Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from NZD 11799/per adult
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
Over 14-days, you'll explore the South Island of New Zealand on breathtaking walks and cruises. Our New Zealand Walking Adventure is handcrafted for those new to adventure tours and for those who love to slow down and enjoy shorter hikes. From walking along the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and sipping wine in the Marlborough Sounds to feeling tiny under Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, and pondering thousands of waterfalls thundering down in Milford Sound. Add a hike near Franz Josef Glacier and exploring parts of the Routeburn and Kepler Tracks, and you'll be hard-pressed to pick a favorite moment. Each night, you'll relax in stunning lodges set in unbelievable locations and be looked after by two excellent local guides. The only thing missing on our New Zealand Walking Adventure? You.
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Thursday evening, arriving in Auckland early Saturday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you.
We’ll travel north to Gore Bay to stretch our legs and get some fresh air after your flight. Then we’ll continue north to the seaside town of Kaikoura, referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the South Pacific as it has an amazing variety of whales, dolphins, fur seals, and other marine life that feed from the surrounding waters. We can walk to view fur seals basking on the rocks and playing in the eddies from a lookout point. This stretch of rugged coastline was uplifted in the Kaikoura earthquake - it’s amazing to see this brand-new land! Tonight, we’ll kick back and enjoy some delicious kiwi cuisine and get to know your fellow adventurers.
Accommodation: The Fairways, Kaikoura
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along the coast to Blenheim, a town in the Marlborough wine region. We’ll visit Forrest Estate Winery to sample some of their fantastic wines and have a picnic lunch before we head back into the wilderness.
The Pelorus River Track is our destination this afternoon, an idyllic spot for a hike, through cool, green native bush, alongside the Pelorus River. You can expect crystal clear waters in this enchanting scenic reserve and even a little bit of Middle-earth magic, as one of the locations for the filming of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 2 miles (3 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Day 3
Abel Tasman National Park is famous for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and the world-renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track. This morning, we’ll take a water taxi through crystal clear, sheltered waters - we’re at the whim of the tides here, though our boat captains know the Abel Tasman Coastal Track like the back of their hands, so we’ll find the best section to hike.
Once ashore, we’ll make our way along the coast through stands of ancient rimu, totara, and rata. The rata (known as the South Island Kiwi Christmas tree) blossoms with brilliant red flowers between November and January. After our hike, we’ll relax on a white sandy beach and go for a dip in the ocean if you’d like. This area of New Zealand is famous for receiving the most sunshine hours of any place in the country.
Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5.2 miles (8.4 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 260 feet (80 meters) ascent, 260 feet (80 meters) descent
Day 4
Today we journey to Cape Foulwind on the West Coast, where we’ll hike a spectacular track that takes us to a viewpoint overlooking a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony, then on to a lighthouse, taking in panoramic views of the coastline. The sparsely populated West Coast stretches 600 kilometers (372 miles) from north to south and is home to temperate coastal rainforest and two magnificent glaciers.
After a picnic lunch, we'll continue south until we reach Punakaiki, a small coastal village where we’ll stay for the night. Here, we’ll walk along Truman's Track, rated one of New Zealand’s finest short walks. We’ll wander through dense native forest with tall flax stands near the ocean, eventually giving way to a pebbled bay and barren sandstone cliffs.
We'll finish our day with a visit to the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cape Foulwind Hike: 2 miles (3.5 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 210 feet (65 meters) descent
Truman Track Hike: 0.8 miles (1.4 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters) ascent, 130 feet (40 meters) descent
Pancake Rocks Hike: 0.65 miles (1.1 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 95 feet (30 meters) ascent, 95 feet (30 meters) descent
Day 5
We’ll begin the day with a hike on the Pororari River Trail in Paparoa National Park, which passes beneath magnificent limestone cliffs and through dense temperate rainforest full of distinctive coastal plants including the southern rata and towering rimu. This area has a unique micro-climate that supports the native nikau palm, a tree usually found much further north.
Traveling along the scenic coastline, we’ll stop in Hokitika to check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade). From here, we’ll carry on down to Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next couple of nights. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paparoa Track Hike: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 540 feet (165 meters) ascent, 540 feet (165 meters) descent
Day 6
This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds. If you’d prefer not to kayak, we’ll point you in the right direction for a relaxing hike through the lush coastal forest or along the black sand beach.
Later we’ll head back to Franz Josef where you’ll have the option to take another hike or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying a night on your own for dinner.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Kayaking: 2-4 hours
Hiking: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 394 feet (120 meters) ascent, 394 feet (120 meters) descent
Day 7
With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level. Our hike will take us into the Waiho River Valley and offer views of the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier.
