New Zealand: Bike & Walk the South Island

: DAY 1: Depart from home

You depart from home for Christchurch. The particulars of your arrival are detailed with your flight itinerary.

: DAY 2: In flight to Christchurch

Flying from the U.S. to New Zealand requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”

: DAY 3: Arrive in Christchurch

Upon arrival at the Christchurch airport, gather your luggage at the international baggage collection area and proceed through the terminal exit Door #7.  The Super Shuttle rank is located outside the International Arrivals Hall, next to the taxi rank.   Look for the Super Shuttle vehicle. Give the driver your name and let them know that you are with VBT.  Transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to your Christchurch hotel. If your flight is delayed, please notify Super Shuttle at 0800-748885. Once you arrive at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore. VBT provides you with City Information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Christchurch during your stay. Your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 pm. If you are early, you may store your luggage at the reception desk. We highly recommend a walk out of the hotel and through the adjacent Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens. The Canterbury Museum, Memorial Bridge, and the re-energized Central Business District (CBD) are on the other side of the park and are well worth a visit. Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you fly in earlier than the scheduled program dates, transportation from the airport will be at your own expense. Hotel: Chateau on the Park

: DAY 4: Bike and Walk Vacation begins / Christchurch / Warm-up ride

VBT Bike and Walk Vacation Only guests: Please plan to arrive at your Christchurch hotel by 9:00 am. If you are unable to arrive before 9:00 am, please contact the hotel so the staff may advise your Trip Leaders. VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: Enjoy an included New Zealand breakfast. At 9:00 am, meet your Trip Leaders at the hotel for a safety clinic along with a walking pole and bike-fitting session. Trip Leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments. This will be followed by a warm-up ride directly from the hotel, riding primarily on trails in Hagley Park. Back in Christchurch early this evening, you will join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception, then dine with the group and toast your upcoming journey in wonderful New Zealand. Hotel: Chateau on the Park Meals: B (for Air Package guests only), D Daily Options: 7 miles (11 km) Biking

: DAY 5: Cross Southern Alps by train / Cycle to the seaside town of Hokitika

After breakfast, shuttle with your Trip Leaders to the Christchurch train station to board the 8:15 am TranzAlpine for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Your train takes you through the vast Canterbury Plains and traverses the scenic gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The snow-capped peaks of the magnificent Southern Alps soon appear as you climb 2,300 feet toward Arthur’s Pass, the South Island’s highest settlement, surrounded by steep-sloped mountains. You depart the train at Arthur’s Pass, rejoining your shuttle for a short drive to Kumara for lunch in a historic pub. This afternoon’s ride is towards Hokitika and the coast. Off of the busy roadway, enjoy a scenic reel through forest and farmland, the soaring peaks marking your progress. For a time, you’ll ride alongside the water races, an aqueduct leftover from the area’s gold mining days. On the long option, you will gradually descend to the South Island’s west coast, following less-traveled mountain roads until spectacular views of the Tasman Sea open up. At the end of your ride, hop the shuttle to the seaside town of Hokitika, a former gold-rush town once crowded with prospectors. At one time, the main street was lined with more than 80 hotels. Today there are only six. This evening, you have free time to enjoy dinner on your own. Later, you might take a relaxing walk along the beach and look skyward for the Southern Cross, visible year-round from the Southern Hemisphere. The Southern Cross contains four bright stars that depict the extremities of a Latin cross. The stars are very bright and close together, making the constellation easy to spot. Hotel: Beachfront Hotel Meals: B, L Activity Daily Options: 13 or 26 miles (20 or 41 km) Biking

: DAY 6: Cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail / Ross Historic Goldfield Walk

