South Island Grand Hikes Guided Tour

Meet your guides and other walkers joining the tour in the Rutherford Hotel foyer at 4pm. There will be opportunity for a guided hike up Botanical Hill, also known as the “Centre of New Zealand” to enjoy sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City, or an alternative option to independently explore this lively town suggested by your guides.

Later we celebrate the start of our South Island tour by dining together in one of Nelson’s fine restaurants.

• Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
• Includes dinner
• 1-1.5 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-170 m (560 ft)
  

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

Disembark at Bark Bay and follow the renowned 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 clear, fresh waters of Cleopatra’s Pool may tempt you to take a dip or, for the more daring, a slide down the naturally formed hydro-slide!

At Anchorage, we will meet the water taxi for the return journey to Kaiteriteri before heading back to Nelson in the late afternoon.

This evening, you have the opportunity to further explore this vibrant and artistic little town with its many excellent restaurant dining options.

• Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 4 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
  

On our way to the West Coast, we stop for a remarkable hike to marvel at natural flames which have been burning since the 1920s. We access this phenomenon with a local guide through a privately-owned working deer farm. Unlike the Eternal Flames of the Chimera in Turkey, these flames are surrounded by lush tree ferns and beech forest. A cup of ‘billy tea’ and hot cakes prepared over the flames gives this experience a distinctly ‘Kiwi’ flavour.

Our journey resumes alongside the mighty Buller River as it cuts its way through the vast wilderness of the upper South Island to the coast at Westport. We then traverse a section of spectacular coastline and catch the sunset at Punakaiki. Take an evening stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – we try to time our visit with high tide, so we may leave the rocks until tomorrow if tide times are more favourable.

• Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 2 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-170 m (560 ft)
  
  

Hike the Inland Pack Track from the Pororari to the Punakaiki River, a historic route once used by prospectors and miners to bypass the rugged coastal cliffs of the West Coast. Now part of New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track, this trail winds through deep limestone canyons and lush rainforest filled with towering trees and tropical nikau palms. Along the way, you’ll pass crystal-clear pools that may tempt you to stop for a refreshing swim before continuing through this breathtaking landscape.

After the hike, journey along a remarkable highway that crosses from the dense green rainforests of the West Coast, over the glaciated Southern Alps, and into the golden tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. East of Arthur’s Pass, enjoy a short stroll around the striking limestone formations of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill), once a vital gathering place for early Māori and famously dubbed the “Spiritual Centre of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama in 2002. Continuing along scenic back roads past Lake Lyndon, the route leads to Methven, a winter ski hub that transforms into a relaxed rural town during the rest of the year, with the majestic Southern Alps providing a dramatic backdrop.

• Accommodation: Ski Time, Methven.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 3-3.5 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-360 m (1,180 ft)
  
  

We continue south, initially following the edge of the expansive Canterbury Plains, then ascending into the intermontane Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, perched gracefully by the lake. Hike along the lakeshore to the elevated viewing platform on Mt John and marvel at the vastness of the Patagonia-like landscape. The sweeping Mackenzie “Country” is a sparsely populated region in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps; tawny-brown drylands, braided riverbeds, and striking glacial lakes extend to distant mountains.

Upon arrival at Mount Cook Village, relax in the splendour of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding Alps at our accommodation, where we will stay for the next two nights.

• Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 3 hours hiking
• +/-380 m (1,280 ft)
  
  

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

• Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• Includes breakfast and lunch
• 5.3 km (3.3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-590 m (1,940 ft) or
• 10.2 km (6.3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/-270 m (890 ft)
  
  

Travel up the Tasman Valley towards the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. Take a short walk through glacial moraine and board a custom-built boat for a unique trip around the terminal lake. Like most glaciers in the world, the Tasman Glacier is retreating, and the terminal lake increases in size every year. This dynamic environment is dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes from the collapsing terminal face of the glacier.

Our drive to Wānaka follows the Mackenzie Country south before climbing over the tussock lands of the Lindis Pass into the southern lakes district of Central Otago. We can sample the wine and learn about the winemaking history at a family-run vineyard in this burgeoning wine region, or simply relax in this delightful setting. Wānaka is a charming lakeside holiday town.

• Accommodation: Oakridge Resort, Wānaka.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 1 hour hiking
• Elevation +/-70 m (230 ft)
  

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 up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnée” (rock sheep) for spectacular views over the lake, and to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. This area offers several hiking 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, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and through to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy some relaxation time in the afternoon or take a stroll along the beautiful lakeshore, with stunning views across the water of the vast Fiordland wilderness.

• Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 3 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-650 m (2,130 ft)
  
  

Our day excursion takes us through the stunning Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic visitor destinations. We stop at The Divide to walk a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit for panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Easier short walks, which are the preferred option if cloud cover obscures the views from Key Summit, are located below in the Hollyford Valley.

The topography will leave you spellbound as we continue on to Milford Sound and experience the true magnificence of the fiord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs that plunge hundreds of metres into deep dark waters. Enjoy marvellous views of the mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you keep an eye out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and, if you’re lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

We return to Te Anau in the afternoon.

• Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau.
• Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 3 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-490 m (1,610 ft)
  
  

This morning we hike part of the famed Kepler Track to the shores of Lake Manapouri, often described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush-fringed beaches and coves, and stunning mountain backdrop. From here, the southernmost point of our journey, we then head northwards towards the lively scene of Queenstown.

In the wine country on the outskirts of Queenstown, we celebrate our adventures together with lunch at a fine local restaurant. Enjoy some excellent local food and wine before arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon, where the tour concludes.

• Includes breakfast and lunch.
• 3 hours hiking
• Elevation +/-180 m (430 ft)
• Due to difficulties with the size of the vehicle combination and accessibility of many accommodations, drop-off locations are at the guide’s discretion and may be limited to the airport and one central Queenstown location.