Final Payment: South Island, New Zealand, 2020

New Zealand is a natural wonderland. The diverse ecosystems on this small island are a naturalist’s dream and a hiker’s paradise.

Join us as we explore some of New Zealand’s best hiking, kayaking, cruising, and cycling.

After arriving in Christchurch, you’ll be picked up and transferred over New Zealand’s Alps via Arthur’s Pass. Once you arrive on the west coast of the island you’ll visit amazing forest trails, mountain glaciers, and stunning beaches. You’ll also kayak in Okarito Bay amidst many local bird species and scale the tree top towers to overlooks above the canopy.

Working your way south you’ll have a chance to stay in the adventure capitol of New Zealand: Queenstown. The optional excursions in the lively, mountain-set city are endless.

A major highlight on this tour is the overnight cruise in the Milford Sound. You’ll spend the night on the cruise ship after you’ve had a chance to sail to the Tasman Sea and back, spotting dolphins along the way.

After leaving the Milford Sound you’ll head towards Lake Te Anau. In this famous area you’ll combine two great activities: a cruise across the lake and a visit to the awe-producing Glowworm Caves. These magical creatures light up the darkness with their bio-phosphorescence.

Now it’s time to head north, towards Dunedin and on to the Otago Peninsula. You’ll have two great experiences here. The first is Penguin Place, a private nature preserve for the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. The second experience is a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre, where these massive birds nest and congregate along the steep, east coast cliffs.

And now to Mt. Cook. The tallest mountain in New Zealand, and the most impressive, Mt. Cook, also known as Aoraki, stands impressively high, covered in snow, ice, and countless glaciers. You’ll have a chance to hike in the valleys below in full view of the New Zealand giant.

After all our adventures in the New Zealand backcountry, it’s time to say goodbye. We head back to Christchurch and depart for home.

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For a full list of New Zealand excursions click here.