Kiwi Classic Hiking Tour of New Zealand

Hike Ben Lomond

We will begin this adventure by ticking off one of our favourite Queenstown hikes, the stunning Ben Lomond track. We’ll buy some time by cutting out the initial slog and hopping on the gondola up to our start point. It doesn’t take long to emerge from the forest canopy out onto the tussock-wrapped hills. You’ll follow the ridgeline to the summit where you'll be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges.

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.

Hike Blue Pools

This short walk in Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Sunset Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

What better way to take in the iconic West Coast sunsets than out on the water? 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.

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.

Hike Paparoa National Park

Our second hike of the day 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 stop off on the way to our accommodation in Cape Foulwind for a short stroll to the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony. 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.

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 Anakiwa to Davies Bay

This stunning day walk is part of the world-renowned long-distance walking track known as Queen Charlotte Track. It’s the perfect opportunity to have a swim in Davies Bay after lunch before walking back to Anakiwa.

Wine tasting in Marlborough

After a couple of days spent in the backcountry, it’s time to return to the world of comfort and style with a visit to one of the iconic vineyards of Marlborough. The region is most renowned for its zesty Sauvignon Blanc, so ready your taste buds to sample some of the finest wines in the country.

Tonight, if we’re lucky, 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.

Dolphin Swimming Kaikoura

The early start is well worth it today for the best chance at meeting some of the local wildlife that call this area home. We’ll don 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. Dusky dolphins are typically found in pods of around 100 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.

Discover 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, curious cardboard cathedral and lush botanical gardens. Discover amazing street-art and innovative projects as the new urban heart of the city blends with the garden-like greenery of the old. Be sure to sample an expertly made coffee from one of the many locally owned cafes in the area. If you are feeling energetic you can join your guides for an evening hike over the Bridle Path for incredible views over Christchurch and Lyttleton Harbour.

Mount John & Mackenzie Country

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.

Journey to Ohau

We’ll travel on towards Ohau and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park this afternoon and watch as the passing scenery shifts from lush Canterbury plains and arable land to tussock and mountain. Tonight, you’ll be staying on a working high-country station. ‘Station’ is Kiwi for ranch and ‘high-country’ means it’s 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.

Cruise 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.

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.

Explore Te Anau or optional Kepler Track hike

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 to Rainbow Reach – a fitting end to your New Zealand adventure tour.

Finish in Queenstown

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’.