After a hearty breakfast and relaxed start to the morning, we have an adventure planned that will knock your socks off – a fun jet boat ride through the winding Rakaia Gorge! Jet boats were originally invented by New Zealander Bill Hamilton to navigate our narrow, shallow rivers. You’ll be jetting down rapids, braided river sections and through shallow water just six inches deep in places. This thrilling, yet safe activity is suitable for the whole family. Then we’ll head to Peel Forest for a hike amongst ancient podocarp trees and many varieties of ferns. Many of New Zealand’s athletes, including our famous rugby team, the All Blacks, wear the fern as a national symbol.
After lunch, we’ll travel inland to Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and Lake Pukaki – an unreal turquoise-blue-coloured glacial lake. Tonight, the wide open spaces, regular clear evenings and lack of artificial light provide us with the perfect opportunity to gaze at the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations, including the southern cross.
Accommodation: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 98 feet (30 meters) ascent, 98 feet (30 meters) descent