11 Day Secret South Safari

Meet at the Queenstown Visitor Centre at 8:00am and after a briefing by our guide we head south into Fiordland National Park for the beginning of our hike. This amazing World Heritage Site is the largest national park in the country and one of the largest in the world. The huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri border the spectacular inland coastline that is the Fiordland. This area is dominated by water, either in the form of lakes or as falling rain, which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest. Prepare for amazing sites and views unlike anywhere in the world. Our first hike to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn Track - a great hike of around three hours. From here there are fantastic views across to the Darran Mountains. 6km/3 hours hiking

Today we are off to an early start, driving through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound, here you will see mystical waterfalls falling from what seems the sky, with stunning surroundings of towering mountains and spectacular flora. You can hire kayaks (additional fee's) and be guided out into the fiord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (1722 metres straight out of the sea). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near our kayaks. This is the ideal way to experience the fiord. While kayaking there are lots of stops to view the wildlife and take photos - don't forget to look for dolphins! After returning to shore there is a drive back over the divide to our campsite for the night on the shores of Lake Monowai. 8km/4 hours kayaking

Morning drive to Borland Saddle (at 1000 metres) in Fiordland National Park for lunch and to organise food for our first overnight hike. The visual impact of this park is breathtaking; during the Ice Age, the glaciers gouged the fiords and lakes, hollowed out the rounded valleys, and shaped the granite mountain peaks. There are different forest types all over the park: on the eastern side red, silver and mountain beech fill the valleys, and in the northern sections, podocarp forests of matai, rimu and totara can be found. From Borland Saddle the trail goes above the bush line onto the Hunter Range with great views over the Fiordland. Traverse along the tops to Mt Burns (1634 metres - optional climb) and descend to Green Lake to a backcountry hut, or to a camp nearby. 12km/7 hours hiking

Have breakfast in this idyllic site, before hiking out through beech forest and across tussock basins to the road. Have lunch and then drive through to Invercargill for a food shop. This is the southernmost city in New Zealand and its roots, as reflected by its name, are from Scottish settlers who came here in the late 1800's. We carry on to Curio Bay in the Catlins, an unspoiled scenic region of coast, rivers and podocarp forest - once an area inhabited by the giant moa (largest bird in the world - now extinct). Relax here and stay in a cosy summer house. There is also the chance to enjoy a swim in the sea and then a hot shower to complete our day. 7km/3 hours hiking

This morning we explore Curio Bay and try to spot our native Hector Dolphins, which sometimes surf on the waves. Walk to a nearby tidal platform that contains tree stumps from a fossilised forest 180 million years old - its one of the most extensive fossil forests in the world! The platforms are a paleontologist's dream. These fossils are evidence of New Zealand's location in the ancient Gondwanaland; plant species identified here are similar to those found in South America. Drive along the coast to reach our next destination: Cannibal Bay. The bay takes its name from human bones discovered here last century that were possibly part of a Maori feast. You have a chance to see New Zealand sea-lions and yellow-eyed penguins, the rarest breeds of sea lions and penguins in the world. Camp near the beach to prepare a hangi feast. 6km/2 hours hiking

Today is an option rest day in the picturesque town of Alexandra in the heart of Central Otago. If you are feeling more energetic, you can join a cycle tour (additional fee's) on the historic rail trail that winds its way through the vast and mountainous landscape of Central Otago, through tunnels and across many viaducts. Alternatively you can just relax and visit the local cafes or vineyards. No cooking tonight, as there are some excellent local restaurants to choose from! Rest day/optional cycling

This morning we drive through the high country, this part of the South is home to some of New Zealand's largest sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares! Cross Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country to arrive at Lake Ohau. There is enough time to relax and have a swim before packing for our next overnight hike. Head up through beech forest to a camp reside Freehold Creek, just below the bush line. 7km/3 hours hiking

Up early, leaving our camping and heading off with day packs to explore a beautiful basin filled with tarns (small alpine lakes). The basin contains an incredible variety of alpine plants, including Spaniards (prickly), and the world's largest buttercup, named the Mount Cook Lily, because of its large round lily-like leaves. The fit can climb up onto the Ohau range (1915 metres) to enjoy views of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, and the Mackenzie Basin. We return to our camp and pack up, hiking back to the vehicle. Tonight's lodging is "Buscot Station", a high country sheep station. 14km/7 hours hiking

After a short drive we set off with our day packs to hike up to Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut in Mount Cook National Park. There are impressive views of the Hooker and Mueller glaciers, Mount Sefton icefall and Mount Cook - 3754 metres. On our way you'll get an insight about the glaciers, mountain building and the New Zealand climate. We descend back down to our vehicle and drive to the southern end of Lake Pukaki - artificially raised 30 metres for hydroelectric power generation. This lake is an exquisite turquoise colour caused by the fine glacial silt suspended in the water. Camp on the shores of Lake Pukaki and enjoy the views. 8km/5 hours hiking

This morning we continue through the Mackenzie Basin and pass Lake Tekapo before reaching our destination, Mt Somers. Hike up a river canyon and climb out to a Trig Point with fantastic views into the Rakaia Basin. There's several altitudinal plant sequences during our hike, along with regenerating beech forest. The New Zealand falcon is frequently seen in this area. Tonight we stay in a grand backcountry hut. 5km/4 hours hiking

We spend our final day together exploring water caves (you'll get a bit wet!), Tri-Falls Stream and swimming in Emerald Pool or under a pounding waterfall known as the 'Spa'. Hike back along the canyon rim to an abandoned coal mine to explore some relics. It's then a short drop back to the car park. We have our last lunch before leaving this beautiful park. After cleaning up the vehicle and sorting our gear we drive across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch arriving in the early evening. 5km/4 hours hiking