The Manuka is an active hiking trip at a relaxed pace. It's designed for people who are keen on the off-the-beaten-track Kiwi style of our trips, but who also enjoy their creature comforts and maybe want to take things a little easier than the folks on our more challenging trips. We have a strong focus on New Zealand's natural history, and the more relaxed pace of the Manuka means our guides have plenty of time to interpret the local biosphere and explain the geological and social history of the areas we visit.
You'll be hiking on most days, from lush rainforest on the West Coast and Fox Glacier, to the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Aspiring and Mt. Cook National Parks. We've also included the famed Milford Track Guided Walk. Because of the limited availability and popularity of the Milford Track Guided Walk part of the trip, we strongly recommend booking the Manuka as early as you possibly can.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Monday - Arrive, hike Temple Basin
Most people leave the Northern hemisphere on a Saturday evening and arrive in Auckland early on Monday morning. You'll lose a day to the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! You'll immediately take the short flight to Christchurch in the South Island arriving by 10am or so. We'll meet you and head west to the Southern Alps. We'll stop for lunch at a small alpine lake before continuing to Temple Basin. We'll take our first hike here - a gentle two-hour walk to a small alpine basin for great views of the Southern Alps.
Then we head to Greymouth and up the coastal road to the gorgeous seaside village of Punakaiki. We always make sure the first day of our trips is relaxing and undemanding so you can recover from your flight. (Depending on where you're coming from, you'll probably find jetlag is no big deal – it's a 12-hour direct overnight flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, and there's only a three-hour time difference between New Zealand and US Pacific time). If you have more time, by all means arrive in New Zealand a day or so early. Accommodation: West Coast lodgings, Punakaiki. Included: (L), (D).
Day 2: Tuesday - Rainforest and beach hiking in Punakaiki
We have a whole day and another night at Punakaiki and we'll certainly make the most of our time. Today we'll hike the best section of the Inland Pack Track, from Bullock Creek to the Pororari River. We start at a classic “submergence”, where the river suddenly dries up mid-stream, and goes underground for a mile or so before resurfacing at Cave Creek. The rainforest in this area is unbelievably lush, and the limestone canyons and distant hazy mountains of Paparoa National Park make this an awesome day hike.
We'll also follow the Truman Track to a small surf beach and stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. The Punakaiki coastline is a magnet to marine mammals, and two species of dolphins often come right to the inner shore line. There's also a great deal of marine birdlife, including penguins that can be spotted if you're lucky! Accommodation: West Coast lodgings, Punakaiki. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Wednesday - Arts & crafts in Hokitika, coastal hiking
We'll start with a short drive down the coast to Hokitika where we'll spend a little time checking out local art galleries and pounamu carving workshops (“pounamu” is Maori for jade). From here it's a couple of hours down the coast to the rural outpost of Harihari, from where we head out to hike the “Doughboy” – a distinctively shaped rock on the deserted Westland coast. We then head through to Franz Josef for dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner we can head out for a short night walk to look for Arachnocampa luminosa – the spectacular native glowworm – and to listen for some of New Zealand's nocturnal birdlife, such as the morepork, or even the elusive kiwi. Accommodation: Franz Josef Lodgings, Franz Josef. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Thursday - Hiking near Fox Glacier
Today we'll visit the formidable glaciers of the South Island. We will take a morning hike to the historic Tartare Tunnels, and then continue on to the Franz Josef Glacier, where we walk right up to the impressive terminal face. The Franz Josef Glacier is an enormous river of ice, unusual in that it comes right down through the rainforest to sea level. Accommodation: The Homestead, Makarora - very comfortable and spacious. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Heli-hike option (add US$249 + tax):
A less strenuous, but outrageously scenic option today is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you'll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 4,000 feet above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you'll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience required!
The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice, and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you'll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains, and back to civilization. The heli-hike is extremely popular with the general traveling public, so we offer advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, you can reserve a space on the heli-hike, and we'll make sure a spot is held for you.
You can leave your decision until you're actually on your trip, and we'll get you a spot if it's available. Heli-hikers generally return a little earlier, so we all rendezvous at a local café, and head south. From Franz Josef it's about three hours down the coast to Makarora (pop. 30), which is a camp settlement directly next to Mt. Aspiring National Park. At Makarora we have a lovely family-style homestead in the shadow of the mountains to ourselves for the evening.
Day 5: Friday - Mt. Aspiring National Park, Queenstown
We begin with a drive from Makarora to Raspberry Creek, where we start a stunning hike up the Matukituki Valley, in the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is one of the best one-day hikes in the South Island, taking in tumbling rivers, towering snowfields, and huge mountain peaks straight from the set of The Lord of the Rings! We hike up a narrow glacial valley, coming out of the forest in a dramatic alpine cirque, with fabulous views of the Southern Alps. After lunch, we hike back to the trailhead and head into Queenstown. Queenstown, where our company is based, is a picturesque town set in a basin on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, and surrounded by mountains. It's a great place to spend a couple of days enjoying the comforts of civilization before heading out on the Milford Track. Accommodation: Queenstown apartments. Included: (B), (L).
Day 6: Saturday - Free day in Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand – you'll find all the comforts of civilization: massage therapists, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, window-shopping and adrenaline pumping activities! You'll find some incredible optional activities here, such as hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing and wine tours – it's all here! Your guides can help you during the trip to book any of these optional activities. There are also incredible hikes and bike rides. Queenstown is not a big place – the population is about 8000 – but there's plenty to do! Or, you can do nothing if you prefer to just soak up the atmosphere. It's all up to you today – enjoy! This afternoon we'll also have a pre-departure briefing for the Milford Track Guided Walk. Accommodation: Queenstown apartments. Included: (B).
