7 Day World Heritage Wanderer Safari

You can begin your journey either in Greymouth or Christchurch. From Christchurch, catch the amazing TranzAlpine Train across the farmland of the Canterbury Plains, through the impressive Waimakariri Gorge and over huge viaducts into lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park. The 223 kilometre journey takes just over four hours. Arriving in Greymouth, you will meet fellow hikers who have just finished the northern part of the West Coast Wilderness. Drive down the coast in the afternoon to the peaceful village of Okarito, where the rainforest meets the sea. 5km/2 hours hiking

This morning you have the option of a kayaking trip (additional fee's) to catch the incoming tide into the Okarito Lagoon (the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand). See birdlife including white herons, black swans and tui. Explore a river delta and channels into kahikatea (white pine) forest, our tallest forest species which can grow up to 60 metres high! For people not wanting to kayak there is an excellent four-hour coastal hike (unguided), with dramatic views of the Southern Alps. Free time in the afternoon to wander the remote beach or hike to a viewpoint looking out at the World Heritage Park, with snow-capped mountains, rainforest and coastal wetlands. We spend a second night camping and for dinner we enjoy a hangi feast (the traditional Maori way of cooking food in an underground earth oven); everyone can be involved in the preparation. 10km/4 hours kayaking.

Today is a short drive through to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where glaciers extend down into rainforest. You have the option of taking a guided hike (additional fee's) on this dynamic glacier where you will explore seracs, ice caves and crevasses. Stunning views of New Zealand's highest peaks dominate the vista at the head of the glacier. There is free time in the afternoon to relax in one of the local cafe's in this charming village. There is also the option to join the guide for a two hour hike around Lake Matheson or take a stunning helicopter flight (additional fee's) over the stunning glacier and surrounding mountains. Tonight we stay in local cabin accommodation. 12km/5 hours hiking

Today we start our 3-day hike heading up the Copland Valley, through podocarp forest (relatively unchanged in 70 million years). The hike will take you across swing bridges and mountain streams, and you may see the endangered and very primitive blue duck. The pleasant trail through the forest and alongside the river finally ends at Welcome Flat, where you'll stay in a mountain hut. This afternoon take the opportunity to relax your weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with views over 3000 metre peaks - the best in New Zealand! 18km/7 hours hiking

Today you can either rest or explore this alpine valley. You can take a short off-track hike, with some boulder-hopping, takes us up to beautiful waterfalls high in the alps for a refreshing shower. On the walk, you may be lucky enough to see amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook (3754 metres), New Zealand's highest mountain. Return to the hut via Welcome Flat's alpine grasslands. Prepare dinner and afterwards spend another evening immersed in the incredible hot pools - one is hot, one just right, the other warm! 8km/4 hours hiking

Hike down the Copland Valley and drive south through the remote West Coast region to Moeraki. Stop at Ship Creek to look for New Zealand's Native Hector's dolphins and take the opportunity to walk through coastal ecosystems of dunes, swamp and podocarp forest. The last night of the tour is spent in cabins or tents at Haast. For dinner enjoy a feast of local salmon and visit the pub for a celebratory drink. 18km/6 hours hiking

Today marks the end of our journey. Turning inland, drive over the Haast Pass, snaking alongside the wide Haast River. The pass was only opened in 1965. There are some great hikes to choose from including a climb to an alpine hut high on the slopes of Mount Brewster (if the legs are not too weary). Stop at Lake Wanaka for lunch, a swim and a clean up of the vehicle. This lake is so deep that, though its surface is at an altitude of 345 metres, its bottom lies 65 metres below sea level. After this enjoyable break head over the Crown Range to Queenstown, arriving in the early evening where the tour ends. 3-8km/2-5 hours hiking