Today, you will enjoy a rewarding mix of biking and walking. Begin after breakfast with a visit to the Greenstone Jade Gallery, where you can admire beautiful pieces carved from this native stone. Later, return to your lodge and pedal out along the delightful West Coast Wilderness Trail, part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail that traces the dramatic shores of the Tasman Sea. Your ride passes wetlands, native forest and old mill sites, with stunning views of Lake Mahinapua. On a clear day, you will see Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman rising inland. The tidal Totara lagoon marks the home stretch of your morning ride as you approach the township of Ross. This seaside town is on the edge of Westland National Park, a stunning canvas of towering mountains, dramatic waterfalls, and icy, gray-blue rivers tumbling down to the Tasman Sea. The centerpiece of this stunning wilderness is the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the world’s few glaciers that still exhibit a cycle of advance and retreat. In Ross, you will leave your bike to join the Ross Historic Goldfields walk for a glimpse of the township’s past. Follow the Ross Water Races Walkway uphill to an old water race, or aqueduct, traversing a regenerating native forest. As you hike, you can stop to view old gold-mining sites such as tunnels and dams. The footpath ends at the original Ross Cemetery, where you can contemplate interesting headstones that portray the harshness of life in coastal New Zealand’s early mining days. After, enjoy a well-earned lunch on your own, perhaps sampling a savory meat pie from the local café. This afternoon, shuttle to your accommodation in Franz Josef. Spend free time in this lively town before an included dinner. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Meals: B, D Daily Options: 21 miles (33 km) Biking; 1.5 miles (2.3 km) Walking

: DAY 7: Optional heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier / Walk and Kayak Okarito Lagoon

Early this morning, you may choose to embark on a heli-hiking adventure of Franz Josef Glacier (at your own expense). You will board a helicopter and take wing over the massive ice field, landing on its white expanse for a guided walk. It’s a thrilling excursion in an unspoiled setting that few travelers experience. Later, you have a quick shuttle to the “wee” town of Okarito, home to just a few dozen residents. Booker Prize-winning author Keri Hulme lived here and eventually moved away when she found the town to be too big for her! Upon arrival, head to the shore of the Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. Here, you will don kayak gear and push off with a guide into unspoiled waters teeming with wildlife. More than 70 species of birds make their home here, including the rare kotuku, the Eastern great egret. As you ply the still surface, savor the peace and tranquility of this special place. For closer views of this wildlife haven, disembark your kayak for a walk along a trail built above the shore, affording access to the lagoon’s unique flora and local birds. Before an afternoon walk affording spectacular views over the lagoon, we’ll sit together in the town’s hall to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Later, return to Franz Josef where you can enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many local restaurants. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Meals: B, L Activity Daily Options: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) Walking; 2 hours Kayaking

: DAY 8: Discover Franz Josef Glacier / Lake Matheson

This is New Zealand’s Glacier Country, and if the weather allows, your two walks this morning present an opportunity to witness their majesty up close and learn a bit about glaciology along the way. First, walk up the valley carved by the retreating ice of the Franz Josef Glacier. At a viewing platform, marvel at the blue, marble-like sheen of the vast ice expanse. Perhaps you will see deep crevasses where ice floes have been ripped apart by the slow march of the glacier. Continue your walk in the Fox Glacier area, circumnavigating Lake Matheson, the pristine body of water left behind during Fox’s retreat millennia ago and an important food gathering place for the Maori. Walk among the ancient podocarp hardwood forest, also passing tall white pine and red pine trees. The temperate forest leads to the “View of Views” at the top end of the lake: On a clear day, the water’s glassy surface reflects Mt. Cook, also known as Aoraki, New Zealand’s tallest peak at 12,218 feet. Continue on to the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. Surrounded by a thriving 1,000-year-old rainforest and a pristine seacoast, the lodge is perfectly situated for outdoor exploration and activity—or just relaxing and taking in the wonders of nature. The owner of the lodge, Dr. Gerry McSweeney, is the former president of the New Zealand Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, the country’s largest environmental organization. Accordingly, the lodge is committed to the protection of the environment. Dinner this evening is in the lodge’s dining room, which overlooks the wilderness area. Later, you may wish to join your lodge host for a walk on the grounds to view a colony of glowworms! Hotel: Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge Meals: B, D Daily Options: 3.4 or 6.1 miles (8.8 or 9.8 km) Walking

: DAY 9: Explore Lake Moeraki

Set your own pace today as you take advantage of the lodge’s many outdoor activities. After breakfast, you can plan your day around your choice of two included excursions of 60 to 90 minutes. Perhaps you will join a birding walk or enjoy canoe instruction on the waters of Lake Moeraki. Additional activities such as a rainforest walk, freshwater eel feeding, a night sky walk, or historical talks may incur extra costs. After a rewarding day of exploration and lunch on your own, rejoin the group for dinner at the lodge. Hotel: Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge Meals: B, D Daily Options: Multiple activity options