Milford Track Guided Walk:
The 5-day/4-night Milford Track is one of the longest established and best known walking tracks in the country. It starts on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau and crosses McKinnon Pass to Milford Sound, taking in glacial peaks, a mountain pass, New Zealand's highest waterfall and the dense rainforest of the West Coast. You'll have four days of exercise, good food and great scenery as you walk 33 miles from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. You'll be spending three nights in comfortable mountain lodges, and the fourth night in Milford Sound itself, at Mitre Peak Lodge.
By the end of this walk you'll see why Rudyard Kipling referred to Milford Sound as the 8th Natural Wonder of the World. Because you are doing the Guided Walk you don't have to carry a heavy pack. In fact, you'll just be carrying a change of clothes and a packed lunch, so your pack won't be much heavier than what you would bring on a regular day hike. Everything else is provided, including excellent meals at the lodges and on the trail, hot showers, and everything else you need to make the Milford Track an unforgettable experience. Rooming is in 4-6 bed bunk rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
There is an option to request a private twin or queen room with private bathroom facilities, although there is extremely limited availability so please check with us when you book (private room option -US$600 per room).
Day 7: Sunday - Boat Ride and short hike
This morning we'll head out from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs, stopping for lunch at the lakeside village of Te Anau. Then we take the boat to the head of Lake Te Anau, which is the start of the Milford Track. It's a short, easy walk to Glade House, where we stay our first night. Accommodation: Glade House, Fiordland National Park. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Monday - Hiking in beech forest
We start the day by crossing Clinton River and wandering through unique beech forest to Hirere Falls, where we have lunch. After crossing the Prairie, the track gets a little steeper as we climb up to Pompolona Lodge. Today's highlights include distinctive beech forest, all sorts of spectacular plants and occasional tantalizing glimpses of the way ahead (and up!) to Milford Sound. Accommodation: Pompolona Lodge. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Tuesday - Hiking McKinnon Pass
Today is the most spectacular day of the Milford Track! We climb a series of switchbacks to cross McKinnon Pass. From the top of the Pass, the views of the Arthur Valley and the surrounding peaks are just magnificent. We'll lunch at Pass Hut, then head down the pass to Quintin Lodge. Once we've arrived, those who are keen can take a 90-minute round-trip to see the Sutherland Falls – the fifth highest waterfall in the world. The extra walk is well worth the effort! Accommodation: Quintin Lodge. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Wednesday - Hiking out to Milford Sound
This is your last day on the track. It's 13 miles of varied terrain, slightly downhill, with no significant climbing. If you weren't in top shape by the time you started your trip, you certainly will be by now! The small waterfalls to be found just off the track make for a delightful day. You'll be picked up at Sandfly Point this afternoon for a short cruise to the jetty, and arrive at Mitre Peak Lodge for the last night in Milford Sound. Now we're back in civilization – but you'll almost regret it! Accommodation: Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Thursday - Milford Boat cruise in Milford Sound
After breakfast we have a morning boat cruise on Milford Sound. After exploring the full length of Milford Sound, we'll head back to the jetty and drive back to Queenstown via Te Anau, arriving in the late afternoon. An option today is to take a scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown. It's a stunning flight and will get you back in minutes, leaving you with a free afternoon to enjoy all to yourself (scenic flight option approximately US$220 per person). Accommodation: Queenstown apartments. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Friday - Hiking the Sam Summers Loop Track
After breakfast, we head out around Lake Wakatipu to 12 Mile Delta where we'll hike the Sam Summers Track. The area was heavily mined for gold until the 1930's and there are still many relics to be seen along the way. After this short hike, we'll be visiting a local winery. Central Otago's dry and sunny climate is ideal for grape growing, and is becoming well known for producing world-class cool-climate Pinot Noir, and other quality wines. We'll enjoy a glass or two, then head north to Lake Ohau Lodge. Here we're staying beside a beautiful alpine lake, with stunning views stretching across to Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps. Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Saturday - Hiking at Mt. Cook
It's a short drive to Mt. Cook Village, where we have a stunning and little-known day hike up to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It's a tough three to four-hour slog up, but you'll remember the view of the Mueller Glacier and the peaks of the Main Divide forever! Many of our clients have said this is the greatest hike they have ever done, and it's a splendid way to finish off a great trip. There are other hiking options too though for those who'd like to take it a little easier.
The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it's a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If we aren't able to do the ridge hike, we'll take an impressive hike up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake at the base of the Hooker Glacier, complete with icebergs! After hiking, it's well under two hours to Lake Tekapo Village. You'll spend your last night in New Zealand in one last beautiful location, beside the sky-blue Lake Tekapo, with the mountains shining in the background. Accommodation: Lakeside lodgings, Lake Tekapo. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: Sunday - Depart for home
This is the last day of your two-week trip around the South Island. See the itinerary for the Kauri trip if you want to take a few more days to see the North Island as well, or check out our itineraries if you've got a little more time and want to visit Australia, fondly known as New Zealand's “West Island”. We'll leave after breakfast for the three-hour drive to Christchurch, and arrive early afternoon in time for flights back to Auckland.
Any international flight after 4pm is ideal, and we can make domestic flights as early as 2.30pm with a little notice. International flights from Auckland usually leave early evening, so if you're heading back to North America, you'll get home some time on Sunday, even though you left on Sunday evening! Flights back to Europe, of course, take a little longer. But you'll be refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you'll have had with us in New Zealand! Included: (B), (L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:
- All guiding services.
- Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us.
- All your meals, except in Queenstown where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!
- All hiking, cycling, and kayaking described in the itinerary, except the optional extra activities. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Franz Josef and Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory.
Not included: This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You'll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them. The trip does not include NZ taxes of 12.5%.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
National Parks
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