Discover remote pristine river environments and the very best of New Zealand's South Island Wilderness. Guided by professional hosts who have spent years unearthing the most scenic and remote wilderness areas otherwise unvisitable. Develop outdoor skills and awareness, switch off from work and reconnect with family and friends and most importantly yourself. Enjoy a professionally organised expedition from start to finish, a truly life changing and highly unique experience far from the beaten track.
Arrive into Queenstown
Choose through us how you arrive into Queenstown
We will ensure your travel preferences are in keeping with the arrangements we have made for you and we will make it easy to maximise the experiences you have chosen through us.
If you have arrived a day or two prior to your expedition adventure, opt for our specially curated self-drive journey and explore the hidden gems and secluded spots of Queenstown and its surrounds. We will arrange for a comfortable and spacious 4×4 vehicle to be dropped off to you for you to simply jump in and drive!
Allow us to take you on a journey of the most fantastic and scenic areas of the region, all details organised for you to enjoy and discover. Allow us to incorporate those ‘wish-list’ experiences you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time, so we can create long-lasting memories and a truly personalised journey to maximise your stay in Queenstown. See further down for a sneak peak at an example self-drive itinerary to add on to your expedition adventure.
Day 1. Glenorchy to Pyke River via Helicopter Lift In
Our very experienced, local and professional guides will personally greet you at your accommodation to begin your expedition. Paul and Bob are highly experienced and passionate guides, instructors and even adventure racing champions. You could not be in better hands for an experience only professionals like Paul and Bob can deliver.
Sit back and relax as you get to know about their many experiences and encounters while they chauffeur you to Glenorchy on one of the worlds most scenic drives. Take in the incredible sights before you are prepared for your helicopter lift to the upper reaches of Pyke River.
Once landed in an area not often seen by human eyes, its time to inflate the rafts before paddling downstream through Lake Wilmot to your remote evening campsite. Before dinner, explore the waterfalls and perfect your fishing skills before a hearty evening meal, relaxing around a toasty camp fire. Sleep peacefully tonight in your own private teepee tent and prepare yourself for an action-packed day two.
Day 2. Pyke River through Lake Alabaster and Hollyford River
Continue your journey down the Pyke River through Lake Alabaster and into the Holly-ford River to finish at camp number two, perfecting your rafting skills on the way.
After establishing camp for the evening, take part in fishing and hiking opportunities nearby before a specially cooked evening meal over the fire. A time for shared stories and a summary of the days events before another peaceful sleep in uninterrupted wilderness.
Day 3. Lake McKerrow to Hokuri Hut / Martins Bay
After packing up camp at another beautiful overnight location its time to get back in the raft making your way to Lake McKerrow. Continuing across the lake to Hokuri Hut (or a privately owned hut at Martins Bay).
Spend the afternoon hiking or simply relax in the surroundings before a celebratory evening meal together of your hard work and group effort to navigate the Pyke River from Mountain to Sea. An evening to celebrate the achievement of the journey you have made together.
Day 4. Expedition Return Via Martins bay Beach
An early start and raft, or hike, to Martins Bay beach. Once at the beach, enjoy a stroll along the rugged and windswept coastline (with the possibility of seeing seals) as the guides prepare all the equipment for the heli lift out.
Be transported back to Glenorchy by helicopter with an optional diverted flight route over Milford Sound, the eight wonder of the world, a brilliant way to see one of our most incredible Fiords from an exclusive birds eye view.
Touch down in Glenorchy and allow your guides whom after this trip will become close family friends, transfer you back to your gorgeous evening accommodation to unwind, relax and reminisce on a truly amazing expedition creating new life long memories. Time to pat yourself on the back and tuck into a rich red or an ice cold beer.
Day 5. Queenstown Departure
Wow, an exhilarating, challenging but hugely rewarding experience like no other over an exciting four day – three-night wilderness experience in which you will know Queenstown and Pyke Hollyford much more intimately. Of course, your experience with us does not have to end here!
We can extend your stay in the region by curating a truly memorable journey that you, your partner, your family and friends will cherish for many years. Allow us, through our extensive network, to share with you the best local businesses, picturesque spots, hidden gems in small towns and forgotten history rich in the Queenstown region to show you the ‘real’ Queenstown, ‘real’ people and ‘real’ culture of the region that welcomes you as their own, you will never want to leave.
We can’t wait to see you there!
The focus of this expedition is to explore remote pristine river environments; paddling from the mountains towards the sea, along stunning lakes, by inflatable raft or kayak. Lifting by helicopter you will fly over glaciers, through magnificent rainforest-clad valleys and into the upper Pyke River, where your guides will make final preparations to the equipment, before commencing your expedition.