: DAY 10: Mt. Aspiring National Park / Blue Pools / Hawea River Track / Outlet Track / Wanaka

After breakfast, board a two-hour shuttle (the longest transfer of the trip) to Hawea on the southern shore of Lake Hawea. En route, we’ll stop for a short but memorable walk to witness the amazing water of the Blue Pools. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the lake’s pristine waters and stunning mountain-ringed setting. Then, get on your bicycle to join the Hawea River Track, part of a purpose-built cycling and walking trail linking Hawea to Wanaka via Albert Town. As you ride, take in spectacular views along the Hawea River and of the high peaks behind Wanaka. Pedal through kanuka groves and shady woodland and along river terraces. Continue on a dedicated trail into Wanaka—gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park—riding along the namesake lake, through the township and directly to our lakefront accommodations. Spend two nights in charming Wanaka. Your comfortable lodging overlooks the magnificent Southern Alps and deep blue Lake Wanaka. Hotel: Edgewater Hotel Meals: B, L Daily Options: 18 miles (29 km) Biking; 1.6 miles (2.5 km) Walking

: DAY 11: Mt. Iron / High Country Station visit / Wine tasting

Experience the very best of Wanaka and New Zealand’s famed Otago region today, marveling at sweeping wilderness views and visiting with locals at their charming ranch. After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for a walk on Mt. Iron, a glacier-carved knoll on the edge of town. From the summit, take time to admire a magnificent panorama. Lakes Wanaka and Hawea glisten like pearls amidst the undulating Cardrona and Clutha valleys and the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps and Mt. Aspiring National Park. Mid-day, you are welcomed into the sheep and cattle station home of VBT friends Allannah and Duncan. At their sprawling ranch, they breed and raise livestock and tend to a lush garden of local vegetables and fruit. Enjoy a tour around the property, see the shepherding dogs at work, and enjoy a home-cooked meal, hearing about life on a Kiwi ranch. Later, sample more of Otago’s and Wanaka’s products at a local vineyard, with time to stroll the grounds and admire vistas of the lake and mountains. Back in town, enjoy free time before gathering for your final farewell dinner this evening. Hotel: Edgewater Hotel Meals: B, L, D Daily Options: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Walking

: DAY 12: Arrowtown / Bike and Walk Vacation Only ends / Depart for home, or begin your optional trip extension in Queenstown

VBT Bike and Walk Vacation Only guests: After breakfast, shuttle to nearby Arrowtown, a quaint “wild west” style village with a rich gold mining past. There’ll be time here to walk along the banks of the Arrow River, getting a picture of life in the days of the pioneers who settled here during the height of the Otago gold rush. Relax with a mid-morning coffee in a charming café or look for a keepsake by which to remember your journey. Then continue to Queenstown’s airport, arriving at 12:00 noon. VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, shuttle to nearby Arrowtown, a quaint “wild west” style village with a rich gold mining past. There’ll be time here to walk along the banks of the Arrow River, getting a picture of life in the days of the pioneers who settled here during the height of the Otago gold rush. Relax with a mid-morning coffee in a charming café or look for a keepsake by which to remember your journey. Then continue to Queenstown’s airport, arriving at 12:00 noon. VBT Post-Trip Extension guests: After breakfast, shuttle to nearby Arrowtown, a quaint “wild west” style village with a rich gold mining past. There’ll be time here to walk along the banks of the Arrow River, getting a picture of life in the days of the pioneers who settled here during the height of the Otago gold rush. Relax with a mid-morning coffee in a charming café or look for a keepsake by which to remember your journey.  Then continue to Queenstown to settle in to your lakeside hotel Head out to explore this lively and vibrant town in a sweeping mountain setting. Perhaps you will embark the historic S.S. Earnslaw and take a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu to a sheep station, or rise above Queenstown during a scenic gondola ride. After a day of exploration, relax at the hotel this evening. Dinner is on your own tonight. VBT provides you with City Information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Queenstown during your stay. Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense. Hotel: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Meals: B