Ultimate Hiking Tour of New Zealand’s South Island

Meet your guides and fellow hikers in Nelson i-Site at 9:30 am and head out of town to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Your guide will advise you on how to pack smart and light as you ready yourself for the first adventure, a 2-night stay in the park. A boat cruise around the coast takes you to Tonga Quarry, where you’ll enjoy your snack. Follow the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay, where your tents and gear will be waiting for you. Pitch your tent, 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 and dinner
Accommodation: Bay Bark Camp

After a relaxed breakfast our departure from Bark Bay takes us through contrasting stands of mānuka and luxuriant mixed forest, over a low saddle and across a high and airy suspension bridge above the Falls River. Views open up to golden sand beaches on the descent to Torrent Bay where your guide may talk you into taking a side trip up to the Falls River cascades, a stunning swimming spot, or to Cleopatra’s Pool, a must do and the perfect place for a refreshing swim. If you are feeling nimble you can join the guide for a boulder hop further up the valley here exploring idyllic pools and waterfalls.

We camp tonight at the bush-fringed and bright blue inlet of Anchorage. Relax, read a book and go for a swim before meeting in the evening to cook and eat together.

Hiking: up to 12.2 km / 7.6 miles, 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite in Anchorage Bay

It’s time to hit the water and explore the Abel Tasman’s magical coastline by waka (Māori canoe).* After a traditional karakia (blessing) from your waka guide learn the etiquette associated with joining a waka team. Then it’s time to climb aboard and paddle. Depending on conditions, explore several coves on the mainland and the wildlife refuge of Adele Island to observe a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals—beautiful animals that were almost hunted to extinction in the 1800s. Along the way be enlightened by stories of local Māori history and customs. Paddle into the beautiful Kaiteriteri beach at around midday, to reunite with your Hiking New Zealand guide waiting with the backpacks.

After a picnic lunch and a restock on supplies in Motueka we drive south to a private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers. Enjoy an organic meal that is home-cooked by our hosts. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

Hiking: 10 km / 6.2 miles, 3 hours paddling
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Private rustic campsite

After driving through the Buller Gorge our first stop and experience of the wild West Coast is at Charleston. We take a short hike through lush West Coast bush checking out the dramatic headlands, wild waves and secluded bays. Afterwards enjoy a picnic lunch and pack up for our next hike that takes us up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Established in 1987, this park covers more than 30,000 hectares. Its attractions include mountains, canyons, caves, rivers, wilderness areas and coastlines.

The first half of the trail is on a relatively flat well-formed track, while the second half involves multiple river crossings and sections where the riverbed itself is our route. Some boulders here can be slippery and good hiking shoes or boots are essential. Learn from your guide how to cross rivers safely, supporting each other by linking arms. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang, a fluviatile cave. For those that are keen on more hiking, join the guide and explore up a beautiful side canyon following the stream until it disappears into a cave.

Hiking: 7.4 km /4.6 miles, 2.5-3 hours
Elevation: +300 m (980 ft), -220 m (720 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite under the Ballroom Overhang

We hike back out through the canyon this morning after a leisurely start and head first to Punakaiki to check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Then it’s down the coast to tonight’s accommodation in Hokitika. A thriving goldrush town in the 1870s, it is now a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone), which was highly valued by early Māori for tools, jewellery and weapons.

Tonight’s lodge accommodation is centrally located and just a short distance from the beach. Tuck into traditional Kiwi fish and chips on the beach or eat at one of the many cafés in this bustling little seaside town. On arrival in Hokitika, we get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow’s ride.

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

Grab coffee at a local coffee shop and get ready to cycle the stunning West Coast Wilderness! Pedal your way through majestic native forest, cross crystal-clear rivers, and pass old reservoirs and water races which date back to the gold rush days. What comes afterwards is the drive into the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass—a national park famous for its rugged peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails.

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

While not as well-known as some of the other National Parks visited on the tour, Arthur’s Pass will awe you with its rugged peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails. Our overnight hike takes us up the Edwards River to the Edwards Hut which sits just above the bushline with a great view up this beautiful alpine valley.

It is a challenging hike on a real ‘kiwi-style’ track. There are several river crossings and parts where you will need to use your hands for extra grip as the trail is rugged with steep slippery sections. We either camp or stay in the hut depending on how many other hikers are there. At nightfall listen out for the distinct call of our national bird, the kiwi. Roroa or great spotted kiwi are known to inhabit this area.

Hiking: 9.4 km / 5.8 miles, 4-5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (2,100 ft), -210 m (690 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Edwards Hut

Make the most of being in this wonderfully remote alpine valley by joining an optional hike this morning to explore further up towards Falling Mountain, where the views of the surrounding peaks open up even more. After returning to the hut we pack up and hike back out to the road having lunch along the way.

