Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 10-day South Island hiking adventure Accommodation for 9 nights in quality hotels and lodges (double occupancy) All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 10, except dinner on Day 6 Activities and experiences as in the itinerary: Abel Tasman boat cruise Natural Flames Glacier boat trip Milford Sound cruise Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour Luggage transfers Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them First aid kit Drinking water Safety equipment and maps Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Transportation to Nelson and from Queenstown Dinner on Day 6 Personal equipment Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this New Zealand hiking tour, great fitness is required. Most days involve up to 4–5 hours of physical activity , with walking on tracks that are generally in good condition. On some days you’ll carry a backpack weighing around 4–5 kg (8–10 lbs) , containing personal gear and essentials. While no previous hiking experience is required, a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the journey. On more challenging days, expect altitude gains of up to 600 m (1,969 ft) . All walks in the itinerary are guided, but your guide can suggest shorter self-guided walks if you’d like to do a little more or a little less on some days. Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation gains! Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand hiking adventures !

What do I need to bring?

You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person , which will be transported in the support van. New Zealand’s weather is very changeable, and cold weather can be experienced at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Lightweight, breathable fabrics work best for hiking, and merino or polypropylene layers will keep you warm even when wet. No cotton, please. It gets cold when wet and is difficult to dry. Jeans are not suitable for hiking. Clothing you should bring: Hiking boots or shoes Spare lightweight shoes or sandals Waterproof raincoat Rain trousers Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene) Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton) Long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection) Shorts or lightweight hiking trousers Socks (we suggest 3 pairs) Warm hat or balaclava Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece) Sun hat Swimsuit Casual clothing for travel and evenings Equipment you should bring: Daypack (25–30 L) Water bottle (1 L) Dry bag for clothes and valuables Sunscreen and sunglasses Insect repellent (sandflies are common) Towel (lightweight travel towels are great) Camera Personal toiletries and medication Walking poles are available on request—just leave us a note when booking. Laundry facilities are available most nights, either as a hotel laundry service (additional charge) or as self-service facilities for hotel guests. You can charge devices in the vehicle (bring a charger adaptor) and at the hotels.

How much driving can I expect?

Daily driving times vary throughout the trip. Some days involve very little driving , while on a typical day we spend around 2–3 hours in the vehicle . On a handful of days, driving times will be longer, giving you a chance to rest, relax, and enjoy New Zealand’s ever-changing scenery along the way. We travel in a comfortable luxury minibus , towing a lockable trailer that carries food, equipment, and your main luggage. Roads range from sealed highways to unsealed backcountry roads , adding to the sense of adventure. And if there’s a great photo opportunity, vineyard, or memorable ice cream stop—our guides are always happy to pull over.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 15:1 . It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. South Island tours can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this New Zealand hiking adventure is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The adventure starts in Nelson and finishes in Queenstown . To get to Nelson, most people fly into Christchurch International Airport , which is located on the South Island. From there, Nelson is a scenic 5-hour drive away, or you can take a connecting flight. You’ll meet your South Island hiking guide and the rest of the group in the Rutherford Hotel foyer (27 Nile Street, Nelson) at 4 pm on Day 1 . The tour ends in Queenstown at around 5 pm on Day 10 . Drop-off points are limited to Queenstown Airport, the Copthorne Hotel Lakefront, or the i-SITE Visitor Centre in central Queenstown, so keep this in mind when booking onward travel or accommodation.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

South Island | New Zealand

South Island Hiking: Deluxe 10-Day Adventure

Name: South Island Deluxe Hiking Trip in New Zealand
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

10 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $6,202 ()

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New Zealand’s South Island is a place where every morning feels like a reset. One day you’re sipping billy tea beside natural flames that have flickered in the forest for a century; the next, breathing in salty air as waves crash through limestone blowholes. Over 10 days, you’ll move from the golden beaches of Abel Tasman to the ice-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps—and yes, you’ll cruise through the fjord Rudyard Kipling once called the eighth Wonder of the World. Designed to be beginner-friendly, this hiking journey is paced for enjoyment, not endurance, with plenty of comfort and a touch of luxury waiting at the end of each day. There’s no need to list the island’s contrasts. Just come and experience them, step by step, on one of the world’s most astonishing natural playgrounds.

