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 apart from one dinner, as in the itinerary Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour Luggage transfers Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them Activities and experiences as in the itinerary Abel Tasman boat cruise and experiences Natural Flames Glacier boat trip Milford Sound cruise Add-ons (available to add at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Travel to New Zealand One dinner 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 (2,000 ft) . Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation gains!

What do I need to bring?

You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person , this will be transported in the support van. Several layers of wool, polypropylene and/or polar fleece will ensure you remain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather. No cotton shirt hiking/kayaking in the wet, please! Cotton gets cold when wet and it’s difficult to dry. Clothing you should bring: Raincoat (gore-tex or similar) Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene) Hiking boots or good hiking shoes Spare lightweight shoes or sandals Shorts or lightweight trousers (preferably quick-dry) Short-sleeved shirt (quick-dry, polypropylene or wool) Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton) Socks Warm hat or balaclava Sun hat Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece) Swimsuit Towel (lightweight travel towels are great) Extra socks and polypropylene layers are always handy—ensure you have enough warm items! Comfortable clothing for non-hiking days as well. Spare clothing can be left in the secure trailer when we are away on the hikes, so don’t worry about the extra weight! Note that there are only limited opportunities to do laundry during a tour, so quick-drying clothing is an advantage. Equipment you should bring: Daypack Flashlight/headlamp Drink bottle or camelback (1L) Small daypack Sunscreen and sunglasses Insect repellent Personal toiletries, medication, and first aid Walking poles (optional) Gaiters (optional)

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 13:1 . It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 13 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 beginning of this tour is in Nelson . To get there, most people fly into Christchurch International Airport , which is located on the South Island. From there, Nelson is a scenic 5-hour drive away. There’s also a possibility of flying from Christchurch to Nelson. You’ll meet your South Island hiking guide and the rest of the group in the Rutherford Hotel, 27 Nile Street, Nelson at 4 pm on Day 1 of your tour.

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

10 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $5,696 ()

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New Zealand’s South Island is a place where every morning feels like a reset. One day you’re flipping pancakes beside steaming geothermal pools; the next, breathing in salty air as waves crash through limestone blowholes. Over the course of 10 unforgettable days, you’ll move from the ice-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps to serene, turquoise waters—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.

Adventure Highlights

South Island icons, all in one journey: Abel Tasman, Aoraki / Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland and Milford Sound—New Zealand’s most iconic sights 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
All-inclusive and effortless: Expert guides, handpicked stays, great meals and smooth logistics—everything handled 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 other walkers joining the tour in the Rutherford Hotel foyer at 4pm. There will be opportunity for a guided hike up Botanical Hill, also known as the “Centre of New Zealand,” to enjoy sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City, or an alternative option to independently explore this lively town suggested by your guides. Later, we celebrate the start of our South Island tour by dining together in one of Nelson’s fine restaurants.

Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 3.3 km (2 miles), 1-1.5 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (560 ft)

Day 2: Nelson — Abel Tasman National Park

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

After an early breakfast, we set off for Abel Tasman National Park. At the beach resort of Kaiteriteri, board a water taxi and cruise the coastline past golden sand beaches, rugged granite headlands and bush-clad islands. Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track through native forests and past cascading streams. A well-formed trail leads us up and over gentle ridges to Torrent Bay, where the lovely clear fresh waters of Cleopatra’s Pool may tempt you to take a dip—or, for those more daring, a slide down the naturally formed hydro-slide! At Anchorage, we will meet the water taxi for a return journey to Kaiteriteri before heading back to Nelson in the late afternoon.

There is an opportunity to further explore this vibrant and arty little town this evening, with the many great restaurant dining options.

Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)

Day 3: Nelson — Punakaiki

On the way to the West Coast, we stop for a remarkable hike to marvel at natural flames which have been burning since the 1920s. We access this phenomenon with a local guide through a privately owned working deer farm. Unlike the Eternal Flames of the Chimera in Turkey, these flames are surrounded by lush tree ferns and beech forest. A cup of ‘billy tea’ and hot cakes prepared over the flames gives this experience a distinctly ‘kiwi’ flavour.

