Hiking Tour of New Zealand - Kiwi Classic

Day 1 – Arrive and hike Moke Lake & Queenstown Hill

Time for sunshine and fresh mountain air! After introductions, we’ll head for our first two hikes of the trip, the beautiful Moke Lake loop track and Queenstown Hill. After meeting your guides and fellow travellers we'll make our way to Moke Lake, a beautiful secluded lake nestled among the Southern Alps just a short drive from Queenstown. 

The Moke Lake Loop track is the perfect way to find your feet after your travels with its gently undulating trail and spectacular views. After a picnic lunch at the Lakeside, we'll head back to Queenstown where you'll have the choice of hiking Queenstown Hill or enjoying some free time to explore the town. 

Tonight, we’ll bed down in the neighbouring town of Wanaka. This delightful little town is home to many bustling bars, cafes and of course ‘that Wanaka tree’, which is just a short stroll from our accommodation.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge*

Day 2 – Your Choice in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Today's journey takes us over the tussock filled Lindis pass, to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where we'll enjoy some of New Zealand’s most spectacular hikes. With views normally reserved for serious mountaineers, our hikes today take us into the heart of the national park and provide jaw-dropping vistas for our efforts. Home to our highest and most sacred peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts a further 19 peaks, topping more than 3,000 metres. Your options today include a choice of hikes, exploring the village at your leisure or indulging in one of our optional extras.

Whatever you decide, you won’t be disappointed. After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a delicious meal and a chance to trade stories from the day. We’ll be staying in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, which means all you need to do is wander outside and look up for some world-class stargazing this evening.

Tonight we stay in Aoraki/Mt Cook Region*

Day 3 – Hike Mount John, explore Mackenzie Country

Today’s journey takes us from mountain to ocean as we head from the fertile plains of Canterbury towards the Pacific Ocean. When we reach Tekapo, we’ll go for a hike up Mount John to experience the panoramic views of the beautifully desolate Mackenzie Country, and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. After our hike, we’ll make our way towards Christchurch. We’ll take our time, stopping at some of our favourite spots along the way to stretch our legs and capture the glorious views.

This morning we’ll make the steady climb up Mount John, through forest and tussock to the observatory at the top. As we walk, we’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 to the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land.

Tonight we stay at Hotel 115*

Day 4 – Swim with Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura

Today is a special one and consistently one of our guests favourites. We’ll don wetsuits to swim with a pod of dusky dolphins in their natural environment. Of course, this is all dependent on whether the dolphins cooperate, but they usually do! The tour is an educational experience designed not to interfere with the natural behaviour, routines or habitat of the dolphins. There are strict regulations in place to protect and respect the dolphins, and to keep you safe in the water. Our boats are well-equipped with swimming/snorkelling platforms. Dusky dolphins are typically found in pods of around 100 and are well-known for their acrobatic feats and interactive behaviour. Whether you opt to get in the water, or watch from the boat, it’s a joyful experience for all. Many of our guests have told us this is one of the highlights of their New Zealand adventure.

Tonight, we’ll catch an impressive sunset over the ocean as we enjoy a delicious and quintessentially Kiwi dinner of fish and chips on the beach.

Tonight we stay at Kaikoura Quality Suites*

Day 5 – Hike the Nydia Track to Nydia Lodge

Multi-day hiking is our favourite way to experience New Zealand's backcountry and today we'll embark on the first of two multi-day hiking trips.

On today's adventure, we will hike on the Nydia Track carrying just what we need for our night spent at Nydia Lodge. Nydia Track follows an old bridle path. The trail weaves through lush native forest and alongside the emerald coast of Pelorus Sound. Towering Indigenous trees like the mighty rimu and Jurassic-looking nikau palms and tree ferns form a shady canopy overhead for our hike today. When we arrive at Nydia Lodge, you'll have the chance to take a dip in the ocean or just simply relax and listen to the birdlife. In the evening you can expect some of the best stargazing in the country.

