16 Day South Island Hiking Adventure Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival, you will be picked up for your private transfer from Christchurch International Airport to your hotel.

Depending on your flight arrival time, enjoy time to explore Christchurch’s vibrant city centre at your own pace. Wander along the picturesque Avon River, discover colourful street art and hidden laneways, browse boutique shops, and relax in stylish cafés. Blending rich heritage with contemporary design and lush green spaces, Christchurch is a city that rewards every step.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Start the day by collecting your Compact SUV rental car from the Christchurch City Depot. You’ll have the flexibility to spend your free day exploring one of Canterbury’s spectacular walking destinations.

Godley Head Walkway: 9-10 km/5.6–6.2 miles loop (allow 3–4 hours):  One of Christchurch’s most scenic coastal walks, following dramatic clifftops with sweeping views across Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Discover historic WWII gun emplacements, rugged coastal scenery, native birdlife, and, during the right season, the chance to spot dolphins or seals offshore.

Castle Hill Conservation Area:  Flexible (1 hour): Explore the extraordinary limestone boulder landscape of Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti), one of Canterbury’s most iconic natural attractions. Wander among towering rock formations, discover hidden passageways, and enjoy spectacular mountain views. The well-formed walking tracks make it easy to explore at your own pace, whether you’re after a short stroll or a longer wander through this remarkable alpine setting.

Mount Sunday Track: 1.5 km/0.9 miles (allow 1 hour return). This easy to intermediate walk offers stunning views of the Rangitata River and the surrounding mountains. The small hill got its name because boundary riders from the high-country stations would meet here on Sundays. More recently it was the film site for Edoras in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Enhance your day with one of our suggested optional tours, or speak with your consultant to tailor the perfect day.

Today, prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch to Mount Cook. You’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and enter the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. From late November to early February, the lakeside comes alive with vibrant lupins, creating one of New Zealand’s most spectacular seasonal displays. The route then leads you directly to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Enroute we suggest stopping at the Rakaia Gorge Walkway: 10 km/6.2 miles loop (allow 2–3 hours) The walk that winds through native bush, follows the historic ferryman’s track, and leads to breathtaking lookouts over the gorge. Along the way, discover the fascinating remains of the former Snowdon coal mines, including old tunnels and mining equipment. If time allows, continue to a second panoramic viewpoint or take the short detour down to the river’s edge for an even closer look at this stunning landscape.

If you’d like to stretch your legs before continuing along the Mount Cook Road, the Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk is a fantastic option. The full return walk is 13 km/8 miles and takes around 4 hours, but even a short section is well worth it.

On arrival in Mount Cook Village, you will have time to take one of the hiking trails in the area or add on a suggested optional tour!

The Hooker Valley Track: 10 km/6.2 miles is one of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park’s most iconic walks and a must-do when visiting the region. This easy return track takes around 3 hours and is suitable for most fitness levels. Follow a well-formed trail across three spectacular suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of Mueller Lake, the Mueller Glacier, and towering Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Sefton. Your reward at the end is the stunning Hooker Lake, where floating icebergs often drift across the water during the warmer months. With incredible alpine scenery from start to finish, it’s one of the region’s most iconic walks.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Māori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast-changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

Depart Mount Cook and journey south through Twizel and the vast landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin.

Take a worthwhile detour to the Omarama Clay Cliffs, where towering pinnacles and narrow ravines create one of New Zealand’s most striking natural landscapes. Formed over a million years ago from layers of gravel and silt deposited by ancient glaciers, these dramatic rock formations have an almost otherworldly appearance. The Clay Cliffs are located on private land, with access available via a small donation at the entrance.

