New Zealand has long been drawing international travellers to experience its incredible adventures. New Zealand feels like the ‘comfort blanket’ of travel destinations, with its friendly people and wonderful nature without the venomous ‘nasties’ trying to kill you (don’t worry, they are all in Aussie).
Mackay Falls on the Milford Track
There are many stunning parts of the country, but today we will concentrate on the jaw droppingly beautiful Southern Lakes region that we tour on our New Zealand expedition, full of iconic adventures.
Stay in incredible and unique locations
One of the main landmarks on this trip is hiking the beautiful Milford Track. Often dubbed ‘The World’s Finest Walk,’ we will walk through pristine forests, staring in awe at the magnificent mountains and listening to the unique kiwi birdsong as you hike. On your kiwi ‘tramping’ (the New Zealand word for hiking) experience, you’ll see mesmerising waterfalls, such as the stunning Sutherland Falls, the fifth highest waterfall in the world, and take a gorgeous small boat cruise on Milford Sound.
Sutherland Falls
If you’re a fan of mountain views, you’ll be thrilled to hear we stay on a farm overlooking the continent’s highest peak, Mt Cook, locally known as Aoraki. While in the area, you’ll have the chance to ride down a river in a canyon using world famous jetboats –the Shotover Jet. And there’s nothing better than ending the day by taking a paddle steamer to dinner in Queenstown and exploring the gold mining village of Arrowtown.
TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak
During the second part of the trip, we will travel to the stunning Landsborough River running between the spine of the Southern Alps. You will fly in with a spectacular helicopter flight which gives us a gorgeous perspective of the area including the glaciers lining the upper valley. We are treated to scenery unrivalled by few rivers in the world and excellent whitewater to boot. Our gorgeous riverside camps allow us to camp and eat in style.
Spectacular camps (and heli flight)
As we journey up the West Coast and start to leave the beautiful Southern Lakes region, you will get to stay and play in Fox Glacier. Perhaps a skydive or a glacier flight, and eat dinner overlooking the stunning mountains. As we reach Hokitika, there will be an opportunity to visit some incredible artists who carve out Greenstone (pounamu). We guarantee you’ve never seen such unique, stunning works of art. Finally, you will take the stunning Scenic Rail Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch to conclude this stunning adventure.
Scenic train journey
Water By Nature offers a unique experience of the Southern Lakes Region and New Zealand with a local “kiwi” as your guide. Should you journey to this remarkable land, you’ll find your trip is far more than a vacation. It’s an incredible way to gain personal and intimate insight into this unique country, its history and passion for adventure.
Do you hear the Southern Lakes calling your name? Join us on this special New Zealand holiday by securing your spot on our next trip in late March 2022.
by Hamish McMaster
Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.
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