.

Day 14: Today we travel east and south via the Wairau Valley on our way to the spectacular Kaikoura Coast. Along the way through the Marlborough wine country, we may stop for a taste of its famous Sauvignon Blanc. A lovely coastal town located between rugged mountains and the azure sea, Kaikoura is a haven for marine wildlife and birds. Upon arrival we take a stroll through the town before settling into our accommodations. Overnight Kaikoura.

Day 15: This morning we experience what makes Kaikoura famous by choosing either a whale-watching expedition or a dolphin-swimming adventure on the bay. This is certainly a highlight! At lunch, we compare notes and photos and then hike up to the mid-slopes of Mt. Fyffe for spectacular views over the Kaikoura coastline. In the evening, we enjoy our farewell dinner in Kaikoura at one of the many seafood restaurants along the bay. Overnight Kaikoura.

Day 16: We travel south to Christchurch and reach the end of our trip around lunchtime at either Christchurch International Airport or, if you are not yet ready to leave this beautiful country, in downtown Christchurch. We say goodbye to our travel companions and “The Land of the Long White Cloud” until we can return!

Getting There

The trip begins in Dunedin and ends in Christchurch. Most international flights arrive in Auckland. Allow for an inter-island flight to Dunedin when booking your travel. You will have to change terminals in Auckland for the domestic flight, but it's very close -- only about a 5- to 10-minute walk. Note that you will "lose" a day when traveling west across the International Dateline from the United States to New Zealand. This means if you leave the U.S. for New Zealand in the evening, you will arrive in New Zealand two days later. On the other hand, you may well return to the U.S. before you leave New Zealand! Note also that the trip ends in a different city, Christchurch. It's easy to fly from Christchurch back to Auckland and there are some direct flights from Christchurch to the U.S.

Consider booking your inter-island flights when you book your international itinerary. Generally, there is little or no additional cost when the flights are booked together.

As winter storms in the U.S. have caused many flight cancellations in past years, it is recommended you plan to arrive in New Zealand at least a day in advance. You can take advantage of the extra day to adjust your internal clock from the travel and be well rested when we start our adventure! You can also explore Dunedin, and the leader will give you recommendations for additional sightseeing options.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

We will stay in cozy lodges, a luxurious wilderness resort, and local hotels. Rooms are double-occupancy; a roommate will be provided for solo travelers. We will travel in an air-conditioned minibus. All meals, starting with dinner on day one and ending with breakfast on day 16, are included in the cost of the trip. For lunch and dinner we will have a mix of dining at local cafes and restaurants, picnicking, and gourmet meals. Our restaurants offer vegetarian dishes and we will attempt to satisfy special dietary needs. You should inform the leader of any dietary restrictions when completing your application.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is suitable for the active traveler who enjoys hiking and walking. It is open to adults of all ages, as long as you are in good health, get regular exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy traveling with a group of like-minded souls.

New Zealand weather is unpredictable. It can rain at any time, which makes for slippery trails. Expect daytime temperatures that range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s and nighttime lows in the 50s.

Equipment and Clothing

You will need high-quality rain gear. We will be exploring lowland to alpine regions, so layering is essential. The leader will provide you with a packing list for the trip after registration.  

References

Books:

• King, Michael, The Penguin History of New Zealand. 2003.
• Moon, Geoff, The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds. Reed Books, 1992.
• Dougherty, Ia, Heart of Gold: The People and Places of Otago.
• Coates, Glen, The Rise and Fall of the Southern Alps. Canterbury University Press, 2002.

Maps:

• Fiordland Parkmap 273-03, 1:255,000, Department of Conservation
• Mount Aspiring Parkmap 273-02, 1:150,000, Department of Conservation

Websites:

• http://www.natureandco.co.nz/
• http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/Wanaka_Welcome.html
• http://www.kiwizone.org/south/04Glaciers.htm

Movies:

• Whale Rider (2002). An excellent movie about a 12-year-old Maori girl who wants to become the chief of the tribe. Her grandfather believes that this is a role reserved for males only. You get a glimpse of the Maori culture.

Conservation

In general, New Zealanders favor vigorous protection of endangered and threatened plants and animals. The Department of Conservation is very active in relocating endangered species to islands and areas that have been cleared of pests. Rigorous standards for camping and hiking are in place in all national parks and reserves in an effort to lessen impacts on the environment and to maintain high water quality. All coastline is in public ownership.

As an isolated island group without any land predators, New Zealand once had nearly 200 bird species, and was an ideal setting for the evolution of flightless birds. After Maori and European settlers introduced non-native mammals such as rats, possums, weasels, and stoats, many of New Zealand's indigenous bird species became threatened. These mammals have no natural enemies and have wreaked havoc on the native bird populations. It is believed that these introduced mammals kill about 25 million native birds every year. Finally, in 2016 New Zealand adopted a radical national initiative called Predator Free 2050. The goal of the initiative is to rid the entire country of foreign predators by the year 2050. New Zealand has already undertaken predator-free efforts on over 100 small isolated islands and achieved success, which has driven the audacious goal for 2050. The initiative will require new technologies and a substantial amount of money. But New Zealand is on the forefront of conservation technology and research, and the country is proud of their unique biodiversity and conservation. We will hear a lot about this initiative on our trip.

Aligned with this effort is the drive to protect New Zealand’s iconic bird, the kiwi. The kiwi population is diminishing by about two percent each year. Much of the kiwi mortality is due to the introduced rats, weasels, and stoats that attack and kill kiwis. But also impacting kiwi mortality is reduction of habitat and domestic animals (such as dogs and feral cats), which hunt and kill the young birds. New Zealand is therefore taking strong steps to not only preserve and conserve kiwi habitat but also educate the public about domestic and feral animal control.

The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward environmentally understanding parallel concerns at home and abroad. On our trip to New Zealand, we will have many opportunities to explore, discuss, and debate conservation initiatives with New Zealanders and amongst ourselves to expand our knowledge and appreciation.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.