Tour New Zealand Walking Adventure

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Accommodation

A range of hotels, lodges, chalets and inns.

Others

Hiking, cruising and more!

Transport

All transportation from trip start to end. Airport transfers on the first & last days.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner on all days, except where indicated on the itinerary (usually 1 day per trip is a free day, allowing you to choose your own dining location).

Guide

Two experienced New Zealand guides per trip.

Not included:

Flights

Arrival: If you’re flying in on the first day of the trip, we recommend arriving in Christchurch before 10am. Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm. If you’re considering alternative flight times please check with us. International flights from Auckland (AKL) usually leave early evening, so if you’re heading back to North America, you’ll get home some time on Friday, even though you left on Friday evening! Flights back to Europe, of course, take a little longer.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive, Visit Gore Bay And Explore Kaikoura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive, Visit Gore Bay And Explore Kaikoura

Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Thursday evening, arriving into Auckland early Saturday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you. We’ll travel north to Gore Bay to stretch our legs and get some fresh air after your flight. Then we’ll continue north to the seaside town of Kaikoura, referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the South Pacific’ as it has an amazing variety of whales, dolphins, fur seals and other marine life that feed from the surrounding waters. We can walk to view fur seals basking on the rocks and playing in the eddies from a look-out point. This stretch of rugged coastline that was uplifted in the Kaikoura earthquake - it’s amazing to see this brand new land! Tonight, we’ll kick back and enjoy some delicious kiwi cuisine and get to know your fellow adventurous.Kaikoura Lodgings, Kaikoura (Lunch, Dinner) 
Day 2 Day 2: Wine Tasting And Hike Pelorus Track
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Wine Tasting And Hike Pelorus Track

From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along the coast to Blenheim, a town in the Marlborough wine region. We’ll visit Forrest Estate Winery to sample some of their fantastic wines and have a picnic lunch, before we head back into the wilderness. The Pelorus River Track is our destination this afternoon, an idyllic spot for a hike, through cool, green native bush, alongside the Pelorus River. You can expect crystal clear waters in this enchanting scenic reserve and even a little bit of Middle-earth magic, as one of the locations for the filming of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (All meals)Hiking Distance: 3 kilometres (2 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 20 metres (65 feet)Elevation Loss: 20 metres (65 feet)
Day 3 Day 3: Boat Ride And Hike Abel Tasman National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Boat Ride And Hike Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is famous for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and the world-renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track. This morning, we’ll take a water taxi through crystal clear, sheltered waters - we’re at the whim of the tides here, though our boat captains know the Abel Tasman Coastal Track like the back of their hands, so we’ll find the best section to hike. Once ashore, we’ll make our way along the coast through stands of ancient rimu, totara and rata. The rata (known as the South Island Kiwi Christmas tree) blossoms with brilliant red flowers between November and January. After our hike, we’ll relax on a white sandy beach and go for a dip in the ocean if you’d like. This area of New Zealand is famous for receiving the most sunshine hours of any place in the country.Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (All meals)Hiking Distance: 8.4 kilometres (5.2 miles), 3-4 hoursElevation Gain: 80 metres (260 feet)Elevation Loss: 80 metres (260 feet)
Day 4 Day 4: Hike Cape Foulwind And Punakaiki Rainforest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Hike Cape Foulwind And Punakaiki Rainforest

Today we journey to Cape Foulwind on the West Coast, where we’ll hike a spectacular track that takes us to a view point overlooking a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony, then on to a lighthouse, taking in panoramic views of the coastline. The sparsely populated West Coast stretches 600 kilometres (372 miles) from north to south and is home to temperate coastal rainforest and two magnificent glaciers. After a picnic lunch, we’ll hike the Pororari River Trail in Paparoa National Park, which passes beneath magnificent limestone cliffs and through dense temperate rainforest full of distinctive coastal plants including the southern rata and towering rimu. This area has a unique micro-climate that supports the native nikau palm, a tree usually found much further north. In nearby Punakaiki, we’ll also visit the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea.West Coast Lodgings, Punakaiki (All meals)Hiking Distance: 3.5 kilometres (2 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 20 metres (65 feet)Elevation Loss: 65 metres (210 feet)
Day 5 Day 5: Hike Truman’S Track, Visit Hokitika And Explore Lake Mahinapua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Hike Truman’S Track, Visit Hokitika And Explore Lake Mahinapua

