Sandwiched between Kahurangi National Park (New Zealand’s newest park) and the Abel Tasman National Park, the beautiful Golden Bay area forms our base for this vacation.

AUTUMN FARM gay homestay near the village of Takaka will be the main accommodation, with day trips and longer expeditions setting out from here. There will be plenty of opportunity to relax in the comfortable ranch-style farmhouse and its extensive grounds, in the company of hosts Richard and Peter. Breakfasts and evening meals, with plenty of home-produced organic food, are included.

From here, an abundance of activities are possible. We do not have a fixed itinerary, as the weather can be unpredictable (a price to pay for the lush beauty of our country), so flexibility is an advantage. Also, with so many activities to choose from, we would like our groups to decide their preferences. Fitness is also an issue- some activities (particularly some tramping routes) require a good fitness level, but don’t worry- easier options are available.

Activities include:

Sea kayaking - The Abel Tasman National Park has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with forested hills dropping down to golden-sanded bays rich in wildlife. Taking a sea kayak for an overnight trip will be a highlight of this tour. We will be camping overnight on a sheltered beach, and close encounters with fur seals, or even dolphins, are likely!

Tramping - Kahurangi National Park is the second largest, and scenically most diverse national park in New Zealand, encompassing high mountain areas with bizarre limestone rock formations, undisturbed temperate rainforests, and dramatic wild coastlines. Various one to four day tramping trips are possible, from those suitable for anyone of moderate fitness to something to challenge the fittest of us!

The Heaphy Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular tramps (classed as a ‘Great Walk’ along with the Milford track by the Department of Conservation) for good reason- it is well made, and has no steep gradients, so is good for anyone of moderate fitness. It passes through a variety of wonderful mountain scenery, before reaching a final day of stunning coastal walking.

For people looking for more challenge, a traverse of the park’s highest peak, Mt. Owen, is a must. The tramp climbs up impossible- looking bluffs to a beautiful tarn for the first night’s camp, then over a bizarre limestone moonscape to the summit, then on to the Granity Pass hut for the second night. The final day descends down Ghost Valley, a must for keen botanists, then down Blue Creek Gorge to the deserted gold mining settlement of Courthouse Flat.

Other tramping possibilities include day trips to the summit of Mt Arthur, the park’s second highest peak, or to the entrance to Harwood’s Hole, an impressive 360m deep shaft in the limestone of Takaka Hill.

Paragliding - Golden Bay is a great spot to try tandem paragliding with a qualified instructor. We can arrange this, but the cost is not included in the tour.

Diving - Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay has the world’s clearest fresh water. A great half day trip is to drift-dive (snorkelling gear only) the spring’s outlet river, Fish Creek, for an exhilarating half-hour adrenaline rush! We will provide wet suits/ snorkelling gear.

For those wishing to try something more challenging, an introductory cave dive into Riwaka Spring can be arranged. The cost is not included in the tour, and a dive ticket is necessary.

Rock climbing - Some of the best rock in New Zealand is located just a few minutes walk from Autumn Farm. Whether you are an experienced climber, or a total beginner wanting to give it a try, there is something for you. There’s also a great swimming hole nearby in the river!

Canyoning - Walking and swimming through one of Kahurangi National Park’s most beautiful gorges- with a few short abseils thrown in! A memorable day trip for fit hikers.

Beaches - Doctor’s Beach is a gay clothes optional beach within easy reach of Autumn Farm for those in need of rest and relaxation (or even cruising!) For some great beach walks, the wild Wharariki beach offers stunning scenery, whilst the gentler coastline of Awaroa Inlet in the Abel Tasman park offers a more serene beauty, with a gourmet lunch at the Awaroa Lodge to finish it.

Farewell Spit wildlife tour - A must for Golden bay visitors, this 40km long spit at the very northern tip of the South Island is an internationally important bird reserve. A 4-WD vehicle takes you along the spit to the lighthouse, and to see tern colonies on the beach. A universally popular day trip.

The Good Life - In the event of a poor weather day, Golden Bay and the nearby Tasman Bay have plenty of vineyards to visit, for those people fond of the fruits of the vine. If chocolate is your thing, stopping at Rosie Glow handmade chocolate shop is a must (the best chocolates in the world, at least I think so!). There are also heaps of potteries and artists studios to visit, and one of the world's wackiest cinemas in Takaka!

Logistics

The Top of the South Adventure starts and ends in Wellington, from where we will travel to Nelson and then on to Takaka. We can arrange to pick clients up in Nelson if required. If you can’t manage the full 14 days, don’t worry - please talk to us, and arrange to join us for part of the holiday.

Included in the price:

• all transport from Wellington for the duration of the tour
• all accommodation, all meals except lunches (these will be provided on hiking trips though).
• all group activities, such as Farewell Spit nature tour, hiking, kayaking etc.
• local tax - 12.5%

Not included in the price:

• spending money (cafes, lunches etc).
• optional activities such as tandem paragliding

Prices and contents of the above Package are for guidance and subject to confirmation.