New Zealand South Island Walking & Hiking Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

7 days

6 nights

Activity Levels 1-3

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

New Zealand South Island Walking & Hiking Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

7 days

6 nights

Activity Levels 1-3

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2025: Oct-Dec 2026: Jan-Feb

From $7,399 - $7,699 /person

Abel Tasman National Park, Queen Charlotte Sound & Wine Country

Golden beaches, turquoise waters and dreamy coastlines. Where dolphins frolic and bellbirds sing. Where some of the world’s best trails and kayaking are tucked away. Where the night sky dazzles. Where? New Zealand.

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Highlights

  • Explore Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise of native forest, hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters and diverse wildlife
  • Kayak in the Tasman Sea and spot sunbathing fur seals, soaring gannets and little blue penguins diving for lunch
  • Indulge in farm-to-table Kiwi cuisine and sip Marlborough wine at the source
  • Hike the famed Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman Tracks, staying at secluded wilderness lodges only reachable by foot or water
  • Discover the Kaikoura Coast, where snowcapped mountains meet the sapphire Pacific Ocean
     
New Zealand South Island Walking and Hiking Tour map

New Zealand

Start Nelson

End Christchurch

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Days 1-2

Description

Adventure begins with a scenic water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand's most extraordinary places • Hike to a lookout point for views across the Tonga Island Marine Reserve • At our remote abode, be surrounded by unique flora and fauna that make this part of the world so special • Discover the famed Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the country's ten Great Walks • Find shade under the trail’s thick canopy and pass aquamarine lagoons • The iconic song of boisterous tui birds fills the forest.

Accommodations
Awaroa Lodge

(2 nights)

Nights 1-2

Awaroa Lodge
Awaroa
Premiere Hotel

Nestled deep in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, this secluded wilderness property is surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest. Accessible only by private water taxi or by foot along the scenic Abel Tasman Coastal Track, arriving here is part of the unique experience. While the lodge's interior is warm, inviting and full of character, its outdoor spaces shine with an abundance of birdlife and spectacular night skies. (spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Days 3-4

Description

Kayak in the Tasman Sea surrounded by abundant marine life and distinctive landforms • Cruise the Marlborough Sounds’ legendary waterways, steeped in Maori history • Walk through native bush on one of New Zealand's most beloved trails, the Queen Charlotte Track • From its skyline ridges, the majestic trail offers up one panoramic viewpoint after another • Gaze at a blanket of stars from our peaceful retreat.

Accommodations
Furneaux Lodge

(2 nights)

Nights 3-4

Furneaux Lodge
Endeavour Inlet
Premiere Hotel

Built at the turn of the 20th century as a private vacation abode, this historic lodge is tucked away among virgin native forest. The original colonial-style home and expanded resort is beautifully set at the head of the Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds—enjoy sweeping views of the inlet from your private balcony or patio. Reachable only by boat or on foot via the Queen Charlotte Track, its exclusive waterfront location offers unparalleled tranquility and access to some of New Zealand's best trails.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Days 5-7

Description

Explore along the Queen Charlotte Sound, keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins • Hike the undulating coastline through tree ferns, nikau palms and climbing kiekie • In a region renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, enjoy a taste of Marlborough wine • Soak in the heated mineral pool at our treehouse abode • Along the Kaikoura Coast, hike a seaside trail with snow-covered mountain scenery • Opt for a whale-watching tour or scenic flight over the Southern Alps • Indulge in elevated Kiwi cuisine made with locally sourced seasonal provisions.

Accommodations

Nights 5-6

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
Hapuku
Premiere Hotel

Situated on the rugged Kaikoura Coast with the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range as a backdrop and the Pacific Ocean spreading out before it, views abound from every corner of this family-owned lodge. Relax in your eco-conscious luxury room, meticulously designed with custom furniture and tailor-made mattresses, then soak in the heated mineral pool and watch wild deer wandering on the resident farm. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

From $7,399 /person

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Hotels

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-2

Awaroa Lodge
Awaroa

Premiere Hotel

Nestled deep in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, this secluded wilderness property is surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest. Accessible only by private water taxi or by foot along the scenic Abel Tasman Coastal Track, arriving here is part of the unique experience. While the lodge's interior is warm, inviting and full of character, its outdoor spaces shine with an abundance of birdlife and spectacular night skies. (spa)

Nights 3-4

Furneaux Lodge
Endeavour Inlet

Premiere Hotel

Built at the turn of the 20th century as a private vacation abode, this historic lodge is tucked away among virgin native forest. The original colonial-style home and expanded resort is beautifully set at the head of the Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds—enjoy sweeping views of the inlet from your private balcony or patio. Reachable only by boat or on foot via the Queen Charlotte Track, its exclusive waterfront location offers unparalleled tranquility and access to some of New Zealand's best trails.

Nights 5-6

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
Hapuku

Premiere Hotel

Situated on the rugged Kaikoura Coast with the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range as a backdrop and the Pacific Ocean spreading out before it, views abound from every corner of this family-owned lodge. Relax in your eco-conscious luxury room, meticulously designed with custom furniture and tailor-made mattresses, then soak in the heated mineral pool and watch wild deer wandering on the resident farm. (pool, spa)

From $7,399 /person

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From $7,399 /person

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Dates & Prices

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

Unplugged dates are perfect for guests who want to ride an acoustic bike.
E-bikes are available to travel companions by request only.

Your guest & room selections

1 adult

1 room, 1 bed

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Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

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Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

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From $7,399 /person

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