The Grand Explorer
The ultimate way to explore the South Island of New Zealand.
The Grand Explorer Route Map
The Grand Explorer Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Kepler Track
Te Anau
Lunch
Dinner
Te Anau
Day 1 – Welcome & day walk on the Kepler Track
After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure. This morning we'll head to Fiordland National Park and your first Great Walk, The Kepler Track. Known for its glacier-carved fiords, rugged granite mountains, and otherworldly moss-covered forests Fiordland National Park is the perfect start to your New Zealand trip with us!
Hike the Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. We’ll walk the section from Rainbow Reach up to Moturau Hut following the Waiau River through beech forest and wetlands until we emerge out onto the spectacular viewpoint at the lakeside Moturau Hut. Cast your eyes out over beautiful Lake Manapouri, framed against a backdrop of Fiordland peaks for a spectacular welcome, or welcome back, to New Zealand!
Afterward, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau. You'll have the chance to relax before tomorrow’s adventures or take a self-guided walk along Lake Te Anau, the second largest lake in New Zealand, straight from your hotel room!
Tonight we stay at Distinction Te Anau*
2
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Te Anau
Day 2 – Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park
After waking up in Te Anau, it’s time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, seeing Milford Sound! You’ll have time to appreciate Milford’s undeniable grandeur as we cruise to the mouth of the fiord leading out into the wild Tasman Sea. Whether the sun’s shining brightly or the sky’s clouded over, the beauty of Milford Sound never disappoints. In a perfect world, it would be raining heavily as that’s when the fiord’s hundreds of waterfalls are at their most powerful. Get close enough to feel the spray on your face as the thundering torrents cascade down the vertical rock faces – it’s an exhilarating experience.
Cruise Milford Sound and explore Fiordland National Park
The very best way to experience the grandeur of the iconic Milford Sound is from the water. We'll board an eco-cruise where your local nature guide will explain the history, geography, and ecology of the fiord as we cruise beneath the towering granite cliffs and get up close with the cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye out for the New Zealand Fur seal, Bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland Crested penguins.
This afternoon we’ll explore several walks in Fiordland National Park including the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk, Mirror Lakes, and a stop at the Homer Tunnel to meet the cheeky Kea birds!
Tonight we stay at Distinction Te Anau again*
3
Arrowtown
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Mt Cook Region
Day 3 – Explore Arrowtown, High Country Lakes and Aoraki/Mount Cook
After a relaxed start this morning, we'll make our way to the gorgeous mountain setting of Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a quaint gold mining town bursting with history. We'll enjoy a walk along the Arrow River Trail and have the chance to explore the Chinese Goldmining Settlement. This afternoon we’ll journey to the heart of the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, an area of vast snow-covered mountains and glacier-fed lakes. This National Park is truly a jewel in New Zealand’s crown. Named in honour of our highest peak, the majestic mountains tower above bright turquoise lakes surrounded by vast fields of golden tussock. With a settlement population of less than 100 people and building restrictions enforced, Aoraki/Mount Cook offers not only a feast for the eyes, but a rare tranquillity that soothes the soul.
Hike the Arrow River Trail
Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding areas are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking, biking or running. This morning we’ll travel to historic Arrowtown, where you’ll walk the Arrow River Trail. A favourite with the locals, this trail meanders alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Arrow River and beneath a canopy of leafy green trees.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
After a morning of exploring our local trails, you can rest your legs as we travel out of the Otago region and towards New Zealand’s highest peak standing tall at 3,724m (over 12,000 feet). Along the way, we’ll travel over the Lindis Pass and down into wide open valleys before catching our first glimpse of Aoraki/Mt Cook, ‘the cloud piercer’ as it’s known in Maori. Tonight, we’ll stay in the heart of the National Park. This area is a UNESCO International Dark Sky Reserve, which means all you need do is step outside and look up for some world-class star-gazing this evening.
Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel*
4
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Glacier Boat Trip
Day 4 – Glacier Boat Tour and options in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Today we have a full day to explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Surrounded by the peaks where Sir Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before successfully summiting Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953, this is one of our favourite locations to hike and explore. Mount Cook, or Aoraki “the Cloud Piercer” as named by the Maori people, stands proudly at the heart of the national park and rises to the imposing height of 3724 metres (over 12,000 feet).
Hiking in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Some of New Zealand’s best alpine hikes are found here in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. You have a choice of activities this morning including a hike that matches your ability (we have challenging and more relaxed options so you can take this morning at your pace), exploring the village or splurging on a glacier heli-hike for truly mind-blowing views. Whichever option you choose you won’t be disappointed!