From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest visiting historic Ship Creek to explore the Kahikatea forest, providing a glimpse back in time to what the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement. Tonight we’ll stay in the small settlement of Makarora, where you can enjoy incredible views of the mountains right outside your window.
Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 66 feet (20 meters) ascent, 66 feet (20 meters) descent
Day 8
The landscape this morning changes rapidly from dense beech forest to semi-arid terrain before transforming into an impressive vista of lakes and mountains. At Lake Wanaka, we’ll hike the Mt. Iron track, a spectacular circuit with great views of Mt. Aspiring National Park.
From Wanaka, it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, our base for the next couple of days. This afternoon we’ll visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park to view and learn about New Zealand’s icon, the flightless kiwi bird.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 722 feet (220 meters) ascent, 722 feet (220 meters) descent
Day 9
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, a historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafés. Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
This morning we’ll take a scenic drive through Te Anau, our base for the next couple of nights. We’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before heading out to explore Fiordland’s wilderness on foot where we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Waiau River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views!
Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6 miles (9.5 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 165 feet (50 meters) ascent, 165 feet (50 meters) descent
Day 11
This morning, we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into the deep inky water.
We’ll jump on board a boat cruise, where you’ll gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord.
Afterwards, we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track for unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina, before heading back to Te Anau for the night.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise: 2 hours
Hiking: 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,540 feet (470 meters) ascent, 1,540 feet (470 meters) descent
Day 12
Carefully relocated or lovingly reconstructed, the buildings of Cromwell Old Town represent the character of Cromwell’s gold-mining history. We’ll explore the intriguing buildings and eat lunch here together.
Then we’ll drive through the tussock country of Lindis Pass to the remote and beautiful Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village. Our accommodation for our last two nights is tucked in beside the towering mountains, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps – the ideal spot to stargaze!
Accommodation: Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
The highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt. Cook was first named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori. This region was Sir Edmund Hillary’s training ground as he prepared for his and Tenzing Norgay’s famous summit of Mt. Everest in 1953. We have a few hikes to choose from in this spectacular national park and our favourite is the impressive hike up to a lake at the base of the Hooker Glacier, complete with icebergs! The track is surrounded by peaks, glaciers, native vegetation, and mountain streams, and provides excellent views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook on a fine day.
Another option is the stunning day hike to Sealy Tarns, a unique alpine environment including endemic flora such as the Mt. Cook lily (Ranunculus lyallii), the world’s largest buttercup.It’s a tough hike and the weather would need to cooperate, but the views across the Southern Alps are worth it!
After hiking, we’ll relax back at our lodge nestled right in the heart of the National Park for the last night of the trip and we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner as we sit outside and watch the sunset on Aoraki/Mt. Cook.
Accommodation: Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hooker Valley Hike: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent
Sealy Tarns Hike: 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,132 feet (650 meters) ascent, 2,132 feet (650 meters) descent
Day 14
After breakfast, we’ll head north past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo. We’ll stretch our legs with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, easily one of the most scenic locations for a church you’ll ever come across!
After our lunch stop, we’ll head to Christchurch, arriving in time for afternoon flights. This is the end of your trip, and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches, and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).
Our New Zealand 2024 adventures are filling up, so we are guaranteeing ALL trips to depart. Be in quick and book with confidence to secure your spot, and get set to take off on the adventure of a lifetime.
New Zealand is a nature lover's paradise, with unspoiled scenery everywhere you look. From snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches, deep fjords to ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes to volcanic plateaus, New Zealand really does have it all.
Our expert, local guides will take you hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, so you can experience the stunning backdrop close-up. Combine this with a warm and welcoming people, beautiful Maori culture, and world class wines and cuisine, and you've got an incredible, unique adventure you'll never forget.
Get in touch before our 2024 New Zealand departures completely sell out!
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms & conditions apply – read more here
4.7
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Read more about the Active Range
Discover your favorite part of the North Island as you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike through redwood forests in Rotorua, snorkel or kayak the Poor Knights Islands, and walk through the otherworldly Waitomo Caves.
4.6
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Take five days to discover the charms of the North Island. Explore colossal kauri forests, dive or snorkel the Poor Knights Islands, and learn about the Maori culture as you make your way along some of the best coastline of New Zealand.
4.5
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Read more about the Active Range
Explore volcanic landscapes as you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Soak in hot pools, hike by geysers and boiling mud pools, and explore caves in search of mystical glowworms on this short, action-packed North Island adventure.
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
