Start of multi-day options

Morning Journey

From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along spectacular coastline for a couple of hours to Blenheim, a town in the renowned Marlborough wine region. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by vineyard views before continuing our journey to St Arnaud.

Active Option: Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking

St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut Adventure

Your hike begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, nestled on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of pristine beech forests, crystal-clear lakes and towering mountains.

You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through ancient forest alongside the shores of Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut and jetty. The path offers frequent glimpses of the lake’s sapphire waters and surrounding peaks. Watch for native birds including the melodious bellbird and curious South Island robin along the way.

From Lakehead Hut, we’ll board a water taxi for a scenic return journey across Lake Rotoiti back to St Arnaud, where you’ll stay for the next couple of nights.

Hike Details

• Distance: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
• Terrain: Well-maintained forest track, some roots and gentle undulations

Evening

Return to the comfort of Alpine Lodge for a well-earned dinner featuring local ingredients and regional specialties. Enjoy the peaceful alpine setting and perhaps stargaze under New Zealand’s remarkable night sky.

Accommodation

Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud
A cozy mountain retreat nestled at the edge of the forest, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Active Option: Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking

Coldwater Hut to St Arnaud

Today’s Journey

After breakfast, you’ll return by water taxi to the top end of Lake Rotoiti, arriving at Coldwater Hut and jetty – just across the river from Lakehead Hut. From here, you’ll follow the trail as it gently winds its way around the pristine shoreline of Lake Rotoiti to Whisky Creek and the beautiful Whisky Falls.

Feel free to fill up your water bottles from Whisky Creek, but it IS only water, honest! After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to West Bay and loop back to St Arnaud for the evening.

Hiking Details

• Distance: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 295 feet (90 meters)
• Elevation Loss: 295 feet (90 meters)
• Terrain: Gentle lakeside trails with minimal elevation change
• Highlights: Lakeside views, Whisky Falls, native beech forest

Today’s Schedule

• Morning: Water taxi to Coldwater Hut, begin lakeside trail
• Midday: Picnic lunch at Whisky Falls
• Afternoon: Continue to West Bay and complete loop back to St Arnaud
• Evening: Return to accommodation, dinner and relaxation

Accommodation

Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud

• Comfortable mountain lodge accommodation
• Located in the small alpine village of St Arnaud
• Perfect base for exploring Nelson Lakes National Park

Meals Included

• Breakfast: At accommodation before departure
• Lunch: Picnic lunch on the lakeshore
• Dinner: Evening meal at Alpine Lodge

Multi-day Options

Active Option: Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking

Hike Roberts Ridge

After breakfast, don your hiking boots and set out for this morning’s walk. You’ll explore the beautiful peninsula track, stretching out into Lake Rotoiti, before making your way to the Pinchgut Track. This trail gives access to Mt. Robert and Robert’s Ridge, where the rest of the group will be approaching from the Angelus Circuit. You’ll wind your way up the trail through native beech trees and manuka scrub to reunite with the group. Once back together, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before carrying on to the West Coast.

• Distance: Up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers)
• Elevation Change: Up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) ascent, up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) descent
• Terrain: Peninsula shoreline, forest trails, mountain ridge
• Highlights: Lake Rotoiti views, native beech forest, alpine ridge panoramas

Challenging Option: Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking

Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti

Wake up on top of the world! After breakfast, you’ll hike out along the barren Robert Ridge with dramatic views of Tasman Bay and the mountainous Kahurangi National Park in the distance. You’ll descend below the tree line again into native beech forest, completing your hike on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here, you’ll meet up with the Rotoiti Circuit explorers and share stories of your adventures before carrying on to the West Coast.

• Distance: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers)
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Elevation Change: 230 feet (70 meters) ascent, 2,755 feet (840 meters) descent
• Terrain: Alpine ridge, rocky terrain, forest trails
• Highlights: Sunrise at Angelus Hut, expansive mountain views, alpine-to-forest transition

Afternoon: Regroup and Travel to West Coast

After regrouping in St. Arnaud, we’ll head across the Southern Alps to the West Coast – a dramatic and rugged coastline stretching 372 miles (600 kilometers), with a population of only 40,000 people. You’ll mingle with the ‘Coasters’ tonight in the seaside village of Punakaiki, exchanging tales of your adventures over dinner.

• Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Scenic Highlights: Southern Alps crossing, rainforest landscapes, coastal views
• Evening Destination: Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes

Evening Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Nestled in lush native forest with ocean views, this eco-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms just minutes from the famous Pancake Rocks. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner (featuring fresh local seafood and West Coast specialties)

Morning: Inland Pack Track Adventure

Spend the morning hiking the historic Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons. This remarkable trail follows the footsteps of gold miners who established this path over a century ago. The route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance as you traverse through lush native bush and dramatic gorge landscapes.