Tasman Glacier Boat Cruise
This is the only glacier boat tour in New Zealand and will take you across the terminal lake to the ancient ice face of the Tasman Glacier, affording incredible up-close views – keep your camera at the ready! Icebergs of every shape and size periodically calve from the face of the glacier into the lake making this an exceptional place to learn about glacier formation and safely get up close to icebergs. You may even witness a glacier calving whilst you’re on a tour – it’s quite spectacular!
Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel again*
Day 4 Optional Add-ons
Below are some of the optional add-ons you can also enjoy:
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
Climb aboard a chopper and land high up on the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll don crampons and explore the dramatic ice caves and clear blue glacial shards with a specialist guide.
NZD$7955
Tekapo
Christchurch
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Christchurch
Day 5 - Explore Tekapo & Christchurch
Today’s journey takes us from mountain to ocean as we head through the fertile plains of Canterbury towards the East Coast. This morning we'll explore the lakeside town of Tekapo. The unreal colour of Lake Tekapo contrasts brilliantly against our highest peaks in the distance, creating the perfect backdrop for photos you’ll treasure in years to come. This afternoon we head through to Christchurch. The city of Christchurch is a lovely spot with a mix of green parks and state-of-the-art architecture. The Avon River weaves its way through a city in the process of regeneration, with plenty to see including the colourful Spanish Mission architecture of New Regent Street, the curious cardboard cathedral and lush botanical gardens.
Hike Mt John Summit Loop or hike from Lake Tekapo to the Summit of Mt John
Depending on how much activity you're feeling like today, you can choose to either hike to the summit of Mt John from Lake Tekapo or catch a ride to the top with your guide and explore the Mt John Summit Loop. Whichever option you choose, you'll look out over 360-degree views across the impressive Mackenzie Basin flats and surrounding mountains and lakes. After our hike, we’ll check out the famous and much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as Tekapo’s statue of the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land. This afternoon, after we explore Mackenzie country and learn of its history, we’ll travel on towards Christchurch and watch as the passing scenery shifts from tussock and mountain to the lush Canterbury plains and arable land.
Tonight we stay at Distinction Christchurch*
6
Whale watching
Kaikoura
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Kaikoura
Day 6 - Whale watching in Kaikoura
Just north of Christchurch lies the small coastal town of Kaikoura. The Kaikoura Peninsula is a striking area set on the edge of a deep continental shelf where towering cliffs meet an ocean floor that plunges even further in the other direction. The nutrient-rich water and startling topography has created a unique mecca for an abundance of marine life. Whales, dolphins, fur seals and more are thriving in ideal conditions and are a regular sight in the waters off the mainland. This afternoon we'll board a purpose-built catamaran and head out on the water to search for whales. Using special hydrophones (underwater microphones) our captain will listen out for the whale clicks and songs that will lead us to where the whales are breaching.
Tonight we stay at Sudima Kaikoura*
7
Marlborough Sounds
Nelson
Breakfast
Lunch
Nelson
Day 7 - Hike Kaikoura Peninsula and wine taste in Marlborough Sounds
This morning we'll hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. The trail hugs the coastline and gives you panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean underneath the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Keep an eye out for the New Zealand fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks and playing in the kelp, you may even catch up glimpse of their pups!
This afternoon we'll follow the coastline northwest through the Marlborough Sounds to the golden beaches of Nelson, the gateway to the hikers’ paradise of Abel Tasman National Park. Marlborough is world-famous for its zesty Sauvignon Blancs and a journey through the region isn't complete without a delicious lunch and a spot of wine tasting before we venture onward.
Once we arrive in Nelson you’ll have the evening to explore this coastal town which is known as one of the sunniest places in New Zealand!
Tonight we stay in Nelson*
8
Nelson
Abel Tasman National Park
Dinner
Torrent Bay
Day 8 - Explore Nelson and water taxi to Torrent Bay
Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Nelson, “the sunniest place in NZ”, is famous for its arts scene, award-winning wines, craft beers and fruit orchards, with plenty to keep you entertained within walking distance. Most of our guests are happy to spend a relaxed day exploring Nelson, browsing the shops and galleries, strolling along the beach or reading a book – it’s a lovely place to re-energise yourself for the rest of your adventure. There are over 350 local craftspeople and artists creating Maori, traditional and contemporary art in the area, so it’s also a chance to discover what inspires New Zealanders creatively.
