New Zealand Grand Hikes: North & South Islands

Meet the North Island guide and tour group in the Rydges Hotel lobby at 6:30 AM. Depart Auckland and travel south through the green farmland of the Waikato region, following the Waikato River. Stop at a local cafe along the way for a short break. Continue to the Waitomo Caves region for a guided visit to Ruakuri Cave.

Descend into underground galleries filled with limestone formations and glowing crystals. Walk beneath a ceiling lit by thousands of glow worms, creating a natural display that resembles a night sky. Return to the surface and follow a scenic loop trail through a limestone canyon. In the afternoon, travel to Rotorua, a center of geothermal activity and Maori cultural tourism. Settle into local accommodation and enjoy a group dinner in the city.

Up to 2 km (1.3 miles), 2 hours hiking, elevation +/-60 m (200 ft)

Take a short morning drive to Lake Tarawera, known for its clear waters and native forest. Travel by water taxi to the far end of the lake, then begin a scenic hike along its shoreline. Walk through dense bush, beneath tree ferns and volcanic cliffs, with regular stops at small pumice beaches for swimming and rest. Look out for a natural hot spring creek along the way. After returning to Rotorua, explore the city’s geothermal and cultural highlights. Walk the Redwoods Trail and visit the historic lakefront, including Faith Church. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner and a Maori cultural performance.

12 km (7.2 miles), 4 hours hiking, elevation +480 (1500 ft)  -280 m (900 ft)

Begin the day exploring Rotorua’s geothermal attractions, with boardwalk trails through bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colorful mineral springs. After a short break, travel south to Huka Falls to witness the force of the Waikato River as it rushes through a narrow gorge. Stop for lunch at a lakeside cafe in Taupo, a town known for its views of New Zealand’s largest lake. Continue driving along the lake’s edge toward Tongariro National Park, the country’s first national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in at a hotel near the park for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, walk to Taranaki Falls, a 20-meter cascade over an ancient lava flow. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

10 km (5.5 miles), 2-4 hours hiking, elevation +/-200 m (600 ft)

Join your guide today for a full day of walking on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt. Tongariro. Stop and admire the views of the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and steaming vents that make this hike outstanding. After a sometimes long and physically challenging day, celebrate your achievement at dinner with a bottle of fine New Zealand wine.

Those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village: Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this village.

Up to 21 km (12 miles), 7-8 hours hiking, elevation +900 m (3,000 ft) -1,250 m (4,100 ft)

Rest your legs this morning as you drive south through rolling green hill country to the capital city of Wellington. Stroll along the fabulous waterfront and absorb some of New Zealand’s history in the national museum, Te Papa, or get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. Nowhere is very far in Wellington. Enjoy the vibrant café and restaurant scene here.

There is more time to enjoy this busy harborside capital or relax before grabbing an early lunch and heading to the airport. Enjoy a scenic early afternoon flight over the Cook Strait as you hop from the North to the South Island. Your driver will meet you at Nelson Airport to transfer you to the Tides Hotel, where you will later meet your guides and those joining for the Southern Slice tour at 4 pm.

There will be an opportunity for a guided hike up Botanical Hill, known as the “Centre of New Zealand.” Enjoy the sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City, or you can go for an alternative option to explore the lively town on your own, as suggested by your guides.

Later, celebrate the start of your South Island tour by dining together in one of Nelson’s fine restaurants.

Up to 3.3 km (2 miles), 1-1.5 hours hiking, elevation +/-170 m (560 ft)

After an early breakfast, you will travel to Abel Tasman National Park. At the beach resort of Kaiteriteri, board a water taxi and cruise the coastline past golden sand beaches, rugged granite headlands, and bush-clad islands. Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track through native forests and past cascading streams. A well-formed trail leads us up and over gentle ridges to Torrent Bay, where the lovely, clear, fresh waters of Cleopatra’s Pool may tempt you to take a dip or, for those more daring, a slide down the naturally formed hydro-slide!

At Anchorage, you will meet the water taxi for a return journey to Kaiteriteri before heading back to Nelson in the late afternoon. There is an opportunity to further explore this vibrant and arty little town this evening, with the many excellent restaurant dining options.

Up to 12.2 km (7.6 miles), 4 hours hiking, elevation +/-700 m (2,300 ft)

While traveling to the West Coast, make a stop to hike and observe the beauty of the ancient natural flames that have been burning since the 1920s. With the help of a local guide, you can access this phenomenon via a privately owned working deer farm. Unlike the Eternal Flames of the Chimera in Turkey, the natural flames are surrounded by thick beech forests and tree ferns. This experience has a very 'kiwi' flavor, enhanced by hot cakes cooked over the fire and a cup of 'billy tea.'

Your journey resumes alongside the mighty Buller River as it cuts its way through the massive wilderness of the upper South Island to the coast at Westport. Explore this stunning stretch of the West Coast's coastline and discover its fascinating history before heading south to Punakaiki to watch the sunset and have dinner at a local pub.

Take an evening stroll around the famous pancake rocks and blowholes. If you can, try to visit the rocks during high tide; if not, you can wait until tomorrow to explore the rocks.

