The Rivers Deep and Mountains High of Stunning New Zealand

Spend the day with our favourite guide and friend – a multi-talented chef, outdoorsman, tracker, hunting guide and repository of Māori food knowledge, Tom is passionate about sharing the magic of the New Zealand bush and introduces guests to the Kaimanawa Ranges, where they can participate in the traditional food preparation and cooking of the hangi (feast), or just sit back with a drink and preserve energy for the walk through the Orakei Korako Thermal Reserve afterwards.

Take a 30-minute guided stroll through the rain forest of the Hokitika Gorge before boarding a luxury AirBus H 125. Fly through the Whitcombe valley, watching the forests, rivers, waterfalls, wild game mountains and glaciers pass by before landing at Mt Beaumont for a view of the West Coast from the top of the world. Fly amongst the Southern Alps then land for a picnic at Lyal Glacier, before a lakeside walk through the eerily beautiful landscape.

Famously harder than steel, Pounamu is widely considered the ‘soul stone’ of New Zealand and a taonga (treasure) within Māori culture. To see it worked in the hands of a master carver is breathtaking. Join our local master pounamu carver and expert, on a guided walk along the sacred Arahura River as he shares ancient legends and helps you find New Zealand’s most coveted treasure.

Experience the beautiful, sheltered waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sounds on a 75-year-old Kauri classic launch called “Tutanekai”. Be treated to stories of the area and some shellfish gathering to eat with lunch onboard. Your guides are the old school kaitiaki (guardians) of the area and have an unrivalled depth and breadth of knowledge of the history and ecology of the Sounds.

Join Malcolm from Top Catch Charters for a fun-packed fishing trip on the Kaikōura coastline to catch your kai moana (seafood) ingredients. Then spend the afternoon with ex-Masterchef Fiona Read at Hapuku Kitchen and learn the skilful art of preparing and cooking your own fresh catch, before sitting down with a glass of local wine or beer to enjoy your well-earned feast.

As one of our favourite personal guides, Beau has looked after hundreds of clients from all over the world for nearly forty years. His passion and knowledge of the Southern Lakes area is second to none. Skippers Canyon is an historic and scenic gorge, and your guide has in-depth knowledge as to the history and geology of the river and canyon. The morning and early afternoon are spent in the canyon, finishing with a trip to historic Arrowtown for a relaxing drink.