Later in the day, you’ll head to Abel Tasman National Park where you'll board a water taxi from Kaiteriteri to the exclusive Torrent Bay Lodge, which is only accessible by boat or foot. Here you can relax on the beachfront sundeck, enjoy a lovely meal and stargaze before bed!
Tonight we stay at Torrent Bay Lodge*
Day 9 - Walk on the Abel Tasman Track between Torrent Bay and Awaroa
Today you will embark on a truly stunning walk from Torrent Bay to Awaroa, where you’ll spend the night. You’ll follow the coastal track through lush native forest, before reaching more of the regions much-loved golden sand beaches. As always, today you can choose to walk as much or as little as you want to. There are several water taxi pickup locations along the trail that we'll walk today, so you can choose to walk anywhere between two and six hours, or if you're keen to really relax today your guide can arrange a water taxi between Torrent Bay and Awaroa Lodge so you can soak in the stunning surrounds at our accommodations.
This evening you'll stay beachfront again at Awaroa Meadowbank Homestead. This lodge is deep in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park and is only accessible by foot or boat. The original homestead dates from 1884 and the recently built lodge is set amongst the historic camelia and rhododendron gardens. Named in the top 10 best beaches in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, Awaroa Beach is affectionately known as the "People's beach" after 40,000 New Zealanders got together to collectively purchase the previously privately owned beach.
Tonight we stay at Awaroa Meadowbank Homestead*
10
Abel Tasman National Park
West Coast
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Punakaiki
Day 10 - Walk Torrent Bay to Marahau
Leaving Torrent Bay by foot, you’ll spend the morning passing through secluded beaches and native forests on your way to the clear waters of Marahau. From here, we'll begin your journey southwest to the seaside village of Punakaiki in the heart of Paparoa National Park.
Limestone and eons of time are responsible for most of Paparoa National Park’s impressive landscape. For thousands of years, water ran over the relatively soft rock forming a topography known as karst. Characterized by deep river canyons, sculpted mountain ridges, and an extensive network of caves and sinkholes, Paparoa’s landscape is covered in a lush layer of thick green rainforest.
Tonight we stay at Punakaiki Beachside Resort*
11
Paparoa National Park
Franz Josef
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Franz Josef
Day 11 - Hike Paparoa National Park and explore Pancake Rocks
With its towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, this area feels like something straight out of Jurassic Park. We’ll hike the Porarari Loop Track this morning through Paparoa National Park, a visually rich area made up of dense sub-tropical forest and limestone cliff gorges. You’ll also have the chance to check out an interesting geographical phenomenon in the town of Punakaiki – the curious-looking but aptly named Pancake Rocks. The surge of the incoming sea is forced into chambers creating a geyser-like explosion through rock blowholes. The unusual limestone formations, overlaid with soft mud and clay, have been forged over millions of years by the immense pressure of the sea, wind and rain, creating the pancake effect we see today. After our hike, we’ll visit the quirky town of Hokitika, famous for its greenstone carvings and jewellery before continuing our journey along the coast to Franz Josef.
Hike the Pororari Loop Track in Paparoa National Park
We’ll hike the Porarari Loop Track this morning through Paparoa National Park, a visually rich area made up of dense sub-tropical forest and limestone cliff gorges. This is part of one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Paparoa Track. You’ll also have the chance to check out an interesting geographical phenomenon in the town of Punakaiki – the curious-looking but aptly named Pancake Rocks. The surge of the incoming sea is forced into chambers creating a geyser-like explosion through rock blowholes. The unusual limestone formations, overlaid with soft mud and clay, have been forged over millions of years by the immense pressure of the sea, wind, and rain, creating the pancake effect we see today.
Tonight we stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef*
12
Mt Aspiring National Park
Siberia Valley
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Wanaka
Day 12 - Scenic helicopter, hike and jetboat in Mount Aspiring National Park
Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! We’ll begin the day with a scenic helicopter ride deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a tasty picnic lunch, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, jet boats will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.
Scenic Helicopter Flight into Mount Aspiring National Park
Today's adventure begins by boarding a Squirrel Helicopter before we take flight deep into the heart of the 355,000ha Mount Aspiring National Park. Look out across winding rivers, virgin beech forest, glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, glaciers and the towering Southern Alps, before landing on the remote Siberia Valley. Once on the ground, we'll head up the valley to a backcountry hut with outrageous views of the surrounding peaks.
