2011/2012 Price: From $2125 per person
2011/2012 Dates: Nov 13; Dec 28; Jan 22; Feb 19; Mar 4; Mar 25
A spectacular 6 Day, 5 night adventure along the Southern Alps. You will experience amazing mountain hikes, scenic views, and a night in a back country hut. Come see the beautiful scenery seen from Lord of the Rings and take a helicopter ride through remote ridgelines.
Day 1 : Christchurch to Rex Simpson Hut
Departing at 8:00am, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to Adventure South’s office for a quick pre-tour briefing. Next, you will drive south to Fairlie and then inland to Lake Tekapo for lunch. Continuing on, you will drive to Mt. Gerald station. Upon arrival, you will hike approximately three hours to Rex Simpson Hut. This night you will stay in a private hut in the station with stunning views all around. Note: This evening will be spent in an alpine hut. Pack accordingly and lightly.
Day 2 : Rex Simpson to Lake Tekapo
After breakfast you will take a small hike which showcases the lake and views of the Southern Alps. You will see Mt. Cook and the Tasman. There are many trails you can take including the 2070m summit of Beuzenberg Peak. You then pack up and take a short drive back to Lake Tekapo for the night.
Day 3 : Lake Tekapo to Lake Ohau
Mt Cook beckons as you drive 90 minutes through the heart of the National Park. It is a free day for hiking depending on your fitness level. Some popular choices are Mt Sebastopol for its mountain tarns, or Hooker Valley for its profuse vegetation. After, you will head to Ohau where you will be based for the next two nights.
Day 4 : Lake Ohau
High up on the range you begin today’s hike. Today’s treasure is a hidden lake that lies over the range. Along the hike, you will see more stunning views of Mt. Cook and the Mackenzie Valley where many scenes of Lord of The Rings were filmed. Heading back to the coach after 7-8 hours of hiking you will get another good night sleep back at the lodge.
Day 5 : Lake Ohau to Wanaka
Departing from the Mackenzie basin and Ohau, you now head to Wanaka. After a delicious lunch you will take a boat trip to a remote beach where you can go off on one of the many trails surrounding Wanaka. You return to back to Wanaka for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 : Wanaka to Queenstown
The final day starts off with a bang as you take a helicopter ride for a “heli-hike”. You are dropped off at 1500m in the Matukituki Valley where you can experience serene views of reflecting lakes and gaze at Mt. Aspiring. Heading through the tussocklands you reach the summit of the Buchanan peaks at 2004m. Heading back down you have time to swim and relax at the lakes before the helicopter returns to take you back to base. A shuttle then takes you to Queenstown where you have your choice of accommodation for the night.
Included:
- All breakfasts (excluding 1 day), 6 lunches, and 4 evening meals
- Experienced guide and transport
- Pack and poles if required – please inform pre tour
- Accommodation as detailed based on a twin share basis with private bathroom facilities
- 1 night in a private mountain hut (shared facility)
- Heli-hike on day 6 of tour (weather dependent)
- Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
- NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Not Included:
- Flights from Los Angeles and within New Zealand on Air New Zealand
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities. Tipping is not expected but gratefully received.
Note: All prices above, are per person and subject to change based on current exchange rates with the New Zealand dollar.
*Ask us today about current air specials on Air New Zealand.
