Ultimate South Island

It is unique in the way that you are not only experiencing the land but also the introduction to the local Māori. You are connected to nature and much more aware of the land and the significance it has for the people.

Seeing the huge range of diverse attractions on the South Island. Being certain to hit the highpoints from an experienced guide. Māori culture is incorporated into the tour.

I'm a good hiker and was worried this may be too difficult, but the terrain and difficulty pushed me just the right amount. The scenery was spectacular and we lucked out with the weather. I get car sick easily so travel pills were a necessity. Edwards Hut hike was difficult but one of the best. The river crossings were fun, and once I got your shoes wet the first time the others didn't bother me.

THE BIGGEST TIP, Take the ELECRIC BIKE FOR THE RIDE. That is what I will say if you listen to just one thing from this review.

Tarsh our Guide was amazing.

What an awesome experience, professional and knowledgeable guides, great food and the best of company. The scenery was so special and the memory of our time in the South Island of New Zealand will stay with me forever.

I went on the 15-day Ultimate South trek. Overall, it was lovely. The participants ranged in age from young twenties to 60-something. We saw a lot of different biomes of NZ, learned a bit about the history and culture of NZ, and had great experiences all around. Our trip leader, Kathryn, was perfect. She clearly loves her beautiful home and enjoys sharing it with visitors. She was organized but also adapted well when things didn't go as planned, an inevitability on a trip such as this.

For those thinking of going, I would highly recommend this trip.

Had a wonderful 15 days on the Ultimate South tour with Rayner our guide for the first 5 days, then Kathryn for the last 10. Really enjoyed the wide variety of activities including multi-day hikes, cycling and sea AND lagoon kayaking. Although the weather was not on our side for the first 6 days, the group stayed in high spirits and Rayner was great with reorganising one of our days when we couldn't do the river crossings.

I was unsure of fitness levels going into this trip but as long as you are an enthusiastic individual who doesn't mind getting a bit soggy and going to bed early to recoup after a long day of hiking, you'll be great. There is definitely a good balance of lighter days with less walking/not hiking with packs on to keep spirits up along the way. Definitely worth building up a bit of stamina for the more challenging walks up Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (you don't want to miss out on those views).

I had the time of my life and wouldn't have gone to some of the more unknown areas of the South Island, so thanks Hiking NZ!

I researched my New Zealand vacation extensively trying to figure out what I wanted to see and do during my time there. I considered one of the "great walks" on the South Island but after seeing the agenda, determined it was not enough of what I wanted to see and do while there. And it would have left me planning my own agenda, logistics, schedules and more. Tempting sometimes certainly but not for a vacation. I researched HNZ and determined the Ultimate South Island Kiwi Style fit the bill for what I wanted to see and experience. Our guide, Rory Hart, was spectacular. His knowledge of his home country, the scenery, the wildlife, the geology, and more made the trip an experience of a lifetime. I feel like I saw a lot more of the South Island than I would otherwise and would whole heartedly recommend HNZ to anyone considering a trip to NZ. Great job!

I would highly recommend anyone considering New Zealand to consider Hiking New Zealand as your guide company. They're simply the best at what they do!