Tour New Zealand Winter Adventure

Guide

Two experienced guides per trip. In New Zealand you’ll have a lead guide and a co guide.

Others

Hiking, kayaking, biking, rafting, scenic flights, jet boating and more!

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

International flights are not included.

Accommodation

A range of hotels, lodges, chalets, inns, sheep stations and backcountry huts, depending on which trip you choose.

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).

Not included:

Transport

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

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive, Hike Mt John
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive, Hike Mt John

Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving into Auckland early Monday 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 then head to Lake Tekapo for a hike along the lakeshore before emerging above the treeline on Mt John for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Then we’ll carry on to the remote and beautiful Lake Ohau Lodge. The lodge is tucked in beside an alpine lake, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps – the ideal spot to soak in the hot tub and star gaze! Today is a relaxed introduction to New Zealand. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll probably find jetlag is no big deal. For instance, it’s a 12 to 13 hour direct overnight flight from the west coast of the USA to Auckland so you’ll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau (Lunch, Dinner)Hiking Distance: 8 kilometres (5 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 330 metres (1,080 feet)Elevation Loss: 330 metres (1,080 feet)
Day 2 Day 2: Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Or Ski/Snowboard Ohau Ski Area
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Or Ski/Snowboard Ohau Ski Area

After a late breakfast on the balcony overlooking Lake Ohau, we’ll take an impressive hike at the head of Lake Pukaki, up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake complete with icebergs! This is a great spot for lunch and on a clear day, the views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, are stunning. We’ll return to the lodge where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner. An option today is to spend the day skiing at the small and friendly Ohau Ski Area, one of the South Island’s more remote backcountry ski fields (for approx. US$125 including gear rental).Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau (All meals)Hiking Distance: 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 100 metres (328 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet)
Day 3 Day 3: To 4: Option A, Hike And Overnight In Mt Aspiring National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: To 4: Option A, Hike And Overnight In Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3 (afternoon) - Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National ParkAfter leaving Wanaka, we’ll venture up the Matukituki Valley and hike two to three hours into Mt Aspiring National Park to reach our home for the evening – a spacious mountain hut nestled in a valley in the middle of nowhere. The track meanders past majestic peaks, fresh mountain streams and natural beech forest. You’ll be carrying a sleeping bag, a few spare clothes and some food, so your pack won’t weigh much more than a regular day pack. The scenery is off the charts with Mt Aspiring rising 3033 metres (9951 feet) into the blue sky. It’s amazing how far you’ll feel from civilisation after this relatively short walk! Tonight your guide will whip up dinner in the backcountry kitchen while you relax by the fire.Mt Aspiring Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park (All meals)Hiking Distance: 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), 3-5 hoursElevation Gain: 60 metres (197 feet)Day 4 (morning) - Hike to trailheadWe have a leisurely start today, enjoying breakfast and a cuppa while admiring the view, before hiking back to the trailhead. Along the way, we might encounter the cheeky kea – they’re really inquisitive and like to get pretty close at times!Hiking Distance: 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), 3-5 hoursElevation Loss: 60 metres (197 feet)
Day 4 Day 3: Amp; 4: Hike Mt Aspiring National Park And Wanaka Options
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Amp; 4: Hike Mt Aspiring National Park And Wanaka Options

This morning we’ll leave Ohau and head through the Lindis Pass to Wanaka – a small alpine village on the shores of Lake Wanaka. After lunch, we head off for our various activities.
Day 5 Day 3: To 4: Option B, Explore Wanaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: To 4: Option B, Explore Wanaka

Day 3 (afternoon) - Explore WanakaLake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand and surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains. There are great walking trails and biking tracks in the area, as well as jet boating and kayaking. It’s well worth a visit to the famed Warbirds and Wheels Museum, which is home to an amazing collection of old fighter planes and classic cars. Whether you’re skipping stones on the lake’s edge or relaxing by the fire at the lodge, Wanaka is a great spot to rediscover simple pleasures.Wanaka Lodgings, Wanaka (All meals)Day 4 (morning) - Explore WanakaAfter a relaxed breakfast, you’ll have the morning to yourselves before meeting up with the rest of the group.
Day 6 Day 4: (Afternoon): Bike Wanaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: (Afternoon): Bike Wanaka

After regrouping in Wanaka, we'll head out for a bike ride along the lakeshore, and then 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. You’ll sleep sweetly tonight at a lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)Hiking Distance: 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Loss: 60 metres (197 feet)Biking Distance: Up to 10 kilometres (6 miles), 2-3 hours
Day 7 Day 5: Free Day In Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: 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, an historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere by the fire at one of the local cafés or pubs. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today. Alternatively, you can go skiing or snowboarding for the day at one of four nearby ski areas (approximate cost US$150 for ski or snowboard hire, transport and lift pass – available as snow conditions suit, generally from June to September).Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (No meals included.)Note: The 5-day trip option ends today after your included breakfast.
Day 8 Day 6: Hike Kepler Track And Explore Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hike Kepler Track And Explore Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Lake Te Anau to hike the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’. Unlike most of the other ‘Great Walks’, which evolved from Maori greenstone trails or pioneer exploration routes, the Kepler Track was custom-made, built for pleasure rather than necessity. The track has been carefully crafted to show walkers all the very best features of Fiordland, from the prolific bird life and tussock high country, to the huge mountain ranges and vast glacier-carved valleys. This evening we’ll take a boat journey across Lake Te Anau to a glittering grotto of glow worms. These fascinating bugs light the way in a 200 metre system of caves, underground waterfalls, sculpted walls and swirling pools. From the darkness of the glow worm caves, we’ll head back into the light of Te Anau where we’ll stay the night.Matai Lodge, 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 9 Day 7: Cruise On Milford Sound, Explore Fiordland National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cruise On Milford Sound, Explore Fiordland National Park

