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New Zealand is a very active body of land, geologically, as fault lines run the length of the islands. Along the South Island stretch the Southern Alps that divide the country and run northeast to southwest. In the north, small mountains hit the sea creating a wonderful area to explore. As you go south where the temperature is colder large glaciers have formed in the highest parts of the alps and as the range stretches down to the southern tip of the island it disappears into the sea. Towering fjords in Fiordland National Park dive straight into the ocean for a dramatic rainforest landscape. With all types of adventure activity opportunities throughout, travelers can have a hard to narrowing it down! Explore itinerary options below and let us Thrive together!
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ITINERARIES
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THE EXPLORER
Kayaking Abel Tasman National Park & Kaikoura Wild Dolphin Encounter
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8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting in Nelson or Christchurch & ending in Christchurch General New Zealand travel FAQ's at bottom of page |
A pristine coastal wilderness fused with the stunning views and wildlife of a sleepy, charismatic surfside town.
Grand estuaries with a wealth of wildlife, fern-covered bluffs, and 15ft tidal swells are the daily experience in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaks bring you into sunlit tide pools and close to seal colonies with pups splashing and learning to swim. Experience one of New Zealand's famous wilderness huts, this one being beachside, and explore the intriguing natural waterslide, estuaries, secluded beaches, and epic views on foot.
The gorgeous, sleepy surfside town of Kaikoura is a rare place where a deep ocean shelf comes close enough to shore for large animals like dolphins and orca to play. The area boasts breathtaking views and authentic souvenir shopping, as well as one of a kind experience options like the dolphin encounter. Equipped with a buoyant wetsuit and snorkel, a catamaran will take you out for a swim with hundreds of wild, playful dusky dolphins. Travelers routinely comment that this is an experience of a lifetime.
Grand estuaries with a wealth of wildlife, fern-covered bluffs, and 15ft tidal swells are the daily experience in stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaks bring you into sunlit tide pools and close to seal colonies with pups splashing and learning to swim. Experience one of New Zealand's famous wilderness huts, this one being beachside, and explore the intriguing natural waterslide, estuaries, secluded beaches, and epic views on foot.
The gorgeous, sleepy surfside town of Kaikoura is a rare place where a deep ocean shelf comes close enough to shore for large animals like dolphins and orca to play. The area boasts breathtaking views and authentic souvenir shopping, as well as one of a kind experience options like the dolphin encounter. Equipped with a buoyant wetsuit and snorkel, a catamaran will take you out for a swim with hundreds of wild, playful dusky dolphins. Travelers routinely comment that this is an experience of a lifetime.
ADVENTURE INCLUDES
NOT INCLUDED: International Flights, extra nights before or after trip.
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive and Acquaint
Check into your accommodation and freshen up, but don’t nap and allow jet lag to sink in. Walk along the river and meet for our first dinner together.
Day 2: Beach - Tidal drive to Marahau - Dinner on the estuary/ocean
Start the day with a hearty breakfast and time to explore the beach. Then, take a leisurely drive to Marahau, the mouth of Abel Tasman National Park. Stop at a winery or two and enjoy the tide pools. The beach at Kaiteriteri is fantastic, complete with views of Split Apple Rock. Adrenaline junkies may want to stop at Skydive Abel Tasman in Motueka. End the day with a beautiful dinner and watch the tide in Sandy Bay rise and fall by 15 feet, covering and revealing an abundance of sea and bird life.
Day 3: Abel Tasman Remote Coast Ocean Kayak Adventure - Anchorage Bay
Water taxi into this pristine coastal paradise with kayaks and gear. As the tide rises and fills the estuaries, spend the day exploring sunlit lagoons and exploring the coast. Circle the New Zealand fur seal colony at Tonga Island and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. Lock the boats together and harness the wind with a sail towards Anchorage Bay where your wilderness hut awaits. Enjoy a slice of the wilderness with amenities like flush toilets, bunk beds, and potable water to make things easy.
Day 4: Beach Time - Cleopatra’s Falls - Torrent Bay Estuary - Pitt Head Lookout - Te Pukatea Bay
Short hikes will bring us to Cleopatra's Pool, Pitt Head Lookout, and secluded Te Pukatea Bay. Crossing the Torrent Bay estuary at low tide is also a highlight in this area.
Day 5: Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Hike the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track back to civilization: one of the most popular hikes in all of New Zealand. Once you're on it, you'll see why. Fern trees and lush vegetation on the trail give way to spectacular coastal views.
