Kiwi Classic Hiking Tour of New Zealand

Journey into Fiordland National Park

We leave Queenstown behind and embark on a truly spectacular journey, following one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Along the way we’ll take time to soak in the views, stopping for photo opportunities and short walks, before reaching Milford Sound, our destination for today.

Overnight boat in Milford Sound

Arriving into Milford Sound, Fiordland’s most famous attraction, you can’t help but be impressed by its towering peaks and thundering falls. We’ll explore Milford by boat this afternoon, boarding a purpose-built vessel for the night. Once you’ve settled into your cosy cabin, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Milford, cruising the length of the fiord out to the wild Tasman Sea. This evening you’ll get to know your fellow travellers over drinks and a delicious meal.

Milford Sound Boat Cruise

If you’re an early riser, enjoy a coffee on the deck at dawn and absorb the beauty of Milford Sound in all its pristine tranquillity. As we cruise back to shore, we’re often joined by a pod of lively dolphins playing in the wake of the ship – it’s an awesome way to start the day as you watch them coming right up to the boat and catching the waves!

Hike Routeburn Track to Key Summit

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 Mount Christina, Mount 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.

Arrive Te Anau

After a dose of fresh Fiordland air, we’ll drive through to Te Anau (your guides will help with the pronunciation of that one!) where we’ll rest up for the night. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed stroll or run along the shoreline of the South Island’s largest lake.

Biking near Queenstown

Queenstown is an internationally acclaimed, adrenaline-fuelled destination. The fresh mountain air exudes excitement, with locals and visitors alike feeding off the buzz. You’ll see people out running, riding their bikes, climbing mountains and then parachuting off them! Living in one of nature’s playgrounds certainly has its advantages, one of them being the fantastic purpose-built bike trails that weave their way around the Wakatipu Basin. We’ll get fitted out with bikes and gear in Arrowtown, an old gold mining town with a rich Chinese mining history, before heading out on the trail. We’ll follow the Kawarau River out towards the Gibbston Valley vineyards and the world’s first commercial bungy bridge.

High Country farm near Mount Cook

After an elegant dismount from our bikes, we’ll carry on to Cromwell for a well-deserved lunch, before journeying on to the Mackenzie Basin, an area of rugged natural beauty. Tonight, you’ll be staying on a working high-country station. ‘Station’ is Kiwi for ranch and ‘high-country’ means its pretty tough farming country, but incredibly scenic. 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.

Day 4 continued

Whichever option you decide on, you won’t be disappointed. After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a delicious home-cooked meal and a chance to trade stories from the day.

Kaikoura Peninsula

The scenery shifts dramatically today, and we’ll encounter more evidence of civilization along the way. Once we reach Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, we’ll head up the coast a short way to Kaikoura. It’s 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 these coastal waters.

Dolphin Swimming Kaikoura

The early start is well worth it today for the best chance at meeting some of the local wildlife that calls this area home. We’ll don very flattering(!) wetsuits to swim with a pod of 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. Small Dusky dolphins are typically found in pods of around 400 and are well-known for their aerobatic 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.

Arrive Nelson

After a thrilling morning, we’ll travel to Nelson, the sunniest spot in New Zealand. With a geography that spans everything from golden beaches and crystal-clear water, to lush forests and rugged mountains, it’s the perfect place to spend a couple of days. This afternoon we’ll enjoy lunch and a wine tasting, while the evening is free to explore Nelson’s culinary delights on your own.

Oh, choices, choices...

Kiwis look forward to the weekend with gusto, we’re a nation of outdoor enthusiasts who never miss an opportunity to get out in our own backyard. We wake up on a Saturday morning and ponder where the day will take us. Over our obligatory flat white, we weigh up the options – will we be on foot, bike, water or snow? There are so many options and, in some places, it’s even possible to go surfing and skiing on the same day. Most of us have a garage full of ‘toys’ including various bikes, boats, kayaks, skis and of course a few pairs of well-worn hiking boots on standby ready for the next adventure. The hardest part is narrowing down the options!

That choice is yours to make for the next few days - we’ll split up in Nelson for our multi-day adventures with the hikers heading to Nelson Lakes National Park and the kayakers to Abel Tasman National Park. The hike will take us through wilderness backcountry and is best suited to those who are comfortable walking on rugged terrain. You’ll be carrying an overnight pack and some gear, while your guides will carry the rest of the supplies needed. The sea kayaking is a gentler option, although not without its challenges if that’s what you’re after. You certainly don’t need to be a technical expert to enjoy either choice, but feel free to chat with us if you’re unsure about which option would suit you best.

Need help choosing? Check out our fitness guide here to compare choices.

Hike Paparoa National Park

Today’s hike is unique, set amongst dense temperate rainforest with a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs, we’ll follow the Pororari River 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! We’ll pop out at the ocean and spend some time checking out the Pancake Rocks before heading south to Hokitika.

Explore Hokitika

After our hike this morning we’ll visit the quirky town of Hokitika, known for its Pounamu (greenstone/jade) carvers and jewellery. A short onward drive away from civilisation and down a quiet lane, we’ll arrive at the tiny but charming beachside settlement of Okarito. Home to less than 30 locals, this is a place of uncomplicated tranquillity and incredible sunsets. It’s a little off the beaten path, but always a huge hit with our visitors and somewhere we can’t resist returning to.

Kayak Okarito Lagoon

Set your watch to Okarito Time today and enjoy the laid-back simplicity of this lovely spot. We’ll start the day by hopping into sea kayaks to discover the Okarito Lagoon, just a short walk down the road from our accommodation. This tranquil body of water is home to over 70 different bird species, including the rare white heron (Kōtuku), royal spoonbills and pied stilts. Paddle the peaceful channels and soak up the outstanding views of the rainforest and the majestic Southern Alps in the distance.

Hike Okarito Trig

After lunch you can take yourself down to the beach for some peace and quiet, walk the sands, make driftwood sculptures, or if you’re feeling more energetic, your guide will take you up to the Okarito Trig. This hike offers expansive views of the mountains, sea and lagoon. We’ll spend a second night here in Okarito and if we’re lucky we’ll watch one of its famous sunsets, perhaps over a beach bonfire.

Franz Josef Glacier

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 barren but beautiful place. We’ll travel this morning to the small township at the foot of Franz Josef Glacier. Descending 12km from the Southern Alps into lush rainforest just 300m above sea level, Franz Josef Glacier is one of our most accessible glaciers. We’ll take a relaxed hike to learn about the geology of the area, as well as enjoy views of the terminal face.

West Coast Beaches

We’ll finish our journey down the coast with a couple of stops along the way taking in the rugged beaches and powerful waves. Quite often we get the whole beach to ourselves and occasionally we catch a glimpse of Hector’s dolphins playing in the surf. After getting our fill of fresh sea air, we’ll travel back over the Southern Alps via the Haast Pass to Wanaka, where we’ll spend the last night of the trip.

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track

On our final morning of the trip, we’ll stretch our legs with a hike to Diamond Lake and appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. We’ll then carry on up to Rocky Mountain for scenic vistas that just keep getting better with every step. It’s the perfect hike to end your trip on a high note. If you’d rather have a more relaxed morning, there’s plenty to enjoy in the town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle stroll along the lakefront and obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture.

Finish in Queenstown

After lunch, we’ll travel over the short but dramatic Crown Range road and back into Queenstown where we’ll drop you at the airport or your accommodation. After your epic exploration of the South Island, you’ll leave knowing you’ve experienced the very best of New Zealand. Now that you’re practically a local, be sure to come back and show your friends around or join us up on the North Island for another amazing adventure!