New Zealand Walking & Hiking
- Tramp through the unmatchable South Island - it's a Kiwi tradition!
- Alpine tundra in the a.m. and oceanside trails in the p.m.
- Visit a working Merino sheep station
- Explore two glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox
- Opt to discover dramatic Milford Sound by scenic flight or cruise
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.
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 3-4 Alpine tundra in the a.m. and oceanside trails in the p.m. Traverse mountain wetland to the dramatic 429-foot Devil’s Punchbowl Falls Watch water explode skyward 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 jaw-dropping 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.
Guests Reviews 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!- Landrum, SC
My father and I had an outstanding time on our trip to New Zealand. The trip provided my father and me an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. We were given ample time to spend on our own and also given the opportunity to spend quality time with the other guests in a comfortable and fun-loving atomosphere. Everything was carefully planned and brilliantly executed by our leaders and I can't imagine a better trip.- Thousand Oaks, CA
This was an extraordinary trip! I can't say enough about the leaders, hikes, settings and locations of the accommodations, and the members of the group. People who choose Backroads are good people to travel with.- Sands Point, NY
Casual & Premiere Inns*
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 (1 night) Next to Paparoa National Park with a panoramic view of the Tasman Sea.
Westwood Lodge
Franz Josef (2 nights) Warm wood interiors overlook rugged terrain at this inviting and secluded lodge.
* Premiere Inn
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Lake Moeraki (2 nights) This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.
Edgewater Resort Hotel
Lake Wanaka (2 nights) On the shores of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa, tennis)
* Premiere Inn
Costa Rica Walking & Hiking
From Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano & The Pacific Coast
Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1.7, 2 miles
- 0 - 500 foot 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
- 4.2, 4.7 miles
- 250 - 500 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, 4.7 miles
- 150 - 700 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.More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the New Zealand tour experts. See our award-winning Asia & the Pacific walking tours and hiking tours, Asia & the Pacific biking tours and Asia & the Pacific multisport tours.
