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Overview
With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, set off on an unforgettable hike along New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track. Over five days, you’ll join a local leader on walks to secluded bays, coves and native forest, learning about the region’s rich Maori history as you go. Venture through Nelson Lakes National Park, explore Abel Tasman National Park via kayak and finish each day at your cosy lodge accommodation – a perfect way to recharge your battery.
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Our Price From
A$1,956 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $561 per person
Trip Length
5 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Ends
Christchurch
Departures
Nov 2026 to Mar 2028
Countries Visited:
Trip Style
Original
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
PHXQ
Itinerary
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Christchurch with a welcome meeting at 8 am this morning. If you arrive a few days early, maybe stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to see the native plants or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. After your meeting, your trip starts straight away as you make your way to Hanmer Springs in the Lewis Pass National Reserve. When you arrive, set off on the Conical Hill Walk for panoramic views over the town, forest and mountains. After a bite to eat, travel to Saint Arnaud – a small alpine village in the Tasman district where you’ll spend the night.
Explore Experiences
Christchurch
Hanmer Springs
This morning, set off on the Mt Robert Circuit. This loop track takes you around the northern face of Pourangahau (Mount Robert) and offers beautiful views over Lake Rotoiti. After your hike, jump back on the bus and head to Marahau – a seaside resort in the Tasman Region. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe go for a swim at the nearby beach or find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Kaikoura
After breakfast, take a water taxi to Anchorage – the starting point for today’s hike. From here, you’ll walk the final part of the Abel Tasman Coast track, ending back at your base from the night before. Along the way, take in the coastal views and look for native birds like fantails and wood pigeons. Depending on what time you arrive back in Marahau, maybe rent a kayak and paddle along the Falls River to finish off your memorable day in Abel Tasman.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Abel Tasman
Travel to Malborough Sounds – an extensive network of sheltered inlets, clear waters, sandy bays and forested hills at the northern end of the South Island. When you arrive in Picton, head out on a water taxi to Anakiwa – a coastal residential village on the Queen Charlotte Track. From here, walk the track to tonight’s accommodation situated in the secluded surroundings of Lochmara Bay. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Picton
Marlborough Sounds
This morning, board a water taxi to Kaipupu Sancturary – a nature conservation reserve. When you arrive, set off on a short loop track around the sanctuary. After, drive down the east coast of the South Island to Kaikoura – a coastal town known for its wildlife. Take a pitstop on your way out of town to see a local fur seal colony. Then, continue to Christchurch. When you arrive later this afternoon, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track with a local leader. Weave your way through some of the most beautiful scenery of the South Island and learn about the region’s history.
- Explore Nelson Lakes National Park as you hike the Mt Robert Circuit. Take in the coastal views over Lake Rotoiti as you walk around the northern face of Pourangahau (Mount Robert).
- Walk the final part of the Abel Tasman Coast track and look for native birds like fantails and wood pigeons along the way. Maybe rent a kayak or simply relax by the beach in Marahau in your free time.
- Rest your head each night at your cosy lodge accommodation in the heart of New Zealand’s best National Parks.
- Take a water taxi through Malborough Sounds – an extensive network of sheltered inlets, clear waters, sandy bays and forested hills at the northern end of the South Island.
- Hotel (4 nights)
- Private vehicle, Water Taxi
- 4 Breakfasts included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Operator
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)
Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
GJ Loyalty Discount
Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!
Friday
06 Nov 2026
06 Nov 26
Christchurch
Tuesday
10 Nov 2026
10 Nov 26
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,595
A$2,034
Save $561
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
Christchurch
Tuesday
15 Dec 2026
15 Dec 26
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,595
A$2,034
Save $561
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
15 Jan 2027
15 Jan 27
Christchurch
Tuesday
19 Jan 2027
19 Jan 27
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,570
A$2,015
Save $555
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
12 Feb 2027
12 Feb 27
Christchurch
Tuesday
16 Feb 2027
16 Feb 27
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,570
A$2,015
Save $555
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
12 Mar 2027
12 Mar 27
Christchurch
Tuesday
16 Mar 2027
16 Mar 27
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,495
A$1,956
Save $539
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
22 Oct 2027
22 Oct 27
Christchurch
Tuesday
26 Oct 2027
26 Oct 27
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,445
A$2,396
Save $49
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
19 Nov 2027
19 Nov 27
Christchurch
Tuesday
23 Nov 2027
23 Nov 27
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,445
A$2,396
Save $49
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
17 Dec 2027
17 Dec 27
Christchurch
Tuesday
21 Dec 2027
21 Dec 27
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,445
A$2,396
Save $49
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
14 Jan 2028
14 Jan 28
Christchurch
Tuesday
18 Jan 2028
18 Jan 28
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,445
A$2,396
Save $49
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
11 Feb 2028
11 Feb 28
Christchurch
Tuesday
15 Feb 2028
15 Feb 28
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,445
A$2,396
Save $49
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
10 Mar 2028
10 Mar 28
Christchurch
Tuesday
14 Mar 2028
14 Mar 28
Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,445
A$2,396
Save $49
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
