Join other women on an active exploration of our South Island. Kayak turquoise waters along golden sand beaches, gently float through one of the best glowworm caves in New Zealand, hike to an immense glacier, fly into the remote mountainous wilderness and hike to your jetboat ride out, and kayak iconic Milford Sound, at a time when no one else is there. And these are just the included activities! Add on skydiving, paragliding, canyoning, hot pools, wine tasting and so much more. If you love getting out into nature and want to squeeze as much into your South Island adventure as possible, then this trip is for you. All this adventure in the company of like-minded women. We’ll not forsake comfort either as we’ll stay with some of our lovely 4 star partner properties along the way. Join other women on this 11 day trip and create some truly exceptional memories in your own backyard!
 
A moderate level of fitness is required for this trip.

Day 1: Nelson – Kaiteriteri

Welcome to your South Island adventure! We’ll meet at Nelson Airport before 10:00am.

• Visit the quaint collection of galleries, restaurants, cafes, shops on Mapua Wharf set on the harbour.
• We’ll stretch our legs on a scenic bush walk this afternoon from our lodging or explore Kaiteriteri Beach.
• Gather over our welcome dinner and share the excitement of the upcoming trip.
• Settle into our family owned and run eco-lodge for the next two nights, enjoying stunning views over Kaiteriteri.

Day 2: Abel Tasman National Park (Kaiteriteri)

• Spend a full day kayaking the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park with our passionate local guide.
• Or choose to split your day by hiking along golden sand beaches and through native bush before kayaking in the afternoon.
• Spot seals sunbathing on rocks or frolicking in rock pools from your kayak.

Day 3: Kaiteriteri – Cape Foulwind

• Travel through the mighty Buller Gorge to the primeval rainforests of the rugged West Coast.
• Pull on a wetsuit and explore the stalagmites and stalactites of this awesome cave, then gently float in your inner tube beneath one of the best glowworm displays in New Zealand. Emerge from the cave and laugh out loud as you bounce down river rapids.
• Or choose the equally inspiring dry walking option to explore this cave getting up close with the glowworms.
• Relax with our friendly lodging owners this evening and chat with some regulars at the local pub over dinner.

Day 4: Cape Foulwind – Franz Josef

• Explore the unique and bizarre shapes and blowholes of the Pancake Rocks.
• Appreciate the driftwood sculptures on the beach and wander the many pounamu shops of funky Hokitika.
• Marvel at how dramatically New Zealand’s landscape changes as we continue further south.
• Enjoy our lovely lodgings in the bush for the next two nights.

Day 5: Franz Josef

• Hike the Franz Josef glacier valley along a rocky river bed to view the glacier. The harsh reality of global warming is impossible to ignore in this part of New Zealand.
• Optional Activities:
  • kayak a lake with panoramic views of surrounding mountains and glaciers
  • soak in a private hot pool and/or pamper yourself with a massage

Day 6: Franz Josef – Wanaka

• Appreciate a gorgeous native bush walk around Lake Matheson taking in the mountain and glacier views reflected in the still waters.
• Enjoy short walks to waterfalls and blue pools as we travel through the Haast Pass following the turbulent Haast River.
• Settle into your lakeside accommodation for the next three nights in Wanaka, locally known as an outdoor lover’s playground.
• Gather with some local women for drinks and dinner to get some inside tips about this cool little mountain town.

Day 7: Wanaka

• Enjoy a free day in this funky lakeside town. Wander the shops, discovering quality New Zealand made products, or choose some adventure.
• Optional Activities:
  • gear up for a wet and wild canyoning adventure
  • paraglide your afternoon away
  • skydive over the stunning lakes and mountains
  • hike one of New Zealand’s best one day hikes – the Rob Roy Glacier Track
  • bike or ebike along the lake shore
  • enjoy a around of golf with lake views
  • explore the region’s vineyards on a wine tour

Day 8: Wanaka

• Experience true New Zealand Wilderness on the Siberia Experience today.
• Fly amidst snowcapped mountains, hike alpine meadows and native rainforest, then jetboat down a glacial river, pinching yourself that you’re really here.
• Enjoy a free afternoon in Wanaka.

Day 9: Wanaka – Te Anau

• Travel over the highest paved road in New Zealand, then along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through rolling farmland down to Te Anau.
• Hike on the Kepler Track this afternoon admidst gorgeous dense beech forest.
• Enjoy your family owned lodgings with views over Lake Te Anau for the next two nights.

Day 10: Te Anau (Milford Sound)

• Drink in the magnificent scenery along the Milford Road this morning and understand why Fiordland National Park is so iconic.
• Explore Milford Sound on an early morning kayak with a local guide, appreciating the grandeur of this majestic fiord without the usual crowds.
• Return to Te Anau to share stories and memories with new friends over your farewell dinner.
• Reflect on all you’ve seen and done on this trip, and realise how truly fortunate we are in New Zealand to have all this in our own little country, and to be able to get out there to enjoy it all.

Day 11: Te Anau – Home

• Return to Queenstown for your journey home.
• Bid fond farewell to new friends and start dreaming about your next trip with New Zealand Awaits.

 

Want to stay on in Queenstown? Talk with us about extending your trip.

What’s Included:

• New Zealand tour guide for the duration of your trip
• Private transportation
• 10 Nights Lodging in 4 Star Accommodation with Ensuite or Private Bathrooms
• Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
• Kayak or Kayak and Hike – Abel Tasman National Park
• Glowworm Caves: Rafting or Walking – Charleston
• Franz Josef Glacier Valley Hike – Franz Josef
• Siberia Valley Flight, Hike, and Jet Boat Experience – Wanaka
• Kepler Track Hike – Te Anau
• Milford Sound Kayak – Milford Sound
• Free time to explore on your own or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings
• And of course the opportunity to share this fun-filled adventure with like-minded women

Enhance your trip by choosing to add:

• Glacier Heli-Hike – Franz Josef
• Glacier Lake Kayak – Franz Josef
• Private Hot Pools – Franz Josef
• Biking or Ebiking – Wanaka
• Canyoning – Wanaka
• Paragliding – Wanaka
• Skydiving – Wanaka
• Hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track – Wanaka
• Wine Tour – Wanaka

If you have an activity you’d like to add but don’t see on this list, let us know. We’ll do our best to make it happen!

What’s Not Included:

• Airfares or transport to and from the start and end of the trip
• Travel Insurance
• Drinks, meals and optional activities not specified in the itinerary, and souvenirs and personal purchases.