We’ll kick-off with two nights in Wellington, where we’ll start our adventure with a fun-filled bike ride along the Rimutaka Rail Trail. No serious cycling here – just the pure joy of feeling the wind in your hair and pretending you’re a Tour de France contender.
The next day, we’ll board a ferry and sit back as we sail to the South Island. Then it’s time to lace up your hiking boots for a 50km trek along the stunning Queen Charlotte Track.
For three days, be prepared for jaw-dropping views, pristine sandy bays, lush coastal forests, and ridge-top panoramas. No need to worry about lugging your gear – our luggage will be whisked away ahead of us each day, so you’ll only need to carry a day pack. Each night, you’ll enjoy warm showers, chef-prepared meals, and comfy beds.
While in the Sounds we’ll also dabble in a spot of sea kayaking, looking out for seals and stingrays as we paddle along. Not tired yet? That’s good, as we’ll cap off our week with a leisurely bike (or roadster) ride through Marlborough’s world-famous wine region. What could possibly go wrong!
Finally we’ll end our amazing New Zealand tour as we started, on a rail trail, however, this time we’ll sit back and enjoy one of the worlds most scenic rail journeys as we meander the gorgeous Pacific Coast by Rail.
Wellington – Christchurch, NZ
28 January 2025
If you are flying with the group, once we’ve collected our bags we’ll be transferred to the hotel. If you are arriving independently of the group, we shall meet you at the hotel. Let’s go out to dinner tonight to toast to the days ahead.
O/N Wellington 2 nights
After breakfast we’ll get whisked away to go and explore the Remutaka Ranges’ captivating rail history and stunning natural scenery by bike (ebike or pedal, you choose). The Remutaka Cycle Trail is perfect for riders of all levels and can be tailored to our preference, with easy to moderate riding. We’ll glide through lush native forests, cross charming bridges, and pass through historic tunnels while soaking in breathtaking views of the landscape and remnants of the old railway system. We’ll have a tasty picnic lunch at the Summit before enjoying a thrilling descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, an area renowned for some of New Zealand’s most picturesque farmland.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the sites of Wellington.
O/N Wellington
You can have a leisurely morning, or if you are a Lord of the Rings Fan you may like to rise early to take a half-day tour. However, be back ready for our 1.00pm sailing between the islands. The journey takes about 3.5hours and is quite spectacular as the last hour is through the Marlborough Sounds.
We’ll be able to walk to our accommodation from the ferry, check in and prepare our gear for our hike starting tomorrow. You don’t need to take all your luggage with you on the hike, we suggest taking a back-pack to carry your daily items in eg lunch, water, wet weather gear etc and a weekend bag to carry your spare clothes, toiletries etc. which will be taken each day by boat to the next destination
The local pub is a great place for dinner tonight (own expense)
O/N O/N Picton
After breakfast pack your lunch and we’ll head down to the wharf to catch the 10am boat from Picton to Ship Cove.
There are no roads that will get us to the track, so sit back and enjoy the beautiful views for the one-hour boat ride.
Our walk begins at the end of the jetty at Ship Cove. Have your phones and cameras ready as from this point on you will have so many ‘wow’ moments.
The historical significance of the area will leave you in awe when you consider these were the first steps that Captain Cook and his crew would have taken when they sailed into the Sounds in 1770. Imagine the contrast for those sailors from their homes in Georgian England to the lush vegetation of the Sounds; they must have thought they had found paradise. Today we’ll walk 15km to our accommodation, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views
O/N Furneaux Lodge with two-course dinner in the restaurant featuring local produce.
Today is our easiest day on the track as we walk along the shoreline through to regenerated forest. We will see evidence of the clearing of trees for farmland which started in the mid-19th century. The land clearing and introduction of non-native animals saw the ecology of the area damaged. It soon became clear that farming was never going to be viable in the Sounds and the land was left to regenerate. The forests grew back at a rapid rate so that we can enjoy the natural beauty of native forests again today. We finish our walk on arrival at Camp Bay.
O/N Punga Cove with alfresco dinner tonight.
We will start early today as this is the longest and toughest walk of the track. There is an option to take the boat instead, for a $50 fee (decide on the day). This is not a race we will take our time and take plenty of breaks in some of the most stunning locations on the track. We start the day with a steady hill climb and will potentially look down at the cloud line below us – be prepared to take some spectacular photos.
Today’s hike will see many inclines and declines as we follow the ridge line. In parts we leave the national park and enter private land, and if we are lucky we’ll meet a local farmer who will be keen for a chat as they go about maintaining the track for future generations. We finish the day at Portage Bay. O/N Portage Hotel. Dinner is served on the deck watching the sun set over beautiful Torea Bay.
O/N Portage Hotel
We’ll give our weary legs a rest and let our arms do the work as we give sea kayaking a go. We’ll be met by our guide, and receive a full safety briefing and lesson before we kit up and head out into the bays. Do not be concerned if you have not kayaked before, this is not technically difficult and it won’t take long for you to work in rhythm with your kayaking partner.
We’ll paddle to some of the most beautiful, serene bays on the Sounds and stop for lunch at a cafe on the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife both on land and sea.
We’ll return to Picton late afternoon and check back into our accommodation. We’ll all sleep well tonight!
O/N Picton (2 nights)
Today we will pick up our bikes and head along quiet country roads visiting vineyards, chocolate makers, brewers and more with the Wither Hills ranges as a dramatic back-drop. We could stop for lunch at Geisen Winery and sample their wines paired with lunch in their lovely courtyard. We’ll learn all things wines today from growing to tasting, so be ready to learn . . . and ride!
With a well-deserved rest this morning and a leisurely morning in Picton, we will take our final journey in New Zealand. This time a very picturesque and relaxing train ride to Christchurch. With the Pacific Ocean almost lapping at its wheels and the Kaikōura ranges rising majestically above, the Coastal Pacific is undoubtedly one of the world’s best train journeys. From craggy coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops to modern vineyards and rustic farmsteads, the Coastal Pacific journey cruises through the full spectrum of New Zealand culture and character. Arriving in Christchurch late afternoon, giving us time to check in to our final hotel and head out for our farewell dinner.
O/N Christchurch
Today our tour comes to an end and it is time to say goodbye to the Kiwis. Depart any time after breakfast.
Meet Kerri, our office Wonder Woman!
Fearlessly taking on any challenge, Kerri works closely with Suzanne to curate unforgettable travel experiences for ICON Adventure clients. This dynamic duo can handle any situation, including the odd tricky one, to ensure your travel experience is seamless and worry-free.
Starting with Flight Centre in the 90s, Kerri has worked with various retail and wholesale travel companies. She has spent the last 20 years in local tourism and event management but is enthusiastically back working as a travel consultant (or Adventure Wizz as we like to call her).
Kerri’s contagious passion for exploration shines. From hiking the parks and forests of her local area, to sharing insider tips and planning international adventures, her enthusiasm for travel is evident in all she does.