Day 6: East Coast - Pelorus Bridge - Cullen Point - Ohau Falls & Seal Colony - Kaikoura
Drive the scenic east coast to Kaikoura, stopping along the way at Pelorous Bridge for a quick dip in the river. Continue on to see the New Zealand Fur Seal colony at Ohau Point and follow the stream to Ohau Falls learning how the seal pups use the tide pools and the stream as they learn to swim. Visit the quirky art gallery at the top of the hill with views of Kaikoura Penninsula and the Kaikoura Mountain Range.
Day 7: Dolphin Encounter - Peninsula Walkway
Outfitted with a buoyant wetsuit, fins, and snorkeling gear, ride a catamaran to find pods of 300-600 wild dusky dolphins. Jump in, swim, and be amazed as hundreds of these friendly, intelligent creatures swim and play around you. If you are not a swimmer, you will still have a great view and find this a highly memorable experience. In the afternoon, explore the rocks exposed at low tide on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and observe seabirds and seals in their natural habitat. Then, make the short climb to views of the coast with the Kaikoura mountain range as a backdrop.
Day 8: DEPARTURES & EXTENSIONS
Fly from Christchurch airport and arrive in the US the same day, crossing back over the International Date Line.
THE EXPLORER GALLERY
All pictures taken by Thrive Adventures Guides and Travelers
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
THE WESTLAND
Franz Josef Glacier, Pancake Rocks, Kayaking Okarito Lagoon & Dart River Jet Boat
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9 Days / 8 Nights
Starting in Christchurch & Ending in Queenstown Transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch Available on Day 9. This route can also be run in reverse from Queenstown to Christchurch |
Fully Guided Adventure
Self Guided option also available or Customize Your Adventure General New Zealand travel FAQ's at bottom of page |
Explore the lush, mountainous and remote west coast of the south island with it’s beaches, river valleys, rainforests, mountains, and glaciers. Cross the mountains and settle at an alpine lake for a total change of scenery.
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ADVENTURE INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED: International Flights, extra nights before or after trip, 2 lunches on free days 4 & 5
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Pace 3 - Several Destinations, average time in each location: 2-3 days.
Activity Rating 3 - Activities of mild-moderate intensity, average level of fitness required.
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive and Acquaint
Check into your accommodation and freshen up, but don’t nap and allow jet lag to sink in. Walk the city’s waterfront and meet for our first dinner together.
Day 2: Arthur's Pass to Punakaiki
Cross the mountains to the sea stopping for short walks through the boulder fields at Kura Tawhiti and to Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, finally arriving in Punakaiki. This oceanside location is very remote. A total of 2 restaurants and a cafe really give you an idea of the lack of traffic.
Day 3: Paparoa National Forest-Porari River Kayak-Truman Track
The west coast of the South Island is where the mountains meet the sea. Clouds dump their precipitation to jump the Southern Alps creating a lush moss-covered forest with jurassic looking ferns and nikau palms. Punakaiki, a remote location right on the ocean, is home to the signature Pancake Rocks, and the short and long hikes throughout the Paparoa National Park reveal an authentic New Zealand most travelers skip. A short kayaking trip on the Porarai River will diversify the experience.
Day 4: Hokitika Jade-Trig Walk
Follow the ocean south to Okarito, another remote location on the coast. Stop in the quaint town of Hokitika for lunch and check out the jade carving and glass blowing studios or walk the beach. From our accommodation in Okarito you can spend the afternoon hiking to Trig Lookout where the Southern Alps and Okarito Lagoon are in full view. Extend the hike down, around and up the remote coast back to our accommodation, or stroll along the Lagoon and explore where it meets the sea.
Day 5: Kayak Okarito Lagoon-Franz Josef
Okarito is an old gold rush community that once housed 1,500 people. Now it’s home to only 30. The tidal Okarito Lagoon is the largest unmodified wetland in all of New Zealand. It is home to at least 76 bird species, many of which are rare. Follow small channels across the Lagoon and explore the shallow streams that feed the Lagoon. Glide past ancient Kiwi forest and disappear into wilderness.
Day 6: Glaciers-Late Matheson-Lake Hawea-Wanaka
The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are surprisingly close to the coast. After tackling both short walks to the glaciers we head to Lake Matheson for another picturesque stroll. Then follow the river over the mountains to Lake Hawea and Wanaka. Mt Iron gives is an ideal spot for a sunset viewing, but it will take some effort!
