Ultimate South Island - Hiking New Zealand - 15 days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Nelson - Bark Bay
1 stop
1
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Meet your guide and fellow hikers at 2/75 Trafalgar Street, Nelson at 9:00am. We will go on to collect from the airport people on the Ultimate New Zealand tour joining from the North Island and head out of town around picturesque Tasman Bay to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Your guide will advise you on how to pack light and smart as we ready ourselves for our first adventure - a two-night stay in the Park. A boat cruise around the coast takes us to the beautiful Tonga Quarry. Enjoy a snack on the idyllic beach before starting your hike, following the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay where your tents and some gear were dropped by the boat. We pitch your tents and enjoy a delicious meal together before later falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Bark Bay - Anchorage
1 stop
2
Abel Tasman Coast Track
After a relaxed breakfast your departure from Bark Bay takes us through contrasting stands of mānuka and luxuriant mixed forest, over a low saddle and across a high and airy suspension bridge above the Falls River. Views open up to golden sand beaches on the descent to Torrent Bay where your guide may talk you into taking a side trip up to the Falls River cascades, a stunning swimming spot, or to Cleopatra's Pool, a must do and the perfect place for a refreshing swim. If you are feeling nimble you can join the guide for a boulder hop further up the valley here exploring idyllic pools and waterfalls. We camp tonight at the bush-fringed and bright blue inlet of Anchorage. Relax, read a book and go for a swim before meeting in the evening to cook and eat together.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Anchorage - Murchison
1 stop
3
Abel Tasman National Park
It's time to hit the water and explore the Abel Tasman's magical coastline by waka (Māori canoe). After a short water taxi ride, you'll meet your waka guide for a traditional karakia (blessing) and learn the etiquette of joining a waka team. Then it's time to climb aboard and paddle. Depending on conditions, explore several coves on the mainland and the wildlife refuge of Adele Island to observe a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals. Along the way be enlightened by stories of local Māori history and customs. Paddle into Kaiteriteri beach at around midday to reunite with your Hiking New Zealand guide. After a picnic lunch and a restock on supplies in Motueka we drive south to a private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers. Enjoy an organic meal home-cooked by our hosts. Note: The waka experience requires a minimum of six people. With smaller groups we return to Kaiteriteri via water taxi.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Murchison - Ballroom Overhang
1 stop
4
Paparoa National Park
After driving through the Buller Gorge your first stop and experience of the wild West Coast is at Charleston. We take a short hike through lush West Coast bush checking out the dramatic headlands, wild waves and secluded bays. Afterwards enjoy a picnic lunch and pack up for your next hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. The first half of the trail is on a relatively flat, well-formed track, while the second half involves multiple river crossings and sections where the riverbed itself is your route. Good hiking shoes or boots are essential. Learn from your guide how to cross rivers safely, supporting each other by linking arms. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang, a fluviatile cave. For those keen on more hiking, join the guide and explore up a beautiful side canyon following the stream until it disappears into a cave.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Ballroom Overhang - Hokitika
1 stop
5
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
We hike back out through the canyon this morning after a leisurely start and head first to Punakaiki to check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Then it's down the coast to tonight's accommodation in Hokitika. A thriving goldrush town in the 1870s, it is now a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone), which was highly valued by early Māori for tools, jewellery and weapons. Tonight's lodge accommodation is centrally located and just a short distance from the beach. Tuck into traditional Kiwi fish and chips on the beach or eat at one of the many cafés in this bustling little seaside town. On arrival in Hokitika, we get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow's ride.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Hokitika - Arthur's Pass
1 stop
6
Before meeting as a group grab breakfast at one of the great cafés in town. Today you get to cycle the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail between the Arahura River bridge and the historic township of Kumara. Pedal your way through majestic native forest, cross crystal-clear rivers, and pass old reservoirs and water races which date back to the goldrush days. Today's ride is unguided, but the trail is well marked, and your local partners will give you a thorough briefing on riding the trail. The thoughtfully restored Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara is the perfect place to celebrate your ride with a drink. After the ride sit back and enjoy the mountain and rainforest landscapes as we turn east into the Southern Alps and stay in the quaint mountain village of Arthur's Pass. Tonight we stay at a private hut with showers and electricity. We prepare dinner together and get ready for tomorrow's hike into Edwards Valley. E-bike upgrades are available on request for an additional cost.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Arthur's Pass - Edwards Hut
1 stop
7
Arthur's Pass National Park
While not as well-known as some of the other National Parks visited on the tour, Arthur's Pass will awe you with its rugged peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails. Your overnight hike takes us up the Edwards River to the Edwards Hut which sits just above the bushline with a great view up this beautiful alpine valley. It is a challenging hike on a real 'kiwi-style' track. There are several river crossings and parts where you will need to use your hands for extra grip as the trail is rugged with steep slippery sections. We either camp or stay in the hut depending on how many other hikers are there. At nightfall listen out for the distinct call of your national bird, the kiwi. Roroa or great spotted kiwi are known to inhabit this area. Most departures will have two guides for this hike.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Edwards Hut - Methven
