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DAY 1: PICTON TO MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN)
Kia ora and welcome! Your journey kicks off from the picturesque harbour town of Picton, the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. We travel through the Marlborough region to Marahau, where our accommodation sits right on the edge of the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park — perfect for exploring arguably the best national park in the country. Tonight, self-cater or join the optional group dinner.
Highlights:
- Picton and the Marlborough Sounds
- Arrive at Abel Tasman National Park
- Stargazing
DAY 2: MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN)
A full day to explore New Zealand's most popular national park. We're picked up by water taxi to Anchorage Bay, admiring golden sand beaches and brilliant blue waters along the way. Enjoy a picnic on the beach before checking out Cleopatra's Pools, moss-lined freshwater pools with a natural water slide, then walk roughly four hours back to our accommodation, stopping to swim in secluded bays.
Highlights:
- Water taxi to Anchorage Bay
- Cleopatra's Pools
- Coastal hike and beach swims
DAY 3: MARAHAU (ABEL TASMAN) TO FRANZ JOSEF
Buckle up for a scenic day driving down the wild West Coast, an area known for untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest. We pass through Buller Gorge along a stretch of road named one of the world's top drives by Lonely Planet, and stop at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes before continuing to the quaint township of Franz Josef, set amongst the rainforest. Tonight we share a group dinner at our accommodation.
Highlights:
- Buller Gorge
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes
- Hokitika
- Group dinner at Franz Josef
DAY 4: FRANZ JOSEF
Today we experience the iconic Franz Josef Glacier. Take a short drive to the start of the track, then hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face for spectacular photos — or simply relax in one of New Zealand's largest spa pools at the Retreat.
Highlights:
- Glacier valley hike
- Native bush tracks
- Soak in the spa
DAY 5: FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN
Another scenic journey with plenty of photo stops. First up is Lake Matheson, the famous mirror-lake, for a short walk. We travel inland through the mountainous Haast Pass and alongside beautiful Lake Hawea into Queenstown. Once settled, head out to explore this lakeside resort town with its lively bars and clubs.
Highlights:
- Lake Matheson mirror-lake walk
- Haast Pass and Lake Hawea
- Arrive in Queenstown
DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN (FREE DAY)
A full free day in the adventure capital. With great nightlife, beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it's easy to see why so many travellers refuse to leave. Take on an optional adventure or hike one of the local trails.
Highlights:
- Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill or Bob's Peak
- Optional adventure activities
DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN (FREE DAY)
Another full day in the adventure capital to make your own. Choose from optional activities like bungy, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, ziplining or horse riding, or simply relax by the lake.
Highlights:
- Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill or Bob's Peak
- Optional adventure activities
DAY 8: MILFORD SOUND DAY TRIP
Today we board the coach for a super scenic drive to the world-famous Milford Sound. Cruise across the Sound, looking out for the impressive Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and thundering waterfalls, with the chance to spot fur seals, penguins and dolphins. Afterwards it's back to Queenstown, where you can try the famous Fergburger.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Milford Sound
- Milford Sound cruise
- Mitre Peak and waterfalls
DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN TO LAKE TEKAPO
A short drive brings us to Lake Tekapo, an electric-blue lake framed by the Southern Alps. Walk over to the famous Church of the Good Shepherd on the water's edge for photos. In the afternoon, discover the wonders of tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and its central place in the Māori view of the universe at the Dark Sky Project centre.
Highlights:
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Dark Sky Experience
- Mount John Observatory hike, stargazing
DAY 10: LAKE TEKAPO TO CHRISTCHURCH
Our next stop is Christchurch, a cool city with the Avon River running through it, full of lush parks and laneway bars. Spend the afternoon wandering the streets to discover street art and hidden eateries, visit the Botanic Gardens, do some shopping or hop on the tourist tram.
Highlights:
- Explore Christchurch on foot
- Riverside Market
- Botanic Gardens
DAY 11: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH
Today your adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your new mates — we hope you had a great time and look forward to adventuring with you again in the future.
Highlights:
- Breakfast before departure
Where you sleep: ten nights in dorm-style accommodation, including The Barn at Marahau, Rainforest Retreat at Franz Josef, Haka House Queenstown Lakefront, Haka House Lake Tekapo and Drifter Christchurch, or similar.
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