Our journey resumes alongside the mighty Buller River as it cuts its way through the massive wilderness of the upper South Island to the coast at Westport. We then traverse a section of spectacular coastline and catch the sunset at Punakaiki. Take an evening stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes—we try to time our visit with high tide, so we may leave the rocks until tomorrow if tide times are more favourable.

Accommodation: Scenic Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 miles), 2 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (560 ft)

Day 4: Punakaiki — Methven

Kura Tawhiti, named the Spiritual Center of the World.

Hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River. This historic route, once used by prospectors and miners to avoid immense coastal cliffs while travelling the West Coast, now forms part of our newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Pass through deep limestone canyons and towering rainforest with groves of tropical nikau palms. You may not be able to resist a speedy swim in one of the many deep, clear pools you pass on the way!

After the hike, we travel a remarkable highway that takes us from the lush green rainforests of the West Coast over the glaciated Southern Alps to the parched, soft yellow tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. This is one of the most cleverly engineered roads in New Zealand. East of Arthur’s Pass, stretch your legs and stroll around the enchanting limestone outcrops of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill), an important meeting and food gathering place for early Māori. Interestingly, it was named the “Spiritual Centre of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama during his 2002 visit. Today, it’s a haven for rock climbers who boulder on its unique rock formations. We then leave the highway and follow the back roads around Lake Lyndon and on to Methven, a ski town in winter and laid-back rural town the rest of the year. The Southern Alps form a spectacular backdrop.

Accommodation: Ski Time, Methven
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 9.6 km (6 miles), 3-3.5 hours
Elevation: +/-360 m (1,180 ft)

Day 5: Methven — Aoraki / Mt. Cook

Ccontinue 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 splendour of Aoraki/Mt Cook, the surrounding Alps, and your accommodation.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 8.2 km (5.1 miles), 3 hours
Elevation:+/-380 m (1,280 ft)

Day 6: Aoraki / Mt. Cook

Hike up the Sealy Tarns Track and enjoy the views of Mt Sefton, Mueller Glacier and up the Hooker Valley to Aoraki/ Mt Cook. If you’re feeling energetic, join your guide for a climb above the tarns to the crest of Mueller Ridge for even wider views of the alpine landscape. If you prefer to take it easy, you can explore the valley floor independently, take the walk up the Hooker Valley for views of the Mueller and Hooker Glacier terminal lakes or learn more about the national park in the visitor center.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 5.3 km (3.3 miles), 3 hours or 10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-590 (1,940 ft) or +/-270 m (890 ft)

Day 7: Aoraki / Mt. Cook — Wānaka

Travel up the Tasman Valley towards the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. Take a short walk through glacial moraine and board a custom-built boat for a unique spin around the terminal lake. Like most glaciers in the world, the Tasman Glacier is retreating, and the terminal lake increases in size every year. This dynamic environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes, calved from the collapsing terminal face of the glacier.

Our drive to Wānaka follows the Mackenzie Country south before climbing over the tussock lands of the Lindis Pass into the southern lakes district of Central Otago. We can sample the wine and learn something of the backstory of winemaking at a family-run vineyard in this burgeoning wine region, or simply relax in this delightful setting. Wānaka is a lovely lake-side holiday town.

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

Day 8: Wānaka — Te Anau

A beautiful drive alongside Lake Wānaka leads us toward the peaks of Aspiring National Park. We hike in the lower Matukituki Valley on the Diamond Lake walk and on up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnée” (rock sheep) for spectacular views over the lake, and to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. This area has several hike options, from the gentle Diamond Lake circuit to the more energetic Rocky Mountain summit climb.

After the hike and lunch, we drive over the Crown Range and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, continuing through to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. There’s time to relax in the afternoon or take a stroll along the beautiful lakeshore with stunning views across the water of the vast Fiordland wilderness.