We’ll begin the day travelling on the coast to the start of Truman Track, rated one of New Zealand’s finest short walks. We’ll hike through dense native forest with tall flax stands near the ocean, eventually giving way to a pebbled bay and barren sandstone cliffs. Travelling along the scenic coastline, we’ll stop in Hokitika to check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade). Next we’ll get to explore Lake Mahinapua, a beautiful coastal lake surrounded by dense bush and birdlife. We can wander along one of the many paths that wind their way through the bush, and enjoy the serenity of the area. From here, we’ll carry on down to Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next couple of nights. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country. Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (All meals)Hiking Distance: 6 kilometres (4 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 130 metres (426 feet)Elevation Loss: 130 metres (426 feet)
Day 6 Day 6: Hike Coastal Forest And Beach, Kayak Okarito Lagoon (Optional)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hike Coastal Forest And Beach, Kayak Okarito Lagoon (Optional)

This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds. If you’d prefer not to kayak, we’ll point you in the right direction for a relaxing hike through lush coastal forest or along the black sand beach. Later we’ll head back to Franz Josef where you’ll have the option to take another hike or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying a traditional Kiwi roast dinner.Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (All meals)Kayaking Time: 2-4 hoursHiking Distance: 4.2 kilometres (2.6 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 120 metres (394 feet)Elevation Loss: 120 metres (394 feet)
Day 7 Day 7: Hike At Franz Josef Glacier
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hike At Franz Josef Glacier

With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres (820 feet) above sea level. Our hike will take us along the Waiho River bed up the valley right to the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier.Heli-hike option (extra fee applies)An outrageously scenic alternative to today’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation.The heli-hike is extremely popular, so we offer advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, we can reserve a space for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot if it’s available.From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest visiting historic Ship Creek to explore the Kahikatea forest, providing a glimpse back in time to what the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement. Tonight we’ll stay in the small settlement of Makarora, where you can enjoy incredible views of the mountains right outside your window.Makarora Lodgings, Makarora (All meals)Hiking Distance: 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 20 metres (66 feet)Elevation Loss: 20 metres (66 feet)
Day 8 Day 8: Hike Mt Iron, Visit The Kiwi Birdlife Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hike Mt Iron, Visit The Kiwi Birdlife Park

The landscape this morning changes rapidly from dense beech forest to semi-arid terrain before transforming to an impressive vista of lakes and mountains. At Lake Wanaka, we’ll hike the Mt Iron track, a spectacular circuit with great views of Mt Aspiring National Park.  From Wanaka, it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, our base for the next couple of days.  This afternoon we’ll visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park to view and learn about New Zealand’s icon, the flightless kiwi bird. You’ll sleep sweetly tonight at a lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)Hiking Distance: 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles), 1-2 hoursElevation Gain: 220 metres (722 feet)Elevation Loss: 220 metres (722 feet)NOTE: The 8-day trip option ends today in Queenstown. 
Day 9 Day 9: Free Day In Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Free Day In Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, a historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafés. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (No meals included)
Day 10 Day 10: Hike Kepler Track
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hike Kepler Track

This morning we’ll take a scenic drive through to Te Anau, our base for the next couple of nights. We’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before heading out to explore Fiordland’s wilderness on foot where we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Waiau River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views! Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.Te Anau Lodgings, Te Anau (All meals)Hiking Distance: 9.5 kilometres (6 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 50 metres (165 feet)Elevation Loss: 50 metres (165 feet)
Day 11 Day 11: Cruise Milford Sound, Hike Routeburn Track
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cruise Milford Sound, Hike Routeburn Track

