12 Day Hike the Routeburn Track & Explore the South Island

Welcome to Queenstown – your South Island adventure starts here. After a private transfer to your hotel, soak in the alpine buzz of this lakeside town known for its scenery, food, wine, and adrenaline.

Suggested Activity — Time Tripper Cinematic Experience
Experience Queenstown’s geological and natural history through an immersive time‑travel show and meet underwater wildlife in Lakes Wakatipu’s depths.

Today’s all about exploring Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you're into fine food, lakeside strolls, or sky-high thrills, this alpine gem has you covered. In the afternoon, check in for your Routeburn Track briefing.

Suggested Activity – Gondola & 3 Luge Rides with Skyline Queenstown
Soar above Queenstown, take in the views, then race down thrilling luge tracks through the Ben Lomond Reserve.

Today marks the start of your fully guided Routeburn Track adventure with Ultimate Hikes. After departing Queenstown, you'll journey by coach to the Divide, with a refreshment stop in Te Anau along the way. The hike kicks off with a gentle climb through lush Silver Beech forest, offering your first glimpses of Fiordland’s majestic alpine world. After a short detour to the stunning Key Summit, you'll continue on to Lake Howden for a scenic lunch stop beside the still waters.

In the afternoon, tackle the gradual climb to Earland Falls – a breathtaking 80-metre cascade surrounded by mossy forest. The final leg winds through tranquil groves and past The Orchard before a steep descent brings you to Lake Mackenzie. Here, you'll settle in at Mackenzie Lodge – a warm, welcoming wilderness retreat complete with a hot shower, a three-course dinner, and tales from the trail.

This is often described as the most spectacular day of the Routeburn – and it’s easy to see why. Leaving the lakeside lodge behind, the trail zigzags up through ancient beech forest and opens out onto an exposed alpine ridge. Here, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Lake Mackenzie below, the vast Hollyford Valley stretching to the Tasman Sea, and jagged peaks in every direction.

After lunch at the Harris Saddle, you can choose to summit Conical Hill (weather permitting) for even more jaw-dropping panoramas. The trail then skirts Lake Harris before descending into the Routeburn Valley – a dreamy alpine basin of waterfalls, tussock fields and turquoise pools. The day ends at Routeburn Falls Lodge, perched high above the valley floor – the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and a hot meal.

The final stretch of the Routeburn descends through lush beech forest and follows the Routeburn River as it sparkles through alpine clearings and serene flats. Pause for a picnic at Forge Flat, where birdsong echoes through the trees and the water runs pure and cold. This part of the track is rich with native birdlife – keep your ears open for bellbirds and tomtits, and your eyes peeled for the cheeky South Island robin.

After reaching the Road End, you’ll be met by your Ultimate Hikes coach and travel back to Queenstown via the picture-perfect lakeside town of Glenorchy. It's the perfect time to reflect on the magic of the past three days – from ancient forests and high alpine passes to the friendships made along the way. Once back in Queenstown, you’ll return to familiar comforts at your lakeside hotel.

Today you’ll explore the Central Otago high country by boat and e-bike, following Lake Dunstan’s dramatic trail with a relaxed wine and pizza stop at Carrick Winery.

Pick up your rental car and follow the Dunstan Trail past gold rush relics, fruit stands and vineyards en route to Dunedin – a city rich in heritage and wrapped by coastal beauty.

Explore the wild wonders of the Otago Peninsula with a guided tour and cruise to spot penguins, seals and albatross. Visit Larnach Castle for a touch of historic grandeur and panoramic harbour views.

Walking tracks on the Otago Peninsula

There are a number of short walks to enjoy on the Peninsula. The information below is provided by the Department of Conservation.

Sandfly Bay
Walking Time: 1 hr return walk from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 25 minutes from the centre of Dunedin.

Tunnel Beach
Walking Time: 1 hour / 2km return walk from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 15 minutes south from the centre of Dunedin.

Sandymount
Walking Time: Lovers Leap 50 min return walk from carpark or Sandymount Circuit 1 hr return walk from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 30 minutes from the centre of Dunedin.

Allans Beach
Walking Time: 5 min walk to the beach from carpark
Getting there - drive is approximately 40 minutes from the centre of Dunedin.

Suggested Activity – Larnach Castle and Gardens
Wander through opulent halls and internationally acclaimed gardens with views to match.

Drive north via Moeraki and Oamaru before cutting inland to reach the turquoise lakes and alpine drama of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park – home to New Zealand’s tallest peaks.

Walking Tracks in Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park

Aoraki-Mt Cook Village offers a variety of short scenic walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Start your adventure at the Department of Conservation Information Centre, where you can learn about track conditions, local history, and the area’s wildlife.

Bowen Bush Walk: 10-minute return

Glencoe Walk: 10-minute return

Red Tarns Track: 2-hour return

Kea Point Walk: 2-hour return

Sealy Tarns Track: 3 - 4 hours return

Please be aware that at Aoraki/Mount Cook, you will need to pay for parking at the White Horse Hill car park. The cost is $5 per hour or $25 for the full day. A 20-minute free period is available for quick drop-offs.

Suggested Activity – The Panorama Room 3-Course Dinner
Savour South Island flavours with a world-class alpine backdrop at this award-winning dining spot.

Drift amongst 500-year-old icebergs at the foot of the Tasman Glacier on a unique Glacier Explorers lake cruise – a rare and awe-inspiring experience in this glacial landscape.

Suggested Activity – The Panorama Room 3-Course Dinner
Treat yourself to another stunning evening of local fare and snowy peaks.

Hit the road through high country and past turquoise lakes to reach Christchurch – the South Island’s largest city and a vibrant mix of tradition and modern culture.

Suggested Activity – Kai Safari with Amiki Cultural Food Tours
Walk, talk, taste and learn your way around Christchurch’s tastiest corners while hearing stories of the city’s Māori roots.

Wrap up with an immersive Antarctic encounter – snowstorms, penguins and all – before returning your rental car and bidding farewell to Aotearoa.

Suggested Activity – International Antarctic Centre
Feel the chill, meet penguins, and learn what life is like on the icy continent.

Farewell:
Drop off your vehicle at Christchurch Airport and fly home with memories of glaciers, wildlife, and wide open roads.