Punakaiki Highlights

While in Punakaiki, you’ll explore the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – these fascinating limestone formations have been sculpted through the relentless pounding of the Tasman Sea. Watch in awe as the sea surges through these natural blowholes during high tide, creating impressive geysers of seawater.

Afternoon: Hokitika Cultural Experience

Traveling along the scenic West Coast, we’ll stop in Hokitika to:

• Browse local art galleries showcasing New Zealand artists
• Visit pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Māori for jade)
• Stretch our legs with a short walk along the stunning beach
• Enjoy some free time to explore this charming coastal town

Evening: Onward to Franz Josef

Our journey continues to the township of Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next two nights. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand’s glacier country and the perfect base for our upcoming adventures.

Today’s Details

• Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Hiking Distance: 4 miles (6 kilometers)
• Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours
• Elevation: 425 feet (130 meters) ascent, 425 feet (130 meters) descent

What to Bring Today

• Waterproof jacket (West Coast weather can change quickly)
• Camera for Pancake Rocks and coastal scenery
• Water bottle and day pack
• Comfortable walking shoes

Today’s Highlights

• Morning Kayaking: Explore the serene Okarito Lagoon against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to spot New Zealand’s only native white heron colony and diverse birdlife
• Coastal Exploration: Hike through lush coastal forest and along pristine beaches
• Free Evening: Enjoy personal time in Franz Josef with flexible dining options

Detailed Itinerary

Morning

After breakfast, we’ll take a short scenic drive to Okarito, a hidden gem on the West Coast. This small beach settlement offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand.

You’ll paddle across the tranquil waters of Okarito Lagoon in sea kayaks, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Southern Alps in the distance. The lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and provides a critical habitat for numerous bird species.

Wildlife

Okarito is renowned for being home to:

• The only breeding colony of kotuku (white herons) in New Zealand
• Royal spoonbills
• Oystercatchers
• Godwits and other migratory birds

Afternoon

Following lunch, we’ll explore the coastal environment on foot, hiking through native forest and along pristine beaches. The trail offers stunning views of the lagoon and mountains beyond.

Later, we’ll return to Franz Josef where you can choose to:

• Take an optional additional walk
• Relax in the hot tubs
• Explore the small township at your leisure

Evening

Tonight is yours to enjoy dinner at one of Franz Josef’s local restaurants (at your own expense).

Activity Details

• Hiking Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers)
• Hiking Duration: 1-2 hours
• Elevation: 394 feet (120 meters) gain, 394 feet (120 meters) descent
• Kayaking Duration: 2-4 hours
• Activity Level: Moderate, suitable for beginners

Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

• Nestled in lush native bush
• Modern, comfortable rooms
• On-site facilities include hot tubs and restaurant/bar

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner (on your own)

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Sun protection
• Camera
• Water bottle
• Swimwear (for hot tubs)

Glacier Country Exploration

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 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level.

Today’s Highlights

• Hike through ancient temperate rainforest
• Witness spectacular views of Franz Josef Glacier
• Journey along the dramatic West Coast
• Arrive at the gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park

Morning: Glacier Hike

We’ll spend most of the day near Franz Josef Glacier hiking up through the forest to get incredible views of the ice. Our trail takes us through lush native bush with opportunities to learn about the unique ecosystem where glaciers meet rainforest—a rare phenomenon found in very few places on Earth.

Weather Alternatives

Wet weather can inhibit these hikes, so we may opt instead for:

• A scenic walk around the mirror-like Lake Matheson
• An exploration of the crystal-clear Blue Pools near Haast Pass

Afternoon: Coastal Journey

From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest and then inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt. Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains. The drive itself offers constantly changing scenery from wild coastlines to dense rainforest and finally alpine vistas.

Today’s Details

Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking Information:

• Distance: Up to 5.5 miles (9.5 kilometers)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: Up to 1,640 feet (500 meters)
• Elevation Loss: Up to 1,640 feet (500 meters)
• Terrain: Forest trails and some rocky sections
• Difficulty: Moderate

What to Bring Today:

• Camera for glacier views
• Layered clothing (weather can change quickly)
• Rain jacket (even on sunny days)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Water bottle (2 liters recommended)
• Sunscreen and hat

Morning: Beech Forest to Alpine Terrain

The landscape transforms dramatically this morning as you journey from dense beech forest into the semi-arid mountainous terrain that characterizes this region. Today’s adventure features the spectacular Rocky Mountain Track—a breathtaking circuit through an area sculpted by ancient Ice Age glaciers, offering diverse ecosystems from native forest to alpine shrubland.