Up to 6 km (3.7 miles), 2 hours hiking, elevation +/-170 m (560 ft)

Hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River. This historic route, once used by prospectors and miners to avoid immense coastal cliffs while traveling the West Coast, is now part of our newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Pass through a deep limestone canyon and a towering rainforest with groves of tropical Nikau palms. You may not be able to resist a speedy swim in one of the many deep, clear pools you pass on the way!

Once you have completed the hike, head over the Southern Alps and onto a stunning highway that will transport you from the verdant rainforests of the West Coast to the soft, yellow tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. In New Zealand, this road has some of the most ingenious engineering. East of Arthur’s Pass, stretch your legs and stroll around the enchanting limestone outcrops of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill). This area was an important meeting place and food gathering area for early Maori people. Interestingly, it was named “Spiritual Center of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama when he visited in 2002. Today, the area is a popular destination for rock climbers who enjoy scaling a variety of rock formations.

Then, leave the highway and follow the back roads around Lake Lyndon and on to Methven, a ski town by winter and a laid-back rural town the rest of the year. The Southern Alps form a spectacular backdrop.

Up to 9.6 km (6 miles), 3-3.5 hours hiking, elevation +/-360 m (1,180 ft)

Continue to travel south, at first following the edge of the extensive Canterbury Plains, then up into the intermontane Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, perched daintily by the lake. During a picnic lunch, revel in broad views of the patagonia-like landscape. The sweeping Mackenzie “Country” is a sparsely populated region in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps; tawny-brown drylands, braided riverbeds, and startling glacial lakes extend to distant mountains.

Upon arrival at Mount Cook village, hike in Governors Bush and up to Red Tarns for magnificent elevated views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding Alps. After enjoying the views, take a stroll back to your accommodation, where you will be staying for the next two nights.

8.2 km (5.1 miles), 3 hours hiking, +/-380 m (1,280 ft)

Hike up to Sealy Tarns and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Sefton, Mueller Glacier, and up the Hooker Valley to Aoraki/Mt. Cook. If you’re feeling energetic, join the guide for an extended climb above the tarns to the crest of Mueller Ridge for even broader views of this spectacular alpine landscape. Those who want an easier alternative to the Sealy Tarns can explore the valley floor independently. Walk up the Hooker Valley for views of the Mueller and Hooker Glacier terminal lakes and the towering south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, or learn more about the wonders of the national park in the world-class visitor center.

5.3 km (3.3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-590 (1,940 ft) or
10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-270 m (890 ft)

Travel up the Tasman Valley towards the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. Take a short walk through the glacial moraine and board a custom-built boat for a unique spin around the terminal lake. Like most glaciers in the world, the Tasman Glacier is retreating, and the terminal lake increases in size every year. This dynamic environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes from the collapsing terminal face of the glacier.

Drive to Wanaka and follow the Mackenzie Country south before climbing over the tussock lands of the Lindis Pass into the southern lake district of Central Otago. Grab the opportunity to sample the wine and learn about the sustainable natural winemaking practiced at an award-winning vineyard in this burgeoning wine region, or simply enjoy a walk among the vines. Wanaka is a lovely lakeside holiday town.

2.9 km (1.8 miles), 1 hour hiking, elevation +/-70 m (230 ft)

A beautiful drive alongside Lake Wanaka leads you toward the peaks of Aspiring National Park. Hike in the lower Matukituki Valley on the Diamond Lake walk and up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnee” (rock sheep), for spectacular views over the lake and to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. This area has several hike options, from the gentle Diamond Lake circuit to the more energetic Rocky Mountain summit climb.

After the hike and lunch, travel to Te Anau, the entrance to Fiordland National Park, by driving over the Crown Range and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. In the afternoon, you can unwind or walk along the picturesque lakeshore, which offers breathtaking views of the vast Fiordland wilderness across the water.

Up to 7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-650 m (2,130 ft)

Your day excursion will take you through the stunning Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic visitor destinations. You'll stop at The Divide to walk a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit for panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Easy and short walks are available, and the preferred option, if the cloud is likely to rob Key Summit of views, is located below in the Hollyford Valley.

The topography will leave you spellbound as you continue to Milford Sound and experience the true magnificence of the fjord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs that plummet hundreds of meters into deep, dark waters. Enjoy the incredible views of mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you look out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and, if you are lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. You will return to Te Anau in the afternoon.

7.2 km (4.5 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-490 m (1,610 ft)

Queenstown is a beautiful town tucked under the mountains and beside the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu. There are a vast number of adventure activities on offer here. You might like to take a thrilling jet boat ride, face your fears on the highest bungy in New Zealand, or paddle peacefully down a river on an inflatable ‘funyak’.

This morning, you will hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush-fringed beaches, coves, and mountain backdrop. From here, explore the southern extent of your journey. Then, backtrack northwards towards the lively scene of Queenstown. Celebrate your adventures together over lunch at a classy local restaurant in the wine country just outside of Queenstown. Enjoy some fine local food and wine before arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon, where your tour concludes.

9.8 km (6.1 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-180 m (430 ft)

Please note: Due to difficulties with the size of the vehicle combination and accessibility of many accommodations, end of trip drop-off locations are at the guide's discretion. They may be limited to the airport and one central Queenstown location.