This morning we’ll head towards Milford Sound on one of the most dramatically scenic drives in the world. We’ll pass through the Eglinton Valley, and wind our way through the mountains of Fiordland. Our drive takes us through the Homer Tunnel, an astounding feat of human engineering which must be seen to be believed. Once we arrive you’ll have the opportunity to explore Milford Sound and hopefully spot some friendly fur seals and dolphins. 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. This afternoon, we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot to check out some of its endemic flora and fauna, like the kea (Nestor notabilis), New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and intelligent alpine parrot and the kotukutuku (Fuchsia excorticate), the world’s largest fuchsia.Matai Lodge, Te Anau (All meals)
Day 10 Day 8: Scenic Journey To The West Coast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Scenic Journey To The West Coast

Today, we’ll be making the scenic journey past beautiful rolling farmland and around the edge of Lake Wakatipu, leaving the dry-arid mountains behind us as we continue driving on the stunning road between Lake Wanaka and Hawea. There will be plenty of time for photo stops and we’ll have some lunch on the way before continuing over the Haast Pass, down into impressively dense rain forest as we near the West coast – a long stretch of gorgeous, rugged coastline with a population of only 40,000 people. We’ll mingle with the ‘coasters’ tonight in the tiny township of Haast, exchanging tales of our adventures at the local pub in front of a roaring fire.Heartland World Heritage Hotel, Haast (Breakfast, Dinner)Note: The 8-day trip option ends today in Queenstown. You will be dropped off en-route between Te Anau and Haast.
Day 11 Day 9: Hike To Copland Valley Hot Pools, Westland National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hike To Copland Valley Hot Pools, Westland National Park

Today we’ll hike into a stunningly beautiful mountain basin, set directly underneath the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, with an awesome highlight – natural hot pools! It’s a challenging six to seven hour hike 17 kilometres (10 miles) up the Copland Valley with a gradual elevation gain, but it’s absolutely worth it. Our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. All you’ll be carrying is a backpack with your sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and a share of our food. Tonight, we stay in one of New Zealand’s most spacious backcountry huts, a comfortable two-level building. One of the best things about hiking this track in winter is that we may well have the hut all to ourselves! While you soak in the natural hot pools your guide will whip up a hearty dinner.Welcome Flat Hut, Westland National Park (All meals)Hiking Distance: 18 kilometres (11 miles), 6-7 hoursElevation Gain: 420 metres (1,380 feet)Elevation Loss: 40 metres (130 feet)
Day 12 Day 10: Hike Up The Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hike Up The Valley

Today we’ll hike further up the track for even more amazing scenery and views of multiple glaciers clinging to the top of the mountain valley. If you prefer, you can have a relaxing day at the hut – soak in the hot pools, enjoy the stunning scenery, or relax with a good book. Either way, the hot pools are without a doubt the star attraction here, closely followed by the dramatic scenery.Welcome Flat Hut, Westland National Park (All meals)
Day 13 Day 11: Hike Copland Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Hike Copland Valley

An early start sees us on the track, a great time to be hikng with the fresh morning air and stillness. You’ll be feeling sprightly today after a relaxing evening in the rejuvinating hot pools and with the slightly downhill gradient, you’ll be in ‘cruise mode’ on the outward hike. Once back at the trailhead, we’ll rest our bodies with a scenic journey up the coast to the township of 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: 18 kilometres (11 miles), 4-6 hoursElevation Gain: 40 metres (130 feet)Elevation Loss: 420 metres (1,380 feet)
Day 14 Day 12: Kayak Okarito Lagoon, Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Kayak Okarito Lagoon, Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier

This morning we’ll make 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 the 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. Once back in Franz Josef, you’ll have the option to take another hike to the terminal face for exceptional glacier views 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 15 Day 13: Hike Punakaiki Rainforest And Beaches
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hike Punakaiki Rainforest And Beaches

This morning, we’ll travel along the coast to check out local art galleries and a pounamu carving workshop (pounamu is Maori for jade) in Hokitika. After lunch, we carry on to Punakaiki, where we’ll hike the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons in the footsteps of the gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. While we’re in Punakaiki, we’ll also check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea. Tonight we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner for the last night of your trip.West Coast lodging, Punakaiki (All meals)Inland Pack Track Hiking Distance: 6 kilometres (4 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 130 metres (425 feet)Elevation Loss: 130 metres (425 feet)Pancake Rocks Hiking Distance: 1 kilometre (0.6 mile), 0.5-1 hourElevation Gain: 9 metres (30 feet)Elevation Loss: 9 metres (30 feet)
Day 16 Day 14: Depart For Home
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Depart For Home

We’ll leave after breakfast for the beautiful journey over Arthurs Pass to Christchurch. This is the last day 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’s winter landscape.(Breakfast, Lunch)

+13

14 days tour

New Zealand Winter Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip New Zealand Winter Adventure

Day 1: Arrive, Hike Mt John

Day 2: Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Or Ski/Snowboard Ohau Ski Area

Day 3: To 4: Option A, Hike And Overnight In Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3: Amp; 4: Hike Mt Aspiring National Park And Wanaka Options

Day 3: To 4: Option B, Explore Wanaka

Day 4: (Afternoon): Bike Wanaka

Day 5: Free Day In Queenstown

Day 6: Hike Kepler Track And Explore Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

Day 7: Cruise On Milford Sound, Explore Fiordland National Park

Day 8: Scenic Journey To The West Coast

Day 9: Hike To Copland Valley Hot Pools, Westland National Park

Day 10: Hike Up The Valley

Day 11: Hike Copland Valley

Day 12: Kayak Okarito Lagoon, Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier

Day 13: Hike Punakaiki Rainforest And Beaches

Day 14: Depart For Home

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania