New Zealand Trails

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

Intro Map Itinerary Reviews Dates Activity Level Accommodation FAQs

Masterpiece New Zealand Adventure Tour

Perfected over the years. The New Zealand we share with friends!

The Masterpiece New Zealand adventure tour encompasses the very best of New Zealand’s bucket list destinations, activities and experiences. Day walk in our most famous National Parks, marvel at New Zealand’s highest peaks, hike our Great Walks, get up close with unique wildlife, cruise Milford Sound, discover some of our more colourful South Island towns and cities, and enjoy a taste of real Kiwi life with the locals. If this is going to be your one and only trip to New Zealand, this is the trip for you.

Careful planning and local knowledge mean that there’s no need to rush. We’ve planned the best routes to hike and we know the best time to visit all the hot spots, so you won’t be sharing the views with many others. There’s plenty of time to relax and you can do as much (or as little!) as you’d like throughout the trip.

You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked Kiwi fare to fortify you for the adventurous days of walking and hiking, and sleep soundly at night in fantastically located accommodation. No detail is too small to escape our attention, and we’ve thought of everything with our Masterpiece adventure trip, right down to the tasty snacks on the bus and the music we play as we travel from one incredible place to the next.

** If you like the look of our Masterpiece itinerary but enjoy a more premium style of travel, check out The Grand Explorer.**

Activity Level 2 to 4: Designed for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand. Click here for a breakdown of the Masterpiece 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 accommodation that we have chosen specifically for their location and access to the great outdoors. On day one of your trip, your guides will pick you up from either our joining hotel or the airport in a late-model Mercedes Benz Sprinter. This will be your vehicle for the duration of the trip and your luggage will travel with you in the luggage compartment. You'll bring your small day pack with your hiking essentials (jacket, water bottle, sun hat etc) onto the vehicle and this will be all you will need to carry with you when you are out exploring. Your suitcase will stay in the vehicle until we reach our accommodation for the evening. 

Click here to download the Masterpiece itinerary

14 Days

South
ISLAND

map
Starts

Queenstown

Finishes

Queenstown

Activity level 2 - 4

Accommodation

Very comfortable lodging

Price
NZD$13599 NZD$13599 AUD$10499 USD$7299.00 +tax GBP£6599 CAD$9599.00 +tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!

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Masterpiece Route Map

MP MAP2

Masterpiece Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day

1

Arrive Queenstown
Bike or Hike Wakatipu Basin

Includes

Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Accommodation

Mackenzie Country

Bike Arrowtown on a New Zealand adventure trip
Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley bike solo guest Masterpiece Arrowtown

Day 1 – Welcome to Queenstown

The Masterpiece is an all-encompassing New Zealand Adventure Tour created to replenish the mind and uplift the spirit. Each day combines a blend of beautiful scenery and exceptional experiences with healthy meals, comfortable accommodations, time to relax and, of course, good company. Designed to showcase the best of New Zealand without the need to rush, this is adventure travel at its finest. 

Begin your journey in Queenstown, a gorgeous alpine resort nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After meeting your guides and fellow travellers, we’ll head out for a dose of fresh mountain air on either a scenic bike ride or walk – the perfect antidote to any residual jetlag you’re feeling! With our legs sufficiently stretched, we’ll then travel on to the Mount Cook region where we’ll spend the next couple of nights. An area of incredible natural beauty, this National Park is home to many iconic mountain vistas, including that of our highest peak Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Bike or Hike from Arrowtown to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Welcome 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. As part of your introduction to New Zealand, we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today you’ll have the choice of either biking or walking the Arrow River Bridges Trail.

Road trip to Mount Cook

After a morning of exploring the trails, you can rest your legs as we travel out of the region and towards New Zealand’s highest peak standing tall at 3,724m (over 12,000 feet). Along the way, we’ll travel over the Lindis Pass and down into wide open valleys before catching our first glimpse of Aoraki/Mt Cook, ‘the cloud piercer’ as it’s known in Maori. Tonight, we’ll be staying in pleasingly cosy accommodations with incredible scenery right on your doorstep. 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 the Aoraki/Mt Cook region*

 

Choice 1

Bike Arrowtown

We’ll get fitted out with bikes before taking to the trail on two wheels. We’ll follow the Kawarau River along a wide trail, riding past homesteads, meadows and mountains out towards the famous Gibbston Valley vineyards and the world’s first commercial bungy bridge.