1 stop
8
Arthur's Pass National Park
Make the most of being in this wonderfully remote alpine valley by joining an optional hike this morning to explore further up towards Falling Mountain, where the views of the surrounding peaks open up even more. After returning to the hut we pack up and hike back out to the road having lunch along the way. Heading east away from the divide the scenery changes dramatically with the steep forested slopes of the west replaced with wide braided rivers, tussock grassland, mountains flanked with scree and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill. We leave the main highway following an inland route past Lake Lyndon, through Rakaia Gorge and on to the village of Methven where we stay overnight.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Methven - Aoraki/Mt Cook
1 stop
9
We spend the morning driving along the western margin of the Canterbury Plains and into the stunningly beautiful Mackenzie Country, an intermontane basin of huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. By late morning we arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook village ready to maximise your afternoon with a hike with daypacks up to Sealy Tarns and possibly as far as Mueller Hut. Enjoy views across two valley glaciers to icefalls on Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mt Cook. Towering moraine walls, glacial lakes and the frequent rumbling of distant avalanches are reminders of nature's sheer power in this dynamic landscape. We return via the same track to your accommodation at a private hut, in awe of your position in the heart of the Southern Alps, surrounded by mountains of such commanding presence. With luck, we can watch the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook turn from white to pink with the sun's last rays.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Aoraki/Mt Cook - Lake Hāwea
1 stop
10
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast together with a postcard view of Aoraki/Mt Cook from your dining room window. There is the option today of joining a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (additional cost). Those not heli-hiking can join the guide for a hike up the steep slopes of Sebastopol to the Red Tarns for more stunning views. Alternatively, relax at the hut, visit the information centre, or walk the spectacular Hooker Valley Track on your own (3 hours, 10 km), crossing three suspension bridges to the Hooker Glacier Lake. By mid-afternoon we reunite with the heli-hikers and continue south through the Mackenzie Country and over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region. We stay tonight near the shores of Lake Hāwea, a glacially formed lake over 35 km long ringed by mountains. Take the night off cooking and dine at a local restaurant.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Lake Hāwea - Aspiring Hut
1 stop
11
Mount Aspiring National Park
We drive to Wānaka township this morning to grab a coffee and take a wander around this vibrant lakeside resort town before heading on up the Matukituki Valley to the road end. Here we shoulder overnight packs and enjoy stunning alpine views as we hike across grassed flats to Aspiring Hut. Catch glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring (3,033 m) between high peaks. There is the option this afternoon of the steep yet well rewarded climb through beech forest to the bush line on the Cascade Saddle Track (4.9 km, 3 hours). Cheeky and inquisitive kea (alpine parrots) may check out your group as we rest to take in the uninterrupted view across the upper Matukituki to Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps, so we might need to keep a wary eye on your things (kea love shiny zips).
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Aspiring Hut - Eglinton Valley
1 stop
12
Mount Aspiring National Park
We start your return hike early this morning enjoying the pretty views and easy walking along the floor of this wide glacially formed valley. Once we are back in Wānaka recharge with a lakeside picnic and you may want to dive into the lake for a swim. Next up is a remarkable drive over the Crown Range, offering breathtaking summit views of the Wakatipu Basin and lakes. By late afternoon, we're past Te Anau and well on your way to Milford Sound. We camp for the next two nights at the beautiful Eglinton Valley campsite, relaxing and making the most of the welcome hot showers.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Eglinton Valley - Milford Sound
1 stop
13
Milford Sound
This morning we drive beneath imposing granite cliffs and hanging valleys into the heart of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site and one of the largest national parks in the world. By mid-morning we are at Milford and ready to join one of the world's great day cruises out to Anita Bay and the entrance to Milford Sound. Enjoy stunning views of cascading waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, which soars 1,722 metres above the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals, which often play near the boat. Before returning to Eglinton Valley, we hike up to Key Summit on the final section of the famous Routeburn Track, passing from forest to alpine vegetation with spectacular views over the Hollyford Valley to the Darran Mountains. Optional: swap the cruise for a guided early-morning Milford Sound kayak trip (up to 3.5 hours on the water). Limited space; additional cost.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Eglinton Valley - Queenstown
1 stop
14
Fiordland National Park
After breakfast we take a short hike to check out a beautiful waterfall near your campsite, where you may want to soak up one last little bit of Fiordland by jumping under for a bracing shower. We then make your final drive to Queenstown arriving in the early afternoon. The afternoon is free for you to use as you wish. Your lodge is within easy walking distance to town. We meet up in the early evening and head out to celebrate the great hikes and adventures we have had together over the last two weeks.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Queenstown
1 stop
Queenstown (Pass by)
Your guide departs early this morning, marking the end of the tour. For those staying on in Queenstown you will be spoilt for choice of adventure activities to try. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and is surrounded by stunning landscapes with superb hiking and cycling tracks. Don't hesitate to ask one of our helpful team for tips of great hikes and other activities to do in the area.

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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