Expect an engaging yet peaceful experience as you gently paddle down slow-moving rivers, beneath towering glaciated mountains and across scenic lakes. Navigating and exploring the flat-water rivers and lakes is made easier utilising a small outboard motor. Your river journey continues through Lake Alabaster and into the Hollyford River system and eventually onto and across Lake McKerrow to the rugged, windswept and extremely beautiful West Coast beach. With no roads, the only way to access these breath-taking beaches is by boat or helicopter.
Your evening campsites for nights one and two will be situated beside the river where tents are pitched, and fires lit. Nestle into your sleeping bag after a physically and good-for-the-soul satisfying day and be lulled to sleep by the sound of water moving over river stones nearby. The final evening’s camp will be at a remote wilderness hut, where you can swap stories of the shared experiences you have had, that will in turn, form the life-long memories you take away.
Afternoons and evenings are special times where you can enjoy the luxury of slowing down and slipping out of your ordinary day-to-day routine. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring and viewing seldom-seen waterfalls, fishing, walking or simply relaxing with a good book. Your guide will prepare healthy and nutritious evening meals – cooked on the fire or a small stove – which can include any freshly caught trout. Then when nature’s night-time chorus joins the sounds of your stories and laughter, you can look forward to retiring to your tent for a well-earned rest.
On the final day, after packing and preparing the equipment, a helicopter will swoop in, collecting you from the beach to carry you back to civilisation, invigorated, inspired, and with magical shared memories to last a lifetime.
Paul Nicholson
Paul is Fresh Adventures’ Head of Enthusiasm, meticulous planner and procedures specialist. A motivational speaker, instructor, facilitator, guide, and South Island travel guru, he has co-founded Fresh Adventures with his Wanaka mate/neighbour/fellow wilderness appreciator Bob McLachlan.
Paul’s inspirational energy shines through every Fresh Adventures’ experience, whether he’s guiding in person or ensuring everything is ship-shape behind the scenes. His happy place is in supporting every individual to strive for their personal and professional best, a theme echoed throughout his action-packed career.
Paul’s a roll-your-sleeves-up-get-involved kind of guy and his journey began over 20 years ago in the 1990s at Methven Lodge. Here, Paul laid the foundations for his own brand of adrenaline-fuelled self- development, sending his backpackers on their way with more than the usual stones upturned. Out of this grew Rock + Ice Adventures, which sealed Paul’s reputation as the maestro of intense immersions in the natural world.
The fruits of this passion became the hugely successful Full On, founded in 2002. It grew to become a hub of Personal Empowerment Programmes dedicated to unearthing the true potential of the individual, operating at sites all around the world. Paul has forged a presence with corporate teams seeking impactful, imaginative courses and with individuals and their families for whom real adventure is about full-hearted participation.
In addition to his vast experience, Paul is a qualified ski instructor and heli ski touring guide; a rafting and bush craft guide; and a rock-climbing instructor. To this, he adds over 12 years of extensive training and certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). For Paul, the challenges and rewards of adventure provide peerless metaphors for life, in which every individual deserves to give their best shot.
Bob McLachlan
Paddling some form of boat has formed the cornerstone of Fresh Adventures’ co-founder Bob McLachlan’s life, as he grew up kayaking, before embarking on a career as a professional raft guide. Living the endless summer dream, he worked on some of the world’s most beautiful rivers, where he upgraded his skills and also his treasure trove of stories. Ask him to spin you a yarn about paddling Pavarotti down the river; chatting about life with Clint Eastwood, or Tom Petty; and what having the LA Philharmonic Orchestra on-board a raft in a canyon sounded like!
Bob turned his ‘day job’ into a sport and rafted competitively – winning New Zealand, Australasian and world championship titles in teams. His ‘down-time’ was spent on pioneering kayak missions descending remote and difficult stretches of water, where he earned himself the nickname Big Water Bob!
It is a rare sighting to find Bob behind a desk and he has spent his lifetime outdoors – where his ‘office’ was ever-changing – working internationally as a trekking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and canyoning guide.
Over the past decade, Bob has channelled all that experience into adventure racing around the globe and in 2017 became a world champ, winning the Cowboy Tough World Adventure Racing Championships in Wyoming, United States, with the all-Kiwi Team Seagate. Alongside Fresh Adventures, Bob runs his own business providing training programmes, plus coaching for multi-sport and adventure racing athletes and specialising in multi-sport kayak tuition.
The kind of practical man you would be happy to be stranded on a deserted island with, Bob is a qualified guide in rafting, pack rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking. He also holds advanced first aid qualifications.
