Step off the plane in Christchurch, the South Island's garden city, and into the  care of your Black Sheep guide. Freshen up at your accommodation, then head out and explore: stroll amongst the  Botanical Gardens; visit the galleries and museums; hire a punt on the Avon; or enjoy a coffee while watching the tide of people flow by. At dinner (included this evening), socialize with your fellow travelers and discuss your upcoming trip.

Day 2:  Marine Encounters
We head north to Kaikoura, a stunning seaside town and marine-life Mecca. Hike on the Kaikoura Peninsula surrounded by magnificent views of the sea and mountains as you wind past intriguing limestone formations and fur seals lounging on the rocks. There's time in the afternoon to embark on one of many optional marine-life adventures: swim with dolphins or fur seals, go whale-watching or take a scenic, pelagic birdwatching trip offshore. This evening, explore Kaikoura's atmospheric restaurants and cafes on your own where you can sample the local specialty, crayfish (lobster), against the backdrop of the bay. 

Day 3: From Water to Wine
We bid Kaikoura farewell and travel northwest through the Marlborough wine region, the origin of some of the world's best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays. Enjoy a vineyard lunch and wine-tasting in a gorgeous setting and take a short hike through a thick stand of native beech forest before continuing on to the sun-drenched Nelson region. We settle into our accommodation near the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 4: Abel Tasman Escape
Today, we sea kayak and hike along the stunning shoreline of arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Aquamarine waters, temperate forest, golden sand beaches--no arguments here. At the end of the day, note how the colloquialism 'Good day, mate' rolls off your tongue. 

Day 5:  West Coast Wonderland
Resuming our journey, we stop for a walk in the spectacular Nelson Lakes region before emerging onto the wild and woolly West Coast. View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving trip, or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs. Afterward, we travel along spectacular coastline to our accommodation at the edge of the Paparoa National Park. 

Day 6:  Take a Walk on the Wild Side
We spend the day hiking and exploring the lush rainforests and dramatic coastline of the region. Take time to view the intriguing Pancake Rocks, with impressive surge pools and blow holes, and enjoy the work of the local artisans here. Optional activities include canoeing through a limestone gorge and horsetrekking on a pristine beach. Enjoy a second peaceful night here.

Day 7: Glacial Glory
Heading south to New Zealand's spectacular glacier region, thank yourself for choosing a guided trip, as you can't take your eyes off the scenery--a serious no-no on these roads. We stop in the alpine village of Franz Josef to view the glacier there and to learn about this dynamic environment before settling into your accommodation in the sister village of Fox. You're left free this evening to explore.

Day 8: Beauty on Ice
Today's adventure is a thrilling half-day heli-hike on Fox Glacier. Our helicopter lands us on a remote part of the glacier, where the forces are hardest at work creating beautiful ice caves and arches. With specially designed crampons, we follow our glacier guide on a voyage of discovery in this ever-changing environment. On our return, relax or explore the number of hiking trails in the area, including a remarkable stand of old-growth rainforest surprisingly close to the glacier's path. 

Day 9: Queenstown Bound
Hike around the peaceful, reflective water of a glacial kettle lake, then head south to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. On the way, explore hidden trails and secluded waterfalls. Make a note to buy an additional memory card for your camera. 

Day 10: Mother Nature on Steroids
Because there are so many things to do in Queenstown to cater to your diverse interests, the day is free for you to pick and choose whatever optional activities you desire. For a real thrill, your guide can arrange for you to try any number of adventures that make Queenstown famous, be it white water rafting, parapenting, tandem skydiving, or even Queenstown's trademark adventure, bungy jumping. If you would prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of more relaxing activities, too. Tonight, we gather for our farewell dinner to reminisce about our trip and celebrate the friendships we've made.