Adrienne

Adventure Highlights

South Island icons: Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, Fiordland, and Milford Sound, all in one journey
New scenery every single day: Rainforests, wild coasts, glacier lakes, and high alpine trails, with constantly changing views and daily wow moments
Comfortable and effortless: Expert guides, handpicked stays, almost all meals, and smooth logistics, so you can simply enjoy

Duration

10 days

Season

November through March

Group size

Up to 13 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

With its wide variety of natural phenomena and hiking trails, it might be too overwhelming to organize your days by yourself. You don’t have to worry about that on this trip—your expert guides will give you the best possible hiking adventure of the South Island in New Zealand. Embarking from Nelson City, set out on a 10-day hiking tour through the island’s finest natural attractions. Every day in your itinerary brings something new and unique, be it cruising on glacial lakes or traversing rainforest canyons. Accompanied with great food to fuel you for adventures and ensuite rooms in quality hotels and lodges to recharge your batteries, this hiking tour will provide you with the greatest scenic views of the island.

Day 1: Nelson

Aerial view of Nelson City and Tasman Bay from the Botanical Hill.

Meet your guides and the rest of the group in the Rutherford Hotel foyer at 4 pm. There’s the option to join a guided hike up Botanical Hill, known as the “Centre of New Zealand,” for sweeping views over Tasman Bay and Nelson City. Alternatively, your guides can suggest ways to explore this lively town at your own pace. Later, we celebrate the start of our South Island adventure by dining together at one of Nelson’s fine restaurants.

Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: Up to 3.3 km (2.1 miles), 1–1.5 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (558 ft)

Day 2: Nelson — Abel Tasman National Park

People boarding a boat on a beach in Abel Tasman National Park.

After an early breakfast, set off for Abel Tasman National Park. At the beach resort of Kaiteriteri, board a water taxi and cruise along the scenic coastline, passing golden sand beaches, rugged granite headlands, and bush-clad islands. Disembark at Bark Bay and follow the renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track through native forest and past cascading streams. The well-formed trail leads up and over gentle ridges to Torrent Bay, where the crystal-clear waters of Cleopatra’s Pool may tempt you in for a swim—or, for the adventurous, a ride down its naturally formed rock slide.

At Anchorage, meet the water taxi for the return journey to Kaiteriteri, followed by a late afternoon drive back to Nelson. This evening, enjoy time to explore this vibrant and artistic town further, with a wide array of excellent dining options to choose from.

Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Up to 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,297 ft)

Day 3: Nelson — Punakaiki

En route to the West Coast, we stop for a remarkable hike to witness natural flames that have been burning continuously since the 1920s. Guided by a local expert, we access this unique phenomenon via a privately owned working deer farm. Unlike the Eternal Flames of the Chimera in Turkey, these flames flicker in a lush setting of tree ferns and beech forest. A cup of billy tea and hot cakes prepared over the flames adds a distinctly Kiwi flavor to the experience.

Our journey then continues alongside the mighty Buller River as it winds through the vast wilderness of the upper South Island toward the coast at Westport. From there, we travel along a spectacular stretch of coastline and aim to catch the sunset at Punakaiki. Take an evening stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. We’ll try to time our visit with high tide, though we may leave the rocks for tomorrow if conditions are more favorable.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Up to 6 km (3.7 miles), 2 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (558 ft)

Day 4: Punakaiki — Methven

Kura Tawhiti, named the Spiritual Center of the World.

We hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River, a historic miners’ route that’s now part of the Paparoa Track, New Zealand’s newest Great Walk. Expect deep limestone canyons, towering rainforest with groves of nikau palms, and clear pools perfect for a quick swim. Afterward, we cross the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, trading West Coast rainforest for the tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. We stop to wander among the limestone outcrops of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill), an important gathering place for early Māori that the Dalai Lama named the “Spiritual Centre of the Universe.” Back roads past Lake Lyndon then lead us to Methven, a laid-back town backed by the Southern Alps.

