What to Expect

Adventure Treks are a unique and authentic hiking experience—and afford us the opportunity to hike on some of the most amazing trails in the world and immerse in local culture.

While each day has a wonderful plan, we will not be as regimented as we are at the lodge in British Columbia. We will eat, and even have the occasional drink, like locals and weave our trip into their routines. As we embark on what truly is an adventure, keep an open mind to the unknown and relish in the experience of learning.

Arrival and Departure

Please arrive in Christchurch by 5pm Sunday, March 15th. The hotel, Sudima Hotel, is a 17 minute drive from the airport. Uber or Taxi is the easiest way to get to the city center.

On day 4 we will transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown. Your flights is included.

Your departing flight should be out of Queenstown on Sunday March 22nd. The airport is a 15 min drive from the Sofitel hotel. Taking an Uber or arranging a taxi through the hotel is the easiest way to get to the airport.

Post Hike Spa Services

If you’re interested in enjoying the hotel’s spas, please make appointments directly with the hotel at your earliest convenience. Here are links to their spas to learn more:

Moss Spa, Sudima Hotel, Christchurch

SO Spa, Sofitel Hotel, Queenstown

Additionally, we have reserved times at the Queenstown Japanese Onsen, as it books out well in advance. Please let us know if you wish to purchase any time at the Onsen and we will arrange.

Laundry

Laundry will be available at your own expense at the hotels.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Trip cancellation and medical insurance are highly recommended. Please obtain both through your local travel agent or online. We recommend “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance.

Carbon-Neutral Travel

Mountain Trek is proud to announce that this trip is Carbon Neutral! In an effort to fight global warming, your participation in this trip will result in 95 trees being planted through our partnership with One Tree Planted.

Along with methane, nitrous oxide and CFC’s, the emission of carbon dioxide directly increases the greenhouse effect in our atmosphere, causing heat to get trapped and global warming to occur. Carbon dioxide is released by burning fossil fuels and with an estimated fuel demand of more than 5 million barrels per day, the global aviation sector is incredibly energy-intensive and taxing on our environment. The best way to offset carbon emissions is through global reforestation (planting trees!). Be proud that you are traveling carbon-neutral.

Trek Itinerary

(Each day will start with breakfast at the hotel and have free time to relax, rest, or spend time at the spa before dinner)

Day 1—Sunday

Arrival day

Optional yoga class

Welcome dinner

Accomodations: Sudima Hotel

Day 2—Monday

Hike Godley Head Walkway, immediately immersing yourself in spectacular coastal views. View a penguin colony, quirky old baches (small beach cottages), and some of New Zealand’s military history

Gourmet picnic lunch on the trail

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain/loss: ~250m

Distance: ~8 km/5 mi.

Hiking time: 3 hrs.

Enjoy a private New Zealand inspired cooking class with Two Raw Sisters

Dinner at 5th Street—a world-class restaurant serving seasonal and fresh food from across the region and country

Accomodations: Sudima Hotel

Day 3—Tuesday

Drive west across the Canterbury Plains to the narrow Rakaia Gorge. Hike the historic Ferryman’s Track overlooking the bright green waters and peaks of the Black Hill Range

Drive through fertile farm lands surrounded by peaks to Lake Coleridge, where many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed. Hike up Peak Hill to dramatic 360º alpine views

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain/loss: ~800m

Distance: ~10 km/6 mi.

Hiking time: ~4.5hrs

Late lunch and farm tour at Middle Rock Sheep Farm, a family run farm in the the stunning high country scenery of the Lake Coleridge area

Dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Queenstown

Accomodations: Sudima Hotel

Day 4—Wednesday

Transfer day

Fly from Christchurch to Queenstown, a 1:10 min flight

Explore the quaint town of Arrowtown, enjoying a gentle river walk and time to explore boutiques, cafes, and shops

Hike Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain/loss: ~100m

Distance: ~5 km/3 mi.

Hiking time: ~2hrs

Wine tasting and platters of local meats, cheeses, and produce at the award winning Akarua Wines and Kitchen By Artisan

Dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Queenstown

Accomodations: Sofitel Hotel

Day 5—Thursday

Hike to the prominent summit of Ben Lomond with commanding views over Lake Wakatipu. Descend via the Skyline Gondola.

Lunch on the trail.

Hike Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation gain/loss: 800-1500m (depending on hiking group)

Distance: 7-14 km/4-8 mi.

Hiking time: 3-8hrs

Enjoy Patagonia ice cream and walk along the banks of Lake Wakatipu, then wonder amongst Queenstown’s galleries, boutiques, and shops.

Dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Queenstown

Accomodations: Sofitel Hotel

Day 6—Friday

Drive to Glenorchy to trek on the world famous Routeburn Track

Lunch on the trail

Hike Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain/loss: ~600m

Distance: ~10 km/6 mi.

Hiking time: ~3hrs

Dinner at the award winning Rata Restaurant

Accomodations: Sofitel Hotel

Day 7—Saturday

Drive up and over the famous Crown Range featuring expansive views and thrilling switchbacks and along the banks of Lake Wanaka featuring “That Tree” and Mt. Aspiring dominating the skyline

Hike the Rocky Mountain trail, winding through a fuchsia forest en route to panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains of the Central Otago region and Aspiring National Park

Drive deeper into the incredible Matukituki Valley and hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track, beginning with waterfalls and a lush understory of ferns and mosses and culminating in spectacular views of sheer rock cliffs and hanging glaciers beneath Mount Rob Roy

Lunch on the trail

Hike Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging

Elevation gain/loss: ~800m

Distance: ~14 km/8 mi.

Hiking time: ~5-6hrs

Dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Queenstown

Accomodations: Sofitel Hotel

Day 8—Sunday

Departure day

Return flights should originate at Queenstown airport

Kia ora (goodbye)