This morning, we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breath-taking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand metres to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water. We’ll jump on board a boat cruise, where you’ll gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. Afterwards we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track for unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, as well as Lake Marian and Mt Christina, before heading back to Te Anau for the night.Te Anau Lodgings, Te Anau (All meals)Hiking Distance: 3.4 kilometres (2 miles), 3-4 hoursElevation Gain: 380 metres (1,246 feet)Elevation Loss: 380 metres (1,246 feet)
Day 12 Day 12: Visit Cromwell Old Town, Journey Over Lindis Pass
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Visit Cromwell Old Town, Journey Over Lindis Pass

Carefully relocated or lovingly reconstructed, the buildings of Cromwell Old Town represent the character of Cromwell’s gold-mining history. We’ll explore the intriguing buildings and eat lunch here together. Then we’ll drive through the tussock country of Lindis Pass to the remote and beautiful Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. Our accommodation for our last two nights is tucked in beside the towering mountains, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps – the ideal spot to stargaze!Mt Cook Lodgings, Aoraki/Mt Cook Village (All meals)NOTE: The 12-day trip option ends today in Queenstown. You will get dropped off en-route between Te Anau and Mt Cook.
Day 13 Day 13: Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

The highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook was first named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori. This region was Sir Edmund Hillary’s training ground as he prepared for his and Tenzing Norgay’s famous summit of Mt Everest in 1953. Feeling inspired, we’ll take an impressive hike up to a lake at the base of the Hooker Glacier, complete with icebergs! The track is surrounded by peaks, glaciers, native vegetation and mountain streams, and provides excellent views of Aoraki/Mt Cook on a fine day. If you’re keen for a challenge, another option is to take a day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It’s a tough hike and the weather would need to cooperate, but the views across the Southern Alps are worth it! After hiking, we’ll relax back at our lodge nestled right in the heart of the National Park for the last night of the ‘Kiwi’ and we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner as we sit outside and watch the sun set on Aoraki/Mt Cook.Mt Cook Lodgings, Aoraki/Mt Cook Village (All meals)Hooker Valley Hiking Distance: 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), 3-4 hoursElevation Gain: 100 metres (328 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet) Sealy Tarns Hiking Distance: 6 kilometres (3.7 miles), 2-4 hoursElevation Gain: 650 metres (2,132 feet)Elevation Loss: 650 metres (2,132 feet)
Day 14 Day 14: Visit Tekapo, Depart For Home
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Visit Tekapo, Depart For Home

After breakfast we’ll head north past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo. We’ll stretch our legs with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, easily one of the most scenic locations for a church you’ll ever come across!  After our lunch stop, we’ll head to Christchurch, arriving in time for afternoon flights. This is the end of your trip, and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand! If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches and geothermal areas) check our our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).(Breakfast, Lunch)

+11

14 days tour

New Zealand Walking Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip New Zealand Walking Adventure

Day 1: Arrive, Visit Gore Bay And Explore Kaikoura

Day 2: Wine Tasting And Hike Pelorus Track

Day 3: Boat Ride And Hike Abel Tasman National Park

Day 4: Hike Cape Foulwind And Punakaiki Rainforest

Day 5: Hike Truman’S Track, Visit Hokitika And Explore Lake Mahinapua

Day 6: Hike Coastal Forest And Beach, Kayak Okarito Lagoon (Optional)

Day 7: Hike At Franz Josef Glacier

Day 8: Hike Mt Iron, Visit The Kiwi Birdlife Park

Day 9: Free Day In Queenstown

Day 10: Hike Kepler Track

Day 11: Cruise Milford Sound, Hike Routeburn Track

Day 12: Visit Cromwell Old Town, Journey Over Lindis Pass

Day 13: Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Day 14: Visit Tekapo, Depart For Home

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