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Deluxe Hiking Tour of New Zealand’s South Island

Duration
10 days
Season
November through March
Group size
Up to 13 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Quality hotels and lodges
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate: Beginner-friendly & basic level of fitness required, hiking up to up to 12.2 km (7.6 miles) in a day
What's included
Guide, hotel & lodge accommodation, all meals, transfers, lots of activities and experiences

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.

Adventure highlights

  • Astounding landscape shifts
    Watch the terrain switch from tropical to glacial in a heartbeat
  • Haven for wildlife lovers
    Discover South Island’s rich biodiversity—spot dolphins, seals and penguins
  • Tailored for comfort-seekers
    Unwind in deluxe accommodations after a day spent in the wilderness
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
C
Carole H.
|March 2025
Also great! A good variety of hikes and scenery.
R
Ronald S.
|March 2024
Hiking to Sealy Tarns to see Mount Cook up close was a highlight among many highlights!
C
Celia B

Recently back from the Southern Slice 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 and Hiking New Zealand for a FAB experience, would recommend it to anybody!

Show all reviews
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Itinerary

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 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)

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

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

    Pancake Rocks in New Zealand.
  • 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)

    Kura Tawhiti, named the Spiritual Center of the World.
  • 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)

  • 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)

    Mueller Glacier and Hooker Valley.
  • 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)

    Highway through the Lindis Pass.
  • 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)

    Diamond Lake and Lake Wanaka.
  • 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)

    View from the boat sailing in the Milford Sound.
  • 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)

    Aerial view of Queenstown.
New Zealand Hiking Tours
Beginner-friendly (3) | North Island (5) | South Island (4) | Luxury tours (2)
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Meet your guides

Daniel
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.
Malcolm
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.

Accommodation & food

5.00(6 reviews)
C
Carole H.
|March 2025
Also great! A good variety of hikes and scenery.
R
Ronald S.
|March 2024
Hiking to Sealy Tarns to see Mount Cook up close was a highlight among many highlights!
C
Celia B

Recently back from the Southern Slice 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 and Hiking New Zealand for a FAB experience, would recommend it to anybody!

Show all reviews
5.00(6 reviews)
C
Carole H.
|March 2025
Also great! A good variety of hikes and scenery.
R
Ronald S.
|March 2024
Hiking to Sealy Tarns to see Mount Cook up close was a highlight among many highlights!
C
Celia B

Recently back from the Southern Slice 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 and Hiking New Zealand for a FAB experience, would recommend it to anybody!

W
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.

j
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.

D
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 days of hiking and exploration in New Zealand’s South Island
      • Accommodation in quality hotels and lodges for 9 nights (double occupancy)
      • All meals apart from one dinner, as in the itinerary
      • Daily transportation in a luxury minibus during the adventure
      • 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
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This hiking adventure is beginner-friendly! You need to have a basic level of fitness and be able to walk up to 8 hours a day (4-5 hours on average), with an elevation gain of up to 2,000 ft (600 m) on hard days while carrying a backpack weighing around 9 lb (4 kg). You will often be stopping during the hikes to get some rest and eat lunch and various snacks.

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

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Warm fleece/ wool jersey
      • Thermal underwear
      • Warm hat or balaclava
      • Long-sleeve shirt
      • Shorts
      • Gloves 
      • Casual clothing for travel and evenings
      • Dry bag for clothes
      • Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
      • Swimming costume
      • Towel
      • Rain trousers
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    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

    Be 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.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this hiking and biking adventure in the Southern Alps, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
      • The maximum group size is 13. A minimum of 2 people have to sign up for the tour to run.
      • The standard price is based on twin-share rooms. Single occupancy can be arranged at an additional fee—you can add it to your booking at checkout.
      • Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

    Deluxe hiking on the South Island 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 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!

  • To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 30% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. For bookings within four (4) months of the departure, full payment is required.

      • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety-five (95) days before the departure, Client gets an 80% refund of the deposit back.
      • If Client cancels the Booking ninety-four (94)to twenty-one (21) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of eighty percent (80%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
      • For cancellations twenty (20) to eleven (11) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
      • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

    Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

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