Hiking Tour of New Zealand - Kiwi Classic

Day 1 – Arrive and hike Ben Lomond

It’s time to breathe in your first taste of pure New Zealand mountain air. After making our introductions, we’ll head for our first hike of the trip, Ben Lomond. This steady climb is the perfect introduction to New Zealand hiking, offering up panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

We will begin this adventure by ticking off one of our favourite Queenstown hikes, the stunning Ben Lomond track. We’ll hop on the gondola up to our start point and from there 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.

Tonight we stay at Altamont Lodge*

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

Today's journey takes us over the high country 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 also 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 splurging on a glacier boat tour.

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 across 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 Quest Christchurch*

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

Overnight backpacking is our favourite way to truly experience New Zealand's backcountry and today we'll embark on the first of our two multi-day hiking adventures. On today's adventure, we will hike on the Nydia Track carrying just what we need for our night spent at Nydia Lodge. When we arrive at Nydia Lodge you'll have the chance to have a dip in the ocean or relax and listen to the birdlife while your guides prepare a delicious meal for you (no freeze-dried food here!). In the evening you can expect some of the best stargazing in the country. 

The overnight hikes on this trip have been designed for both novice and experienced hikers. If you've never done an overnight backpacking trip 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 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.

This afternoon we will make our way to Nelson, “the sunniest place in NZ”. It's famous for its arts scene, award-winning wines, craft beers and fruit orchards, with plenty to keep you entertained within walking distance. 

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.

Tonight we stay at The Palms, Nelson again*

Day 8 – Hike to Bushline Hut

Today we'll head to Nelson Lakes National Park. Our second multi-day hike will take us through wilderness backcountry to Bushline Hut. The anticipation for the adventure ahead builds as we travel to the start of our hike in St Arnaud. Our hike will take us up Pourangahau/Mount Robert on a well graded track through the beech forest. We will walk for 2 hours carrying just what we need for our night spent at Bushline Hut (a sleeping bag, change of clothes and a small portion of the food for the evening). We'll arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon, leaving you with plenty of time to either enjoy the panoramic views at the Hut or take a longer walk up the ridgeline while your guides prepare a delicious meal for you.

Tonight we stay at Bushline Hut

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

After breakfast, we'll begin our descent down into St Arnaud, Lake Rotoiti glistening invitingly beneath us. There’ll be time for a quick swim 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 it's 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 second hike of the day is truly unique. Set amongst 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!

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 afternoon to the small township at the foot of Franz Josef Glacier.

Tonight we stay at 10 Cottages, Franz Josef*

Day 11 – Hike Franz Josef Glacier and Kayak Lake Mapourika

Descending 12km from the Southern Alps into lush rainforest just 300m above sea level, Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers. This morning we'll take a relaxed hike to the terminal face of the glacier, learning about the geological formation and history of the area as we go.

This afternoon 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 travel 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.

Tonight we stay at Wonderland Makarora*

Day 12 – Bike or hike near Queenstown

Today we'll travel alongside Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and over the Crown Range to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking, biking or running. This morning we’ll explore the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. You’ll have the choice of either biking or walking the Arrow River Bridges Trail.

This evening we’ll head to Te Anau in preparation for tomorrow’s epic adventure in Fiordland National Park.

Tonight we stay at Matai Lodge*

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 at Matai Lodge 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 – 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.