Zealand Island

Netherlands: southern island

Equally good is the view from the relaxation viewpoint of the hotel's outside spa. For those who prefer to unwind, there is a nice swim in the river view pools or a drinks in the restaurantbar. On our journey to the western side we spend the night at the Punakaiki Resort, where we are welcomed by a breath-taking sea view.

Arrived in Wanaka, our guesthouse is located on the bank of the lakes. Its grass extends to the banks of the River Wanaka. Just 10 minutes walking distance from the city center, we are the perfect place for our strolls. Our last evening we are returning to the Elms in Christchurch.

However, please be aware that the rooms are shared rooms of varying gender. Emphasis is on hiking, with hikes for 15 vacation time. Brief strolls, usually on a day leading from one area to the next, are 3-4 mile (.75-6.5 km), with up to 300 meters of uphill.

Long hikes reach from 5-10 mile (.8-16km) with gradients of 1.000-2.200ft. (300-660m). From London to Christchurch, where we will spend the next overnight upon our return. Take the Queen Charlotte's picturesque trip to Nelson, where we climb Botanical Hill and take the Centre of New Zealand Walkway. Driving into the centre of the reserve for a stroll along gold sandy shores, around cliffy promontories and through luxuriant sub-tropical woods with abundant avifauna.

Drive through craggy Buller Gorge and stop at Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park. 1 overnight in Greymouth or Punakaiki. In the afternoons stroll to the Fox Glacier. An early bird's eye view of Lake Matheson; the Southern Alps are often mirrored in the tranquil mornings.

We hike through breathtaking mountains in Mount Aspiring National Park. From Matukituki creek to Rob Roy Glacier, Mt Tyndall and Shotover Saddle. After lunch, cruise Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay for a stroll along the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand's most famous hiking trails.

We' re going on a boat trip across Manapori to West Arm, where we can see harp seal or dolphin. We will also be spending a full working days on a section of the Routeburn Track, from Divide to Key Summit and on to the beautiful landscape of Howden Island. There will be a selection of hikes around the pond this afternoons, with magnificent vistas of the summits around.

On the next morning we undertake an memorable hiking tour over the Ben Lomond saddle and follow the tracks of the early explorers on the Moonlight trails. Later, we drive up to the northern side and stop at the beautiful rock shepherd' s temple on the shore of the lake. We drive from Twizel to Lake Tekapo for coastal strolls and a brief climb up Mt John to admire the magnificent view of the entire Mackenzie Basin.

The afternoons we pass the Burke's Pass and across the Canterbury Plain to Christchurch for 1 noon. Separate from the group and take the 5 day/4 nights long Milford Track through the Heartland from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Crossing the Clinton Riviera, we hike through the wood of beeches to Hirere Falls for noon.

This is a rather demanding but very worthwhile today, past Mirror Lake before the zigzag ascent to Mackinnon Pass, around Mount Balloon, past local woods, streams and ice ridges to Quintin Hut, with a trip to Sutherland Falls, the highest in the southern hemisphere. Milford Track, with a long descend overlooking the Lovely Lady of the Snows and Mackay Falls, Giants Gate Waterfall and Sandfly Point in front of Mitre Peak Lodge and the end of the hike.

Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown in the mornings. This Routeburn led hike is a wonderful 3 days / 2 nights alpine experience through Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Transfers to the Divide and Wander Key Summit for stunning Routeburn outlooks. Descent to Lake Howden for dinner and then ascent to Earland Falls overlooking the glacierized Darran Mountains before descent to our camp in the tranquil surroundings of Lake Mackenzie for the evening.

Hike into the hills and enjoy the view over the Hollyford River that stretches through Fiordland to the far Tasman Sea. Descent to the Routeburn Valleys top reservoir and Routeburn Falls for a feast. PassportFull form passports are necessary and must be in force for at least three month from the date on which you travel from New Zealand.

Climate All our vacations are scheduled around New Zealand springs, summers and early autumns, when all trails are open and the nights are long. Hottest is probably from November to February, although October and March are also great places to go with fewer visitors and outstanding alpine vegetation.

MoneyLocal Currencies are New Zealand Dollars.