Meet your guides and fellow hikers at 9 am at the Buss pull-in bay, outside NZ Trade and Enterprise, 2/75 Trafalgar St, Nelson, or, at 9.30am at Nelson Airport. We will head out of town to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. The guide will advise us on how to pack smart and light as we ready ourselves for the first adventure, a 2-night stay in the park. A boat cruise around the coast takes us to Tonga Quarry, where we’ll enjoy your snack. Follow the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay, where our tents and gear will be waiting for us. We’ll pitch our tents, enjoy a delicious meal, and fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.

Hiking: 4.3 km (2.7 miles) · 1.5-2 hours
Elevation: +/-300 m (980 ft)
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bay Bark Camp

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 nearby cascades. 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 mi) · 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Anchorage Camp (camping)

This morning we explore the coast by waka, learning paddling techniques and Māori customs before heading out on the water. Depending on conditions, we visit coves and Adele Island to observe fur seals and coastal wildlife. 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 river confluence.

Hiking/Paddling: 11 km (6.2 mi) · 3 hours paddling
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, 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. We camp beneath the enormous Ballroom Overhang, a natural limestone shelter, with time to explore a nearby side canyon.

Hiking: 7.4 km (4.6 mi) · 2.5–3 hours
Elevation: +300 m (980 ft) / -220 m (720 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Ballroom Overhang (wild camping)

After a relaxed morning, we hike back out of the canyon and head north to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Continuing down the coast, we arrive in Hokitika, once a bustling goldrush town and now known for greenstone carving and seaside charm. The evening is free to explore town, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, or relax at our centrally located hotel.

Hiking: 6.8 km (4.2 mi) · 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (660 ft) / -280 m (920 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel (or Stumpers)

Today we cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail, riding through native forest, across rivers, and past historic gold-mining sites. The ride is unguided but well marked, with support from local partners. We finish in Kumara and celebrate with a drink before driving east across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass village. Tonight we stay in a private alpine hut and prepare dinner together.

Biking: 38.1 km (23.7 mi) · 4 hours
Elevation: +610 m (2,000 ft) / -670 m (2,200 ft)
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Kennedy Lodge

Our overnight hike follows the Edwards River into a rugged alpine valley. This is classic backcountry travel, with multiple river crossings and steep, slippery sections requiring hands-on scrambling. The effort is rewarded with dramatic mountain scenery and solitude. Edwards Hut sits just above the bushline, offering sweeping views of the valley. In the evening, listen for the call of the great spotted kiwi.

Hiking: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) · 4–5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (2,100 ft) / -210 m (690 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Edwards Hut (hut or camping)

Those keen can explore further up the valley toward Falling Mountain before packing up and hiking back down. After lunch, we drive east as the landscape opens into braided rivers, tussock plains, and limestone formations. Passing Castle Hill and Rakaia Gorge, we arrive in Methven, a welcoming alpine town. The evening is spent relaxing in comfortable accommodation with a hearty meal.

Hiking: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) · 4–5 hours
Elevation: +210 m (690 ft) / -640 m (2,100 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Ski Time Lodge

We drive into the stunning Mackenzie Basin, framed by glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. By late morning we arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and hike toward Sealy Tarns, with the option to continue higher toward Mueller Hut. The trail offers breathtaking views of valley glaciers, icefalls, and towering moraine walls. We return the same way and spend the evening at a private hut surrounded by the Southern Alps.

Hiking: up to 9.2 km (5.7 mi) · 6 hours
Elevation: +/-1,180 m (3,870 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Wyn Irwin Lodge

After a relaxed breakfast with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, there are several options today. You may join a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier or hike to the Red Tarns for panoramic alpine views. Alternative walks include the Hooker Valley Track or time to relax in the village. By mid-afternoon, we drive south over Lindis Pass to Lake Hāwea, where we dine out locally.

Hiking: 3.7 km (2.3 mi) · 2 hours
Elevation: +/-380 m (1,250 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: The Camp, Lake Hāwea (cabins)

We stop in Wānaka for coffee before driving up the Matukituki Valley to the trailhead. Hiking across open flats, we enjoy constant alpine views and glimpses of Mt Aspiring between the peaks. Reaching Aspiring Hut by early afternoon, there’s an optional steep climb* toward Cascade Saddle for those wanting extra elevation and views. Kea are often seen in this area, adding character to the day.

Hiking: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) · 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (660 ft) / -110 m (360 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Aspiring Hut

*Optional extra hike: 4.9 km (3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/- 710 m (2,330 ft).

We retrace our steps out of the Matukituki Valley, enjoying easy walking and morning light on the peaks. After lunch in Wānaka, 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 remote and beautiful Eglinton Valley, with hot showers and a relaxed evening.

Hiking: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) · 2.5 hours
Elevation: +110 m (360 ft) / -200 m (660 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, 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 scenic cruise beneath waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, keeping watch for dolphins, seals, and penguins. Later, we hike to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, enjoying alpine views over the Hollyford Valley. We return to camp for a second peaceful night in the valley.

Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 mi) · 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,610 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley Campsite (camping)

After breakfast, we take a short walk to a nearby waterfall before making our final drive to Queenstown. Arriving early afternoon, the rest of the day is free to explore the town, relax by the lake, or enjoy optional activities. In the evening, we regroup to celebrate the journey and share a final meal together.

Hiking: 2 km (1.2 mi) · 45 minutes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Heritage Queenstown (or Pinewood Lodge)

Your guide departs early this morning, marking the end of the tour. For those staying on in Queenstown you will be spoilt for choice of adventure activities to try. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and is surrounded by stunning landscapes with superb hiking and cycling tracks. Don’t hesitate to ask one of our helpful team for tips of great hikes and other activities to do in the area!