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-650 m (2,130 ft)

Day 9: Te Anau — Milford Sound

View from the boat sailing in the Milford Sound.

Our day excursion takes us through the stunning Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic visitor destinations. We stop at The Divide to walk a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit for panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Easier short walks, and the preferred option if cloud is likely to rob Key Summit of views, are located below in the Hollyford Valley.

The topography will leave you spellbound as we continue on to Milford Sound and experience the true magnificence of the fiord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs which plummet hundreds of metres into deep dark waters. Enjoy wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you keep an eye out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and if you’re lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. We return to Te Anau in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,610 ft)

Day 10: Te Anau — Queenstown

This morning we hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush-fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. From here, the southern extent of our journey, we then backtrack northwards towards the lively scene of Queenstown. In the wine country, on the outskirts of Queenstown, we celebrate our adventures together with lunch out at a fine local restaurant. Enjoy some fine local food and wine before arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon where the tour concludes. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Due to difficulties with the size of the vehicle combination and accessibility of many accommodations, drop-off locations are limited to the Copthorne Hotel Lakefront, Rydges Lakeland Resort, iSite Visitor Centre (central Queenstown) or Queenstown Airport.

Hiking: 9.8 km (6.1 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-180 m (430 ft)

Photo gallery

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

Meals are a highlight of the trip—a time to rest, refuel, and unwind together after active days outside. Your guides coordinate everything, with the group pitching in to keep things relaxed and social. Expect hearty, satisfying camp food: barbecues, fresh salads, pancakes, curries, pasta, stir-fries, and simple one-pot meals on more remote nights (including a few well-loved “secret” recipes). There’s always a solid supply of snacks—chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, biscuits—and your guides carry all the cooking equipment needed, from gas burners and frying pans to portable stoves for overnight hikes.

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

Daniel started out as a hiking guide in Spain in the 90s, and later on he became a backcountry guide in New Zealand. Daniel has the enviable job of tour research and development, so he’s always on the go. Other than hiking, he loves spending his time mountain running and biking.

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 apart from one dinner, as in the itinerary
  - Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour
  - Luggage transfers
  - Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them
  - Activities and experiences as in the itinerary
    
    Abel Tasman boat cruise and experiences
    
    Natural Flames
    
    Glacier boat trip
    
    Milford Sound cruise
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Travel to New Zealand
  - One dinner
  - 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 (2,000 ft).

Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation gains!
You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person, this will be transported in the support van.

Several layers of wool, polypropylene and/or polar fleece will ensure you remain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather. No cotton shirt hiking/kayaking in the wet, please! Cotton gets cold when wet and it’s difficult to dry.

Clothing you should bring:
- - Raincoat (gore-tex or similar)
  - Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene)
  - Hiking boots or good hiking shoes
  - Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
  - Shorts or lightweight trousers (preferably quick-dry)
  - Short-sleeved shirt (quick-dry, polypropylene or wool)
  - Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
  - Socks
  - Warm hat or balaclava
  - Sun hat
  - Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece)
  - Swimsuit
  - Towel (lightweight travel towels are great)
Extra socks and polypropylene layers are always handy—ensure you have enough warm items! Comfortable clothing for non-hiking days as well. Spare clothing can be left in the secure trailer when we are away on the hikes, so don’t worry about the extra weight! Note that there are only limited opportunities to do laundry during a tour, so quick-drying clothing is an advantage.

Equipment you should bring:
- - Daypack
  - Flashlight/headlamp
  - Drink bottle or camelback (1L)
  - Small daypack
  - Sunscreen and sunglasses
  - Insect repellent
  - Personal toiletries, medication, and first aid
  - Walking poles (optional)
  - Gaiters (optional)
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 13:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 13 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 beginning of this tour is in Nelson. To get there, most people fly into Christchurch International Airport, which is located on the South Island. From there, Nelson is a scenic 5-hour drive away. There’s also a possibility of flying from Christchurch to Nelson.

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

Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! 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.

Cancellations
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  - Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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