New Zealand Walking Tour

New Zealand Walking

South Island Paradise

After New Zealand, the bar will be forever raised. Other coastlines will seem less striking. Even mountains will pale in comparison. Glaciers... who sees glaciers at home? Start at the South Pacific, journey up to the Southern Alps, down to the Tasman Sea, then back up again. It's impossible to choose the most spectacular view. The most incredible moment. The blowholes at Punakaiki? Franz Josef Glacier, surrounded by rain forest? The view from the top of Rocky Mountain? Your ten days in New Zealand will be the benchmark. And your next vacation will have big shoes to fill.

Or see more trips you might like

The Day-to-Day Itinerary

Days 1-2 Tramp through the spectacularly beautiful South Island - it's a Kiwi tradition! Hike Godley Head out to Taylor's Mistake for views of Lyttleton Harbor and the South Pacific Ascend through beech forests and past alpine lakes to a sheep station hut once used by shepherds during the days of high-country sheep farming.

Days 3-5 Alpine tundra in the a.m. and oceanside trails in the p.m.  Traverse high country wetland to the dramatic 429-foot Devil's Punchbowl Falls Watch water explode sky-ward through blowholes at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks by the Tasman Sea A jungle trek along (and across!) the Porari River reveals native tree ferns and nikau palms ? Check out the hand-carved greenstone jewelry in the gold-rush town of Hokitika.

Days 5-7 Explore two glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox  Lake Matheson reveals the famous reflections of Mounts Tasman and Cook Swap rain forest for pounding surf at Munro Beach and search for pounamu, the native jade Canoe with a naturalist on Lake Moeraki or go hiking or swimming.

Days 8-10 Hike to the top of Rocky Mountain for incredible views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks Experience dramatic Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous fjord, on an optional excursion Breathtaking 360-degree vistas greet you atop Mount Iron, an impressive glacial rock formation.

Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!

While we have traveled around the world with other tour companies and Backroads, this by far was the most enjoyable trip. New Zealand provided not only an extraordinary background, and having two of our adult children and their spouses along make it uniquely enjoyable, the trip leaders were just the best. Attentive, friendly, sharing of their knowledge, generous with their time, consciously sharing their attention among all the travelers, and full of flexibility and suggestions (getting a fishing guide, arranging bungee jumping, juggling the schedule to get it all in) all of which made this a very special trip. Bravo!
Don Tucker - Landrum, SC More about this Trip All Guest Reviews

For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.

New Zealand Walking

Premiere Inns*

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass (2 nights) A cozy mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by beech forest and frosted peaks.

Punakaiki Resort
Punakaiki Resort

Punakaiki (1 night) Adjacent to Paparoa National Park with beautiful views of the dramatic Tasman Sea.

* Casual Inn

Westwood Lodge
Westwood Lodge

Franz Josef (2 nights) The warm wood interiors overlook the rugged terrain at this inviting and secluded lodge.

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki

Lake Moeraki (2 nights) Surrounded by ancient rain forests and close to Munro Lake, where the rare Tawaki penguins nest.

Edgewater Resort Hotel
Edgewater Resort Hotel

Lake Wanaka (2 nights) On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa, tennis)

New Zealand Walking

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
1 2-3 hours 10-20 miles 2-5 miles
2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
  • Level 1 2 Route Options Available
  • 1.7, 2 miles
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Levels 3 to 4  2 Route Options Available
  • 7.6, 9.8 miles
  • 1800 - 2800 feet elevation gain
Day 3
  • Levels 1 to 3  3 Route Options Available  
  • 1.3, 3, 5.3 miles
  • 100 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Level 1  2 Route Options Available
  • 3.6, 4.7 miles
  • 250 feet elevation gain
Day 5
  • Level 2  1 Route Option Available
  • 5 miles
  • 350 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Level 1  2 Route Options Available  
  • 2.7, 3 miles
  • 100 - 150 feet elevation gain
Day 7
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • 4.5 miles
  • 50 feet elevation gain
Day 8
  • Levels 1 to 2  2 Route Options Available
  • 2.5, 5.5 miles
  • 200 - 1350 feet elevation gain
Day 9
  • Level 3  1 Route Option Available
  • 8 miles
  • 150 feet elevation gain
Day 10
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • 2.5 miles
  • 400 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Alpine tracks, meadow trails, coastal paths, glacial walks.

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Premiere Inns Trip Price*
  • $3,998 to $4,298 pp dbl. occ.
  • (+$1,490 to $1,760 for sgl. occ.)
Trip Notes

All meals except 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Christchurch, New Zealand/Queenstown, New Zealand

Special Interest

Boat, Canoe, Cruise, Exotic Adventure, Geological Wonders, Heli-Hike, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Rainforest Exploration, Swim, Tropical/Winter Sunshine

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading


* Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Contact Us, call: 800-462-2848 or 510-527-1555, Fax: 510-527-1444, E-mail us or contact your travel agent