new zealand hiking w/ gourmet meals and comfortable accommodations
 

My husband and I are fit and excellent hikers. A 4-6 hour hike a day would not be too strenuous for us. We are interested in hiking some beautiful spots in New Zealand but I don't want to stay in huts or carry a backpack except with water, lunch and jackets. At night would like to stay in comfortable accommodations offering gourmet food.
Does anyone know about possibly an inn to inn hike? Or about a tour offering what we desire? Or a great inn where you could take terrific day hikes?
thank you.
Georgia

I have not done anything like this where they offer "gourmet food" as part of a hike package, but I believe there are some near Kaikoura. There are also luxury lodges near Arthur's Pass and on the west coast near Haast.

http://www.wildernesslodge.co.nz/

They other thing you could do is to just research day hikes that appeal to you on the doc.govt.nz website, and separately book independent hotels and restaurants.

Hi 103000 -

Take a look at this:

http://www.southernwilderness.com/

We've done two hikes similar to what you describe. The first was the Kaikoura Coast Track which had some beautiful scenery and a chance to meet some great people and stay and eat on their farms. The food might not be what you consider "gourmet", but it was really good and the company was equally good. See: http://www.kaikouratrack.co.nz/index.html
The second hike we did was a guided hike along the Hollyford Track. Again, fabulous scenery and the accommodations were comfortable (not huts) and the food, again while not gourmet, was really good! See: http://www.hollyfordtrack.com/

Check this out:

http://www.wildernessguidesnz.com/wi...ess_guidedQCT/

thank you, mlgb. All good suggestions.

thanks, melng. Have seen that website and sent them an inquiry.

longhorn55. Very good information. Much appreciated.

sealstep. Good website. thank you.

103000 please let us know what you chose and how you like it. We are planning to go to New Zealsnd at the end of this year and also want to do some hiking but not backpacking!

http://www.butterfield.com/Trips/New...d_Walking.aspx

look into a butterfield and robinson trip... this 'walking' tour is a 7 - 10 day hiking tour between moderate and challenging (i believe you can tailor it to your preference) with very nice accommodation and meals.

not cheap though, could depend on budget.