Accommodation: Ski Time, Methven
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Up to 9.6 km (6 miles), 3–3.5 hours
Elevation: +/-360 m (1,181 ft)

Day 5: Methven — Aoraki / Mt. Cook

We continue south, at first following the edge of the extensive Canterbury Plains, then up into the intermontane Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, perched daintily by the lake. Hike via the lakeshore to the elevated viewing platform afforded by Mt John and revel in the expansiveness of the Patagonia-like landscape. The sweeping Mackenzie “Country” is a sparsely populated region in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps; tawny-brown drylands, braided riverbeds, and startling glacial lakes extend to distant mountains. On arrival at Mount Cook Village, relax in the splendor of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding alps in our accommodation, where we stay for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8.2 km (5.1 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-380 m (1,247 ft)

Day 6: Aoraki / Mt. Cook

Climb up to Sealy Tarns and enjoy stunning views of the hanging glaciers on Mt Sefton and along the Hooker Valley to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Those wishing to immerse themselves further in this spectacular alpine landscape, or seeking an easier alternative to the Sealy Tarns hike, can explore the valley floor independently. The walk up the Hooker Valley offers views of the Mueller and Hooker Glacier terminal lakes and the towering south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Alternatively, learn more about the wonders of the national park at the world-class visitor center.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: Sealy Tarns: 5.3 km (3.3 miles), 3 hours OR Hooker Valley: 10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: Sealy Tarns: +/-590 m (1,936 ft) OR Hooker Valley: +/-270 m (886 ft)

Day 7: Aoraki / Mt. Cook — Wānaka

Travel up the Tasman Valley toward the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Take a short walk through glacial moraine before boarding a custom-built boat for a unique cruise around the terminal lake. Like most glaciers worldwide, the Tasman Glacier is retreating, causing the terminal lake to expand each year. This ever-changing environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes calving from the glacier’s collapsing terminal face. Our drive south then leaves the Mackenzie Country behind and crosses the Lindis Pass, famous for its tussock-covered landscapes and rugged hills. Entering Central Otago’s southern lakes district, we’re greeted by spectacular scenery on the way to the lovely lakeside holiday town of Wānaka.

Accommodation: Oakridge Resort, Wānaka
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 2.9 km (1.8 miles), 1 hour
Elevation: +/-70 m (230 ft)

Day 8: Wānaka — Te Anau

A scenic drive along Lake Wānaka leads toward the peaks of Aspiring National Park. The hike begins in the lower Matukituki Valley with the Diamond Lake walk, continuing up Rocky Mountain—a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnée” (rock sheep)—offering spectacular views over the lake, the Southern Alps, and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. This area offers several hiking options, from the gentle Diamond Lake circuit to the more challenging climb to Rocky Mountain’s summit.

After the hike and lunch, the journey continues over the Crown Range, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and onward to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. The afternoon offers time to relax or enjoy a stroll along the beautiful lakeshore, with stunning views across the water to the vast Fiordland wilderness.

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Up to 7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-650 m (2,133 ft)

Day 9: Te Anau — Milford Sound

View from the boat sailing in the Milford Sound.

Today’s excursion takes you through the stunning Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. We stop at The Divide for a walk along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit, where panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains await. If clouds threaten to obscure the summit views, easier walks in the nearby Hollyford Valley provide a great alternative.

The breathtaking topography continues as we reach Milford Sound, where you’ll cruise between glaciated mountains and sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of meters into deep, dark waters. Take in spectacular sights of the mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls, while watching for marine life such as dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and, if fortunate, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. We return to Te Anau in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,608 ft)

Day 10: Te Anau — Queenstown

This morning, we hike a section of the renowned Kepler Track to the shores of Lake Manapōuri, often called the “loveliest of all lakes” for its scattered islands, bush-fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. From this southernmost point of the journey, we backtrack north toward Queenstown. In the wine country on the outskirts of town, we celebrate our adventures with lunch at a fine local restaurant, savoring excellent regional food and wine. We arrive in Queenstown in the late afternoon (around 5 pm), where the tour concludes.

