| Start: Christchurch Visitors Centre 8.00am, Finish: Christchurch 7.00 pm Length: 10 days Grade: Medium + Additional Cost : $25 per day kitty / optional activities. Highlights: Gaze in wonder at the immensity of whales in their natural environment and enjoy the antics of dolphins and seals. Watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean from the summit of Mt Fyffe in the rugged Kaikoura range. Sea kayak the clear blue waters of Marlborough Sounds. Birdwatch in a 'mainland island' reserve and swim in crystal clear lakes and rivers. Wander through dappled sunlight in beech forest and get to know quirky alpine plants. Hike along a rocky alpine ridge with views of glacial lakes, climb a craggy peak and follow a cascading mountain stream in Nelson Lakes National Park. Enjoy the thrills of rafting the mighty Buller River. Explore a bizarre karst landscape sculptured by glaciers and water, where scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed, and gaze at a mountainous panorama from the summit of Mt Owen in Kahurangi National Park. Day 1: Drive to Kaikoura for a whale watching trip ($100). Begin overnight hike in the Kaikoura range. 2 hours hiking Day 2: Climb to the summit of Mt Fyffe (1765m), then hike out via Kowhai River. Camp beside beach. 6 hours hiking Day 3: Sea kayak in Marlborough Sounds ($65). Visit vineyard for lunch. Drive to Nelson Lakes NP. 4 hours kayaking Day 4: Begin 3-day hike in Nelson Lakes NP. Hike along rocky alpine ridge to Lake Angelus hut. 7 hours hiking Day 5: Climb Mt Angelus (2084m), explore the surrounding area, swim in the lake, or relax at the hut. 4 hours hiking Day 6: Hike down Hukere Stream and around Lake Rotoiti returning to the vehicle. 7 hours hiking Day 7: Raft the Buller River ($85) or do short bush walks and swimming. Explore gold mining relics. 4 hours rafting Day 8: Begin 3-day hike in Kahurangi NP. Climb though beech forest to sub-alpine Granity Pass Hut. 5 hours hiking Day 9: Climb Mt Owen (1875m), explore karst landscape, camp in alpine basin. 6 hours hiking Day 10: Hike down through beech forest, drive back to Christchurch via Lewis Pass and Maruia hot pools. 4 hours hiking
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