5 Day Coast & Canyons Safari

Your tour begins in Nelson, in the North of the South Island. after collecting food supplies, we drive to Motueka and up to Flora Saddle (at 1000 metres). You have an early lunch and we organise our packs for the first hike. Leaving the vehicle behind, hike through beech forest following a stream in the tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Gold was discovered here in the late 1850's and tracks began to be laid, and in many areas gold finds weren't as rich as expected. Scientists were attracted to the area for its unique flora of the Heaphy area and conservationists managed to get this area made into a scenic reserve in 1915. Tonight we'll stay in a old gold miner's rock shelter, a great place to get to know each other with introductions around a cosy campfire. 11km/4 hours hiking

An early start and a quick breakfast before we continue across the tableland to explore New Zealand Karst landscape of sinkholes and caves. This whole area is of geological interest as it's in a range of marble and limestone hills, with the interior being riddled with potholes. Climb up through mossy forest to the bush line and onwards to Gordon's Pyramid (1489 metres). Continue across a basin of crystalline marble karst to the shoulder of Mount Arthur and, if weather and time permit, fitter members can trek to the summit (1795 metres) for a fantastic panoramic view of the Nelson region. After a long day we return to Flora Saddle and drive to Murchison, this small picturesque rural town is famed for its white water kayaking and rafting. 15km/7 hours hiking

This morning we head out to Cape Foulwind to visit a breeding colony of Native New Zealand fur seals - once almost hunted to extinction. Head south to the old gold-rush town of Charleston for lunch at a beautiful cove. This pretty town used to boast over 80 hotels in the late 1860's! After relaxing here for a short while, begin our hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Established in 1987, the park covers over 30,000 hectares. It has natural attractions including mountains, caves and limestone cliffs, rivers and wilderness areas. During the hike you'll learn river-crossing techniques, so prepare to get your boots wet! We'll collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang - a fluviatile cave, carved by river-scouring.  8km/4 hours hiking

Explore and discover the nearby limestone canyon and caves (some people may want to swim) with stalactites, and stalagmites, cave wetas (large wingless insects), glowworms and the tallest moss in the world! Hike along the historic Inland Park Track to Bullock Creek, and arrive back in Punakaiki by mid-afternoon. Visit the famous 30 million-year-old Pancake Rocks, these rocks have formed into what look like immense layers of pancakes and when the tide is high, or the weather rough, the water surges into caverns below the rocks and blasts through mighty blowholes, bearing a great resemblance to natural geysers. Return to camp/cabin accommodation. 12km/6 hours hiking

Take an optional stroll along the coast an check out the sea caves that were once used as shelter by early Maori. Tides permitting you can climb on to a headland. Driving south, follow the coast to Greymouth, arriving late morning. There is time to have a quick look around and say farewells to fellow travellers continuing on down to the coast on the West Coast Wilderness. You may wish to join the TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch departing Greymouth at 1:45pm. Rated as one of the worlds trop six train journeys, it crosses the main divide through the lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park, over massive viaducts and along the impressive Waimakiariri Gorge and finally the fertile farmland of our Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch in the early evening. 5km/2 hours hiking