Hiking Tour of New Zealand - Kiwi Classic

Day 1 – Arrive and hike Moke Lake

Time for sunshine and fresh mountain air! After introductions, we’ll head for our first hike of the trip, the beautiful Moke Lake loop track. 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 the hike, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch at the lakeside.

This afternoon we make our way to Lake Ōhau, tucked beneath the Southern Alps in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. Along the way, we'll travel over the Lindis Pass and down into wide, golden tussock valleys, before the landscape opens up showcasing the breathtaking Southern Alps. 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 in Lake Ohau Village*

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

This morning we’ll head to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. 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. 

Tonight we stay in Lake Ohau Village again*

Day 3 – Explore Tekapo & Hike Rakaia Gorge Walkway

Today’s journey takes us from the Mackenzie High Country through the fertile plains of Canterbury. This morning, we'll explore the lakeside town of Tekapo before making our way to Mt Hutt Village. 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. 

Hike the Rakaia Gorge Walkway

Tucked away in the heart of Canterbury, the Rakaia Gorge Walkway is a beautiful trail that follows the mighty Rakaia River. As you walk, you’ll look out over the Rakaia River’s turquoise waters and across to the Southern Alps. The track meanders through farmland and forests leading to the remains of an old mine - a small glimpse into the area’s past. It's a great way to stretch your legs and take in some classic Canterbury scenery. Later this afternoon we'll head to Mt Hutt Village. 

Tonight we stay at Brinkley Resort, Mt Hutt Village*

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

Today we'll explore one of our favourite off the beaten tracks in Marlborough Sound - the Nydia Track. 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. Depending on when your trip departs, you'll have a different style of accommodation. 

Trips departing prior to April 30th, 2027 - Multi-day hiking and stay at Nydia Lodge

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 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*

Trips departing after May 1st, 2027 - Stay in Picton

On today's adventure, we will explore the Nydia Track as a day hike, then head back to Picton for the evening. Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, a little waterfront town tucked into its own sheltered bay, surrounded by bush-covered hills that tumble straight into the sea. Tonight you'll stay right near the harbour, with the marina and its bobbing yachts just steps away.

After a day of hiking, this is your chance to swap the backpack for a delicious meal and perhaps a glass of the region's famous Sauvignon Blanc if that takes your fancy (Marlborough is New Zealand's wine country, after all). Wander the waterfront, dip your toes in the sound, or just relax and watch the fishing boats come in as the light turns gold over the hills.

Tonight we stay at Harbour View Motel Picton*

Day 6 – Pelorus Sound to Nelson

Trips departing prior to April 31st, 2027

After a night spent in the backcountry, it's time to 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. Nelson is also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest but most beloved national park, with its golden beaches and turquoise waters just a short drive away.

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*

Trips departing after May 1st, 2027

After a comfortable night in Picton, we're back out for one more taste of Pelorus Sound before heading to Nelson, the sunniest place in New Zealand! We'll get a day walk in among the native bush and glassy water before trading the Sounds for the city. Nelson is the oldest city on the South Island and the second oldest in New Zealand, with 2400 hours of sunshine annually and a reputation for award-winning wineries, arts scene, craft beers and local fruit orchards. Nelson is also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest but most beloved national park, with its golden beaches and turquoise waters just a short drive away.

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 Lakehead Hut

Trips departing prior to April 31st, 2027

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 takes us along the shoreline of Lake Rotoiti through lush beech forest to Lakehead Hut, a classic backcountry hut surrounded by trees and towering peaks. We'll arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon leaving plenty of time to relax and take in the natural beauty of our surroundings. Lakehead Hut is a dream for those seeking solitude in a peaceful alpine setting.

This evening we'll regroup to enjoy a well-deserved 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 Lakehead Hut*

Trips departing after May 1st, 2027

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.

Today's hike takes us along the shoreline of Lake Rotoiti through lush beech forest towards Lakehead Hut, a classic backcountry hut surrounded by trees and towering peaks, before we loop back to St Arnaud for the evening. Keep an eye out for tui and bellbirds flitting through the canopy as we walk, and take your time soaking in the alpine views along the shoreline.

This evening we'll regroup at St Arnaud Lodge to enjoy a well-deserved meal, with the mountains and the lake right on our doorstep. Trade stories of the day and, if the skies are clear, step outside for some of the best stargazing in the country.

Tonight we stay at St Arnaud Lodge*

Day 9 – Hiking in Nelson Lakes National Park and the West Coast

Trips departing prior to April 31st, 2027

There's nothing quite like waking up in the backcountry! We'll start our day with a hot cup of coffee which you can enjoy while listening to the sound of birdsong and soaking up that feeling of being completely off the beaten track. Today we'll hike back to St Arnaud. 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 in the Buller Bay Area*

Trips departing after May 1st, 2027

There's nothing quite like a morning in Nelson Lakes! We'll start our day with a hot cup of coffee before setting out from St Arnaud on the Whiskey Falls hike, a beautiful trail through native beech forest to a series of cascading waterfalls tucked into the hills above the lake.

Once we're back in St Arnaud, there'll be time for a refreshing dip in the lake if you're keen, before we say goodbye to Nelson Lakes.

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 in the Buller Bay Area*

Day 10 – Pororari River Track & Kayak Lake Mapourika

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. 

Kayak Lake Mapourika

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 then make our way to the small township at the foot of Franz Josef Glacier.

Tonight we stay at 10 Cottages, Franz Josef*

Day 11 – Haast River Jet Boat

Today you’ll enjoy mountains, beaches, and pristine rivers all in one fantastic day. 

We’ll 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. 

Tonight we stay at Wonderland Makarora*

Day 12 – Hike near Queenstown & Explore Arrowtown

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 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 fiery red and orange. While you are walking the Arrow River Trail, you'll have the opportunity to plant a native seedling and leave a small legacy of your own here in New Zealand.

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

Tonight we stay at Parklands 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 at Parklands 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. 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.