Set out on a 10-day small group hiking adventure exploring the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, from the views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City to the unique and rich terrain of the adventure capital, Queenstown. Start your adventure by exploring the lively towns of Nelson and Tasman Bay. Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park welcomes you with its golden beaches and glistening waters, perfect for a rejuvenating walk along the coast. Discover the Punakaiki rainforest in Paparoa National Park, known for its pancake rocks and blowholes. Hike in Aoraki/ Mt. Cook, and Mt. Aspiring National Parks as you approach the Southern Alps. A hiker's paradise trails through valleys carved by glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the shadow of New Zealand's tallest peaks.
Highlights
Discover the picturesque golden sand beaches of the Abel Tasman Coast
Explore the rainforest-clad limestone canyons on the West Coast
Hike the majestic peaks and lakes of Aoraki/ Mt. Cook and Mt Aspiring
Experience Tasman Glacier and float among icebergs in its' terminal lake
Trek parts of the famous Great Walks in Fiordland National Park
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Upon arrival, meet your guides and other walkers joining the tour in the Tides Hotel foyer at 4pm. There will be an opportunity for a guided hike up to the 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.
Hiking Distance: 2.5 km/ 1.5 miles Hiking Duration: 1 hour
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.
Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles Hiking Duration: 4 hour
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.
Hiking Distance: Up to 8 km / 5 miles Hiking Duration: 3 hours
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.
Hiking Distance: Up to 10 km / 6.2 miles Hiking Duration: 3 hours
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.
Hiking Distance: Up to 5 km / 3 miles Hiking Duration: 3 hours
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.
Hiking Distance: Up to 10 km / 6.2 miles Hiking Duration: 4 hours
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.
Hiking Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles Hiking Duration: 1 hours
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.
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles Hiking Duration: 3 hours
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.
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles Hiking Duration: 3 hours
Day 10: Te Anau | Queenstown | Return Home
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
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.
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles Hiking Duration: 3 hours
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25% ($500 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
