Meet your guide and fellow hikers at 9 am at the bus pull-in bay outside NZ Trade and Enterprise, 2/75 Trafalgar Street, Nelson. After collecting those joining from the North Island at Nelson Airport, we drive around Tasman Bay to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, and pack light for two nights in the park. A boat cruise takes us to beautiful Tonga Quarry for a beach snack before we hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay, where our tents await. The evening is spent cooking together and falling asleep to the sound of waves.

Hiking: 4.3 km (2.7 miles), 1.5–2 hours
Elevation: +/-300 m (984 ft)
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Bark Bay Camp (camping)

We leave Bark Bay after breakfast, hiking through mixed forest and crossing a high suspension bridge above the Falls River. The track descends toward golden beaches and clear waters at Torrent Bay, with optional swims at Cleopatra’s Pool or the Falls River cascades, and a boulder hop up the valley for those feeling nimble. Continuing along the coast, we reach Anchorage, where the afternoon is free for swimming, reading, and relaxing before another shared evening meal.

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

This morning we explore the coast by waka (Māori canoe), starting with a traditional karakia (blessing) and learning the etiquette of a waka team before heading out on the water. Depending on conditions, we visit coves and Adele Island to observe a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, hearing stories of local Māori history along the way. We paddle into Kaiteriteri around midday, rejoin our guide, and drive south to a private riverside campsite near Murchison. The day ends with an organic, home-cooked meal overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers.

Paddling: 10 km (6.2 miles), 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Private riverside campsite (tents)

Note: The waka experience requires a minimum of 6 people. With smaller groups, we return to Kaiteriteri via water taxi.

After driving through the Buller Gorge, we stop at Charleston for a short coastal hike among dramatic headlands and wild surf. In Paparoa National Park, we begin our main hike up a limestone river canyon. The first section is easy walking before transitioning to river crossings and boulder hopping, where your guide will teach you to cross safely by linking arms. We collect firewood along the way and camp beneath the enormous Ballroom Overhang, a natural limestone shelter, with time to explore a nearby side canyon.

Hiking: 7.4 km (4.6 miles), 2.5–3 hours
Elevation: +300 m (+984 ft) / -220 m (-722 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ballroom Overhang (wild camping)

After a relaxed morning, we hike back out of the canyon and head to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Continuing down the coast, we arrive in Hokitika, once a bustling gold rush town and now a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone). We get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow’s ride, and the evening is free to explore town, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, or relax at our centrally located lodge.

Hiking: 6.8 km (4.2 miles), 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (+656 ft) / -280 m (-919 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel (or Stumpers)

After breakfast at one of the town’s cafés, we cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail from the Arahura River bridge to the historic township of Kumara, riding through native forest, across rivers, and past gold rush–era water races. The ride is unguided but well marked, with a thorough briefing from our local partners. We celebrate with a drink at Kumara’s restored Theatre Royal Hotel before driving east into the Southern Alps to the mountain village of Arthur’s Pass. Tonight we stay in a private hut and prepare dinner together.

Biking: 38.1 km (23.7 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +610 m (+2,001 ft) / -670 m (-2,198 ft)
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Kennedy Lodge

E-bike upgrades are available for an additional cost.

Our overnight hike follows the Edwards River into a rugged alpine valley. This is classic Kiwi-style backcountry travel, with several river crossings and steep, slippery sections where you’ll use your hands for extra grip. The effort is rewarded with dramatic mountain scenery and solitude. Edwards Hut sits just above the bushline, offering sweeping views up the valley, and we either sleep in the hut or camp, depending on how many other hikers are there. In the evening, listen for the call of the great spotted kiwi. Most departures have two guides for this hike.

Hiking: 9.4 km (5.8 miles), 4–5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (+2,100 ft) / -210 m (-689 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Edwards Hut (hut or camping)

Those keen can join an optional morning hike further up the valley toward Falling Mountain before we pack up and hike back out, with lunch along the way. Heading east, the landscape opens into braided rivers, tussock grassland, and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill. Following an inland route past Lake Lyndon and through the Rakaia Gorge, we arrive in Methven, where the evening is free to relax.