Choice 2

Hike Arrowtown

If you prefer to walk rather than cycle, you can experience the same beautiful Arrow River trail that the cyclists do but on foot. Your driver will pick you up from the stunning Southern Discoveries swing bridge and drive you to the Kawarau bungy bridge to regroup with the rest of the team.

Day

2

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Multiple Choice

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Accommodation

Mackenzie Country

2 Mount Cook National Park adventures 2
11 aoraki mount cook national park 2. Sundial in Mount Cook National Park 2

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

After a sound night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, it’s time to set foot on the trails this morning. Boasting 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 not only its namesake, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts a further 19 peaks topping more than 3,000 metres. This morning you will hike the Tasman Glacier View and Blue Lakes Track, and Governors Bush Track, or you can book an optional activity to replace this mornings hikes. 

In the afternoon you'll have a choice of hiking to either Sealy Tarns or Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Lookout. 

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 flavoursome home-cooked meal and a chance to trade stories from the day or do some more stargazing.

 

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region again*

Choice 1

Hike to Sealy Tarns

This route is one seriously rewarding leg workout. Known fondly as the ‘stairmaster’ or the ‘stairway to heaven’, you’ll pull yourself up exactly 1,882 steps to Sealy Tarns where the views out over the Mueller and Hooker Lakes are out of this world. It’s the most challenging option today and involves a steep but steady climb on a well-formed track. The views are worth every drop of sweat.

Choice 2

Hike to Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Lookout.

For a more relaxed option, we'll head to Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Lookout for panoramic views of the National Park's many towering peaks. You'll be greeted by awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook itself and the spectacular Hooker Valley. 

Day 2 Optional Add-ons

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


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 this morning's hikes. You'll then be able to rejoin the group for this afternoon's choice of hikes. 

NZD$795

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 book this scenic boat tour it will replace this morning's hikes. You'll then be able to rejoin the group for this afternoon's choice of hikes. 

NZD$179
Day

3

Mackenzie Country
Hike Mt John

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking
Accommodation

Christchurch

3. Guide selfie with guests Mt John
3. Guest couple Mt John Fields of lupins on guided hiking tours of New Zealand

Day 3 – Hike Mount John & explore Mackenzie Country

Today’s journey takes us from mountain to ocean as we head through the fertile plains of Canterbury towards the East Coast. We’ll begin the day with a short climb up Mount John for 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 Sumner, a small seaside village on the outskirts of Christchurch. We’ll take our time, stopping in some of our favourite spots along the way to stretch our legs and capture the glorious views.

Mount John & Mackenzie Country

This morning we’ll make the steady climb up Mount John though 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 of the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land. This afternoon, after our exploration of Mackenzie country and learning of its history, we’ll travel on towards Christchurch and watch as the passing scenery shifts from tussock and mountain to the lush Canterbury plains and arable land. 

Tonight we stay at Bealy Quarter Christchurch*

Day

4

Christchurch
Hike Banks Peninsula

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Walking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Kaikoura

Hike on our New Zealand adventure tour
Spot the seals in Kaikoura on the best New Zealand adventure tours Swimming with dolphins is a must do on New Zealand adventure tours

Day 4 – Explore Christchurch & Kaikoura Peninsula

After a relaxed breakfast, the morning is yours to explore the city of Christchurch and its many delights. Christchurch is undergoing an urban regeneration project but still retains a garden-like quality with much to see and do. This afternoon we’ll travel north a short distance to the seaside settlement of Kaikoura on the East Coast, where we’ll stay the night.

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 a morning hike on the Godley Heads track for incredible views over Banks Peninsula.

Kaikoura Peninsula

Just north of Christchurch lies the small coastal town of Kaikoura. The Kaikoura Peninsula is 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 ideal conditions and are a regular sight in the waters off the mainland. 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.

Tonight we stay at White Morph Kaikoura*

Day

5

Kaikoura
Swim with dolphins

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
DolphinSwimming Wildlife
Accommodation

Queen Charlotte Sound

Stay at the Lochmara Lodge on a relaxed and active adventure New Zealand
Dolphin sightings at Akaroa Dolphins jumping at Kaikoura on a tour New Zealand

Day 5 – Dolphin Swim in Kaikoura & Queen Charlotte Sounds

Today’s an unforgettable day and a dream come true for wildlife lovers. You’ll be up bright and early to swim with Dusky dolphins, a rare breed known for their aerobatics. We’ll see how many different varieties of fish, seals and even whales we can spot in this outstanding marine reserve, where the unusually deep waters make a unique habitat close to shore. We’ll carry on to the town of Picton, where we water taxi across Queen Charlotte Sound to our accommodation for the night, where you can explore some of the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track or take in the wonderful wildlife surrounding the lodge!

