New Zealand Trails

5-21 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours

Intro Map Itinerary Reviews Dates Activity Level Accommodation FAQs

Hiking Tour of New Zealand - Kiwi Classic

Get further off the beaten track on our original South Island hiking adventure.

New Zealand is a hiker's paradise and as avid hikers ourselves we’ve spent our lives exploring the length and breadth of New Zealand. When we were designing the Kiwi Classic, we put our heads together (and our decades of hiking experience) and cherrypicked our most jaw-dropping hikes for you to explore. If you are looking to experience the very best hiking that New Zealand has to offer, then the Kiwi Classic is the trip for you.

The diversity in landscape on this trip is unmatched, we'll take you from the snow-capped mountains and glacially carved lakes of the deep Southern Alps to the golden sand coastal trails of Pelorus Sound. You’ll hike in our lushest rainforests, alongside crystal-clear rivers, through wide open plains, and beneath our tallest peaks. You'll explore the most famous hikes and bucket list destinations in the South Island like Mueller Ridge in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the Routeburn Track, and Milford Sound. We’ll also take you even further off the beaten track into the most remote and pristine areas of New Zealand’s National Parks. If you've been looking for the crème de la crème of guided hiking trips the Kiwi Classic is it!

Designed with independent travellers in mind, you’ll be out every day with your feet on the ground experiencing the real New Zealand. You’ll be amazed at just how much you’re able to see, do and achieve over 14 days and, with our local New Zealand guides taking care of all the details, you’ll return home refreshed and full of energy, with a big smile on your face. 

Activity Level 3 to 4: Designed for those who want a hiking-focused trip. You know that sometimes the best views need to be earned and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You can scale your activity level up to a 4 or down to a 3 every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on a variety of trails and enjoy a mixture of day walks and hikes, overnight hikes and activities. Click here for a breakdown of the Kiwi Classic activity level.

Trip Style: Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked and restaurant meals to fuel you for the adventurous days of walking and activities, and sleep soundly at night in comfortable accommodations that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations. The Kiwi Classic has two multi-day hikes (hut to hut style hiking) where you’ll spend the night at a wilderness lodge deep in the heart of our National Parks. On the remaining eleven nights, you'll enjoy private ensuite rooms.

Click here to download the Kiwi Classic itinerary

14 Days

South
ISLAND

map
Starts

Queenstown

Finishes

Queenstown

Activity level 3 - 4

Accommodation

Comfortable Lodging

Price
NZD$13499 NZD$13499 AUD$10599 USD$7999 +tax GBP£6299 CAD$10699 +tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!

Enquire Book now

Kiwi Classic Route Map

KC MAP2

Kiwi Classic Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day

1

Queenstown
Hike Moke Lake & Queenstown Hill

Includes

Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Accommodation

Wanaka

1 moke lake new zealand
1 Moke Lake walking tours 2 Queenstown Hill

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*

Choice 1

Hike Queenstown Hill

The Queenstown Hill Track winds its way up the picturesque wooded hillside above Queenstown before emerging from the tree line at the Basket of Dreams. Here you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Whakatipu basin and across the lake to the iconic Remarkables mountain range. 

Choice 2

Free Time in Queenstown

For those seeking a more relaxed afternoon, take some time to explore Queenstown, a world-class mountain resort nestled on the shores of the sleeping giant, Lake Wakatipu. You'll be spoilt for choice with bustling local cafes where you can try your first Kiwi speciality - a flat white! 

Day

2

Aoraki/Mt Cook
Your Choice

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Accommodation

MT COOK REGION

3. Guide selfie and guests Sealy Tarns
Solo women on bridge mount cook HR Sealy Tarns on a New Zealand hiking trip

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*

Choice 1

Hike to Mueller Ridge

If you're feeling energetic this hike will treat you to unmatched views of the National Park's spectacular glaciers, sweeping valleys and highest peaks. After climbing the stairs to Sealy Tarns we'll continue on up to Mueller Ridge where you'll be able to take in the grandeur of both the Mueller and Hooker glaciers. 

Choice 2

Hike to Sealy Tarns & walk the Tasman Glacier View and Blue Lakes Track

For a less strenuous option that doesn't compromise on spectacular views, we'll take our time on the Sealy Tarns track and enjoy views of the Tasman Glacier. On the glacier view track a short climb past the Blue Lakes takes you to the Tasman Glacier Lookout, where you will be rewarded with incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Tasman Glacier. It's the perfect place to see giant icebergs floating on the milky green Tasman Lake.

Day 2 Optional Add-ons

Below are some of the optional add-ons you can also enjoy:


Glacier lake boat tour

Hop aboard a Zodiac boat and set off across the iceberg-filled lake for an up-close encounter with the Tasman Glacier’s terminal face. If you choose this activity it will replace the Tasman Glacier View and Blue Lakes Track. 

NZD$195

Glacier heli hiking

Take a helicopter or ski plane up to land high on the Tasman, New Zealand’s longest glacier. In the company of an experienced guide, you’ll don crampons to explore the striking ice caves of this frozen wonderland. If you book this spectacular activity it will replace the day's other hikes. 

