Fault-line Adventure
8 Day Hiking Tour
Why is it called the Fault-line Adventure? 
New Zealand did not become one of the most diverse and dramatic landforms on earth by accident. Where New Zealand is situated happens to be right over a collision zone of two of the largest slabs of the earth's crust forming a fault-line. Over millions of years this collision has created the Southern Alps which are the backbone of the south island. During this 8 day adventure, we actually cross over the fault-line twice, once when we cross the alps near Arthur's Pass and again on day 6 on our way to Haast Pass. Don't worry if you are a bit confused by plate movement, collision zones and fault-lines because you are guaranteed to love the amazing play ground that it has created for us, and you will see it from so many different perspectives whether it be hiking through deep limestone canyons, kayaking across pristine lagoons, jetboating down the Wilkin River or from the air in a helicopter above the mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park. This is a trip of a lifetime, the perfect combination of adventure and incredible scenery with quality character accommodation to relax in at the end of the day.
This tour runs Saturday to Saturday, so you can squeeze it into one week of annual leave.

Day 1: Saturday. Tour begins Christchurch - 3 hours hiking/1 hour cave exploring 
Our tour begins in Christchurch, which is also known as the Garden City. After a briefing from your guide we are soon heading across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps which form the backbone of the South Island. Our adventure begins in earnest when we arrive at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. After exploring this bizarre yet beautiful landscape of limestone bluffs and outcrops we follow Cave Stream through an amazing subterranean canyon. Enjoy a picnic lunch once we are above ground again and then it's a short drive through to the Arthur's Pass Chalet where we spend the night. There is time in the afternoon for an optional hike up Avalanche Peak. Alternatively, explore this quaint little alpine village and relax in the spa at the Chalet. Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal served at the Chalet restaurant. 
Day 2: Sunday. Arthur's Pass - 2 hours hiking 
This morning there is the opportunity to go on a hike to nearby waterfalls or have a relaxing morning at the Chalet before we drive through to Lake Brunner (crossing the fault-line) for a picnic lunch and a swim. In the afternoon we take a hike along the wild and windswept West Coast near Punakaiki, exploring remote beaches and sea caves that were used by early Maori. At high tide we check out the famous Pancake Rocks, 30 million year old towers of limestone with spectacular blowholes. Accommodation tonight is nestled in the bush with spectacular views over the Tasman Sea. 
Day 3: Monday. Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park - 7 - 8 hours hiking
Today we hike one of the most beautiful day hikes in New Zealand. We are dropped off at Bullock Creek at an old abandoned farm. From here we follow the Inland Pack Track through luxuriant lowland rainforest, stopping for lunch on the banks of Fossil Creek. There is time to relax and feel dwarfed by the towering rimu and kahikatea trees, some over 50 metres tall and hundreds of years old. After lunch we continue on until we meet the Fox River Canyon. We follow this deep canyon crossing the river several times (learn river-crossing techniques) until we are met by the minibus on the coastal road. Return to our accommodation. Visit the local pub for dinner. 
Day 4: Tuesday. Okarito, South Westland World Heritage Area - 4 hours kayaking
We drive south today making a brief stop at Hokitika where we stock up on supplies. This town was once known as Capital of the Goldfields. It has become a major centre for pounamu (jade or greenstone) which was prized by the Maori for making jewellery, tools and lethal weapons. We continue on to Okarito, where the rainforest meets the sea. A historic gold-rush town, it is now a sleepy collection of seaside cottages with a permanent population of about 25. Here, we take sea kayaks and paddle out over the Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland. We explore the river delta, which takes us right into the rainforest. A great variety of bird-life can be seen from tuis and bellbirds in the forest, to kotuku (white herons) and spoonbills on the lagoon. Spend the afternoon/early evening on the beach learning how to prepare a hangi (an underground Maori earth oven). Enjoy the hangi feast sitting around a beach fire, before making a short drive to Franz Josef where we stay the night. 
Day 5: Wednesday. Franz Josef Glacier - 4 hours hiking
Today we take a hike on the nearby Franz Josef Glacier, one of the most dynamic glaciers in the world and one of the few places where you will see a glacier descending into a rainforest. Enjoy a half-day hike onto Franz Josef Glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. After we return from the hike we drive on to the town of Fox Glacier. Either have a relaxing afternoon at our local B&B accommodation or join the guide for a hike up to the terminal face of the Fox Glacier. Tonight you have the opportunity to sample local cuisine at a restaurant of your choice. 
Day 6: Thursday. Haast Pass - 1 hours hiking 
We start the day with a leisurely hike around Lake Matheson - on a clear day the Southern Alps are perfectly reflected on the lake - a photographer's paradise. We then continue south stopping at a local salmon farm to "pick up dinner." Today we cross back over the "fault-line"(Southern Alps) to the eastern side and stay in Makarora. Take an afternoon hike or relax at the spacious homestead. Enjoy a delicious meal of fresh salmon. 
Day 7: Friday. Mount Aspiring National Park - 5 hours hiking 
We start the day by boarding a helicopter for an extraordinary flight around the ice carved mountains and glaciers of the World Heritage, Mount Aspiring National Park. We land in the remote Siberia Valley. Home tonight is a classic backcountry hut that we will share with other hikers. You can either spend the day relaxing on the porch gazing at the mountains or go on an exhilarating hike up to Lake Crucible, a gorgeous alpine lake set amongst huge snow capped mountains. 
Day 8: Saturday. Tour ends in Queenstown - 3 hours hiking 
We spend the morning hiking down to the Forks where we meet the jetboat, which will take us on a spectacular journey down the Wilkin River back to Makarora. We drive through to Wanaka, to a local vineyard for a celebratory wine and then it's just a short drive over the Crown Range into the alpine resort town of Queenstown. Here the trip concludes after 8 days of spectacular hikes, peaceful kayaking, exhilarating helicopter and jetboat trips coupled with relaxing accommodation. 
The trip concludes in Queenstown. You may wish to take advantage of a free shuttle return to Christchurch on Day 9 or you can stay in Queenstown to enjoy the endless activities this town offers. Should you wish to take advantage of the free return to Christchurch on Day 9 please make this known on booking.
Please note: We do not recommend people book any onward travel on the evening of our arrival in Queenstown. There is a very small chance we could get a wild storm with heavy rain that keeps us up in the Siberia Valley for an extra night. This is highly unlikely, as our guides will be studying the long-range weather forecasts and may take you to a different area if the weather isn't suitable. However, we would hate for you to miss your flight, so it is best to plan a day in Queenstown after the trip and then fly out the next day just in case.
Please note that your trip may differ from the above itinerary either to better suit the needs of the group, or due to circumstances beyond our control such as the weather.


Tour includes:
-   Accommodation: 6 nights in locally owned B&B's; 1 night in a classic back country hut (sleeping bag required for this night, available for hire).
- Meals: all breakfasts and lunches included. Evening meals included except days 3 and 5.
- Minibus - we travel in a 10 or 12 seat mini bus towing a trailer with equipment for your luggage.
- All National Park and other entry fees, except the "optional" ones
- Glacier Walking
- Helicopter flights
- Kayaking
- Guide

Not included:
- On nights 3 and 5 dinner is not provided. On night 3, we go to the local pub which serves good hearty meals at about $15 - $20 per main. On night 5 there is a selection of restaurants to choose from in the two of Fox Glacier.
- Alcohol

Tour Grading: 		3 - Medium

Gradings are: 1 - Easy, 2 - Moderate, 3 - Medium, 4 - Challenging, 5 - Extreme

For the latest departure dates and pricing visit our website:

http://www.bike-nz.com/