The route then climbs the iconic Lindis Pass, with its vast and sweeping tussock landscapes. Descend into Central Otago, a region of world-class vineyards and dramatic mountain valleys. Your trip ends on the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables mountain range. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Today is yours to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Stroll along the vibrant lakefront, browse boutique shops and cafés, or wander through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. For those wanting to stretch their legs, choose from a variety of scenic walks including the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, the Lake Hayes Track, or the peaceful Moke Lake Loop, where a gentle trail circles one of the region’s most picturesque alpine lakes. For a more challenging hike, tackle the Ben Lomond Track for spectacular panoramic views, or take the Skyline Gondola and explore the Ben Lomond Saddle or Tiki Trail. If you’d prefer a guided adventure, speak to your consultant about adding one of our suggested optional tours.

Prepare yourself for 3 days with Trips and Tramps – local guides in the Fiordland National Park.

Starting with the Milford Track Giant Gate Guided Day Walk and Cruise today, you’ll experience the b, combining a guided hike on the iconic Milford Track with a scenic cruise through spectacular Milford Sound. You’ll depart from Te Anau along the iconic Milford Road as your experienced guide shares their knowledge, stories and passion for Fiordland, bringing its rich natural and cultural history to life. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, take a short water taxi to Sandfly Point. From here, hike the world-famous Milford Track as it follows the Arthur River and Lake Ada. Cross an expansive swing bridge and walking through ancient temperate rainforest to the spectacular Giant Gate Waterfall. After your hike, board a two-hour Mitre Peak small boat cruise through Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to the Tasman Sea, admiring towering waterfalls, rainforest, dramatic peaks, and native wildlife. Travel back along the Milford Road to Te Anau, completing a personalised, immersive day of adventure. Picnic lunch is included.  Tour duration: 11.5 hours (approx.). Walking time/distance: 3.5 hours, 11 kms/6.8 miles return.

Today you’ll experience the beauty of Lake Manapōuri and Fiordland National Park on a fun-filled day of jet boating and hiking with Trips and Tramps to the Kepler Track. Departing from Te Anau, enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Waiau River, bordered by ancient beech forest and immortalised in The Lord of the Rings. Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Manapōuri before going ashore for a guided 6 km hike along a section of the Kepler Track to Rainbow Reach. Your friendly guide will share insights into Fiordland’s native flora, fauna, and heritage. The track takes you across beaches, wetlands, a swing bridge and offers a peek inside a traditional Kiwi tramping hut, providing an opportunity to discover a piece of real New Zealand. Picnic lunch included. Tour duration: 6 hours (approx.). Walking time/distance: 2–2.5 hours, 6 kms/3.7 miles – Easy level.

Spend one last day with Trips and Tramps in the Fiordland National Park. You’ll embark on a guided day hike to Key Summit, along the renowned Routeburn Track in the Southern Alps. Departing from Te Anau, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive with short stops before reaching Divide Shelter, where your hike begins. Led by your knowledgeable Trips and Tramps guide, ascend 400 metres (1,300 ft) through lush temperate rainforest to alpine landscapes with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and forested valleys. Enjoy lunch at the summit, after which options include venturing into the Greenstone Valley before returning to The Divide, or exploring short walks in the Hollyford Valley and its picturesque surroundings. Picnic lunch included. Tour duration: 8 hours (approx.), Walking time: 3–5 hours, 7–10 kms/4.3–6.2 miles return

Today you’ll leave Te Anau behind and journey through the spectacular landscapes of Central Otago to the vibrant lakeside town of Wānaka. Travel alongside crystal-clear lakes, through dramatic mountain scenery and picturesque alpine valleys, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Arriving in Wānaka, you’ll have time to explore its charming waterfront, boutique shops, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after your Fiordland adventure.

Make the most of your afternoon by choosing one of these two scenic self-guided walks in and around Wānaka:

• Mount Iron Track – a local favourite offering 360-degree views over Wānaka, Lake Wānaka and the surrounding mountains. 4.5 km/2.8 miles loop – 1–1.5 hours, Easy–Moderate
• Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track – Walk to Diamond Lake or continue higher for stunning panoramic views over Lake Wānaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. 2–7 km/1.2–4.3 miles return, 1–3 hours, Moderate

Today is yours to explore Wānaka and its spectacular surrounds at your own pace. Our top recommendation is the self-guided Rob Roy Glacier Track, one of the region’s most rewarding hikes. This stunning 10 km/6.2 miles return walk (3–4 hours, moderate) winds through native beech forest, crosses swing bridges over glacial rivers, and leads to breathtaking viewpoints of cascading waterfalls and the impressive Rob Roy Glacier.

