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Peregrine Travel Centre

Hike Abel Tasman & West Coast Rainforests

Hike Abel Tasman & West Coast Rainforests

From $ 3,790 AUD

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Description

Go beyond the usual suspects on New Zealand’s South Island as you spend eight days discovering alpine wilderness, coastal trails and crystal-clear waters. As you spend time travelling from Nelson to Christchurch via the west coast, experience two days hiking through the ethereal and unspoiled beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, take a self-guided cycle on the West Coast Wilderness Trail between Arahura River and Kumara, head above the treeline in Arthur’s Pass to Edwards Hut and enjoy time to explore historic townships along the way. It’s not New Zealand without rugged mountaintops, pristine waters and spectacular winding roads, and you’ll hit all three and more with a local guide leading you each day.

Trip Name
Hike Abel Tasman & West Coast Rainforests
Last Updated
2021-12-04
Days
8
Capacity
11
Highlights
  • Spend two days hiking through the pristine wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park. Walk along the coast track to Barks Bay and Anchorage, and swim in the crystal clear waters of Cleopatra’s Pool.
  • Hike a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park, collecting wood for a fire in an overhang cave near your secluded campsite.
  • Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail on a self-guided biking experience between the Arahura River Bridge and historic Kumara. You will pedal past native forests, clear streams and panoramas just asking for a photo.
  • A trek up through Edwards Valley is all the more worth it when you peer on top of the treeline towards rugged mountain tops at Edwards Hut. Spend the night with fellow hikers in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Itinerary

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

Day 1 - Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park
Welcome to Nelson! You’ll meet your local guide and fellow travellers at Nelson i-SITE Visitor Information Centre this morning – check your booking for the exact time. From here, take a drive out of town hugging Te Tai-o-Aorere (or Tasman Bay) on your way to Kaiteriteri – the gateway to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Here, get all your gear packed for a two-night stay in the park as you board a water taxi to take you deep into the lush wilderness. Stop by an idyllic stretch of shore for a picnic lunch before starting the hike along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track south to Bark Bay. Your tents and some gear will have already been dropped at tonight’s location, so all you’ll need to carry are your essentials. Pitch your tent, enjoy an included group dinner and settle in to the sights and sounds of the park at night.
Day 2 - Abel Tasman National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, continue your hike on the coastal track to Anchorage. Highlights of today’s trek are walking through glades of native manuka, over a low saddle and across an impressive 47-metre suspension bridge at Falls River. You’ll also stop by Cleopatra’s Pool for a quick swim, and if you’re feeling up to it, take to boulder hopping to discover more pools and waterfalls up the valley. If time permits, your leader may take you to the Falls River cascades – perfect for another dip. After some solid hiking today, camp at the bush-fringed inlet of Anchorage, where there will be plenty of time to relax and go for a swim, before meeting up again with your group to cook and eat dinner together.
Day 3 - Murchison
Enjoy a morning at leisure in this little slice of paradise. There are plenty of hiking options in the area that lead to hidden beaches and bays, or you may prefer to just sit back on a stretch of sand with a good book in hand, cooling off with regular dips in the ocean. Hop aboard a water taxi and cruise back along to Kaiteriteri. Sit down to a delightful picnic lunch, stop for supplies at Motueka, and then hit the road south to your private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the junction of Buller and Maruia rivers. What’s more, your local hosts will be preparing a home-cooked organic meal for you and the travel crew!
Day 4 - Paparoa National Park
Jump back on the road and drive through the Buller Gorge to your first stop of the day – Charleston. Take a short hike through the coastal bush checking out headlands, wild waves and secluded bays of the west coast. Stop for a picnic lunch, and then get back hiking to the limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. This spectacular area was established in 1987 and covers more than 30,000 hectares in mountains, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, wilderness and coastline. Your guide will be of great help today – there are some uneven, wet and slippery sections of track to navigate. Collect firewood on your way so your group can build a bonfire at your campsite under the Boomerang Overhang – a fluviatile cave. For those still feeling active, join your guide on another hike up a beautiful side canyon, following the stream into a cave. All meals are included today, so all you need to do is enjoy the incredible scenery.
Day 5 - Hokitika
Relax with breakfast and hike from your campsite back to your group vehicle, then drive down the west coast to Punakaiki. Here, you’ll see the renowned Pancake Rocks and seawater blowholes. Continue the drive south to tonight’s accommodation at Hokitika – a mining town which thrived in the gold rush of the 1870s, and is a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone), highly valued by early Māori for tools, jewellery and weapons. Tonight’s centrally-located lodge is a short distance to the beach, so you might like to grab some fish and chips with a couple of your fellow travellers or enjoy a meal out. Keep in mind that sometime today you’ll get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow’s ride.
Day 6 - Arthur's Pass
Get your own breakfast in town before meeting back up with the group to begin today’s ride. You’ll be cycling the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail between the Arahura River bridge and the historic township of Kumara. Make your way through native forest, across crystal streams and past old reservoirs and water races. You are your own guide today, but the trail is very well marked so you won’t get lost. On arrival in Kumara, celebrate with a drink at the restored Theatre Royal Hotel. Get back in your transport and enjoy the mountainous views as you take an approximately one-hour drive to Arthur’s Pass village where you’ll stay for the night. Your private hut lodging has all of the basic necessities like showers and electricity. Prepare dinner as a group and get ready for your two-day hiking adventure.
Day 7 - Edwards Hut
Arthur’s Pass was used by Maori to cut through the soaring Southern Alps, and as a shortcut for miners during the West Coast goldrush of the 19th century. Today, its biggest draw is is its hiking trails, serving up unbeatable views of the valleys and peaks of the Arthurs Pass National Park. Begin your two-day hike, taking you up the Edwards Valley to Edwards Hut. This hut sits just above the treeline and provides sweeping views of the alpine peaks and glacial rivers around. Depending on how busy the area is, you’ll either stay in the hut or camp nearby. As day turns to night, keep an ear out for New Zealand’s national bird – the kiwi. Roroa, or the great spotted kiwi, are known to inhabit this sub-alpine area.
Day 8 - Christchurch
Wake up in South Island wilderness this morning, as you retrace your steps back through the Edwards Valley. Return to your transport, unpack and refuel with a picnic lunch. As you set off driving to Christchurch today, you’ll notice how the scenery changes dramatically as you traverse the eastern side of the divide. Expect steep forested slopes to be replaced by wide rivers, scree slopes and limestone formations, just like Castle Hill. Stop by these landscapes for a quick photo then keep driving towards the South Island’s largest city – Christchurch – where you’ll arrive and bid farewell your group by around 5 pm. The trip finishes upon arrival in Christchurch, but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be able to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-01-202219-01-2022AUD $ 3,790-
16-02-202223-02-2022AUD $ 3,790-
09-03-202216-03-2022AUD $ 3,790-
13-04-202220-04-2022AUD $ 3,980-

Accommodation

Camping (4 nights),Lodge (1 night),Hut (1 night),Basic Hut (1 night).

Transport

Boat,Water Taxi,Bicycle,Private Vehicle

Map

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