Overview of your experience
From tip to tail, the entire west coast of the South Island is vast and contiguous lowland rainforests. Primordial greens rising to the Southern Alps, a backbone of 3000-metre icefields and razor peaks scraping the sky. Sweeping tussock lands, clear rivers, stunning beaches. Join us to explore it in our uniquely Kiwi way.
Journey through this landscape with a small group, stepping out on multi-day hikes to backcountry huts and peaceful campsites. Closer to nature, further from the crowds.
In between the four multi-day hikes, you’ll stay in comfortable lodgings and head out on day walks, peruse small towns, cycle the Wilderness Trail, cruise or kayak Milford Sound, plunge into lakes and live like a Kiwi for a while.
This trip is shaped by the egalitarian culture of New Zealand’s backcountry. Everyone pitches in and works as a team. The load is shared and so are the rewards; hearty meals and plenty of laughter make for time well spent.
Our expert Kiwi guides show you the way, sharing stories and insights that bring the land to life.
If you seek more than just highlights and are happy to meet nature on its terms, the Ultimate South Island is your trip. Prior multi-day hiking experience is not required, just good fitness and a love of the outdoors.
Choose to see the South Island Kiwi-style and find camaraderie, challenge and wild beauty. Could this be the adventure you’ve been looking for?
Want to know more? We've written all about it in our Kiwi-style trips blog.
Highlights of your experience
- Camp a stone's throw from the beach on the Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Paddle a cultural waka (Māori canoe) in Abel Tasman National Park and keep an eye out for seals and dolphins
- Hike through a rainforested limestone canyon, staying the night under a massive rock overhang in Paparoa National Park
- Cycle on the West Coast Wilderness Trail
- Hike deep into the Southern Alps to stay at a backcountry hut in Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountains
- Hike and camp among the soaring peaks, glaciers and fjords of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area
- Hike a section of the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park
- Kayak or cruise on the pristine waters of Milford Sound
- Queenstown - New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital.
- From NZ $8,200.00
Ultimate South Island — best for active hikers wanting a South Island-only backcountry journey: 15-days of varied multi-day hiking and cycling, a traditional Māori waka paddle, and a cruise through Milford Sound.
Kiwi-Style Hiking
Great Walks
Hiking Tours
Alpine Hikes
Custom Groups
