Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 15-day hiking adventure in New Zealand Accommodation for 14 nights in quality hotels and lodges for 14 nights (double occupancy) Almost all meals, as outlined in the itinerary Activities and experiences as in the itinerary Māori Village Experience Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland 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 Flight from Wellington to Nelson First aid kit Drinking water Safety equipment and maps Add-ons (available to add at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Transportation to and from New Zealand Some meals 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) . An optional highlight of the trip is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , which takes 6–8 hours and involves an altitude gain of approximately 750 m , offering one of the most rewarding day hikes in the world. 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. For the flight between Wellington and Nelson, the checked luggage allowance is 23 kg (50 lbs) per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7 kg (15 lbs). 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. 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 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 Auckland and finishes in Queenstown. To start this tour, most people fly into Auckland International Airport . From there, you can take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Auckland city center. You’ll meet your New Zealand hiking guide and the rest of the group in the Rydges Hotel foyer in Auckland at 6.30am on Day 1 of your tour. This means that you should be in Auckland at least a day prior to the start of the tour, as it starts early in the morning.

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.

North and South Island | New Zealand

New Zealand Grand Hikes: 15-Day Adventure

15 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $8,639 ()

Book a call

Turn your hiking fantasies into reality in New Zealand. Meandering from North to South Island, this fifteen-day tour hits the highlights—exploring magical glowworm caves, sailing with seals and dolphins in the waters of Milford Sound, and getting up close with volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. Deepen your appreciation for these remote lands by participating in Maori cultural performances in Rotorua, then unwind with the wines of Central Otago and eclectic New Zealand dishes in Wellington.

Adventure Highlights

80,000 endemic species: One of the most biodiverse countries in the world
Plenty of time to absorb the country: With 15 days to explore you you’ll never feel rushed
All-star spots: See the best highlights from North to South Islands

Duration

15 days

Season

November through March

Group size

Up to 13 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Experience New Zealand’s natural wonders (including 6 national parks) with a local guide. Visit the country’s capital and world-famous attractions such as Waitomo Caves with glowing worms, Rotorua with its unique geothermal features, Tongariro Alpine Crossing (considered one of the best day hikes in the world), Punakaiki’s lush rainforest, and Mount Cook, famous for glaciers and alpine landscapes. Finish your days with laidback evening activities in high-quality hotels and lodges.

Day 1: Auckland and Rotorua

Meet your North Island guide and the rest of the group in the Rydges Hotel foyer at 6:30am, then head south through classic patchwork farming country alongside the Waikato River. We’ll make a quick café stop en route to Waitomo for those who need a coffee and a bite to eat. Upon arriving in the Waitomo Caves area, descend into the vaulted galleries of Ruakuri Cave, adorned with limestone formations and sparkling crystals. Be enchanted by thousands of tiny glowworms clinging to the ceiling, mimicking a starlit night sky. Later, emerge into the daylight for a scenic loop walk through an impressive limestone canyon.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Rotorua, a volcanically active region and the heart of Māori cultural tourism in New Zealand. This evening, enjoy a group dinner in the city, rounding off a full and fascinating first day.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 2 km (1.3 miles), 2 hours
Elevation: +/-60 m (200 ft)

Day 2: Rotorua — Lake Tarawera

A short drive leads us to the stunning forests and beaches of Lake Tarawera. Take a scenic water taxi ride to the lake end. From here we hike back alongside this beautifully clear lake, enjoying the shade that towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs offer. Plunge into the lake to cool off at any one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up. There are astonishing views all along this trail, and usually the chance for a natural hot creek dip along the way. This is an expansive wilderness of forest, lakes and volcanoes.

After we return, we have the chance to look around Rotorua including the short Redwoods Trail. Later explore through the historic waterfront area including the fascinating Faith church. Rotorua is also the centre of Māori cultural tourism in New Zealand and late afternoon we enjoy an evening meal and cultural performance.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.2 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +480 m (1,500 ft), -250 m (900 ft)

Day 3: Rotorua — Tongariro National Park

Aerial view of the turquoise lake nestled between rolling hills with a mountain peak in the distance.

In the morning, we explore some of the incredible geothermal areas just south of Rotorua. Stroll along boardwalks that weave past bubbling mud pools, mineral-rich hot springs, and plumes of rising steam—this surreal landscape is unlike anywhere else. Grab a coffee before we continue south to Huka Falls, where the mighty Waikato River is forced through a narrow rock chasm, creating a powerful surge of water. We’ll stop for a café lunch in the lakeside town of Taupō, then travel along the shores of Lake Taupō to reach Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park. We’ll spend the next two nights at a hotel on the park’s edge—an ideal base for exploring the area.

In the afternoon, stretch your legs on a scenic hike to Taranaki Falls, where water tumbles 20 meters over an ancient lava flow formed some 15,000 years ago. Later, unwind and enjoy a group dinner in the comfort of your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 10 km (5.5 miles), 2-4 hours
Elevation: +/-200 m (600 ft)

Day 4: Tongariro alpine crossing

Join your guide today for a full-day hike on the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing—widely regarded as one of the world’s best day walks. The well-formed track climbs steadily, at times steeply, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Take time to admire dramatic landmarks like the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and active steam vents that make this trail so unforgettable. After a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding day, celebrate your achievement over dinner, perhaps with a glass of fine New Zealand wine.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the village: take a scenic walk to Soda Springs or Taranaki Falls, or simply sip coffee while exploring the excellent exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this charming alpine setting.

Accommodation: Hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: up to 21 km (12 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +900 (3,000 ft), -1,250 m (4,100 ft)

Day 5: Tongariro — Wellington

City vedute from the trees and sea in the foreground, skyscrapers in the middle and residential area in the hills in the background.

