Accommodation

We camp out in beautiful locations, away from the tourist crowds, by lakes, mountains and oceans.You will wake up amazing sunrises, views of snow capped peaks and the sounds of the ocean. If you fancy a break from the canvas then cabin upgrades are also available for a small fee - all are located in the same location as the tents so you’re still totally involved.

Others

- Wine Tasting: The Marlborough region is known for its wines, especially the Sauvignon Blanc which is internationally recognised for their beautiful crisp flavour and distinctive summer citrus aromas. The drinks are on us in our specially arranged wine tasting experience. - Hikes: Each day we have great walks lined up for those interested ranging from 10 minutes to hours in length.

Guide

There are TWO great guides on every trip to ensure you are well looked after. Flying Kiwi has one of the best guide to passenger ratios in New Zealand!

Transport

We travel in custom-built, private vehicles.

Meals

During the Wild West tour you will enjoy a variety of meals leaving you more money to spend on the things you want to be doing! We make an effort to include tasty. healthy meals on all our trips. Be prepared for tasty treats including fresh coffee and our legendary pancakes. We include more meals than other tours leaving you with more spending money and dining together is the perfect way to get to know your fellow passengers.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Optional activities are additional to your trip cost and can be booked as you travel

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Queenstown - Lake Hawea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Queenstown - Lake Hawea

Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi Adventure! Departing at 10:00am, we’ll leave the thrills and spills of Queenstown behind as we travel past mountains and on towards stunning glacial lakes and calmer shores. On the final stretch to camp we’ll get views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Hawea is just over the next ridge and it’s on the edge of this glacial lake that we find our next wilderness camp at Lake Hawea where we can enjoy great views of the lake and the mountains beyond as we absorb the beauty of the area.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Multiple walking options

Bike rides: Hawea River Track (12 km), Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea (30km),

Optional Activities: Too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details)
Day 2 Lake Hawea – Fox Glacier
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lake Hawea – Fox Glacier

We’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at our lakeside camp and then we’re continuing north through Mt Aspiring National Park. Before we reach the West Coast, we’ll stop for a walk to the amazing Blue Pools, then head through the dramatic Haast Pass, on roads woven over braided rivers and huge glacier carved valleys. There are two more great walk options along the way, one through lush and ancient forests and the other through swampy vegetation, ending on the beach where it’s possible to spot Hector dolphins. Tonight, we’ll stay in the iconic Fox Glacier on the wild west coast.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Walks: Blue Pools, Ship Creek

Bike rides: Gladstone Track (13kms Return from Lake Hawea Camp), Fox Glacier Cycle Way (12kms Return from Fox Glacier Holiday Park)
Day 3 Fox Glacier - Punakaiki
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fox Glacier - Punakaiki

oday is your chance to explore one of NZ’s most unique and spectacular natural wonders – the Franz Josef Glacier. This staggeringly beautiful work of nature descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level. To get on the ice you must go up by helicopter but it’s possible to view the glacier via a stunning walk through the main valley. We also recommend taking a walk to Peter’s Pool for another incredibly scenic view. Before arriving at Franz Josef, we’ll take a highly recommended walk around Lake Matheson where crystal clear reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman make the perfect photo opportunity. Next, we’ll board the bus and continue up this spectacular coastal road to the quirky town of Hokitika, home of the Greenstone and a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir. Passing through Greymouth we’ll keep following the coast to Punakaiki where you’ll notice a change in the landscape as huge limestone cliffs appear and Nikau Palm trees become abundant. Our beach camp for tonight offers great sunsets, a beautiful river and incredible views of Paparoa National Park. The pancake rocks and blowholes are the main attraction in Punakaiki where limestone rocks are stacked on top of each other and ocean swells are forced through gaps in the rock creating a whale’s blowhole effect. This evening, explore a cavern with some glow worms hanging out in the dark and then enjoy a beverage at the local tavern. 

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Sunrise Lake Matheson

Bike rides: Trail to Lake Matheson (4.3kms one way), Bullock Creek trail (15 km)

Optional Activities: Punakaiki pancake rocks & blowholes (free)
Day 4 Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park

Before leaving Punakaiki we’ll take some time to explore part of the Paparoa National Park, walking along the Pororari river or cycling up Bullock creek road to visit a cave resurgence. Leaving mid-morning we’ll travel inland through the majestic Buller gorge and onto the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Situated in one of the sunniest areas of the country and home to heaps of beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sand beaches. We look forward to spending 2 nights at our perfectly located camp, close to the park entrance which makes it the ideal place to explore all corners of the stunning Abel Tasman.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Walks: Truman track        

Bike rides: Bullock Creek, Coastal ride to camp and Kaiteriteri bike park, Great Taste Trail

Optional Activities: Skydiving
Day 5 Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Abel Tasman National Park

Take time today to explore arguably the best beaches and clearest waters in New Zealand - there are excellent options for everyone here. You can walk, sail or kayak around the numerous golden bays and dive into the crystal-clear waters along the way. There will be plenty of chances for wildlife spotting (dolphins, seals and even Orcas!) and for those seeking a thrill, join the one in a lifetime canyoning experience!

Meals included: Breakfast

Walks: Abel Tasman National Park track     

Bike rides: Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park

Optional Activities: Kayaking, canyoning, sailing, water taxi / walk
Day 6 Abel Tasman National Park – Picton
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Abel Tasman National Park – Picton

Today is the final day of your tour. We’ll take a trip to Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park - Picton
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park - Picton

Today is the final day of your tour. First, we head to sunny Nelson, one of the sunniest areas of NZ and home to more than 350 working artists and craftspeople creating traditional, contemporary and Maori arts. Relax and enjoy the sunshine and café culture before we depart for wine country – Marlborough, home to some of the World’s best known grapes and where we’ll treat you to a free tasting in one of their best vineyards before your tour finishes in Picton.

Meals included: Breakfast

6 days tour

Wild West From Queenstown - Top Rated By National Geographic

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Wild West From Queenstown - Top Rated By National Geographic

Queenstown - Lake Hawea

Lake Hawea – Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier - Punakaiki

Punakaiki – Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park – Picton

Day 8: Abel Tasman National Park - Picton

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