Drop-off locations are limited, as many Queenstown accommodations are inaccessible to our touring vehicle. Available drop-off points are Queenstown Airport, or the Copthorne Hotel Lakefront and the i-SITE Visitor Centre in central Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 9.8 km (6.1 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-180 m (591 ft)

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Lodging & food

Quality hotels & lodges

This tour features a selection of comfortable hotels and quality lodges, each chosen for their excellent standards and beautiful settings. All accommodations include ensuite bathrooms, and some lodges offer two-bedroom units. Rooms are configured as twin shares or doubles. Solo travelers will be paired in a twin room with another guest of the same gender, unless a single occupancy room is requested at checkout.

Designed for those who appreciate a touch of comfort after a rewarding day on the trail, this trip prioritizes high-standard lodging. While the listed accommodations are planned, equivalent alternatives of similar quality may be used if availability changes.

Food

Almost all meals are included on this tour, but when staying in towns, you’re free to do your own thing and try some of the excellent local restaurants. There are also plenty of opportunities to graze at local cafés if you’d prefer to explore in the morning.

Your guides usually set out lunch for you, so you can simply help yourself to healthy, wholesome food with plenty of fresh produce. The custom trailers have a fold-down table and cooking area that’s perfect for preparing picnics at all the secret spots along the way. Included dinners are frequently in lodge restaurants (set menu or à la carte) or at a restaurant in town, and occasionally somewhere out of the ordinary.

Vegetarian diets and most common food intolerances can be accommodated. If you have specific or restrictive dietary needs, please let us know when booking so your guides can plan accordingly.

Adventure, packed to go

South Island Hiking: Deluxe 10-Day Adventure

Adventure Brochure

Brochure and video trailer

Download the trip brochure and cinematic trailer—everything you need to plan, share, or start dreaming.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Daniel

Dan grew up in the rolling farmland of the Pohangina Valley, where muddy boots and wide-open spaces were a way of life. After guiding hikes through Spain and the backcountry of Aotearoa, he now heads up South Island operations—when he's not off on a research mission disguised as a hiking holiday. Dan still has a soft spot for topographic maps and the kind of days that stretch on along wild trails. He relishes the challenge of uncovering new terrain and turning it into unforgettable adventures for others. Whether he’s planting trees on the Chathams or chasing trails in the high country, Dan brings passion, purpose and a good dose of Kiwi ingenuity.

5.00

Malcolm

Even before he could walk, Malcolm was carried through New Zealand wilderness in a pack on his father’s back. Since those early days, he has hiked, climbed, sea kayaked, a mountain biked throughout the country and the globe. Malcolm squeezed in time to get a degree in physical geography and co-authored a guidebook, Classic New Zealand Adventures. Based in Auckland Malcolm keeps the North Island team singing and itineraries humming.

5.00

Ali

Ali’s path to guiding has been shaped by extensive experience teaching outdoor skills in New Zealand and overseas. Alongside calm, confident leadership, he has a natural ability to connect with guests and help them get the most from their journey. When he’s not guiding, Ali works as an outdoor instructor, volunteers on a mentoring programme that gives young people access to outdoor experiences, and—together with his partner—fosters rescue dogs.

5.00

Jeremy

Growing up near the Southern Alps with hiking parents sparked Jeremy’s lifelong love for the outdoors. He’s been fortunate enough to turn that passion into a career, working as an outdoor instructor and guide around the world for nearly 20 years. These days, he gets to work in his playground—sharing his boundless enthusiasm for adventure, travel and discovery.

