Make your own way to Kaikoura, situated roughly halfway between Picton and Christchurch on the east coast of the South Island. On arrival, check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. This pretty seaside town has a holiday atmosphere, with an extensive foreshore footpath, many eateries and bars, and plenty to do including cultural tours, whale watching, scenic flights, short walks or simply relaxing while taking in the view.

Meals:  Nil

You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the cafes this morning, and pick up some supplies in town before setting off on your walk (lunch will be provided including sandwich or quiche, fruit, a slice and a drink). The Kaikoura Peninsula Walk is a loop track roughly following the coastline and its headlands, returning via the hilltops and a nature reserve to your starting point. With distinctive marker posts, it is easy to follow and takes you from sea level to cliff tops. Be sure to pause at each of the multiple viewpoints which provide excellent photo opportunities of the rugged Kaikoura Range, often snow-capped, and the picturesque hinterland behind the town. Informative interpretation panels at various locations along the way provide insight into the history, culture, flora and fauna of the region. There are optional side tracks to some of the rock platforms. Take some time there to watch birds and seals and explore the rock pools. (Keep an eye on the ocean as waves can catch you by surprise and take care to avoid disturbing any wildlife as birds are breeding over summer and seals can give you a nasty bite.) Allow three hours to comfortably complete the walk, including photo stops. You may like to linger and take a picnic lunch, or return to the township for a cafe lunch. If you do not have your own transport and have pre-booked a transfer with us, you will be transferred in the late afternoon to your cottage accommodation for tonight at Conway Flat.

Meals:  L,D

Once again the walking track begins at the front gate. Take your time today as there is a long stretch of beach to tread, with fascinating geological specimens from past eras. Buried tree trunks 8000 yrs old, fossilised crustacean tunnels, shells and layers of distinctive sediment are all visible. Looking out to sea, you might spot some marine life from the current era such as dolphins, whales or seals, the latter sometimes coming ashore to rest on the beach. Pass an ancient Maori campsite as you turn off the beach and climb to the cliff tops where sweeping views of the coastline await, from Banks Peninsula near Christchurch in the south to the Kaikoura Peninsula in the north where you stood yesterday. The track has several undulations from hereon, passing through gullies with huge protected old-growth native trees, crossing streams and winding through narrow canyons. Sleep tonight at another cosy farm cottage, lulled by the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Meals:  B,L,D

Hear some local stories this morning from one of the landowners while you are driven a short distance (about 20 mins) from the cottage to the start of today's walk. A steady ascent through pine forest then protected remnant beech and giant podacarp forest, where silver fern also grows, opens up as you reach a saddle in the ridgeline. The panoramic views in every direction from here are of mountains reaching the sea. You could be standing in a postcard. The route continues along the ridge with an optional scramble to Skull Peak summit. At 486m it is the highest point on the trail and while that does not seem very high, relative to the surrounding land it feels like you have your head in the clouds. The track winds its way back to sea level from here, crossing grazing land and passing through a conservation zone of native coastal bush. Arriving back at Ngaroma, where you started, around mid-afternoon (plan for around 3:00pm), your luggage awaits and trip arrangements end. Continue your onward travels from here, or return to Kaikoura with a pre-booked transfer (additional expense).

Meals:  B,L