Dolphin Swimming

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 flattering(!) wetsuits to swim with a pod of dolphins in their natural environment. Of course, this is dependent on whether the dolphins cooperate, but they usually do! These dolphins are totally wild and it's their choice whether they interact with us or not, however, these dusky dolphins are well-known for their interactive behaviour as well as their acrobatic feats and usually love to put on a show for us. The tour is an educational experience that is 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. 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 tour.

Meet the Wildlife of Queen Charlotte Sound

From Picton, we water taxi across the glorious Queen Charlotte Sound to our accommodation for the night. Set amongst a landscape of native plants and abundant birdlife, with views of the glistening bay, you’ll enjoy an excellent meal and the chance to truly relax in this remote but well-equipped location.

Tonight we stay at Lochmara Lodge*

Day

6

Queen Charlotte Sound
Kayak & wine tasting

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch

Meals
Activities
Kayaking WineTasting
Accommodation

Nelson

Queen Charlotte Sound Kayak
Kayaking Marlborough Sounds on a New Zealand adventure tour Marlborough wine tasting on New Zealand adventure tours

Day 6 – Queen Charlotte Sound & Marlborough Vineyards

This morning we’ll paddle back to Picton, providing another opportunity to view the local wildlife. From here it’s a short hop to Marlborough’s wine-growing region, where we sample some of the area’s produce. For the next couple of nights, we’ll stay in Nelson, a colourful beachside town and comfortable resting point.

Queen Charlotte Sound

After a nourishing breakfast at the lodge, we’ll take to the water in our kayaks and paddle back to Picton, exploring some hidden coves and bays along the way. Gliding along on the water is a lovely way to spend the morning while you check out the beautiful coastline.

Marlborough Vineyards

Home to some of New Zealand’s best vineyards, the Marlborough region is famous for producing excellent wines savoured around the world. We will sample some impeccable wines from this region, before carrying on towards Nelson and our accommodation for the next two nights.

Tonight we stay at The Palms, Nelson*

Day

7

Nelson
Free day to explore

Includes

On your own

Meals
Activities
FreeDay
Accommodation

Nelson

Kayak Abel Tasman best New Zealand adventure tour
Explore Abel Tasman on a relaxed and active adventure New Zealand Vineyard lunch on an adventure trip New Zealand

Day 7 – Explore Nelson

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Nelson, “the sunniest place in NZ”, is famous for its arts scene, award-winning wines, craft beers and fruit orchards, with plenty to keep you entertained within walking distance. Most of our guests are happy to spend a relaxed day exploring Nelson, browsing the shops and galleries, strolling along the beach or reading a book – it’s a lovely place to re-energise yourself for the rest of your adventure. There are over 350 local craftspeople and artists creating Maori, traditional and contemporary art in the area, so it’s also a chance to discover what inspires New Zealanders creatively. Or if you’d prefer something a little more active, 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

West Coast
Hike West Coast Seal Colony

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Wildlife
Accommodation

Buller Bay

8. Two happy guests Cape Foulwind
Paparoa National Park on the best adventure tour New Zealand St Arnaud

Day 8 – Nelson Lakes National Park & Coastal Walkway to Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

Today we’ll leave Nelson and begin our day by making our way to St Arnaud for a leisurely stroll on the Honeydew Walk. After our stop in Nelson Lakes National Park, we'll continue on our way to the rugged West Coast, taking our time to stop and appreciate the journey, including a picturesque hike along the coast to Tauranga Bay seal colony. Our accommodation tonight is in the seaside village of Buller Bay.

Hike along West Coast to Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

The remote but spectacular wild West Coast is where we will stop for a delicious picnic lunch, before heading out on a coastal walk.  Take in 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.

Explore West Coast Beaches

Our next destination takes us further south to ‘The Coast’ as it’s known by locals, a journey rated by Lonely Planet readers as one of the best coastal drives in the world. Rainforests, rivers and glaciers meet deserted beaches and crashing waves, making for a unique and sometimes stark coastline. Sunsets on the West Coast are incredibly special and tonight you’ll see just why.