5.00

Marios

He may not have the most Kiwi of names, but since arriving in New Zealand over 20 years ago, Marios has never stopped exploring. He’s ventured deep into the far corners of these uplifted islands, sometimes researching walking and historical guides along the way. Through meeting extraordinary locals and uncovering rich layers of history and culture, Marios brings depth, insight and context to the landscapes he shares with guests.

5.00

Oliver

Hailing from Canada, Oli moved to New Zealand after retiring as a professional cyclist. Keen to stay deeply connected to the outdoors, he set off exploring the backcountry and was instantly captivated by the country’s unique flora and fauna, as well as the strong conservation values of the people he met along the way. That passion led him into conservation work, and today he channels his legendary stamina into both conservation projects and guiding.

5.00

Adrienne

Adrienne’s adventurous career has seen her wear many hats: mentoring at-risk youth, teaching in classrooms in New Zealand and Australia, packing parachutes, supporting skydiving operations, and carrying out remote conservation work in the Southern Alps and on the Chatham Islands. Growing up in an outdoorsy Nelson family made guiding second nature. With a science degree and a conservationist’s heart, Adrienne is happiest outside—whether sea kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping or surfing—and she brings it all together with a big, beaming smile.

5.00

Kath

Originally from Oregon on the west coast of the USA, Kath knew she’d found home almost as soon as she stepped off the plane in New Zealand in her early 20s. These days she lives on a beautiful organic farm in the winterless Far North, shared with six other families, where she grows most of her own food and has the outdoors right on her doorstep. Her love of nature and practical outdoor living has led her from landscaping to running a small tree nursery, and now to guiding—where she brings an infectious enthusiasm for all things Kiwi.

5.00

Louis

Born and raised on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, Louis grew up immersed in the outdoors and Aotearoa’s strong conservation ethos. Homegrown and overseas adventures followed, alongside a degree in International Relations and Sociology and hands-on work across a range of conservation projects. All of this has shaped his passion for connecting people to Aotearoa’s landscapes, species and stories. A natural storyteller, Louis hopes his enthusiasm and anecdotes bring these places vividly to life.

5.00

Justin

Justin grew up on a dairy farm in the Manawatū region of the North Island, but wanderlust soon took hold. He worked as a Department of Conservation ranger across the country, with stints of travel in Asia and South America along the way, before guiding became his long-term calling. With a degree in Sustainable Communities and a deep knowledge of New Zealand’s natural and cultural history, Justin is endlessly fascinating to chat with—and loves connecting people to the places that mean so much to him.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (6 reviews)

Carole H.

|March 2025

Also great! A good variety of hikes and scenery.

Ronald S.

|March 2024

Hiking to Sealy Tarns to see Mount Cook up close was a highlight among many highlights!

Celia B

Recently back from the trip – it really WAS a Wonderful Trip! The walks which had been chosen really were iconic walks showcasing what the South Island has to offer. John was a great guide and driver, the distances we travelled each day were relaxing, safe, enjoyable. Eva looked after us non stop, I don’t know how she did it! She not only guided us in a very professional way but shopped for us, prepared our lunch, and provided us with a constant supply of snacks! The whole trip was really well organised and well thought out, many thanks to Eva, John for a FAB experience, would recommend it to anybody!

Show all reviews

Carole H.

|March 2025

Also great! A good variety of hikes and scenery.

Ronald S.

|March 2024

Hiking to Sealy Tarns to see Mount Cook up close was a highlight among many highlights!

Celia B

Wander739990

Excellent in every way. Luxury accommodation, meals and service with spectacular itinerary and first class guides (two per minibus). Challenging walks and exciting excursions without white knuckle experiences, and there is always an easier option if required. Every day is filled with activities or travelling and suites solos, families and groups of moderate or better walking abilities. Worth every penny, enjoyed every minute.

jlo2100

What a fabulous trip! Very educational! A great way to see and learn about the southern portion of New Zealand. Mel was the best guide I could have hoped for. She was incredibly knowledgeable, capable & interesting. We had a great group of trekkers. Weather was perfect. Overall, not as difficult of hiking as I thought it might be.
An excellent value for the cost of the trip.

