South Island Active Adventure

We set out this morning from Christchurch, heading northward across the patchwork expanse of the Canterbury Plains, then winding along the coast as we make our way into Kaikoura.

The afternoon is fairly flexible, and you'll be able to join a whale watching cruise, or wildlife tour by kayak (watch as seals dive and maneuver around and under your kayak). If you wish to remain on land, you'll be able to take in the coastline on the Kaikoura Peninsula walk, which concludes at a large seal colony.

Foodie highlights: Kaikoura has the best crayfish (lobster) in New Zealand - a must try delicacy.

Take a visit this morning to the tip of the Kaikoura Peninsula, and the lively Point Kean Seal Colony, where you can see these ocean creatures relax on the oceanside rocks.

Mid-morning, we set out on the drive northward up the coast toward one of New Zealand's major winery districts; Marlborough.

We'll pick up bicycles, and spend the afternoon cycle touring around a few of the local wineries, where you may optionally partake in wine tastings. The riding is very flat and pleasant, and the wineries themselves offer beautifully presented grounds which are great for a relaxed, social afternoon regardless of whether or not you wish to partake in the local wine.

We'll set out from the vineyards of Marlborough this morning, firstly bound for the seaside township of Havelock. This small, largely unheralded town in Marlborough is home to the freshest, most flavoursome green-lipped mussels in the world.

Continuing, we pass by the Pelorus Sound and stop for a view of the clear hazel waters of the Pelorus River.

We'll continue to the charming city of Nelson, and make our way along Tasman Bay to Motueka, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

We start our day with a Maori cultural experience, taking the the waters surrounding Abel Tasman National Park by Waka, a type of Maori watercraft. Local Maori guides will share stories from their past and about the area as you explore this iconic stretch of coastline of forested hills and golden beaches.

In the afternoon, we'll board our vehicle and depart for the West Coast. We'll stop by Nelson Lakes National Park for a short hike, taking in postcard perfect views of Lake Rotoroa before tracking the course of the mighty Buller River as we drive through to Westport.

A short drive out of Westport leads us to Tauranga Bay, nearby to the aptly named Cape Foulwind. A short walk leads to a major seal colony, where you'll be able to see them resting and playing on the rocky oceanfront.

From Cape Foulwind, we'll make the short drive down to Charleston for the insanely epic Glowworm Cave Tour with Underworld adventures. We suggest the full cave rafting experience, but there is a variant allowing you to stay dry on the tour if you prefer.

Following the 4 hour cave tour, we continue south, stopping by the impressive Punakaiki Pancake Rocks before making our way through to Hokitika to finish up the day.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is one of the great rides of New Zealand, and this morning you'll have the opportunity to ride by bicycle (or e-bike, if you prefer), though this lush wilderness.

Ride the vehicle-free route past Lake Mahinapua, stopping by the West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe. Return to Hokitika from here if you wish, or continue the full 33km through to the trail end at Ross, where we'll meet you with our vehicle for the drive onward to Franz Josef Glacier.

A free morning today leaves plenty of time to experience Franz Josef Glacier. Helicopter flights of varying length that include brief glacier landings are available, while those that prefer a more active experience can take a hike on the glacier (glacier access by helicopter). For those that prefer to stay on the ground, there are beautiful rainforest hiking trails leading right from Franz Josef village through to some excellent glacier viewpoints. Your guide will be available to shuttle or accompany on hikes as required.

In the afternoon, we can make the drive to the Okarito Lagoon and take a paddle on sit on top kayaks, with superb views of the Southern Alps in the background.

Today’s spectacular route leads from the dramatic green wilderness of the West Coast to the drier climate that pervades on the east side of the New Zealand Alps.

We first set out for Lake Matheson and experience one of the most photogenic scenes to be found anywhere in New Zealand (loop hike up to 4.4km/2.7mi, shorter option available).

After lunch in Haast, we follow the route alongside the Landsborough river, up a thickly forested valley that is lined with waterfalls. Crossing the subalpine Haast Pass, we'll stop by the vibrant Blue Pools, a hike of around an hour (3km/1.8mi return).

