En Route

Your adventure begins today as you enplane for New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand

Upon arrival into Christchurch, you are met by a WALLSabout representative and transferred to your luxurious hotel in the heart of Christchurch, with your room ready for immediate check in. Enjoy lunch at your leisure followed by a dynamic and informative walking tour of Christchurch. This tour is led by a passionate local guide who will take you on a journey of discovery through laneways, gardens, historic buildings, and landmarks. Along the way you will learn some basic Te Reo (Maori Language) and learn more about Maori and early settler history. Alternatively, if you’re “knackered” from your flight, take the afternoon to catch up on rest. Either way, accompany your WALLSabout Program Director for a Welcome Dinner and briefing at hotel’s signature restaurant, Gumption at 6PM.

WALLSabout Tip: Skip the nap, take the walking tour, and go to bed early! The real adventures begin tomorrow!

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel

Key Highlights:  Welcome to New Zealand! Walking tour of Christchurch.  START of Program Director Services 2:30 PM

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Arthur’s Pass to Hokatika to Franz Joseph

Depart Christchurch, and cross the Southern Alps aboard our luxury mini-coach. Along the way enjoy a short hike among the castle-like rocks of Kura Tawhiti (featured in Lord of the Rings), take in the views and and snap photos from Porters Pass, a bounce down a short track (Kiwi for trail) to the spectacular alpine waterfall, Devil’s Punchbowl falls.

Descend from the alps while spotting your first Kea birds at the Otira Viaduct. We’ll pause for a late lunch at the coastal town of Hokatika.

From there we’ll make our way along the West Coast stopping to catch the Southern Alps reflecting in Lake Lanthe and finally arrive at our luxurious accommodation, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Joseph. Rest and relax before dinner at the hotel.

WALLSabout Tip: Dress in layers and be ready for any weather at our stops as we cross the alps. Have a daypack handy for short walks during our stops. Our Deluxe Mini Coach is stocked with snacks and water.

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Key Highlights:  Lord of the Rings scenery / Alpine Hikes / One of the most spectacular drives in NZ

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Franz Joseph Glacier Experiences & Local Wildlife!

This morning you'll depart on the Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) that you selected before the trip! From hiking to Heli and glaciers to crampons, this is going to be one EPIC morning!

After lunch explore the West Coast Wildlife Center and get acquainted with the local flora and fauna of the South Island, including the legendary Kiwi Birds.

Rest up before a beautiful dinner at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat and then a quick evening adventure to discover the glow worms dangling beneath the subtropical ferns. Fall into bed after a full day and get some rest for tomorrow the adventure continues!

WALLSabout Tip: Check the CYOA page for a refresh on what you’ll be experiencing and a reminder on what our operators supply. For example, just about everything you need for a hike on the glacier is provided if you booked the Glacier Heli Hike as your CYOA!

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Key Highlights:  The lowest elevation glacier for its latitude anywhere in the world.  Kiwi birds! Native Wildlife!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

West Coast View of Mt. Cook / Haast Pass / A Local’s Stop!

Early breakfast at Te Waonui Forest Retreat before departure to Lake Matheson for a breathtaking morning hike! If we’re lucky, we’ll catch the reflection of New Zealand highest peak, Mt. Cook, reflecting into the still waters. Followed by a short stroll through Swap Forest and out to the dunes of Ship Creek.

Our final stop on the West Coast will be for lunch in the town of Haast for some local Kiwi fare at the Hard Antler (Venison Burger anyone? Don’t worry there are other options!).

Then, say goodbye to the West Coast (for now) as we dive over Haast Pass. Along the way collect photos of Thunder Creek Falls, Blue Pools, The Knick and Lake Hawea. Discover our delightful accommodation on the shore of Lake Wanaka and dinner at Mutton Bird! Fall into bed after a full day and get some rest for tomorrow the adventure continues!

WALLSabout Tip: Make sure your mosquito repellent is handy today… depending on conditions a few locals might be out for blood! Dress in layers and be ready for any weather at our stops as we cross the alps. Have a daypack handy for short walks during our stops. Our Deluxe Mini Coach is stocked with snacks and water.

Accommodation: EdgeWaters Wanaka

Key Highlights:  Alpine reflections, coastal dunes, swamp forest, glacial waters, and thundering waterfalls!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get Local Day — Wanaka Tree / Lavender Farm / Winery Tour / Local Art!

Breakfast at Edgewater’s before departure to Lake Wanaka for a breathtaking morning view of “The Wanaka Tree." Followed by a visit to Wanaka Lavender Farm for an early Autumn stroll. Onward to Lunch and wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Winery. Afternoon shopping in the town of Wanaka followed by a stop at the Wanaka Artisan Market. Rest and relax at Edgewater before our three-course dinner at Kika. Rest up, because tomorrow things get a little extreme!

WALLSabout Tip: Today is the day to immerse yourself in the local culture of the Southern Alps. Taste and sample food and drinks and feast on the sights and sounds of working farms, wineries, and artisan markets — not to mention the trendy boutiques of Wanaka.