Daniel B

We had a fabulous trip with guides Andre and Katie. So many great hikes and activities covering so many iconic spots throughout the South Island. Small friendly group, well-paced for a range of fitness levels, comfy accommodations. Can’t say enough great things about this trip. Far exceeded our expectations.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 10-day South Island hiking adventure
  - Accommodation for 9 nights in quality hotels and lodges (double occupancy)
  - All meals from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 10, except dinner on Day 6
  - Activities and experiences as in the itinerary:
    
    Abel Tasman boat cruise
    
    Natural Flames
    
    Glacier boat trip
    
    Milford Sound cruise
  - Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour
  - Luggage transfers
  - Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them
  - First aid kit
  - Drinking water
  - Safety equipment and maps
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Transportation to Nelson and from Queenstown
  - Dinner on Day 6
  - Personal equipment
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To join this New Zealand hiking tour, great fitness is required. Most days involve up to 4–5 hours of physical activity, with walking on tracks that are generally in good condition. On some days you’ll carry a backpack weighing around 4–5 kg (8–10 lbs), containing personal gear and essentials. While no previous hiking experience is required, a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the journey. On more challenging days, expect altitude gains of up to 600 m (1,969 ft).

All walks in the itinerary are guided, but your guide can suggest shorter self-guided walks if you’d like to do a little more or a little less on some days.

Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation gains!

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand hiking adventures!
You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person, which will be transported in the support van.

New Zealand’s weather is very changeable, and cold weather can be experienced at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Lightweight, breathable fabrics work best for hiking, and merino or polypropylene layers will keep you warm even when wet. No cotton, please. It gets cold when wet and is difficult to dry. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.

Clothing you should bring:
- - Hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
  - Waterproof raincoat
  - Rain trousers
  - Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene)
  - Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
  - Long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection)
  - Shorts or lightweight hiking trousers
  - Socks (we suggest 3 pairs)
  - Warm hat or balaclava
  - Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece)
  - Sun hat
  - Swimsuit
  - Casual clothing for travel and evenings
Equipment you should bring:
- - Daypack (25–30 L)
  - Water bottle (1 L)
  - Dry bag for clothes and valuables
  - Sunscreen and sunglasses
  - Insect repellent (sandflies are common)
  - Towel (lightweight travel towels are great)
  - Camera
  - Personal toiletries and medication
Walking poles are available on request—just leave us a note when booking.

Laundry facilities are available most nights, either as a hotel laundry service (additional charge) or as self-service facilities for hotel guests. You can charge devices in the vehicle (bring a charger adaptor) and at the hotels.

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Daily driving times vary throughout the trip. Some days involve very little driving, while on a typical day we spend around 2–3 hours in the vehicle. On a handful of days, driving times will be longer, giving you a chance to rest, relax, and enjoy New Zealand’s ever-changing scenery along the way.

We travel in a comfortable luxury minibus, towing a lockable trailer that carries food, equipment, and your main luggage. Roads range from sealed highways to unsealed backcountry roads, adding to the sense of adventure. And if there’s a great photo opportunity, vineyard, or memorable ice cream stop—our guides are always happy to pull over.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 15:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants.
  - Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
South Island tours can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this New Zealand hiking adventure is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The adventure starts in Nelson and finishes in Queenstown. To get to Nelson, most people fly into Christchurch International Airport, which is located on the South Island. From there, Nelson is a scenic 5-hour drive away, or you can take a connecting flight.

You’ll meet your South Island hiking guide and the rest of the group in the Rutherford Hotel foyer (27 Nile Street, Nelson) at 4 pm on Day 1.

The tour ends in Queenstown at around 5 pm on Day 10. Drop-off points are limited to Queenstown Airport, the Copthorne Hotel Lakefront, or the i-SITE Visitor Centre in central Queenstown, so keep this in mind when booking onward travel or accommodation.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 50% deposit upon booking! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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