Meet your North Island guide and the rest of the group in the Rydges Hotel foyer at 6:30 am, 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: Up to 2 km (1.2 miles), 2 hours
Elevation: +/-60 m (197 ft)

A short drive leads us to the stunning forests and beaches of Lake Tarawera, where we take a scenic water taxi ride to the far end of the lake. From here, we hike back along the beautifully clear shoreline, shaded by towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs. Cool off with a dip at one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up, and there’s usually a chance for a soak in a natural hot creek along the way.

After we return, there’s time to look around Rotorua, including the short Redwoods Trail, and explore the historic waterfront area with the fascinating St. Faith’s Church. In the late afternoon, we enjoy an evening meal and a Māori cultural performance.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +480 m (+1,575 ft) / -250 m (-820 ft)

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. 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 (6.2 miles), 2–4 hours
Elevation: +/-200 m (656 ft)

Today, there’s the option to join your guide 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 outstanding. After a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding day, celebrate your achievement over dinner with a bottle 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 (optional crossing): Up to 21 km (13 miles), 7–8 hours
Elevation (optional crossing): +900 m (+2,953 ft) / -1,250 m (-4,101 ft)

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. Wander past 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 Oriental Bay, Wellington
Meals: Breakfast

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 travelers joining the South Island Grand Hikes tour at 4 pm.

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, Nelson
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: Up to 3.3 km (2.1 miles), 1–1.5 hours
Elevation: +/-170 m (558 ft)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On arrival at Mount Cook Village, relax in the splendor of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding alps in our accommodation, where we stay for the next two nights.

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

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

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

Travel up the Tasman Valley toward the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Take a short walk through glacial moraine before boarding a custom-built boat for a unique cruise around the terminal lake. Like most glaciers worldwide, the Tasman Glacier is retreating, causing the terminal lake to expand each year. This ever-changing environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes calving from the glacier’s collapsing terminal face.

Our drive south then leaves the Mackenzie Country behind and crosses the Lindis Pass, famous for its tussock-covered landscapes and rugged hills. Entering Central Otago’s southern lakes district, we’re greeted by spectacular scenery on the way to the lovely lakeside holiday town of Wānaka.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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