Accommodation: EdgeWaters Wanaka

Key Highlights:  Experience the country-side and culture of the Southern Alps.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

EXTREME ADVENTURE! —  Bungee Jumping / Jet Boating / 4x4 !

Enjoy breakfast at Edgewater’s before departure to AJ Hackett Bungey (the world’s first commercial Bungey Jumping establishment). Elect to throw yourself off the Kawarau Bridge dangling by only an elastic line or simply elect to watch your new friends jump. You can even opt to dunk your head in the river 141 feet below!  Next, revive your adrenal glands on our short drive to the Shotover River where we’ll take on the extremes of the Shooter Canyon by both land and water. First up, you’ll white-knuckle the boat handles during the world famous Shotover Jet-boat experience, powered by the custom supercharged twin V8 engines that will have you racing up the rapids at 90 kph, while performing gravity defying stunts within a hair’s breadth of the awe-inspiring cliff faces!  Next, hop on board Nomad Safari’s custom outfitted Land Rover Defenders as our guide winds through the abandoned gold mining areas of the Arrow river and iconic filming locations from “Lord of the Rings”.  

Finally, enter the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, where you’ll discover our luxury property awaiting in the heart of town. Freshen up before catching the Gondola to the best views of town nestled at the base of The Remarkables at iconic Skyline Queenstown for dinner and the final adventure of the day, Luge!  Take your vitamins before bed, because you’re going to need more adenaline tomorrow!

WALLSabout Tip: Smile for the camera, you’re going to remember today’s adventures for the rest of your life!  

Accommodation: Scenic Suites, Queenstown

Key Highlights:  Bungee Jumping / Jet Boating / Land Rover Defender Exploring / Gondola / Luge!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CYOA Day! —  Sky Diving / Rafting / Hiking / Shopping - Oh My!  

With so many activities to choose from, we had to empower you with CHOICE!  Review www.WALLSabout.com/nzadventures to review your selection for the day and see your Program Director for your customized Itinerary of the day!

WALLSabout Tip: Review your selection of CYOA and enjoy your day!! Don’t forget to book Dinner On Your Own (DYOA) before leaving the states as reservations fill up fast in Queenstown.

Accommodation: Scenic Suites, Queenstown

Key Highlights:  Bungy Jumping / Jet Boating / Land Rover Defender Exploring / Gondola / Luge!

Meals: Breakfast

Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound — Words Fall Short

After breakfast at our accommodation, depart Queenstown on one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Experience incredible vistas during stops at Devils’ Staircase and Athols before a classic Kiwi lunch on the shores Te Anau, and visit to location where Benjamin took one of his most collected images Original Blues. Onward to Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Pops View, Gertrude Valley Lookout, Chasm Fall and finally arrive at our luxurious accommodation, the Milford Sound Lodge. As the tourists disappear back to Queenstown, settle into the solace of what Nat Geo has long since listed as “One of the World’s Last Great Wild Places.”  

WALLSabout Tip: Dress in layers and be ready for any weather at our stops as we cross the souther alps. Have a daypack handy for short walks during our stops. Our Deluxe Mini Coach is stocked with snacks and water. Bring what you need for the afternoon in your day pack as your main luggage will go back to town in the mini-coach and will meet you later in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge, Milford Sound

Key Highlights:  Views / Vistas / Sights / Sounds / Solitude — This is New Zealand!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Milford Sound to Queenstown — Grand Finale

Enjoy breakfast in bed (or capture sunrise photos from your porch or explore the famous vantage point of Benjamin’s epic shot, Morning Majesty). Then, board our chartered boat for a cruise through the fiord as it teams with wildlife, active only this time of day! Gaze up in every direction, thousands of feet of granite rock line the fiord that is also thousands of feet deep. Stare in amazement as waterfalls plunge off the hanging valleys in all directions. Upon return to shore, the tourists will be arriving in droves as we escape the swarm via our scenic charter flight out through the sound and up and over the Southern Alps, by Mt. Aspiring and back to Queenstown. Back in town, enjoy and afternoon shopping for final souvenirs and a little surprise before our farewell dinner to remember at the top-rated restaurant and venue, Nest!

WALLSabout Tip: Dress in layers and be ready for any weather at our stops as we cross the southern alps. Have a daypack handy for short walks during our stops. Our Deluxe Mini Coach is stocked with snacks and water. Bring what you need for the afternoon in your day pack as your main luggage will go back to town in the mini-coach and will meet you later in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown

Key Highlights:  Private Sound Cruise / Scenic Flight / Farewell Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid Farewell to New Friends

After breakfast at our accommodation, depart Queenstown en route to your international flight home or your next adventure.

WALLSabout Tip: Remember to tip your Program Director! Plan ahead with the concierge team if you’d like to stay a few extra day in Queenstown or have us book time adventuring — popular options include Fly Fishing, Winery Tours, or. just relaxing in Queenstown for a few extra day.

Key Highlights:  Trade contact details with your new found friends and have a safe journey home or to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast

En Route Home

We wish you safe travels home or onward to your next WALLSabout adventure!