Day 01: Hiking Mileage:  1-2 miles (1.6 – 3.2 km)
Guide picks up from Christchurch Airport. After settling in, an orientation meeting followed by a short walk in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. First of many delicious meals together. Early night to prepare for the second hike tomorrow.

Day 02: Hiking Mileage: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation Gain: 2608 feet (795 m)
Elevation Loss: 2608 feet (795 m)
Drive: 3 hours
 After breakfast, journey through the stunning Southern Alps. First hike along Bealey Spur Track with commanding valley views. Lunch at Bealey Spur Hut. Second hike to Devil’s Punchbowl for a view of the 430 ft waterfall. Continue to Hokitika on the west coast known for gold mining history and pounamu stone hunting. Explore town before dinner.

Day 03: Hiking Mileage: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation Gain:  846 feet (258 m)
Elevation Loss: 846 feet (258 m)
Today’s hike focuses on the stunning Lake Kaniere, with a trail along photogenic bays and opportunities for swimming. The loop through Hokitika Gorge offers views of Rimu and Podocarp forests. Afternoon drive down The Great Coast Road to Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park. Beachfront lodgings include self-contained cottages, hotel rooms, and an in-house restaurant.

Day 04: Hiking Mileage: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation Gain: 380 feet (116 m)
Elevation Loss: 669 feet (204 m)
Explore Punakaiki’s highlights: Pororari River Loop, Pancake Rocks, and the Truman track. The Pororari River loop offers limestone cliffs and sub-tropical forests. Pancake Rocks feature unique limestone formations, blowholes, and surge pools. Truman track is a shorter walk through pristine subtropical forest to a magnificent coastline. If weather permits, a sunset bonfire awaits by the Tasman Sea. Cozy accommodations for the evening as dusk gathers.

Day 05: Hiking Mileage: 7.4 miles (12 km)
Elevation Gain: 1555 feet (474m)
Elevation Loss: 1365 feet (416 m)
Head north to hike the Fox River Gorge, encountering west coast rainforest, stunning limestone gorges, and spacious caves. Lunch beneath the Ballroom overhang. The hike follows the river out of a limestone canyon to the coast, offering opportunities for river crossings. Arrive at the mouth of the Potikohua and Fox rivers before heading to the alpine village of St. Arnaud in the Southern Alps.

Day 06: Hiking Mileage: 7.4 miles (12 km)
Elevation Gain: 1555 feet (474m)
Elevation Loss: 1365 feet (416 m)
Head north to hike the Fox River Gorge, encountering west coast rainforest, stunning limestone gorges, and spacious caves. Lunch beneath the Ballroom overhang. The hike follows the river out of a limestone canyon to the coast, offering opportunities for river crossings. Arrive at the mouth of the Potikohua and Fox rivers before heading to the alpine village of St. Arnaud in the Southern Alps.

Day 07: Hiking Mileage: 3 miles (5 km)
Elevation Gain: 1906 feet (581 m)
Elevation Loss: 1906 feet (581 m)
Awaken to sunrise, coffee in hand, and the morning’s objective: the summit of Mt. Angelus. With day packs, hike to the summit for sweeping views of Nelson Lakes National Park. For those taking a break, enjoy the alpine lake and Angelus Hut.

Day 08: Hiking Mileage: 6.8 miles (11 km)
Robert Ridge Elevation Gain: 945 feet (288 m)
Robert Ridge Elevation Loss: 4829 feet (1472 m)
Speargrass Track Elevation Gain: 735 feet (224 m)
Speargrass Track Elevation Loss: 3235 ft. (986 m)
This morning offers two hiking options based on weather: Robert Ridge for views of Tasman Bay and Kahurangi National Park or Speargrass Track along Speargrass Creek. Shuttle to Lewis Pass, the northernmost pass of the Southern Alps. Stay at Maruia Springs, a geothermal retreat, with the chance to soak in natural hot springs and enjoy local cuisine at the in-house restaurant. Options for Glamping Pods or ensuite Lodge Rooms.

Day 09: Hiking Mileage: 3.2 miles (5 km)
Elevation Gain: 2159 feet (658 m)
Elevation Loss: 2159 feet (658 m)
Morning at Maruia Hot Springs for hot spring soaks, sauna, meditation, and yoga. Drive to the Lewis Tops Track trailhead. Hike through aged beech forest to open tussock tops with stunning views of surrounding mountains and alpine tarns.

Day 10: Final morning with a geothermal soak and leisurely breakfast. Drive back south to Christchurch, reminiscing over the incredible adventure. Guides will drop you at the airport for flights after 2 pm or at the Mayfair Luxury Hotel for those staying longer in New Zealand.