South Island Grand Hikes

After an early breakfast, we set off for Abel Tasman National Park. At the beach resort of Kaiteriteri, board a water taxi and cruise the coastline past golden sand beaches, rugged granite headlands and bush clad islands.

Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track through native forests and past cascading streams. A well-formed trail leads us up and over gentle ridges to Torrent Bay, where the lovely clear fresh waters of Cleopatra's Pool may tempt you to take a dip or for those more daring - a slide down the naturally formed hydro-slide! At Anchorage, we will meet the water taxi for a return journey to Kaiteriteri before heading back to Nelson in the late afternoon.

There is an opportunity to further explore this vibrant and arty little town this evening with the many great restaurant dining options. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River. This historic route once used by prospectors and miners to avoid immense coastal cliffs while travelling the West Coast now forms part of our newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Pass through deep limestone canyons and towering rainforest with groves of tropical nikau palms. You may not be able to resist a speedy swim in one of the many deep clear pools you pass on the way!

After the hike, we travel a remarkable highway which takes us from the lush green rainforests of the West Coast and over the glaciated Southern Alps to the parched soft yellow tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. This is one of the most cleverly engineered roads in New Zealand.

East of Arthur’s Pass, stretch your legs and stroll around the enchanting limestone outcrops of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill). This area was an important meeting place and food gathering area for early Māori people. Interestingly it was named “Spiritual Centre of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama when he visited in 2002. Today it is a haven for rock climbers who climb and boulder on the multitude of rock forms.

We then leave the highway and follow the back roads around Lake Lyndon and on to Methven, a ski town by winter and laid-back rural town the rest of the year. The Southern Alps form a spectacular backdrop. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Climb to Sealy Tarns and enjoy awesome views of hanging glaciers on Mt Sefton and up the Hooker Valley to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Those wanting to immerse themselves in this spectacular alpine landscape or take an easier alternative to the Sealy Tarns hike can explore the valley floor independently, with the walk up the Hooker Valley for views of the Mueller and Hooker Glacier terminal lakes and the towering south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, or learn more about the wonders of the national park in the world-class visitor centre. Includes breakfast and lunch.

A beautiful drive alongside Lake Wānaka leads us toward the peaks of Aspiring National Park. We hike in the lower Matukituki Valley on the Diamond Lake walk and on up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnee” (rock sheep) for spectacular views over the lake, and to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. This area has several hike options, from the gentle Diamond Lake circuit to the more energetic Rocky Mountain summit climb. 

After the hike and lunch we drive over the Crown Range and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Time to relax in the afternoon or take a stroll along the beautiful lakeshore with stunning view across the water of the vast Fiordland wilderness. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This morning we hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. From here, the southern extent of our journey, we then backtrack northwards towards the lively scene of Queenstown. In the wine country, on the outskirts of Queenstown, we celebrate our adventures together with lunch out at a fine local restaurant. Enjoy some fine local food and wine before arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon where the tour concludes. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Due to difficulties with the size of the vehicle combination and accessibility of many accommodations, drop off locations are limited to the Copthorne Hotel Lakefront, Rydges Lakeland Resort, iSite Visitor Centre (central Queenstown) or Queenstown Airport.