The multi-day hikes on this trip have been designed for both novice and experienced hikers. If you've never done a multi-day backpacking trip that's no worries at all, our guides will teach you everything you need to know and assist you along the way. We'll also provide you with all the gear you need including a larger hiking backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and hiking poles.

Tonight we stay at Nydia Lodge*

Day 6 – Pelorus Sound to Nelson

After a night spent in the backcountry, it’s time to return to the world of comfort and style as we head for Nelson, the sunniest place in New Zealand! Nelson is the oldest city on the South Island and the second oldest in New Zealand. Enjoying 2400 hours of sunshine annually, Nelson is famous for its award-winning wineries, arts scene, craft beers, local fruit orchards and gorgeous beaches. 

Explore the local cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance and soak up the South Island sunshine as you sip on a zesty local Sauvignon Blanc.

Tonight we stay at The Palms, Nelson*

Day 7 – Free day to explore Nelson

Today is yours to spend as you wish, and conveniently where we’ll be staying is just a short walk into town. Your guides can point you in the right direction if you’d like to go for a hike or bike ride. Nelson is a colourful wee town with a lively arts scene and fantastic beaches, so we recommend you enjoy a relaxing day and indulge in the fine seafood, local wine and craft beer. Or if you’d like to keep your heart rate up, the adrenaline activities on offer are plentiful – canyoning, jet boating, skydiving or quad biking, to mention just a few. One of the most popular options is a sea kayaking or hiking tour in nearby Abel Tasman National Park.

If you’d prefer something a little more active on your free day, we can help you book a tour to explore Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak. Abel Tasman is famous for its glorious coastline, where golden sand beaches meet clear blue seas.

Tonight we stay at The Palms, Nelson again*

Day 8 – Hike to Bushline Hut

Today we'll head to Nelson Lakes National Park, a stunning landscape of glacially carved lakes, rugged alpine peaks and sprawling beech forest. Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa are the main entry points to the park. They are surrounded by towering mountains and native honeydew beech forests, home to thriving populations of nectar-eating native birds like tui and bellbirds.

Our second multi-day hike will take us through a stunning beach forest to Bushline Hut. Perched on the side of Pourangahau/Mount Robert, Bushline Hut is a dream for those searching for solitude, endless lake views, and golden sunsets. We're lucky enough to have exclusive use of this lodge. We'll arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the panoramic views over Lake Rotoiti. If you're up for a challenge today you can join your guides for a longer walk up the ridgeline. The mountains here have been formed by extensive glaciation, erosion and weathering which has left a unique landscape of steep valleys, scree slopes, sharp ‘arete’ ridges and tarn-filled basins. The ridgeline walk offers incredible alpine vistas across the mountain ranges. 

This evening we'll regroup to enjoy a well-deserved hearty backcountry meal. We'll trade stories of the day over a hot chocolate while watching the sun dip below the mountain tops. Tonight you'll experience some of the best stargazing in the country. 

Tonight we stay at Bushline Hut*

Day 9 – Bushline Hut to St Arnaud and the West Coast

There's nothing quite like waking up in the middle of the mountains! We'll start our day with a hot cup of coffee which you can enjoy while taking in the views across Lake Rotoiti. In Maori legend the lakes were created by chief Rakaihautu who came to Aotearoa and travelled with his people to the great mountains. With his ko (digging stick) he dug enormous holes that filled with water to become Rotoroa (long lake) and Rotoiti (little lake). Rakaihautu filled them with kai (food) for those who followed. 

Today we'll descend into St Arnaud, as you walk you'll enjoy the views of Lake Rotoiti glistening invitingly beneath you. Once you arrive at St Arnaud, there’ll be time for a refreshing dip in the lake at the end of our hike if you’re keen!

This afternoon we will make our way to the wild West Coast. With its dramatic coastline, expansive rainforests and incredible wildlife, it's sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Tonight we stay at Omau Settlers Lodge*

Day 10 – Pororari River Track and Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

We’ll start our day with a short stroll on the Cape Foulwind Walkway. There, you’ll experience the Tasman Sea in all its glory, pounding on the cliffs below as you make your way to the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony, well known for its seal pup rookery.