Hike Siberia Valley
After a tasty lunch, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. The track was originally used by Mount Albert Station to take stock into the valley for grazing.
Wilderness Jet Boat Trip
Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Jet boating originally started on the Wilkin River in 1968 transporting venison out of the mountains before hiking and commercial work became more commonplace. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, jet boats will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.
After all of that adventure, we'll head to the peaceful lakeside town of Wanaka.
Tonight we stay at Edgewater Wanaka*
13
Wanaka
Mou Waho Island
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Wanaka
Day 13 – Lake Wanaka boat cruise and hike in Mou Waho Island wildlife reserve
This morning you'll have free time to explore the peaceful lakeside town of Wanaka before we take an afternoon cruise across picturesque Lake Wanaka to the tiny island wildlife sanctuary of Mou Waho. We'll return to our lakeside accommodation in Wanaka again tonight.
Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Wildlife Walk
Close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, accessible by a 35-minute boat ride. Accompanied by our favourite eco-warrior and long-time local guide, we’ll walk a well-formed track that gently climbs through native bush to the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we come to Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island, with yet more islands in it – very intriguing. From our vantage point, there’s a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Tonight we stay at Edgewater Wanaka again*
14
Routeburn Track
Queenstown
Day 14 - Day walk on the Routeburn Track
This morning we'll head over the Crown Range and towards Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. This is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand and you’ll be greeted by mountain peaks and endless impressive vistas before we reach another of our fine Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. Your guide will fill you in on the local history and special flora and fauna of the area as you walk through beautiful native beech forest alongside a crystal clear glacial river. You'll have the choice to walk to either Forge Flat or the open meadow of Routeburn Flats.
This afternoon we'll finish our adventure in Queenstown, and it’s time to say goodbye to your guides, travel companions, and new-found friends as we drop you at the airport or your accommodation. If you’re joining us to explore the North Island on our Sweet North trip, we’ll ensure a smooth transition for you. If not, we hope to see you again soon in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Photos of the The Grand Explorer
Lake Matheson, West Coast
5. Heli in Siberia Valley
Kea, Fiordland
Abel Tasman National Park
Jetboating, Mt Aspiring National Park
Paparoa National Park
Hooker Valley, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
West Coast Sunsets
Wine Tasting, Marlborough Sounds
The Grand Explorer Accommodation
Punakaiki Beachfront Resort
Edgewater Resort wanaka
Torrent Bay Lodge
Frequently asked questions
It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about The Grand Explorer trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!
And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!
What is the accommodation like on The Grand Explorer trip?
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What's included in The Grand Explorer trip?
What's not included on The Grand Explorer trip?
Will I have WiFi or internet access throughout the trip?
What are the bathroom facilities like on The Grand Explorer trip?
Tell me about your safety standards.
What National Parks and Great Walks does The Grand Explorer trip visit?
What kind of people will be on The Grand Explorer trip?
Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?
Do you need any outdoors experience for The Grand Explorer trip?
How many people will be on my trip?
What does going on a guided trip entail?
Can you help with pre/post-trip accommodation and flights?
How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?
Activity Level
The Grand Explorer trip is an activity level 2 to 4, designed for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.
Tour dates
Redefine adventure as you explore the very best of the South Island in comfort and style on the Grand Explorer trip. Set foot on New Zealand’s Great Walks, explore six National Parks and delight in the tranquillity of remote wilderness locations. Throughout, you’ll enjoy true Kiwi hospitality, fine cuisine, local wine and all the comforts of home in beautifully appointed accommodations.
Combine this trip with our Sweet North for the best of both the North and South islands over 19 days.
With limited departures, places in our Grand Explorer trip fill up quickly. You can check trip dates and availability below using the handy date picker.
Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?
We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!
2024
The Grand Explorer – ready to book?
Ready to start your New Zealand adventure?
Your New Zealand 'Trip of a Lifetime' - with New Zealand's best walks, very comfortable accommodation, great food, iconic New Zealand activities in a friendly, small group setting led by your New Zealand guide.
What’s included:
✓ Local New Zealand guide, small group
✓ All inclusive
✓ All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities
✓ Private ensuite accommodation
✓ Local guides
✓ Helicopter and jetboat transfers
NZD$16699
AUD$15099
USD$8999.00+tax
GBP£8549
NZD$16699
CAD$11599.00+tax
per person (twin or double share)
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