Bob is a firm favourite with clients. An experienced and intuitive guide, he is passionate about guiding wilderness adventures that leave a lasting impression. He loves nothing more than helping clients escape their daily, stressful routines – down their mobile phones – and share good-for-the-soul outdoors experiences with their friends, family or colleagues. Although Bob’s emphasis is on enjoyment – professionalism and safety are at the forefront of all Fresh Adventures.
Fresh Adevntures specialise in world-class wilderness experiences in New Zealand’s beautiful backyard.
Regulated access is crucial to preserve these environments. Through a combination of committed investment and a proven respect for the land, Fresh Adventures possesses more exclusive location permits than any other New Zealand operator and, for certain areas, is sole concessionaire.
Together with the stringent safety licensing we hold– plus accreditation for every activity imaginable, from pack rafting and rock climbing through to glacier walking– this means we’re often able to host experiences quite literally unavailable elsewhere.
We regard these exclusive permissions as a huge privilege, both for us and for our clients. We’re guests of these lands and students of their teachings.
“I am a father, a husband, a son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend. These people are important to me, just as every person I am responsible for during Fresh Adventure experiences has people who are important to them back home. Life is precious, and this is what motivates me most when it comes to our approach to managing safety.” – Paul Nicholson, Founder
Travel halfway around the world when the best adventures can be had on home turf?
We offer quality, adventure expeditions (not technical, dangerous or with significant risk) in remote, great-outdoors environments. Think … hiking through breath-taking valleys; rafting rivers; climbing peaks; curling up in cozy huts; pitching tents; roasting marshmallows around a campfire … and sharing stories with your fellow adventurers. A Fresh Adventure is all the best things quintessentially Kiwi!
Run by top-notch professional guides and always involving a journey, our packages are chock-full of personality and authenticity. We take pride in ensuring they’re served with a generous dollop of wow-factor!
Our clients will finish a Fresh Adventure, feeling transformed by the challenging yet achievable experience. Wholesome, good for the soul and an opportunity to create epic memories – each one is once-in-a-lifetime special!
Except … you can do a fresh, Fresh Adventure again … and again … and again.
Extend your journey with us by choosing our excellently curated self-drive journey and explore Queenstown and its surrounds in a comfortable and spacious 4×4 vehicle, we will even arrange to have it dropped off to you! Take the path we have designed for you today to enjoy and discover our favourite hidden gems.
Begin your day by popping in to one of our many favourite local cafes for a freshly brewed hot drink of your choice, (Vudu Cafe & Larder, Yonder, Joe’s Garage, Bespoke Kitchen and Halo Forbidden Bite our our personal favourites) before taking the road out of Queesntown along State Highway 6 for a 20-minute drive to Lake Hayes.
Arrive for the perfect photo opportunity of a mirror-like lake, time to stretch your legs and breath in the fresh air. Whatever you do, don’t google this place before you arrive as to not spoil its unfathomable beauty. Beautiful trees and mountain views will have you pining for lake-side living.
Continue along the Lake Hayes-Arrowtown road for a further 5 minutes, passing Millbrook Resort before arriving in the charming old gold rush village of Arrowtown. Take your time to wander through the streets and explore the local shops and businesses that host an increddible array of Art’s & Craft’s, fashion, New Zealand wool, outdoors wear, wine, gold-rush inspired jewellery and many more. Oh and did we mention the Remarkable Sweet shop? An essential for classic Kiwi car snacks and quite possibly the best fudge in New Zealand.
After an enchanting visit, take a scenic 55-minute drive to Wanaka via Cardrona along the Crown Range road. A chance to visit the local distillery for that perfect artisan spirit to tuck into later-on and a photo opportunity at the famous Cardrona hotel.
Arriving in Wanaka, take time to enjoy lunch together and explore the town’s lakefront. Be sure to find the most photographed tree in New Zealand before driving to the Wanaka Lavender Farm. Be surrounded by the brightest fields of lavender and meet the friendly farm animals including the onsite Alpaca’s and Highland cows. Be sure to check out their magnificent shop full of Lavender Goodies and Lakes Honey delights. Don’t forget this is an opportunity to support your local farms and maybe consider buying some treats for your evening of relaxation.
Stomachs full and sense’s delighted, take the road out of Wanaka travelling through Luggate (be sure to ask us about stopping to view the Grand View bridge) along the Luggate-Cromwell road on a beautiful 55 minute drive, stopping along the Kawarau Gorge Road at the Roaring Meg power station. Be sure to bring your coat in the winter months, this impressive lookout packs quite a cold punch!
