New Zealand’s South Island: where each dawn unveils a new dimension. One moment, you’re whipping up pancakes beside eternal flames; the next, you inhale the ocean breeze amid water cascading through limestone blowholes. You’ll find yourself encircled by the ice-crowned peaks of the Southern Alps one day and sail through cerulean waters the next. And we haven’t even mentioned the fjord Rudyard Kipling once deemed the eighth Wonder of the World… But why enumerate its countless wonders when you can explore them? Embark on a hiking journey meticulously crafted for those who appreciate comfort and a touch of luxury after each day’s adventure. Traverse time and space on one of the world’s most unique islands – it’s a portrait of captivating contrasts waiting for you.
Watch the terrain switch from tropical to glacial in a heartbeat
Discover South Island’s rich biodiversity—spot dolphins, seals and penguins
Unwind in deluxe accommodations after a day spent in the wilderness
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.
Meet your expert guide and your fellow hikers at the Rutherford Hotel foyer in Nelson at 4 pm. You can either do a guided hike up Botanical Hill, also known as the “Center of New Zealand” to enjoy sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City, or you can independently explore this lively town—you’ll get the best recommendations for go-to places from your guides. Celebrate the start of the South Island tour by dining together in one of Nelson’s best restaurants.
Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 3.3 km (2 miles), 1-1.5 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (560 ft)
Spend your day exploring the 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 Bay Bark and hike the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track, tread native forests and walk along cascading streams. Following the well-formed path, you’ll reach Torrent Bay, where you can jump into the crystal clear waters of Cleopatra’s Pool. Journey back to Kaiteriteri before heading back to Nelson. Here’s your chance to further explore this vibrant and artsy little town.
Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
As you make your way to the West Coast, you’ll stop for a hike at century-long burning natural flames. Access this unique phenomena with a local guide through a deer farm and relish a cup of billy tea and pancakes prepared over the flames. Continue your journey alongside the mighty Buller River as it cuts its way through the massive wilderness. You’ll arrive at Punakaiki, where you’ll catch the sunset and visit a local pub for dinner. Take an evening stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks, a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes. You’ll return to this area the following day if your expert guide sees that there’s a bigger chance for high tide.
Accommodation: Scenic Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 miles), 2 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (560 ft)
Built in 1867, hike the Inland Pack Track which was once used by prospectors and miners to avoid coastal cliffs. The track today forms part of the Paparoa Track, which leads you through deep limestone canyons and towering rainforest of tropical nikau palms. There are plenty of lakes along the way, so feel free to jump in and cool off! After that, you’ll travel on a highway which offers views of lush green rainforests, glaciated Southern Alps and tussock grasslands. East of Arthur’s Pass, stop for a stroll around the limestone outcrops of Kura Tawhiti, a once important meeting place for Maori people which was named the “Spiritual Center of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama. To end your day, you’ll follow the back roads around Lake Lyndon and reach Methven, a ski town by winter with a spectacular backdrop of the Southern Alps.
Accommodation: Ski Time, Methven
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 9.6 km (6 miles), 3-3.5 hours
Elevation: +/-360 m (1,180 ft)
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: Lodge within Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 8.2 km (5.1 miles), 3 hours
Elevation:+/-380 m (1,280 ft)
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: Lodge within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 5.3 km (3.3 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-590 (1,940 ft) or
Hiking: 10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-270 m (890 ft)
Travel up the Tasman Valley towards the country’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Take a walk through glacial moraine and board a boat for a unique spin around the terminal lake, which is increasing in size every year due to the glacier’s retreat. This dynamic environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Continue your day with climbing over the tussock lands of the Lindis Pass into the southern lakes district of Central Otago. You can sample the wine and learn about the sustainable winemaking practiced at an award winning vineyard, or enjoy a walk among the vines. Final stop of the day is Wanaka, 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)
Drive alongside Lake Wanaka and reach the peaks of Aspiring National Park. Hike in the Matukituki Valley on the Diamond Lake walk and on up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted rock sheep for spectacular views over the lake, and to the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring/ Tititea. After the hike, drive over the Crown Range into the Wakatipu Basin and the scenic wine growing area of Gibbston Valley, pressed between schist mountains and the rocky Kawerau Gorge. Sample fine wine, craft beer and locally sourced food over lunch before you journey on toward the Fiordland wilderness and lake Te Anau.
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)
Described by Rudyard Kipling as one of the wonders of the world, the fjord of Milford Sound and the Fiordland mountains offer views and tranquility like no other place. You’ll 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 clouds rob Key Summit of views, are located below in the Hollyford Valley. Continue on to Milford Sound and cruise between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs which plummet hundreds of meters into deep dark waters. Enjoy 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. 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)
On your last day, hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll find an abundance of small islands, bush fringed beaches, and mountain backdrop. Travel back up northwards where your South Island hiking tour ends in the lively scene of Queenstown. Queenstown is a town with many adventure activities to pick from—a jet boat ride, highest bungee jumping in New Zealand or a paddle down a river on a funyak. If you’re planning on prolonging your stay, you can also do one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks. Go on a guided hike to Hollyford Track in the heart of Fiordland NP or journey back to Milford Sound which can be explored by boat. Whatever your preference, your expert guides can help you with any post-trip activities that you might like to add on to your New Zealand adventure!
Hiking: 9.8 km (6.1 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-180 m (430 ft)
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This is a beginner-friendly tour of New Zealand’s South Island — no prior hiking experience is necessary! Keep in mind that you should still be reasonably fit as you’ll be hiking 4 to 5 hours per day, 10 days in a row. The most you’ll hike on some days is 6 miles (10 km) with altitude gains of up to 600 m (2,000 ft) on harder days.
There are options along the trip when you can choose more energetic or more restful days. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying your daypack weighing 4-5 kg (8-10 lbs). We suggest going on half-day hikes or other aerobic activities in weeks prior to the trip.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Bring comfortable clothes that you can move in and that is appropriate for the weather. November through March is summer in New Zealand’s South Island, offering generally pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). This period enjoys longer daylight hours and is ideal for outdoor activities. However, weather conditions and occasional showers are not uncommon. B
e prepared for sun, wind, and the possibility of sudden changes, especially in alpine areas. Overall, it’s a fantastic time for hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes of the South Island.
During the South Island guided hiking trip, you’ll experience a high standard of accommodation in carefully chosen hotels and quality lodges known for their excellent standards and stunning locations. All rooms come with ensuite bathrooms, and some lodges offer units with two bedrooms per unit. Accommodation is typically twin share or doubles, and solo travelers will share a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender unless a single supplement is requested. Please note that advertised accommodation may vary based on availability, ensuring you enjoy an equivalent high standard throughout your journey.
Most of your meals are included during the adventure. However, you’ll have the flexibility to explore local restaurants at your leisure on two evenings. Breakfasts are typically continental-style, though not always, in the lodges and hotels. If you prefer to venture out in the morning, there are numerous local cafes to explore.
Lunch is often served “on the run” in picturesque picnic areas or along trails. Guides set out lunch food, which includes healthy and fresh options. There’s a chance you might join in the preparations at times.
Dinners are frequently enjoyed in lodge restaurants, with menus ranging from set options to à la carte. Occasionally, you might experience dining in unique settings beyond the typical town restaurant.
Group sizes and prices:
Deluxe hiking on the South Island can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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 both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 25% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 95 days prior to departure. For bookings within four (4) months of the departure, full payment is required.
Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