Heading east away from the divide the scenery changes dramatically with the steep forested slopes of the west replaced with wide braided rivers, tussock grassland, mountains flanked with scree and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill. We leave the main highway following an inland route past Lake Lyndon, through Rakaia Gorge and on to the village of Methven where we stay overnight.

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

We spend the morning driving along the western margin of the Canterbury Plains and into the stunningly beautiful Mackenzie Country, an intermontane basin of huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. By late morning we arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook village ready to maximise our afternoon with a hike with daypacks up to Sealy Tarns and possibly as far as Mueller Hut. Enjoy views across two valley glaciers to icefalls on Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mt Cook. Towering moraine walls, glacial lakes and the frequent rumbling of distant avalanches are reminders of nature’s sheer power in this dynamic landscape.

We return via the same track to our accommodation at a private hut, in awe of our position in the heart of the Southern Alps, surrounded by mountains of such commanding presence. With luck, we can watch the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook turn from white to pink with the sun’s last rays.

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

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast together with a postcard view of Aoraki/Mt Cook from our dining room window. There is the option today of joining a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (leave us a note at checkout if interested and we’ll get back to you). A helicopter flight will take you onto the upper glacier where you’ll attach crampons to your boots to explore ice formations and ice caves and no doubt marvel at the jagged landscape. Those not heli-hiking can join the guide for a hike up the steep slopes of Sebastopol to the Red Tarns for more stunning views. If there is need to rest the legs today, either relax at the hut, take a walk on the valley floor or visit the information centre to learn more about the park’s natural history and the feats of pioneering mountaineers.

An alternative hike option for those wanting to stride out on their own today, is the spectacular Hooker Valley Track (3hrs,10kms), this trail starts from near the hut and meanders its way gently up the valley to the Hooker Glacier Lake, crossing 3 big suspension bridges along the way. By mid-afternoon we re-unite with the heli-hikers and depart Aoraki/Mt Cook to continue our journey south through the Mackenzie Country and over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region. We stay tonight near the shores of Lake Hāwea, a glacially formed lake over 35kms in length ringed by mountains. Take the night off cooking and dine at a local restaurant.

Hiking: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles, 2 hours (or optional heli-hike 10.2 km / 6.3 miles, 3 hours)
Elevation: +/-380 m (1,250 ft) (or optional heli-hike +/-270 m (890 ft))
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: The Camp cabins

We drive to Wānaka township this morning to grab a coffee and take a wander around this vibrant lakeside resort town before heading on up the Matukituki Valley to the road end. Here we shoulder overnight packs and enjoy stunning alpine views as we hike across grassed flats to Aspiring Hut. Catch glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring (3033m) between high peaks.

There is the option* this afternoon of the steep yet well-rewarded climb through beech forest to the bush line on the Cascade Saddle Track. Cheeky and inquisitive kea (alpine parrots) may check out our group as we rest to take in the uninterrupted view across the upper Matukituki to Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps, so we might need to keep a wary eye on our things (kea love shiny zips).

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

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

We start our return hike early this morning enjoying the pretty views and easy walking along the floor of this wide glacially formed valley. Once we are back in Wānaka recharge with a lakeside picnic and you may want to dive into the lake for a swim.

Next up is a remarkable drive over the Crown Range, offering breath-taking summit views of the Wakatipu Basin and lakes. By late afternoon, we’re past Te Anau and well on our way to Milford Sound. We camp for the next two nights at the beautiful Eglinton Valley campsite, relaxing and making the most of the welcome hot showers.

Hiking: 9 km/ 5.5 miles, 2.5 hours
Elevation: +110 m (360 ft), -200 m (660 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley campsite

This morning we drive beneath imposing granite cliffs and hanging valleys into the heart of Fiordland National Park. This amazing World Heritage Site is one of the largest national parks in the world, with its huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri and spectacular fiords. By mid-morning, we are at Milford and ready to join one of the world’s great day-cruises. Our vessel takes us out to Anita Bay and the entrance to Milford Sound. Enjoy stunning views of cascading waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, which soars 1722 metres above the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals, which often play near the boat.

Before returning to Eglinton Valley, we take a hike up to Key Summit. This is the final section of the famous Routeburn Track, which is another of New Zealand’s Great Walks. An informative nature walk passes through a transition from forest to alpine vegetation and prolific birdlife, and views over the Hollyford Valley to the Darran Mountains are spectacular.

Hiking: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles, 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,610 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity: 2-hour cruise or Milford kayaking option
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley campsite

After breakfast we take a short hike to check out a beautiful waterfall near our campsite, where you may want to soak up one last little bit of Fiordland by jumping under for a bracing shower. We then make our final drive to Queenstown arriving in the early afternoon.

The afternoon is free for you to use as you wish. Our lodge is within easy walking distance to town. We meet up in the early evening and head out to celebrate the great hikes and adventures we have had together over the last two weeks.

Hiking: 2 km / 1.2 miles, 45 minutes
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel in Queenstown

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!