S2SiNew Zealand: Pacific Coast Journey
“The land of the long white cloud” has long been known as the adventure capital of the world. There from the start, they invented the bungy jump, the jet boat and made heli-skiing and skydiving accessible to the masses. Nowhere on earth does such dramatic and wild scenery meet with such pioneering and adventurous activity providers. Come and join us for the most spectacular and fast-paced descent from the mountaintops of the Southern Alps to the volcanic harbours of the Pacific Coast. This trip is all about accessing the wilderness and challenging the true you!
Itinerary
Day 1: Thermal pools and Mountain retreat
Arriving at Christchurch airport, you will be met by our drivers and taken for the short 1-hour drive to your luxury accommodation in the Thermal Mountain Resort of Hanmer Springs. Having the day to yourselves you can relax and unwind in the thermal springs or enjoy one of the many jet-lag therapies on offer in the Spa complex. Then after an evening meal with your in-country hosts you’ll settle down with the backdrop of the spectacular scenery you are about to get up close and personal with over the next few days.
Day 2: Final briefings, Helicopter ride in and Snow travel
Waking up fully recharged, the morning sees a final kit-check and briefing in the hotels conference facilities. Then after a light lunch it’s into the helicopters to be dropped straight into the trip of a lifetime. Landing directly onto the snow covered slopes of Mt Lyford, it’s all down hill from here! An afternoon of snow travel will culminate in you building your very own ice cave accommodation - with a little help from the local guides!
Day 3: Climbing frozen waterfalls and Mountain Biking through wild valleys
Waking up in the mountainside you will be met with a hot cup of tea and a hearty breakfast “slope- style”. A morning of descending frozen waterfalls and rocky gullies will see you into the wild and remote Clarence valley. Amongst braided riverbanks straight from the cover-shot of an outdoor magazine, you will swap you boots for bikes, as our guides will take you down fast graded single tracks. Through woods and over moorland you follow the Clarence River to your overnight camp at the Ravine wilderness hut, deep in the valley.
Day 4: Awake on the banks of the river in true wilderness - White Water Rafting
As the morning mist rises to reveal the snow-capped mountains that dominate the scenery, you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime white-water rafting trip. Through high-sided gorges you navigate your raft down the class 3 and 4 rapids of the Clarence River. This is totally unique to S2Si. This section of river is too remote to be commercially run by any other providers.
You’ll end your day, tired and a bit wet, but with huge smiles, to find your luxury beach camp all set up where you’ll enjoy a hot drink (and possibly something stronger!). Whilst you relax by the fire we’ll serve up your well-deserved evening meal under the stars, leaving you free to regale stories of daring-do and reflect on the previous days events.
Day 5: Today you go solo - in your own White Water Kayak!
We give you your very own kayak today in which to navigate your way down the remainder of the river and out into the Pacific Ocean. After a brief introduction, you’ll ride the rapids until the river changes it’s nature and opens out into friendly braids. In the placid waters of the estuary you get to relax, soak up the sea air and watch the seals as albatrosses soar overhead. Then you kayak surf into camp with your very own ocean view and a Beach BBQ, S2Si style!
Day 6: The final leg of the journey - Sea Kayaking and Ocean Sailing
A short Sea Kayak takes you out to a magnificent 47ft Yacht moored offshore. As you board you’ll be greeted by the captain and set to work; as you will crew the yacht south towards the finish line. Amongst the dramatic Pacific coastline you’ll sail past pods of resident Dusky Dolphins and possibly spot a Sperm Whale or two as you cross their well-used feeding grounds, before over-nighting on board the boat itself.
Day 7: The Finish line!
The ocean journey ends as you sail into the calm waters of 
Akaroa harbour. This extinct volcano crater is now home to a picturesque fishing village and marina. After docking on the wharf, you will have the opportunity to swim with the extremely rare “hectare’s” Dolphins, before being taken back to your luxury hotel in Christchurch City, feeling completely elated. Here the champagne will flow as you celebrate in style at the top of the Gondola Restaurant with a stunning 360° view of the phenomenal journey you have just completed!
Day 8: Transit back home
With one final breakfast with the backdrop of the mountains and the sea you will return refreshed to the international airport and your flight home.
Post Trip - stay on!
There are so many exciting things to do in New Zealand after the expedition and we appriciate that for some, New Zealand is the other side of the world! We would always encourage people to extend their stay, afterall, you have paid for a flight and you want to maximise your time and enjoyment in New Zealand! Our in-country guides have lots of ideas as to what to do and where to stay if you want to extend your trip by a few weeks.
Therefore as a unique service, and once you sign-up, we will give you the hotline email to our New Zealand consultant to discuss the possibilities. They are endless and the list of things to do and see is bottomless; he may even be able to sort you out with a discounted price on hire vehicles of all shapes and sizes!
Click Here to obtain Advice & help in choosing S2Si New Zealand!
Special Offer: New Zealand 2010. 8 limited edition places available on the Pilot Expedition.
Check all other dates and prices for New Zealand 2010
Sign up now
Flights
It is best to fly to Christchurch and you can fly direct from most international airports.
All participants are responsible for booking their own flights / transport to the start point of the expedition. The start of the expedition is Christchurch. We will confirm the exact time nearer the start date. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
The start date of your expedition is listed on the web site, or just call us! S2Si staff aim to meet you at the arrival airport in their polo shirts. We will collect you at no additional cost if you arrive up to one day before the start of the expedition, however you will be responsible for any extra accommodation or food you require before the expedition starts.
Do not forget to send us your personal flight details, call us if you have any questions or need any advice.