The Hike

• Distance: 4.5 miles (7 kilometers)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Elevation: 1,230 feet (375 meters) ascent, 1,230 feet (375 meters) descent
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park vistas, and diverse alpine flora

Afternoon: Wanaka to Queenstown

After conquering Rocky Mountain, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the charming lakeside town of Wanaka. Then, prepare for a short but dramatic journey over the historic Cardrona Saddle—a mountain pass offering stunning alpine views—as you make your way to Queenstown, nestled on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu.

Queenstown

Queenstown will serve as your base for the next couple of days, offering world-class amenities and access to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Accommodation

Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
A premium accommodation experience featuring stunning lake views, luxury amenities, and convenient access to Queenstown’s vibrant downtown area.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Adventure Capital of New Zealand

Queenstown has rightfully earned its reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!). This charming resort town packs all the comforts of civilization into a compact, scenic setting nestled between mountains and lake.

Amenities & Activities

Urban Comforts:

• Diverse restaurants for every palate
• Cozy sidewalk cafés
• Stylish lounge bars
• Rejuvenating day spas
• Boutique shopping

Adventure Options:

• Horse trekking through scenic landscapes
• Skyline Gondola with panoramic views
• Kayaking on Lake Wakatipu
• Fishing in pristine waters
• Winery tours in nearby Central Otago
• Hang gliding over spectacular scenery
• Mountain biking on world-class trails
• Bungy jumping (birthplace of commercial bungy!)
• Jet boating through narrow canyons
• Skydiving with breathtaking alpine views
• Exceptional hiking opportunities

Your Day, Your Way

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful relaxation, Queenstown delivers. Spend your day conquering fears with extreme sports, exploring nature’s beauty, indulging in culinary delights, or simply lounging with a good book while soaking in the atmosphere.

Your guides are available to share their favorite local spots and provide recommendations tailored to your interests for this free day.

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
Meals: No meals included

Morning Journey: Queenstown to Te Anau

• Depart Queenstown and travel around the stunning Lake Wakatipu
• Enjoy panoramic views as we leave the majestic Remarkables mountain range behind
• Head west to the charming lakeside town of Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound

Afternoon Highlight: Hiking the Kepler Track

One of New Zealand’s premier Great Walks awaits this afternoon as we embark on a breathtaking section of the world-renowned Kepler Track.

Hike Details:

• Distance: 6 miles (9.5 kilometers)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Elevation Change: 165 feet (50 meters) ascent, 165 feet (50 meters) descent
• Trail Features: Ancient mountain beech forest, crystal-clear Waiau River, native bird life, panoramic alpine views

Our journey takes us through pristine mountain beech forest alongside the tranquil Waiau River. This relatively gentle section of the track offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing the perfect introduction to Fiordland’s remarkable landscapes.

Evening in Te Anau

Tonight we’ll unwind at our accommodation perched on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second-largest lake. Relax and take in the serene lake and mountain views while enjoying a delicious dinner featuring fresh local cuisine.

Accommodation

Matai Lodge, Te Anau
This comfortable lodge offers the perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty, situated just steps from Lake Te Anau.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Morning: Milford Sound Cruise

Early departure

Journey through Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest and most spectacular national park. Travel through the impressive Homer Tunnel before descending into the glacier-carved valley that leads to the shores of Milford Sound.

“The eighth wonder of the world” — Rudyard Kipling

Experience the breathtaking beauty of this famous fiord:

• Towering granite cliffs rising over 1,000 meters from the Tasman Sea
• Cascading waterfalls plunging into deep, dark waters
• Possible wildlife sightings including fur seals and dolphins

Enjoy an exclusive early morning cruise when the waters are at their most serene, giving you the perfect opportunity to fully appreciate the majesty of this natural wonder.

Afternoon: Routeburn Track Hike

After a satisfying lunch, set out to explore more of Fiordland’s pristine wilderness on foot. Hike along a section of the world-renowned Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Hiking Details:

• Distance: 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation: 470 meters (1,540 feet) ascent and descent

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of:

• The vast Hollyford Valley
• Crystal-clear Lake Marian
• Majestic Mt. Christina

Evening

Return to Te Anau for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Itinerary Highlights

Begin your day with an exhilarating e-bike adventure along the Queenstown Trail before journeying through the dramatic Lindis Pass to reach the stargazing paradise of Mackenzie Country.