Tonight we stay at Omau Settlers Lodge*

Day

9

West Coast
Hike Paparoa National Park

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Franz Josef Glacier

1 paparoa national park hiking3
Day 9 Pororari River Track Adventure tours New Zealand to Pororari National Park, West Coast

Day 9 – Hike Paparoa National Park, Pancake Rocks & Explore Hokitika

With its towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, this area feels like something straight out of Jurassic Park. Today we’ll hike a fantastic track through Paparoa National Park, as well as checking out the blowholes and limestone formations of the Pancake Rocks. Then we drop in on Pounamu (greenstone/jade) carvers at work in the town of Hokitika. We’ll spend a relaxed evening in the tiny town of Franz Josef, tucked into the Southern Alps right in the heart of Glacier Country.

Hike Paparoa National Park & visit the Pancake Rocks

We’ll hike the Porarari Loop Track this morning through Paparoa National Park, a visually rich area made up of dense sub-tropical forest and limestone cliff gorges. You’ll also have the chance to check out an interesting geographical phenomenon in the town of Punakaiki – the curious looking but aptly named Pancake Rocks. The surge of the incoming sea is forced into chambers creating a geyser-like explosion through rock blowholes. The unusual limestone formations, overlaid with soft mud and clay, have been forged over millions of years by the immense pressure of the sea, wind and rain, creating the pancake effect we see today.

Explore Hokitika

After our hike, we’ll visit the quirky town of Hokitika, famous for its greenstone carvings and jewellery. You might also want to check out another form of artwork on the beach, where creative locals have built impressive driftwood sculptures for all to enjoy.

Tonight we stay at 10 Cottages, Franz Josef*

Day

10

West Coast
Lake Mapourika

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Kayaking Hiking
Accommodation

Wanaka

Guests kayaking on Lake Mapourika
Kayaking solo guest on Lake Mapourika 2 MP Nov West Coast waterfall2

Day 10 – Kayak Lake Mapourika & Explore the West Coast

Today you’ll experience mountains, beaches and glacially-formed lakes all in one fantastic day. We start with a picturesque paddle on the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika, drinking in the views and discovering the birdlife. We’ll then travel south down the coast, exploring some of our stunning beaches before we head over the Haast Pass and into the vast beauty and open spaces of Central Otago. We’ll spend the next two nights in Wanaka, a charming lakeside resort snug amongst the mountains.

Kayak Lake Mapourika

Lake Mapourika is home to an abundance of native birdlife, including some rare species such as the Kōtuku, or white heron. There’s no better way to quietly observe the birdlife in its natural habitat than by taking a peaceful paddle across the lake. An unsurpassed view of the Southern Alps makes for the perfect backdrop to our morning kayak.

West Coast Beaches and Waterfalls

We’ll then travel further down the West Coast where you'll have the chance to explore some West Coast beaches and maybe spot some dolphins playing out in the waves! As we make our way down the coast treated to an array of stunning scenery, we'll also check out some of the West Coast's wonderful waterfalls.  

Tonight we stay at Edgewater Resort*

Day

11

Lake Wanaka
Hike Aspiring National Park

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Sightseeing Hiking
Accommodation

Wanaka

Rocky Mountain our guests at the summit
Rocky Mountain solo guest taking pictures That Wanaka Tree on an adventure trip New Zealand

Day 11 – Hike Wanaka

After a peaceful night in our lakefront accommodation, we’ll start the day with a heart-pumping hike up Rocky Mountain for an exceptional outlook across Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. We’ll share the views at the top and stop to visit Diamond Lake on the way back down. Then spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the delightful township of Wanaka.

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track

We’ll kick the day off with a hike to Diamond Lake to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. If you're keen on more of a challenge, you can carry on up the Rocky Mountain trail. It’s a steady climb and one that will no doubt get your heart pumping, but with each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, making it all worth it at the top.

If you’d prefer to have a more relaxed morning, there’s plenty to do in the town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle amble along the beach and an obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture. We’ll regroup this evening for a delicious meal together in a local eatery.