Hiking: 9.4 km (5.8 miles), 4–5 hours
Elevation: +210 m (+689 ft) / -640 m (-2,100 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Ski Time Lodge

We drive into the stunning Mackenzie Basin, framed by huge glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. By late morning we arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and hike with daypacks toward Sealy Tarns, with the option to continue as far as Mueller Hut. The trail offers breathtaking views of valley glaciers, icefalls, and towering moraine walls, with the distant rumble of avalanches. We return the same way and spend the evening at a private hut in the heart of the Southern Alps, where, with luck, we’ll watch the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook turn pink with the sun’s last rays.

Hiking: Up to 9.2 km (5.7 miles), 6 hours
Elevation: +/-1,180 m (3,871 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Wyn Irwin Lodge

After a relaxed breakfast with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, there are several options today. You may join a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (optional, at an extra cost) or hike with your guide up the steep slopes of Sebastopol to the Red Tarns for panoramic alpine views. Alternatively, stride out on your own along the Hooker Valley Track, take a walk on the valley floor, or visit the information center. By mid-afternoon, we drive south over Lindis Pass to Lake Hāwea, where we take the night off cooking and dine at a local restaurant.

Hiking: 3.7 km (2.3 miles), 2 hours (optional Hooker Valley Track: 10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours)
Elevation: +/-380 m (1,247 ft) (optional Hooker Valley Track: +/-270 m (886 ft))
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: The Camp, Lake Hāwea (cabins)

We stop in Wānaka for coffee before driving up the Matukituki Valley to the road end. Shouldering overnight packs, we hike across open flats with constant alpine views and glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring (3,033 m). After reaching Aspiring Hut, there’s an optional steep climb* through beech forest toward Cascade Saddle for uninterrupted views of the upper Matukituki and the Southern Alps. Cheeky kea (alpine parrots) are often seen here, so keep an eye on your shiny zips.

Hiking: 8.9 km (5.5 miles), 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (+656 ft) / -110 m (-361 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Aspiring Hut

*Optional extra hike: 4.9 km (3 miles), 3 hours, +/-710 m (2,329 ft)

We retrace our steps out of the Matukituki Valley, enjoying easy walking and morning light on the peaks. After a lakeside picnic lunch in Wānaka, with time for a swim, we drive over the Crown Range with expansive views of the Wakatipu Basin before continuing south past Te Anau. We camp for two nights in the beautiful Eglinton Valley, with welcome hot showers and a relaxed evening.

Hiking: 8.9 km (5.5 miles), 2.5 hours
Elevation: +110 m (+361 ft) / -200 m (-656 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley Campsite (camping)

We drive into Fiordland National Park, passing hanging valleys and sheer granite cliffs. At Milford Sound, we join a two-hour cruise out to Anita Bay and the entrance of the sound, passing cascading waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak while watching for dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. Later, we hike to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, enjoying alpine views over the Hollyford Valley to the Darran Mountains. We return to camp for a second peaceful night in the valley.

Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,608 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley Campsite (camping)
Optional: Milford Sound sea kayaking instead of the cruise (you can add it to your booking at checkout)

After breakfast, we take a short walk to a beautiful waterfall near our campsite, where you can soak up one last bit of Fiordland by jumping under for a bracing shower. We then make our final drive to Queenstown, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore the town, relax by the lake, or enjoy optional activities. In the early evening, we meet up and head out to celebrate the great hikes and adventures we’ve shared.

Hiking: 2 km (1.2 miles), 45 minutes
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Lakefront

The tour concludes this morning as your guide departs. For those staying on, Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, offers endless options for adventure activities, hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the lakeside setting. Our team is happy to suggest great hikes in the area to help you make the most of your remaining time.