Continuing along the Kawarau Gorge Road, travel through the Gibbston Valley with cameras at the ready. Ask us about the gorgeous valley wineries and we will arrange something extra special just for you.
Continue into Queesntown after an incredible day of exploration, local delicacies and one the best self-drive route you’ll ever take.
October 15th – 18th
November 12th – 15th
This is an experience that has been designed to take the heavy lifting out of trying to decide where to go and what to do. Instead Love My New Zealand makes it easy within our huge network of premium partners along with our superb hosting skills to deliver an already designed journey that you can simply go and enjoy. Here is what we include for you and just so you know what may not be included.
Expedition Experience
Expeditions are 4 day / 3 night journeys that can be reduced to 3 day / 2 night journeys on request or alternatively extended to suit your schedule and capabilities.
Airport Meet and Greet and Hotel Transfer
Your guides will personally greet you on your arrival to Queenstown and ensure your transport to your luxury accommodation runs smoothly followed by an introduction and overview of itinerary, equipment sizing and other important aspects of your expedition.
Expedition Transfer and Helicopter
Transport to and from your expedition departure point in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter to ensure your comfort and safety. This also includes the helicopter lift in and lift out.
Professional Guides
Paul and Bob will be your professional guides for the duration of your expedition from hotel meet and greet, to expedition briefing, camp set up and experience activities. You could not be in better, more capable and enthusiastic hands.
Meals
All food is included during your expedition from lunch on your first day, to a hearty fish and chips on the final day. After so much adrenaline and energy, you can’t beat a Kiwi classic meal.
Expedition Camping
Teepee tents will be used as your accommodation / sleeping arrangement for the first and second evening followed by a private hut on your third evening. All equipment and sleeping bags is provided for you to rug up, tuck up and enjoy a peaceful sleep in the wilderness.
Safety and Raft Equipment
(I’ll send through a very detailed inclusions list in due course, however its fully inclusive and will have plenty of surprise and delights)
What’s Not Included?
Price Per Adult Shown in NZD inclusive of GST:
Please Note: Price dependant on group size, minimum 6 people.
3 day / 4 night expedition with heli lift in and out from $4, 599 – $4,999 p/p
3 day / 4 night upgraded expedition with heli lift in and out, scenic flight via Milford Sound plus dedicated gear raft, additional adventure guide, stretchers and tipi tents from $5, 599 (please note: this upgrade is not individual and must be made by the entire group)
Q. Are there any age restrictions?
A. 10 years and older is the recommended age limit, with a precursor being that expedition’s involve long days (roughly 5 hours paddling) and that kids need to be willing to be on a raft for up to 5 hours.
Q. Fitness requirements?
A. A reasonable level of fitness is required to contribute to river paddling and hiking. This is an achievable expedition for any individual with a moderate level of fitness.
Q. What if the weather is unfavourable?
A. Your programme/activity is weather and/or river condition dependent. Where weather/river conditions are not suitable, the expedition will be cancelled, and a contingency option offered – most likely this will be a similar expedition (same discipline – eg: rafting, hiking, alpine) but in a different geographical location. If same activity discipline cannot be offered due to conditions, an alternative discipline will be offered and the challenge matched to the groups fitness and capabilities. Your guides will keep you informed in advance of the day of weather conditions and likely contingency options.
Q. What kind of food can we expect during the expedition?
A. Food depends upon the weather and forecast. Ideally your fabulous guides will cook outside on an open fire at least one of the nights including BBQ style with fine cuts of meats and pre packed salads, or a big stew cooked in a large pot – again over the fire. At the final lodge, your guides will really go to town and cook up a storm – believe it or not a roast lamb/chicken is usually really enjoyed by people. Breakfast will be a gourmet porridge mix and or bacon and eggs. Vegetarian, vegan and food allergies are all catered for.
Q. What gear do I need to bring?
A. All rafting and camping equipment is supplied for you, here is an example list:
A detailed list of personal items will be sent to you upon booking as a guide for what to bring and what not to bring. Polypropylene / merino long under pants or tops and mid layers are not supplied. Items such as waterproof jackets and pants, walking footwear, quick drying underwear, trousers, shorts / swimwear, camp clothing and hats are highly advised.
Touch Down by Helicopter
A Team Effort
Meet Your Guides
Getting The Gear Ready
Hot And Hearty Food
Expedition Style Camp
Cheers To An Amazing Journey
Sunny Days On The River
Incredible Views
Milford Sound Credit Graeme Murray
Discover Queenstown Credit Major Domo
Meals Fit For Kings
River Rafting
The Best Good Morning
Hearty Evening Meals
Lake Wakatipu Credit Tourism New Zealand