Day 7: Wanaka Free Day-Hiking-Rob Roy Glacier
Wanaka is a smaller and lower key option when compared to the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, the tourist mecca of the South Island. There are multiple options for hikes that afford amazing views of lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea - both beautiful mountain lakes - including the Rob Roy Glacier hike. More relaxing options include a walk along the lake and through the shops to make a dinner reservation. Wanaka is home to about 6,500 people but swells in the winter as there are multiple ski fields in the area.
Day 8: Dart River Jet Boat-Queenstown Gondola & Luge
Follow lake Wakitipu up to the mouth of the Dart River where Glenorchy sits, another miniature town at a population of 353. Take a jet boat up the spectacular river valley to your inflatable kayaks and paddle through rugged mountain wilderness. Finish the day in Queenstown atop the gondola for great views and Luge fun where one ride is never enough!
Day 9: Departures & Extensions
Fly from Queenstown and arrive back in the US the same day, crossing back over the International Date Line or extend your trip.
THE WESTLAND GALLERY
All pictures taken by Thrive Adventures Guides and Travelers
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
Fiordland
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise, Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise & Glowworm Caves
New Zealand's remote fjords are sculpted from 3,000ft mountains that plunge directly into a sea full of dolphins, penguins, seals and sea birds, and are set amongst a misty rainforest climate making any adventure mystifying and fantastic. This location is wildly popular with international tourist for good reason, but stick with us to avoid the crowds and personalize the experience.
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6 Days / 5 Nights
Starting and ending in Queenstown This itinerary pairs great with The Westland General New Zealand travel FAQ's at bottom of page |
Start our adventure exploring the Milford Sound Highway with multiple scenic stops, short walks, and the Homer Tunnel. Taking our time on the road will allow the typical tourists to head back to Queenstown so we can enjoy the serenity of this remote fjord after the crowds. Experience the unique New Zealand Glowworm at the Te Anau Glowworm cave. Doubtful Sound is not directly accessible by road so our overnight cruise starts with a trip across lake Manapouri, arguably New Zealand's most beautiful lake, continues with a bus ride over the Wilmot pass and climaxes at the remote Doubtful Sound where we board our boat for an overnight cruise into stunning Fiordland National Park wilderness. Finish the tour in style atop the Skyline Gondola where just one luge ride is never enough.
ADVENTURE INCLUDES
Not Included: International Flights, airport transfers, or extra nights accommodation before or after trip.
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TRIP PACE
Pace 4 - Multiple destinations, average time in each location: 1-2 days
ACTIVITY RATING
Activity Pace 2 - Activities of mild intensity, basic level of fitness required
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MAP |
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive and Acquaint
Check into your accommodation and freshen up, but don’t nap and allow jet lag to sink in. Walk the city’s waterfront and meet for our first dinner together.
Day 2 - Milford Sound Highway - Milford Sound After the tourists leave
This drive is not to be missed. Fantastic mountains surround the valley as we gain elevation. We will stop multiple times along the way for short walks to scenic locations including the Homer Tunnel which separates the real world from the fantastical Fiordland. After a leisurely day on the road we will visit Milford Sound itself where we can walk along the shore after the tourists have left.
Day 3 - Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - Te Anau Glowworm Cave
Before the tourists make it to Milford Sound we will board our boat and tour the fjord in peace. As the tourists start to arrive we will be heading out toward Te Anau stopping along the way for short scenic walks. Te Anau glowworm cave is an experience not quite like any other where bioluminescent glowworms light up the roof of the cave. Walk along and learn about the cave formation and the life of these famous glowworms.
Day 4 - Doubtful Sound Overnight cruise
Immerse yourself in the vast and untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the second largest fjord in Fiordland National Park. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away. Home to abundant wildlife you may see bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play, or catch a glimpse of a rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Getting to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself. With no direct road access, the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is by a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. This isolation makes the fiord a very special place, a place only those in the know get to see.
For a more intimate experience, join us on a kayaking adventure where you get to paddle or explore and camp overnight in Doubtful Sound.
For a more intimate experience, join us on a kayaking adventure where you get to paddle or explore and camp overnight in Doubtful Sound.
Day 5 - Queenstown Skyline Gondola & Luge
After arriving back in civilization we head back to the hustle and bustle that is Queenstown. Ride up the Gondola for fantastic views of lake Wakatipu and harness gravity with a ride down the luge track complete with gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous routes. Experience tells us that one ride is never enough. Spend our last dinner together reliving our adventures.
Day 6 - Departures & Extensions
Fly from Queenstown and arrive back in the US the same day, crossing back over the International Date Line or extend your trip.
FIORDLAND GALLERY
All pictures taken by Thrive Adventures Guides and Travelers
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
Click or touch to view full size pictures in gallery