As we pass through the incredibly scenic valley that surrounds Makarora, we emerge into drier terrain, passing alongside Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, finally coming to the charming lakeside town of Wanaka.

Today is a mandatory day off for your driver guide, due to limits on sequential work days for drivers in New Zealand. This gives you a lot of flexibility over your day, and with so many options available, Wanaka is a magnificent place for this.

Given the activity on your trip so far, you might opt for a relaxed day yourself, perhaps on the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka.

If you're keen for a hike, the 4.5km Mt Iron summit loop offers excellent views of the area. Alternatively, there is great cycling, some nice wineries, and some thrilling jetboat options, among so many others.

We'll set out from Wanaka this morning and head for the Gibbston Valley, just out of Queenstown.

Guests with keen to experience the world's first bungy jump will have the opportunity to take the 43m leap of faith that is the Kawarau bungy.

We'll continue south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, heading through lush rural heartland until we arrive at beautiful lake Te Anau.

In the afternoon or early evening, take a boat trip across Lake Te Anau, bound for a mysterious underground world on a guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

The drive to Milford Sound from Te Anau is perhaps the breathtaking in all New Zealand. We'll wind our way through expansive valleys surrounded by precipitous, glacier-carved slopes. We'll take the opportunity to stop for a few short walks to experience the thick rainforest and fine views along the way.

On arrival in Milford Sound, the scenes are truly breathtaking. The iconic Mitre Peak soars straight from the sea like a jagged tooth, forming a part of one of the most picturesque vistas in New Zealand. Explore the sound on a cruise, taking in the remarkable terrain and stunning waterfalls.

We make our way back to Te Anau in the afternoon, taking the opportunity to stop by some of the superb walks along the route, including Mirror Lakes and the Lake Gunn Nature Walk (1.4km).

A couple of hours drive across lush farmland takes us to Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand.

Your guide will be available this afternoon for local sightseeing or a hike to match the energy levels and interests of the group.

Meanwhile, there is flexibility for those that wish to do their own thing, be that one of the fast-paced activities Queenstown is renowned for (such as jetboating or skydiving) or just to take a relaxed afternoon, perhaps chilling at the lakeside or strolling the Botanic Gardens.

For cold-water swimmers, the clear blue waters of Lake Wakatipu await.

As one of the world's adventure capitals, Queenstown offers a full smorgasbord of different activities and you'll have full flexibility to cross off any items on your bucket list today if you choose to do so.

However, your guide is will be available for the day and you'll be free to join in or do your own thing as suits your own preferences. There are a number of great options in the area, so the guide will plan a day to suit the interests of the group and the weather conditions on the day. The Moke Lake walk is a likely option, a 6.9km (4.3mi) loop not far from Queenstown.

We set out from Queenstown this morning, heading past picturesque wineries, through the Kawarau Gorge and over the Lindis pass to the small town of Omarama.

We pick up bicycles (or take an e-bike if you prefer) and take on one of the most scenic sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail - one of the finest routes in the country.

The 35km (32mi) ride is separated from vehicle traffic, winding alongside Lake Benmore with picturesque, tussock-covered hills rising behind. We follow the route through to Otematata, which at a comfortable pace and a stop for lunch will take around 3-4 hours. There should be time for a well-deserved drink at the local pub before we travel by van back to Omarama.

A short drive in the late afternoon will take us to interesting formations of the Clay Cliffs, a photographer's delight.

We head north toward the turquoise lakes, high mountains and clear starry skies of the Mackenzie country.

We make our way past stunning Lake Pukaki toward Aoraki Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. There are numerous superb hikes in the surrounds of Mt Cook village, and we start out with a short walk for a view of the Tasman Glacier.

A short drive leads us from the Tasman valley to the Hooker valley, where breathtaking views abound, of Mt Cook, Mt Sefton and the glacier lakes beneath. We hike the superb Hooker Valley Track (10km return) before returning to overnight in Mt Cook village.

We backtrack south past Lake Pukaki continuing to Lake Tekapo, where we'll visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake shore.

Setting out from Tekapo, we descend from the golden tussock heights of the Mackenzie, and optionally stop by one of New Zealand's most famous pie shops, before crossing the Canterbury plains and arriving in Christchurch.