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 rainforest? 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 to a Maori sacred site, Kura Tawhiti - a gorgeous set of limestone outcroppings once used by Maoris to navigate across the island Behold beech forests and alpine lakes as you ascend 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 wetlands into Otira Valley 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 Stunning views of Mounts Tasman and Cook during a hike around Lake Matheson 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 Climb 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.
Call 800-462-2848, Every day 7am–5pm,PST
Guests Reviews About This Trip
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
It truly is an experience I will never forget! I love the fact that I learned so much about other people, their country and culture, and -- surprise! surprise! -- about myself!- McHenry, IL
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) Bordering 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.
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)
More Trips
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 1.7 | 200 | 4.0 | 800 | ||||||
| 2 | 7.6 | 1800 | 9.8 | 2800 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.5 | 200 | 3.8 | 850 | 6.3* | 1050 | ||||
| 4 | 4.8* | 500 | 6.2 | 600 | ||||||
| 5 | 5.5 | 400 | ||||||||
| Optional morning scenic flight, guided ice walk or boat cruise | ||||||||||
| 6 | 2.7* | 200 | 5.8* | 350 | 9.5* | 950 | ||||
| 3.1 | 150 | |||||||||
| 3.7 | 600 | |||||||||
| 7 | 4.5 | 150 | ||||||||
| Kayaking on Lake Moeraki (3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 8 | 8.3 | 150 | ||||||||
| 9 | 2.8 | 600 | 4.3 | 1600 | ||||||
| Optional scenic flight/cruise, canoeing, paragliding or golf | ||||||||||
| 10 | 2.7 | 400 | ||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes alpine tracks, meadow trails, coastal paths and glacial walks.
* Includes a shuttle
For 34 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.