NZD$795
Day

3

Mackenzie Country
Christchurch

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Christchurch

Small group walking lake tekapo HR
Hiking above Lake Tekapo on a New Zealand hiking trip Hiking through flowers is the perfect stop on New Zealand hiking tours

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

Dolphin Swim
Kaikoura

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
DolphinSwimming Sightseeing
Accommodation

Kaikoura

Dolphins at sunrise on a New Zealand adventure
Kiwi Classic Day 4 Dolphin Swim2 Dolphins jumping at Kaikoura on a hiking trip New Zealand

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

Pelorus Sound
Two-day hike on Nydia Track

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking
Accommodation

Nydia Lodge

6. Nydia Track views of lakes
6. Solo guest Nydia Track 6. Guide and guests Nydia Track

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

Nydia Track
Marlborough

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Nelson

kepler track bush fiordland4
Marlborough Sounds Nelson sunset zoomed

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

Nelson
Free day

Includes

Meals
Activities
FreeDay
Accommodation

Nelson

Abel Tasman exploration by sea4
vineyard lunch adventure trip new zealand3 explore abel tasman relaxed and active adventure new zealand3

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 7 Optional Add-ons

Below are some of the optional add-ons you can also enjoy:


Abel Tasman Cruise & Hike Trip

Enjoy a cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve to visit the resident seal colony! You'll then explore the remote northern beaches, fringed with nikau palms and native rata, on a two-hour hike of the Abel Tasman Track.

NZD$180

Abel Tasman Cruise & Kayak Trip

Take a ride on the Vista boat cruise into Torrent Bay, then kayak to explore some of the most idyllic parts of the coastline. Visit Cleopatra’s pool, the seals on Pinnacle Island, and keep an eye out for the resident blue penguins!

NZD$320
Day

8

Nelson Lakes National Park
Two-day hike in Nelson Lakes National Park

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking
Accommodation

Bushline Hut

KC Brochure header
Three guests with guide maya mount robert James Koelbl 339 Group over Lake Rotoiti

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

Nelson Lakes National Park
West Coast

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking
Accommodation

Buller Bay

9 Nelson Lakes National Park walking tours
8 guests at lake rotoiti 5 Multi day hikes with New Zealand Trails

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 National Park
Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing Wildlife
Accommodation

Franz Josef

Walking the Pororari River Track
6 Paparoa National Park walking and hiking tours copy3 9. Views from Pancake Rocks

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

West Coast
Kayak Lake Mapourika & HAAST RIVER JET BOAT

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Kayaking Jetboating
Accommodation

Makarora

10 Kayaking adventure tours
Haast River Safari Signage Shot of the Haast Valley Kayaking solo across Lake Mapourika3

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 Arrowtown
Fiordland

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Biking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Te Anau

4. Kawarau River copy
233385 lake wanaka lake wanaka sml2 Masterpiece Arrowtown3

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

Routeburn Track
Cruise Milford Sound

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
BoatCruise Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Te Anau

13. Guest enjoying Routeburn track 2
Milford Sound New Zealand Key Summit5

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

Te Anau
Hike Kepler Track

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Finish in Queenstown

1. Guests walking Kepler Track through beech forest
1. Kepler Track Boardwalk copy 8 Kepler Track Walking tours

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.

Don’t take our word for it...

Stephen Foley 1000 2
I had very high expectations and I was not disappointed! I cannot begin to tell you how pleased we were with Ross and Maya. My wife and I have done hiking all over the world and we have never had better guides than the two of them. I was impressed by how they could tailor hikes for different people on the same trip. They made the trip so enjoyable!
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Stephen Foley (Kiwi Classic, January 24)

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Johnathon Lane 1001
I feel as though I am the luckiest person on the planet due to being able to experience New Zealand. It is a remarkable place, with remarkable people, I thoroughly loved it all. The intangible things like the local knowledge and where to find a good coffee, not to mention all the snacks on the bus. I just cannot say enough positive things about NZ Trails, especially for Becky putting it all together, Blake for guiding us all over the south island, and Brynee for making the trip fun. I really cannot think of anything that would make it better...seriously an absolute first class experience. I would do another trip with you guys without question.
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Jonathan Lane (Kiwi Classic, February, 24)

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Frequently asked questions

It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our Kiwi Classic trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!

And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!

How fit do I need to be for the Kiwi Classic?

What is the accommodation like on the Kiwi Classic?

What time does the Kiwi Classic trip start and finish?

What's not included on my Kiwi Classic tour?

What's included in my Kiwi Classic tour?

What hikes are included in the Kiwi Classic trip?

What activities are included on the Kiwi Classic trip?

Will I have WiFi or internet access throughout the trip?

Tell me about your safety standards

What National Parks and Great Walks does the Kiwi Classic trip visit?

What kind of people will be on my Kiwi Classic trip?

Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?

Do you need any outdoors experience for the Kiwi Classic trip?

How many people will be on my trip?

I've never done a multi-day hike before, what can I expect?