Alternatively, choose from one of our suggested optional tours or chat with your consultant to tailor the day to suit your interests.

Today, you’ll leave Wānaka and journey through Makarora in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park before crossing the spectacular Haast Pass, where waterfalls, winding rivers, and lush native forest create one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.

Along the way, stretch your legs with the easy Blue Pools Track (3 km/1.9 miles return, approximately 1 hour), leading to crystal-clear glacial pools suspended beneath a swing bridge. Continuing north along the rugged West Coast through Haast and ancient rainforest, arrive in Franz Josef. If time permits, we recommend the Lake Matheson Walk (4.4 km/2.7 miles loop, approximately 1.5 hours), famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on a calm day, before settling into Franz Josef for the evening.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/WAIAU – originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade

Today is yours to explore the spectacular glacier country surrounding Franz Josef at your own pace. Choose from one of the region’s scenic self-guided walks, or add one of our suggested optional experiences for an unforgettable day.

Our top self-guided walk recommendations:

Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk – Follow the glacier-fed Waiho River through a dramatic valley to a viewpoint overlooking the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier. 6 km/3.7 miles return, 1.5–2 hours, Easy–Moderate

Alex Knob Track – For experienced hikers, this challenging climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Franz Josef Glacier, Southern Alps and surrounding rainforest. 17 km/10.6 miles return, 8–10 hours, Challenging

Alternatively, chat with your consultant about adding one of our recommended optional tours, including a spectacular Glacier Heli-Hike or scenic helicopter flight for a truly unforgettable perspective of this remarkable landscape.

A journey up the wild West Coast to the famous Pancake Rocks. This trip takes you north along State Highway 6. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of the rugged coastline, with dense native forest on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. The route passes through charming West Coast towns before you arrive in Punakaiki, famous for its unique rock formations and blowholes.

PUNAKAIKI – is the gateway to the dramatic limestone country of the Paparoa National Park. It lies halfway between Greymouth and Westport on one of the most spectacular coastal highways. The Pancake Rocks that Punakaiki is famous for are limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago. The seabed was raised above sea level by earthquakes to form the coastal cliffs and coastline. The sea, wind and rain have since etched out the soft layers to form the unusual rock formations we see today. When conditions are right, large ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks and huge water spouts blast skywards through the blowholes creating a spectacular sight. Tourism activities in the area include canoe adventures, horse trekking, caving and guided walks to name just a few.

This journey is a real treat for the eyes. You’ll leave the rugged coast of Punakaiki to return your car to Greymouth Train Station. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. The journey will take you coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. From your carriage you’ll see the lush green valleys of the West Coast, the spectacular Southern Alps, beautiful gorges and river valleys and the fields of the Canterbury Plains. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open-air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

Upon arrival to Christchurch Train Station, you will be met and transferred by private car to your hotel.

Alternatively, chat with your consultant about continuing to Christchurch by car, allowing you to explore more of the spectacular Southern Alps at your own pace. We recommend stopping at the Devils Punchbowl Walking Track (2 km/1.2 miles return, approximately 1 hour), where a short forest climb leads to a magnificent 131-metre waterfall, and the Castle Hill Rocks (allow 1–2 hours), where easy walking trails weave through dramatic limestone boulders in one of New Zealand’s most unique alpine landscapes.

Depending on your flight time, you may wish to spend a few extra hours in Christchurch exploring its gardens, art scene, and charming streets. You’ll be transferred to Christchurch Airport by private car. Safe travels!