Our next hike of the day is truly unique. Nestled in dense temperate rainforest with a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs, we’ll follow the Pororari River on the Paparoa Track as it winds its way through the lush undergrowth. Your guides will tell you about the fascinating flora and fauna along the way and maybe even offer you some ‘bush tucker’ to taste if you’re game! On our journey down the coast, we'll also make a stop at the iconic Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki for a walk amongst its fascinating rock formations.

The West Coast Road is a journey voted by Lonely Planet readers as one of the best coastal drives in the world. Rivers, rainforests and tumbling glaciers meet isolated beaches and crashing waves, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this beautiful place. We’ll travel this afternoon to the small township at the foot of Franz Josef Glacier.

Tonight we stay at 10 Cottages, Franz Josef*

Day 11 – Kayak Lake Mapourika & enjoy the Haast River Jet Boat

Today you’ll enjoy mountains, beaches and glacially-formed lakes all in one fantastic day. 

This morning we'll paddle the beautiful and serene kettle lake, Lake Mapourika and enjoy the mountainous backdrop of the Southern Alps on the largest lake in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Watch out for the abundance of wildlife that call this place home, from the rare crested grebe, the white-faced heron, kingfisher, tui and so many more.

We’ll then travel to the confluence of the Haast River where we’ll meet our jet boat driver who will whisk us down the coast. Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Most visitors only see this area from the roadside, but our exclusive jet boat trip will get you deep into the heart of this World Heritage wilderness area.

We’ll head over the Haast pass to Mt Aspiring National Park and our home for the night, the tiny riverside village of Makarora. We'll stop along the way to explore the Blue Pools. This short walk weaves through native beech and podocarp forest. You’ll be awe-struck when you first set eyes on the sparkling glacial water of the Blue Pools. We’ll spend the next two nights in Wanaka, a charming lakeside resort snug amongst the mountains.

Tonight we stay at Wonderland Makarora*

Day 12 – Hike near Queenstown

Today we'll travel alongside Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and over the Crown Range to our backyard! Central Otago is known for it's glacially carved lakes, towering peaks and tussock-covered valleys. Locals often say that in certain light it feels like you're living in a watercolour painting. 

Queenstown and the surrounding areas are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking. Today we'll explore historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. The Arrow River Bridges Trail is one of our favourite hidden gems here in Queenstown. We'll walk through picturesque woodlands alongside the clear aquamarine Arrow River. This trail is particularly spectacular in Autumn when the trees turn a firey red and orange. 

This evening we’ll head to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Tonight we stay in Te Anau*

Day 13 – Hike Routeburn Track to Key Summit and Cruise Milford Sound

This morning we gear up for our adventure further into Fiordland. We'll start the day off with a heart-pumping hike up to one of our favourite spots in this area – Key Summit on the Routeburn Track. Climbing steadily up through dense beech forest, this hike on the world-famous Routeburn Track is well worth the effort. The view from the top is one of Fiordland’s most iconic landscapes – across to the snow-capped Mt Christina, Mt Tutoko and the imposing Darran Mountains. A natural tapestry of alpine tarns, jagged peaks, granite cliff faces and glacial blue rivers flowing towards the Tasman Sea and clearly visible down the Hollyford Valley.

We'll spend the afternoon on the water, with a cruise of the iconic 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.

Tonight we stay in Te Anau again*

Day 14 – Kepler Track & Finish in Queenstown

Breathe in the fresh Fiordland air and relax in the lakeside town of Te Anau, home to the South Island’s largest lake. Gateway to Fiordland’s Great Walks, this small town is bustling with hikers and there’s a real sense of adventure in the air. It’s the perfect place to sign off your own hiking journey, with one last foray on the trails. If you’re up for stretching the legs this morning, we’ll hike a pleasant section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. Following the Waiau River as it meanders through beech forest and wetlands, before emerging at a spectacular viewpoint on the shores of Lake Manapouri. It’s a fitting end to your New Zealand adventure tour.

Our last journey together is a scenic trip through tussock country and small farming towns, before tracing the shoreline of the impressive Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown. Once there, 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’.

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.