What does going on a guided trip entail?

Can you help with pre/post-trip accommodation and flights?

How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?

Why do you run the Kiwi Classic trip in two directions?

Is there electricity in all the places we stay on the Kiwi Classic?

How much time will we spend in the vehicle?

More frequently asked questions

Activity Level

The Kiwi Classic is an activity level 3 to 4 and is designed for those who want a hiking-focused trip. You know that sometimes the best views need to be earned and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You can scale your activity level up to a 4 or down to a 3 every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on a variety of trails and enjoy a mixture of day walks and hikes, overnight hikes and activities.

Elevation Maps & Hike Information

Tour dates

Discover the South Island and challenge yourself on our most action-packed adventure. Make like a local and hike stunning backcountry, bike mountain trails, kayak coastal lagoons and swim with wild dolphins. You’re bound to work up an appetite, but we’ll keep you well fed with hearty and delicious Kiwi fare. At the end of an exciting day, there’ll be time to rest and relax in clean, comfortable lodgings as you reflect on your uniquely New Zealand experiences.

Combine this adventure with our Sweet North tour to enjoy the best of both North and South over 19 days.

Find the dates that work best for you using our date picker below and check availability as trips often fill up fast.

*If you can't see the date you're looking for or your preferred date is already full, check out our Masterpiece trip. On this trip, you'll explore many of the same hikes and activities as the Kiwi Classic and with your two New Zealand guides we can scale the activity level up every day if you'd like more of a challenge. The Masterpiece is our most flexible trip. 

Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?

We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!

2024

Kiwi Classic
18 Nov 2024 - 01 Dec 2024
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18 Nov 2024 - 01 Dec 2024
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02 Dec 2024 - 15 Dec 2024
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16 Dec 2024 - 29 Dec 2024
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2025

Kiwi Classic
13 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025
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20 Jan 2025 - 02 Feb 2025
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27 Jan 2025 - 09 Feb 2025
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Kiwi Classic
03 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025
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Kiwi Classic
10 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025
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17 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025
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24 Feb 2025 - 09 Mar 2025
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03 Mar 2025 - 16 Mar 2025
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Kiwi Classic
10 Mar 2025 - 23 Mar 2025
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Kiwi Classic
24 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025
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Kiwi Classic
31 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025
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Kiwi Classic
03 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025
Full
Full
Kiwi Classic
10 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025
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Kiwi Classic
24 Nov 2025 - 07 Dec 2025
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Kiwi Classic
22 Dec 2025 - 04 Jan 2026
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2026

Kiwi Classic
19 Jan 2026 - 01 Feb 2026
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Kiwi Classic
02 Feb 2026 - 15 Feb 2026
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Kiwi Classic
16 Feb 2026 - 01 Mar 2026
Full - Private Departure
Full
Private Departure
Kiwi Classic
02 Mar 2026 - 15 Mar 2026
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Kiwi Classic
16 Mar 2026 - 29 Mar 2026
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Kiwi Classic
02 Nov 2026 - 15 Nov 2026
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Kiwi Classic
16 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2026
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Kiwi Classic
30 Nov 2026 - 13 Dec 2026
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Kiwi Classic
21 Dec 2026 - 03 Jan 2027
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2027

Kiwi Classic
11 Jan 2027 - 24 Jan 2027
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Kiwi Classic
25 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
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Kiwi Classic
08 Feb 2027 - 21 Feb 2027
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Kiwi Classic
22 Feb 2027 - 07 Mar 2027
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Kiwi Classic
08 Mar 2027 - 21 Mar 2027
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Kiwi Classic
22 Mar 2027 - 04 Apr 2027
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Kiwi Classic
15 Nov 2027 - 28 Nov 2027
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Kiwi Classic
29 Nov 2027 - 12 Dec 2027
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Kiwi Classic
20 Dec 2027 - 02 Jan 2028
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2028

Kiwi Classic
10 Jan 2028 - 23 Jan 2028
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Kiwi Classic
24 Jan 2028 - 06 Feb 2028
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Kiwi Classic
07 Feb 2028 - 20 Feb 2028
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Kiwi Classic
21 Feb 2028 - 05 Mar 2028
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Kiwi Classic
06 Mar 2028 - 19 Mar 2028
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Kiwi Classic
20 Mar 2028 - 02 Apr 2028
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Kiwi Classic – ready to book?

Ready to start your New Zealand adventure?

The Kiwi Classic is our most action packed adventure, taking in all the parts of the South Island that best suit the physically active traveller.

What’s included:

Local guides, small groups

All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities

All inclusive

All accommodation

NZD$13499 AUD$10599 USD$7999+tax GBP£6299 NZD$13499 CAD$10699+tax
per person (twin or double share)

nelson lakes national park on your new zealand hiking tour2

Want more information?

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Get a free New Zealand Trails brochure!

Too many options out there? Want to “do New Zealand” your way, with expert local guides to help?

Our FREE brochure has 36 pages of detailed itineraries, maps and behind-the-scenes tour info.

All you need – nothing you don’t.

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