Mountain Landscapes

Christchurch-Arthurs Pass (4.5 hours hiking)
Departing from Christchurch we travel across the plains into the Canterbury foothills. Over Porter Pass we stop at the surreal Castle Hill boulders, before driving to the edge of Arthurs Pass National Park. From here we take an easy 3 hour round trip on a gradual mountain spur with its views into the broad river valleys below and defined vegetation patterns. Lunch amidst these views is memorable before we drive into the Park and at the crest of the pass we walk up to our lodge surrounded by the nearby mountains and alpine pastures.

Franz Josef Glacier-Fox Glacier (3-4 hours hiking)
Okarito Lagoon is the home of the white heron and numerous other bird species. There is no better way to explore such a stunning location than by sea kayak on an incoming tide. After this delightful excursion we walk the old gold mining coastal track over to the next bay and return via the wild beach on a low tide. En route divert to the nearby trig point from for one of the finest views of the Southern Alps. Drive to Fox Glacier for overnight stay.

Fox Glacier-Haast (4 hours hiking)
Drive onto nearby Fox Glacier and following a briefing, depart for a 4 hour walk onto the glacier itself. With guide and ice axe we have the unique experience of walking on 200 m thick ice within a mile of a luxuriant rainforest. After lunch there is time to walk around nearby Lake Matheson, famous for its relfections. Travel south down coast to Haast or an overnight stay.