Tonight we stay at Edgewater Resort again*

Day

12

Hike Kepler Track
Te Anau

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking
Accommodation

Te Anau

Kepler guests walking track
1. Happy couple in beech forest Kepler Track See Kea on New Zealand adventure tours

Day 12 – Hike the Clutha River and the Kepler Track

Today we’ll wake up in the idyllic little town of Wanaka and after tucking into breakfast with a view, we’ll head to nearby Albert Town and stretch our legs on the outlet track to Lake Wanaka. After a tasty lunch, we’ll make our way to the Kepler Track for our second walk of the day, and our first glimpse of Fiordland National Park.

Hike Lake Wanaka Outlet Track

This morning's hike will take us along the mighty banks of the crystal clear Clutha River. This stretch of river is world-renowned for its trout fishing and winds its way gently along the wooded banks of the river. A particularly picturesque sight in Autumn. 

Kepler Track Hike

Breathe in the fresh Fiordland air with an afternoon walk along a pleasant section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. We'll meander through glorious native beech forest before emerging at a spectacular viewpoint on the shores of Lake Te Anau.

After a full day of spectacular views, we'll head to Te Anau - the gateway to the fiords - in preparation for our journey into Milford Sound tomorrow.

Tonight we stay at Matai Lodge*

Day

13

Milford Sound
Routeburn Track

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
BoatCruise Hiking
Accommodation

Te Anau

Guests a group of our guests at Key Summit2
New Zealand adventure trip to monkey Creek, Milford Sound The best adventure tour New Zealand goes to Mitre Peak, Milford Sound

Day 13 – Cruise Milford Sound & hike the Routeburn Track

After waking up in Te Anau, it’s time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, seeing Milford Sound! After spending the morning cruising on the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, we’ll head off to discover a gem on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn.

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 the Routeburn Track to Key Summit

This afternoon we’ll head deeper in Fiordland’s wilderness for a heart-pumping hike on the world famous Routeburn Track up to Key Summit. A well-formed track leads us through lush beech forest and past tall tree ferns, with velvety mosses blanketing the rich earth underfoot. Native birdsong provides a soothing soundtrack to our walk and as we climb higher, views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley stretch out beneath us providing a fitting reward for our efforts. On your final night of the trip, you’ll sleep soundly having spent the past 13 days exploring the best of the South Island.

Tonight we stay at Matai Lodge again*

Day

14

Queenstown
Hike Mt Crichton

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Mt Crichton track guest walking
3. Happy guest couple Lake Whakatipu Day 14 Mt Crichton loop track

Day 14 – Hike Mt Crichton & Finish in Queenstown

On the last morning of the trip, we'll make our way back to Queenstown, marvelling at the incredible views en route. After lunch you’ll have a chance to head out for one last stunning hike on the Mt Crichton Track, before saying our fond farewells at the airport or your accommodation.

Hike Mt Crichton

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. The Mt Crichton Track is a scenic loop walk to Sam Summers Hut, where you’ll get an interesting glimpse into life as an early gold prospector. This area was mined back in the 1800s and relics of that time still remain, including a large sluiced canyon and a "tail race" tunnel. You’ll hike past the hut, across 12 Mile Creek and up to a ridge overlooking stunning views of Lake Dispute.

Finish in Queenstown

This afternoon we'll finish our adventure in Queenstown, and 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...

Marilyn Bell 1001
This was our first guided trip and I believe you have set a gold standard for any future trip that we take. It will be hard for anyone to match this trip. It was an excellent adventure and a wonderful introduction to your beautiful country. Thank you for sharing so much of your life and country with us. It is our preferred way to experience a new place, more as the local residents do, not as tourists. I feel we got exactly what we were looking for.
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Marilyn Bell (Masterpiece, January 24)

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Suzanne Bockus 1000 2
This trip was a perfect 10! Brough and Chris were tremendous guides. They were super organized and excellent communicators. I enjoy hiking but there were shorter alternatives to some of the longer hikes with higher ascents which I appreciated. New Zealand is a beautiful country with beautiful people. The trip surpassed my expectations. Bravo to Brough, Chris and New Zealand Trails!
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Suzanne Bockus (Masterpiece, January 24)

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Frequently asked questions

It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our Masterpiece 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 Masterpiece trip?

What is the accommodation like on the Masterpiece trip?

What time does the Masterpiece trip start and finish?

What's included in my Masterpiece trip?

What's not included in my Masterpiece trip?

Why do you run the Masterpiece trip in two directions?