Morning: E-Bike Adventure

After an early breakfast, we’ll depart from Queenstown to embark on an e-bike excursion along a scenic portion of the Queenstown Trail. This well-maintained route offers breathtaking scenery as you:

• Cycle alongside the crystal-clear Arrow River
• Cross the impressive Edgar Bridge
• Witness adrenaline enthusiasts taking the plunge at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge—the historic birthplace of commercial bungy jumping
• Glide through the picturesque landscapes of Gibbston Valley, known as the “Valley of Vines”

Midday: Wine Country Experience

Our cycling journey culminates at The Church Cellar Door & Café, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch paired with a wine tasting experience. Central Otago has earned international acclaim for its exceptional Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varieties, making this tasting a true highlight for wine enthusiasts.

Afternoon: Scenic Journey North

Following lunch, we’ll continue our adventure:

• Drive through the golden tussock highlands of Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads at 971 meters
• Descend into the Mackenzie Country Basin, characterized by its vast open spaces and turquoise lakes
• Arrive at our accommodation with stunning panoramic views of the Southern Alps including Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak

Evening: Dark Sky Experience

Tonight marks a special opportunity for stargazing, as we’ll be staying within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve—one of only a few gold-rated dark sky reserves worldwide. With strict light pollution controls throughout the region, you’ll have the chance to witness an astounding array of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena (weather permitting).

Practical Information

• Cycling Distance: 10 miles (16 kilometers)
• Cycling Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Elevation Profile: 360 feet (110 meters) ascent, 492 feet (150 meters) descent
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (e-bikes make the journey accessible for most fitness levels)
• Accommodation: Various premium lodgings in the Mackenzie region
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

What to Bring

• Camera (for both daytime landscapes and night sky photography)
• Layered clothing (temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day)
• Warm jacket for evening stargazing
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water bottle

The Crown Jewel of New Zealand’s Southern Alps

Overview

Standing majestically at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), Aoraki/Mt. Cook—known as “cloud piercer” by the South Island Māori—is New Zealand’s highest peak and the centerpiece of today’s alpine adventure. This spectacular day of hiking offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine terrain, and the iconic Southern Alps.

Your Hiking Options

Option 1: Mueller Ridge Hike (Challenging)

• Distance: 7.2 kilometers (4.4 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation: 975 meters (3,200 feet) ascent and descent
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Mueller Glacier, Mt. Cook, and surrounding peaks

This challenging alpine trek takes you to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier, offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in New Zealand. The trail climbs steadily through diverse alpine terrain, eventually delivering unparalleled views of the glacier below and the towering peaks that surround it.

“The view from Mueller Ridge will be etched in your memory forever—a perfect reward for the challenging ascent.”

Option 2: Hooker Valley Track (Moderate)

• Distance: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation: 100 meters (328 feet) ascent and descent
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Glacial lake with icebergs at the base of Hooker Glacier

This iconic walk follows the Hooker Valley and crosses three swing bridges, leading to the glacial lake at the base of Hooker Glacier. The relatively flat trail offers stunning views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook throughout, culminating in an incredible vista of the glacier and its terminal lake, often dotted with icebergs.

Weather Considerations

The alpine environment around Aoraki/Mt. Cook creates a microclimate known for rapid weather changes. Our guides will assess conditions carefully before determining the day’s activities, as safety is our highest priority. Be prepared with appropriate layered clothing regardless of the forecast.

Evening Celebration

After a day of alpine exploration, return to your accommodation for the final night of your adventure. We’ll gather for a special celebratory dinner, sharing stories from our journey while watching the sunset paint the Southern Alps in golden hues—a perfect conclusion to your New Zealand experience.

Practical Information

• Accommodation: Various selected properties in the Aoraki/Mt. Cook region
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Required Equipment: Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, camera
• Recommended: Trekking poles, 2 liters of water, snacks

Departure Day

After a final delicious breakfast at our accommodation, we’ll begin our journey back to Christchurch. The scenic drive gives you one last opportunity to soak in New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and reflect on the adventures you’ve experienced.

Schedule:

• Morning: Breakfast and checkout
• Mid-morning: Departure for Christchurch
• Afternoon: Arrive in Christchurch with ample time to connect with international flights

What’s Included:

• Breakfast and packed lunch
• Comfortable transportation to Christchurch
• Airport drop-off service

Farewell to New Zealand

As your New Zealand adventure concludes, we hope you’ll depart feeling refreshed and invigorated from the perfect blend of:

• Exceptional local cuisine
• Invigorating outdoor activities
• Peaceful rest in stunning natural settings
• Memorable experiences with newfound friends

Extend Your Adventure

Want to experience more of New Zealand? Consider extending your journey to discover the North Island’s unique treasures:

• Ultimate North Island Adventure – 11-day comprehensive experience
• North Island Highlights – 5-day compact option

The North Island offers:

• Rich Māori cultural experiences
• Pristine white-sand beaches
• Fascinating geothermal wonders
• Lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes

Contact us for seamless arrangements to continue your New Zealand journey!