Rest your legs this morning as we travel south through rolling green hill country toward New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Once there, take a leisurely stroll along the lively waterfront or dive into the country’s rich history and culture at the renowned national museum, Te Papa.

Wellington is compact and full of character—explore its heritage houses tucked along improbably steep streets, or simply soak up the city’s vibrant café and restaurant scene. It’s a place made for wandering and discovering.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel in Wellington & Rutherford Hotel in Nelson
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Wellington — Nelson

There’s time this morning to further enjoy the vibrant harbourside capital or simply relax before grabbing an early lunch and heading to the airport. In the early afternoon, take in scenic views during your flight over Cook Strait as you make the jump from the North to the South Island. Upon arrival at Nelson Airport, your driver will transfer you to the Rutherford Hotel, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow travellers joining the South Island Grand Hikes tour at 4pm.

In the afternoon, 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 the town at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll celebrate the beginning of our South Island adventure with dinner at one of Nelson’s excellent restaurants.

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

Day 7: Nelson — Abel Tasman National Park

View of a sand beach with rock formations with trees in the background.

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: 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)

Day 8: Nelson — Punakaiki

Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand

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 flavour 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 favourable.

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

Day 9: Punakaiki — Methven

View of the river inside of a rainforest with tropical trees to its left and a steep cliif covered with plants on its right.

Hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River and admire the lush rainforest with tropical nikau palms. Pass many clear pools and take a short swim in one of them! You will spend some time on the road with views of the Southern Alps and soft yellow tussock grasslands. Later in the day you will visit Tura Tawhiti with remarkable limestone outcrops. The site was once an important meeting place for early Maori people and was named “Spiritual Center of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama. Get back on the road and drive past the Lyndon Lake on your way to Methven, a laid-back town which has the Southern Alps as its backdrop. You’ll have some time to explore the town and dine in one of its restaurants.

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

Day 10: Methven — Aoraki / Mt. Cook

A man and a woman on a hike with a small clear lake to their left, a canyon to their right and tall, snow-covered mountain peaks ahead of them.

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 splendour of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding alps in our accommodation, where we stay for the next two nights.

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

Day 11: 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 centre.

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

Day 12: 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.

The drive to Wānaka follows the Mackenzie Country south, then climbs over the tussock-covered Lindis Pass into Central Otago’s southern lakes district. Here, you can sample wine and discover the story behind winemaking at a family-run vineyard in this emerging region, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. Wānaka is a charming lakeside holiday town.

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

Day 13: Wānaka — Te Anau

View of a deep-blue lake with a boat in the middle of it and very steep mountain peaks in the background.

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 and Villa
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 miles) / 3 hours
Elevation: +/-650 m (2,130 ft)

Day 14: Te Anau — 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 metres 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 and Villa
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 miles) / 3 hours
Elevation: 490 m (1,610 ft)

Day 15: Te Anau — Queenstown

This morning, 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 stunning mountain backdrop. From this southernmost point of the journey, we then backtrack northwards toward the vibrant town of Queenstown. In the nearby wine country, enjoy a celebratory lunch at a fine local restaurant, savoring excellent regional food and wine. Arrive in Queenstown in the late afternoon, where the tour concludes. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Due to vehicle size and accommodation accessibility, drop-off locations are limited to Copthorne Hotel Lakefront, Rydges Lakeland Resort, iSite Visitor Centre (central Queenstown), or Queenstown Airport.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
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

New Zealand Grand Hikes: 15-Day Adventure

Adventure Brochure

Brochure and video trailer

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

Download now

Meet your guides

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (8 reviews)

Renee F.

|February 2024

Loved the planned hikes. The diversity of the trails echoed the diversity of New Zealand. Beautiful! The hiking was a perfect level for me.

Steven A

Fantastic Overview of New Zealand's Natural Beauty

This hike was fabulous. It was a non-stop adventure to places I would have had great difficulty locating and traversing. The guides were over-the-top (Adrian, Mitch, Dan, Katie) helpful on both tours of the North and South Islands. I always felt safe, comfortable, well-exercised and entertained. Meals were substantial and at times over-the-top. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see a most beautiful country, and doing it by hiking (and the odd bus ride, too)!

Mike Toole

Exploring the Magic of New Zealand

Guides did an excellent job in taking us to places that I found to be very beautiful. There was a sense of magic in what we saw and experienced. The food and accommodations were very good for the price of the trip. The guides for both islands were very knowledgeable and were able to adapt to the diversity of the group and weather related conditions. They took us to many places that were away from any crowds. I highly recommend using these guides for those that want to get out and explore the beauty of New Zealand

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 15-day hiking adventure in New Zealand
  - Accommodation for 14 nights in quality hotels and lodges for 14 nights (double occupancy)
  - Almost all meals, as outlined in the itinerary
  - Activities and experiences as in the itinerary
    
    Māori Village Experience
    
    Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
    
    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
  - Flight from Wellington to Nelson
  - First aid kit
  - Drinking water
  - Safety equipment and maps
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Transportation to and from New Zealand
  - Some meals
  - 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). An optional highlight of the trip is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which takes 6–8 hours and involves an altitude gain of approximately 750 m, offering one of the most rewarding day hikes in the world.

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.

For the flight between Wellington and Nelson, the checked luggage allowance is 23 kg (50 lbs) per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7 kg (15 lbs).

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.
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 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 Auckland and finishes in Queenstown. To start this tour, most people fly into Auckland International Airport. From there, you can take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Auckland city center.

You’ll meet your New Zealand hiking guide and the rest of the group in the Rydges Hotel foyer in Auckland at 6.30am on Day 1 of your tour. This means that you should be in Auckland at least a day prior to the start of the tour, as it starts early in the morning.
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.

Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

Talk to an Adventure Planner