What hikes are included in the Masterpiece trip?

What activities are included on the Masterpiece trip?

Will I have WiFi or internet access throughout the trip?

Is there electricity at all of the places we stay on the Masterpiece trip?

Tell me about your safety standards

What National Parks and Great Walks does the Masterpiece trip visit?

Biking isn't really my thing. Do you have other options?

What kind of people will be on my Masterpiece trip?

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

Do you need any outdoors experience for the Masterpiece trip?

How many people will be on my trip?

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?

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Activity Level

The Masterpiece is an activity level 2-4, designed for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.

Elevation Maps & Hike Information

Tour dates

Take your time and enjoy the journey as you hike, bike and paddle in and around the South Island’s most beautiful locations. With options to suit all fitness levels, our Masterpiece traverses the New Zealand landscape from alps to ocean, offering the widest variety of outdoor activities, all taken at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll stay in very comfortable lodging and enjoy a delightful mix of home-cooked Kiwi fare and restaurant dining.

To experience the best of both North and South over 19 days, pair this trip with our Sweet North tour.

Check out trip dates below using the date picker and keep an eye on availability to make sure you don’t miss out.

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

Masterpiece
01 Apr 2024 - 14 Apr 2024
Nearly Full - Only two spots left!
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Only two spots left!
Masterpiece
14 Oct 2024 - 27 Oct 2024
Great
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Masterpiece
28 Oct 2024 - 10 Nov 2024
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Masterpiece
11 Nov 2024 - 24 Nov 2024
Nearly Full - Only one spot left!
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Only one spot left!
Masterpiece
18 Nov 2024 - 01 Dec 2024
Nearly Full - Only six spots left!
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Only six spots left!
Masterpiece
25 Nov 2024 - 08 Dec 2024
Great
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Masterpiece
02 Dec 2024 - 15 Dec 2024
Nearly Full - Only two spots left!
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Only two spots left!
Masterpiece
09 Dec 2024 - 22 Dec 2024
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2025

Masterpiece
06 Jan 2025 - 19 Jan 2025
Full - Sold out.
Full
Sold out.
Masterpiece
06 Jan 2025 - 19 Jan 2025
Nearly Full - Only two spots left!
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Only two spots left!
Masterpiece
13 Jan 2025 - 26 Jan 2025
Great
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Masterpiece
20 Jan 2025 - 02 Feb 2025
Full - Sold out.
Full
Sold out.
Masterpiece
20 Jan 2025 - 02 Feb 2025
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Masterpiece
27 Jan 2025 - 09 Feb 2025
Great
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Masterpiece
03 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025
Nearly Full - Only six spots left!
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Only six spots left!
Masterpiece
10 Feb 2025 - 23 Feb 2025
Full - Sold out.
Full
Sold out.
Masterpiece
17 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025
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Masterpiece
24 Feb 2025 - 09 Mar 2025
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Masterpiece
03 Mar 2025 - 16 Mar 2025
Nearly Full - Only four spots left!
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Only four spots left!
Masterpiece
17 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025
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Masterpiece
31 Mar 2025 - 13 Apr 2025
Great
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Masterpiece
03 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025
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Masterpiece
10 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025
Nearly Full - Private trip
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Private trip
Masterpiece
24 Nov 2025 - 07 Dec 2025
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Masterpiece
08 Dec 2025 - 21 Dec 2025
Great
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2026

Masterpiece
12 Jan 2026 - 25 Jan 2026
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Masterpiece
26 Jan 2026 - 08 Feb 2026
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Masterpiece
09 Feb 2026 - 22 Feb 2026
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Masterpiece
23 Feb 2026 - 08 Mar 2026
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Masterpiece
09 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2026
Great
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Masterpiece
16 Mar 2026 - 29 Mar 2026
Great
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Masterpiece
23 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026
Great
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See all available dates

Masterpiece – ready to book?

Ready to start your New Zealand adventure?

If our friends were coming to New Zealand, this is what we would do. Less than an expedition, more than a retreat, the Masterpiece is the result. An adventure you won't forget. Ever.

What’s included:

Local guides, small groups

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

All inclusive

All accommodation

NZD$13599 AUD$10499 USD$7299.00+tax GBP£6599 NZD$13599 CAD$9599.00+tax
per person (twin or double share)

hooker valley track mt cook new zealand guided adventure tour2

Want more information?

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