New Zealand South Island Walking & Hiking Tour
From $5,949 - $6,749 /person
9 days
8 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
New Zealand South Island Walking & Hiking Tour
9 days
8 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
2023: Dec 2024: Jan-Apr, Oct-Dec 2025: Jan-Mar
Rugged Coast & Mountains from Christchurch to Queenstown
After this trip, the bar will be forever raised. Other coasts will seem less striking. Even mountains will pale in comparison. So many spectacular views. And incredible moments. From Kura Tawhiti's limestone monoliths to shimmering Lake Wanaka. After these nine days in New Zealand, your next vacation will have big shoes to fill.
Highlights
- Hike through the unmatched natural wonders and sacred sites of the South Island—it's a Kiwi tradition!
- Explore the small towns of Franz Josef and Lake Wanaka, absolute gems of the South Island
- Relax at family-owned wilderness lodges that showcase Kiwi hospitality and allow access to remote landscapes
- Experience a variety of scenery, from alpine tundra and glaciers to dramatic coastal rain forest trails to seascapes
Start Christchurch
End Queenstown
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Tramp through the spectacularly beautiful South Island • Hike to a Maori sacred site, Kura Tawhiti, a gorgeous set of limestone outcroppings • As you ascend Bealey Spur, soak up grand views of snowcapped peaks and the braided Waimakariri River • Behold beech forests and alpine lakes as you ascend to a sheep-station hut • Bird-lovers rejoice: look for tiny rifleman and gregarious alpine parrots called kea.
Nights 1-2
A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Day 3
Climb through a mountain beech forest to a magical alpine garden in a glacier-hewn valley • Mighty mountains, dividing east and west, tower above as you make your way to the summit of Arthur's Pass—the striking beauty of the area is undeniable • Take in the views as you head south along the incredible West Coast to Franz Josef, the gateway town to "Glacier Country" and the Southern Alps, New Zealand's highest mountain range • Settle into our decadent retreat, situated next to Glacier Hot Pools.
Night 3
A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)
Days 4-5
Hike to the toe of Franz Josef Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that descends into a temperate rain forest • Swap rain forest for pounding surf at Munro Beach and search for pounamu, the native jade • Explore the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area—choose hiking, swimming or kayaking with a naturalist on Lake Moeraki.
Nights 4-5
This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.
Days 6-7
Stroll the shore of Lake Hawea and visit the bustling town of Wanaka • Experience jaw-dropping Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous fjord, on an optional excursion • Discover the stunning landscape of the surrounding Alps and catch a spectacular view of Lake Wanaka • Wind through a dazzling valley and traverse a swing bridge to the Rob Roy hanging glacier—a quintessential New Zealand hiking experience!
Nights 6-7
On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa)
Days 8-9
Explore the Central Otago wine region, famous for producing exceptional Pinot Noir • Amble among the Gibbston Valley vineyards and relish a tasting of local vintages • Discover picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, situated near scenic Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range.
Night 8
Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight 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.
We ordinarily staff our trips with three leaders: two leaders out on the trail offering support—allowing everyone to have the experience they want, whether it's an easygoing interpretative walk or a rigorous hike—while the third leader moves the van from trailhead to trail end. This trip is a little different in that our routes are a combination of loop hikes and out-and-back trails that begin and end in the same location. This means that you'll still have the same two leaders providing excellent trail support without the need for a third leader to move the van.
New Zealand's West Coast is a unique destination with a pristine lush green environment. Due to frequent rain it's sometimes called the Wet Coast. Make sure you pack rain gear so we can explore it together and remember: if you want to see a rainbow you have to see some rain!
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle. We've planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in this spectacular area, so sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand and offer all the comforts of home as well as many modern amenities, they may not offer the level of customer service that you're used to, especially during the hectic summer holidays in New Zealand (our winter). The relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are authentic, down-to-earth and without a lot of bells and whistles.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.
Night 3
*Premiere Hotel
A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)
Nights 4-5
Casual Hotel
This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.
Nights 6-7
Casual Hotel
On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa)
Night 8
*Premiere Hotel
Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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