West Coast Wilderness

Start:	Nelson Visitors Centre 8.00am
Finish:	Queenstown 7.00 pm
Length:	10 days
Grade:	Medium
Price:	$NZ990 + $20/day kitty

Highlights:
Hike through beech forest, past limestone sinkholes and across tussock-covered mountain slopes in Kahurangi NP. Watch the antics of NZ fur seal pups at a breeding colony. Hike through lush rainforest in a limestone canyon, wade across crystal clear rivers, and explore glowworm caves in Paparoa NP. Take a guided walk on the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and marvel at its crevasses and ice caves. Kayak the tranquil Okarito lagoon and watch native birds feeding in the shallows. Hike through podocarp forest to natural hot pools surrounded by mountain peaks in Westland NP. Watch for penguins and dolphins while strolling along isolated beaches.

Day 1: Drive from Nelson to Kahurangi NP, hike through beech forest, camp under natural rock shelter. 4 hours hiking
Day 2: Hike up above the bushline on Mt Arthur. Drive to camp beside the Buller River. 7 hours hiking
Day 3: Visit NZ fur seal colony. Drive to Paparoa NP and hike while learning river crossing techniques. 3 hours hiking
Day 4: Explore limestone caves and hike down a river canyon. Visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. 5 hours hiking
Day 5: Drive to Franz Josef and walk to the glacier terminal, or do the guided walk on the glacier ($35). 2 hours hiking
Day 6: Kayak ($40) across Okarito lagoon and up forested river channels, or walk along beach 4 hours kayaking
Day 7: Hike up the Copland valley to Welcome Flats hut and soak weary muscles in natural hot pools. 7 hours hiking
Day 8: Boulder-hop up to a waterfall with stunning mountain views, or have a rest day. 4 hours hiking
Day 9: Hike back down the Copland, visit a penguin breeding colony, and camp on an isolated beach. 6 hours hiking
Day 10: Hike along a beach frequented by dolphins, drive over Haast Pass and continue to Queenstown. 2 hours hiking

Min: 3 Max: 11

Enquire for dates from Oct 08

Start Tue / finish Thur
so=sold out
06 May - 15 May 2008

Tour Total NZ$ 1120.00

Single Surcharge: NZ 0.00