Alpine Explorer

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  CHRISTCHURCH - METHVEN

  Departure from Christchurch at 4:30 pm for the picturesque village of Methven, a snow magnet during the winter months, located in the shadow of New Zealand's best ski resort, Mt Hutt! This area offers breathtaking views along the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean. It is well worth a visit to test your skills on the slopes or simply to marvel at the stunning scenery. Meals included: Dinner

• day 2

  METHVEN - LAKE TEKAPO

  It's time to dust off your ski gear and hit the slopes! If spending the day on the mountain isn't for you, spend a day exploring the village of Methven, enjoy a massage, or explore the area with a Lord of the Rings tour. Leaving the mountain at 3pm, we head towards the beautiful lakeside town of Lake Tekapo. Next to our perfectly located accommodation is the winter wonderland of Tekapo Springs, where their hot pools are the perfect way to end our day (included for free). Relax and enjoy the breathtaking night sky that this magical part of the country offers. In fact, this region is so excellent for stargazing that it has been named the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve, which means the sky is almost entirely free from any light pollution, making it one of the best places in the world to observe the stars. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Optional activities (at your own expense): Lord of the Rings tour, massage, Earth and Sky Observatory

• day 3

  LAKE TEKAPO - MT COOK

  Today, we take you near the highest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mt Cook. Upon arrival in the village of Mt Cook, the world-class information center offers interactive exhibits, mountain artworks as well as stories and memories of brave New Zealand mountaineers. A must-see to truly appreciate this majestic, beautiful, and remote region. We are here to explore. Take a hike to the Tasman Glacier, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, or visit the Tasman Valley as part of an optional 4x4 and Argo tour. Tonight, our accommodation is located in the shadow of Mt Cook: relax and enjoy sharing stories and some laughs around the fire. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Optional activities (at your own expense): Tasman Valley 4WD & Argo tour

• day 4

  MT COOK - OHAU

  By moving away from commercial ski fields, today we venture onto the most well-known family field in New Zealand and one of the locals' favorite spots, Ohau. With shuttle transfers and a full-day lift pass included, we start the ascent of the mountain early in the morning to be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Aoraki and Lake Ohau. This ski area is suitable for all levels, but if you prefer to relax and enjoy the comfort of the lodge or explore the remote and beautiful surroundings on foot or by bike, you are welcome to do so. After a day of adventure, a comfortable lodge awaits you with an open fire, a hot meal, and stunning views of the lake. Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

• day 5

  OHAU - QUEENSTOWN

  Today, we cross the Lindis Pass, which connects the Mackenzie Basin to Central Otago. Get ready to be amazed as we travel through this alpine region of high mountains, covered with tufts of snow and snow along the roadside. Arrival at noon in the "Adventure Capital of the World": Queenstown. We spend two nights in centrally located accommodation, ideal for enjoying everything on offer. Optional boat cruise to Milford Sound, bungee jumping, skydiving, scenic lake cruises or skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, to name just a few! This town has a buzzing atmosphere, with something for everyone, as well as hiking and biking options. Meals included: Breakfast Optional activities (at your own expense): bungee jumping, skydiving, scenic lake cruises, skiing, snowboarding and many more – the options are endless!

• day 6

  QUEENSTOWN

  With so many things to see and do, we spend an entire day in this picturesque lakeside town to admire the scenery, jump off a bridge, or create tracks to go down the mountain. If you wish to explore further, we recommend a day trip to the magnificent Milford Sound for a scenic boat cruise. Come and be a part of it and enjoy! Meals included: Breakfast and dinner Optional activities (at your own expense): boat cruise at Milford Sound, bungee jumping, skydiving, scenic lake cruises, skiing, snowboarding, and much more – the options are endless!

• day 7

  QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF

  Just when you think the landscape can't get any more beautiful... it does! Get ready to discover the beauty of the remote and rugged scenery of the magnificent west coast, with its breathtaking views and short, splendid walks. The wild west coast is home to a majestic rainforest, thundering waterfalls, and tranquil pools. Tonight, we spend the night in glacier country, in the picturesque village of Franz Josef. Our accommodation is nestled in lush rainforest and located close to the natural glacier hot springs, a haven of natural tranquility and the perfect way to relax at the end of the day. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner Optional activities (at your own expense): glacier hot pools

• day 8

  FRANZ JOSEF

  Today is the opportunity to explore one of New Zealand's most unique and spectacular natural wonders: Franz Josef, with a guided helicopter hike or an optional guided heli-ice climb. This magnificent work of nature stretches for 12 kilometers and descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 meters above sea level. Franz Josef is a picturesque village that offers pleasant walks, bike rides, or scenic flights, with an optional skydiving experience. To admire nature at its best, nothing beats a kayaking excursion along a narrow estuary, in the heart of the ancient lush rainforest of the Okarito Kiwi sanctuary. Meals included: Breakfast Optional activities (at your own expense): guided helicopter hike, guided heli-ice climbing, skydiving, kayaking, glacier hot pools.

• day 9

  FRANZ JOSEF - CHRISTCHURCH

  Start the day with a bike ride or a walk to a magnificent viewpoint over the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. As we continue our ascent of this spectacular coastal stretch, we stop at Hokitika, where the Greenstone factories are located. There, you can watch the craftsmen at work before heading back towards the mountains, crossing the Southern Alps, a breathtaking landscape! We stop along the road to enjoy a short mountain walk before arriving in Christchurch in the early evening for our final farewells. We then leave you to reflect on the wonders you have seen and the experiences you have had. Meals included: Breakfast Optional activities (at your own expense): Train journey across the Tranz Alps