Two Day Wilderness Expeditions ~ Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki, NZ

We conduct our wilderness expeditions in the back-country of the Paparoa National Park. These tours weave our storylines into the depths of the forested valleys, caves and mountains of the National Park. Clients are required to supply some of their own equipment and a full list of what you/we supply is available upon your request. These tours are fully catered.

Tour 4: Inland Pack Track (2 days)

This tour includes exploring the Fox River Caves.
We will be camping under the Ballroom Overhang.

Day 1:
Travel up the densely forested Fox River hearing stories of the past and discovering who has trodden these trails before us, learn why they came to this rugged and isolated place ad how they made their livings. We’ll introduce you to the limestone syncline and the geological formation of New Zealand from it’s origins on the supercontinent ‘Gondwana’ and you’ll explore the underworld of the Fox River Caves. Here we discuss the creation of the natural features and wildlife within the cave systems of the Paparoa National Park. Day 1 has plenty of adventure as you walk through the temperate rainforest, exploring the depths of a limestone cave system and camping beneath the natural limestone arches of the Ballroom Overhang.

Day 2:
Continuing along the historic Inland Pack Track we journey through some beautiful rainforest scenery and take advantage of the quiet surrounds to learn more of the flora and fauna surrounding us. You will spend the day hearing about and discussing the unique wildlife of New Zealand introducing you to some of the various mammals that have become extinct over the last few centuries. Though our stories may sound deep and intense they are filled with humour and our guides are all here to have fun, just like you.

If you are interested to hear more about this tour and/or request a list of equipment provided/required, please contact us.

Duration: 2 days
Age/physical requirements: medium standard of fitness required
What you will need to bring: A full list of equipment is available upon request
Departure times: Available on request, bookings essential
Price: $480 per person

Tour 5: Mt Bovis Track (2 days)

This tour takes you deep into the Paparoa National Park to climb to the summit of Mt Bovis. It’s a good challenging uphill walk so a high standard of fitness is required. The adventure is inspiring and views from the mountains and ridgelines are mind-blowing. We like to camp adventurously either under the stars in the sub alpine area or under the forest canopy below the alpine tree-line, location is dependant upon the weather and conditions.

Day 1:
The day begins by driving into the back-country where we introduce you to the Paparoa National Park. You’ll hear the story of the geological formation of New Zealand and subsequent creation of the limestone formations of the area. We’ll begin introducing plant species and provide valuable insights and stories into how New Zealand was colonized firstly by Maori and secondly by Europeans.

Be prepared for uphill walking through some of the loveliest temperate rainforests you will ever see. Our goal for Day 1 is reaching the sub-alpine area where the views open out to the Southern Alps in the east and the Tasman Sea to the West. We will enjoy the sunset and views with a delicious meal and sample some New Zealand wine before settling down to sleep the night in the great outdoors.

Day 2:
Rising with the sun and birds we’ll have a cooked breakfast then embark to the summit of Mt Bovis. We’ll travel light and with a packed lunch and snacks to enjoy from the tops. The photo opportunities here are exceptional and we will be taking our time to enjoy the adventures along the way. Spending a reasonable time at the summit where we will have our lunch we’ll then begin our descent in the early afternoon. Returning to Punakaiki Village in perfect time for dinner.

If you are interested to hear more about this tour and/or request a list of equipment provided/required, please contact us.

Duration: 2 days
Age/physical requirements: high standard of fitness required, uphill climbing and navigation of difficult terrain. A real adventure!
What you will need to bring: A full list of equipment is available upon request
Departure times: Available on request, bookings essential
Price: $480 per person

Natures Tours reserves the right to cancel any trip due conditions or lack of reservations.