Masterpiece – Activity Level Guide

How fit do you need to be for the Masterpiece trip?

The Masterpiece trip is an activity level 2-4* and is 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.

Activity Level 2*. These boots are made for walking...but not too far. You enjoy the outdoors and like to explore, at a pace that's right for you. You like to take time to enjoy your surroundings, learn from your guides and soak in the experience.

Activity Level 3*. You love staying active on your holiday and know that travel isn't a race, it's just as much about the journey as the destination! Fresh air, experiencing new activities with your guides and ending the day with a delicious meal and great conversation leave you feeling invigorated. 

Activity Level 4*. You know sometimes the best views need to be earned, and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You're comfortable spending a good portion of the day on your feet exploring well-formed trails with your guides, moving towards your goal.

"This was a wonderful trip, and gave us a good overview of the South Island. It was helpful to know that the guides also felt we got to see all of their favourite places. I loved that this tour had different activity levels so my mom and I could both enjoy ourselves. The guides and our fellow trip mates were all great people and made the experience even better."

Callie Pfister | USA, ID | January 2024

You can view a day-by-day breakdown of the activities and hikes below, and if you have any questions at all get in touch, we love to chat!

Day 1: Walk the Arrow River Trail

Today we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown, where you’ll walk the Arrow River Trail along the Kawarau River, towards the Southern Discoveries Bridge. The stunning track is a 5km (3.1mi) walk to the Southern Discoveries bridge.

If you'd like to extend your walk today, you'll have the option to add on a more challenging climb up to Tobins Track for panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin. 

Day 2: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park hiking options

Today you'll have options to scale your activity level up or down to suit your preference, so you can explore Aoraki/Mt Cook at a pace that's right for you. Whichever hikes you choose, you'll be rewarded with incredible scenery in this UNESCO World Heritage area under the watchful gaze of Aoraki/Mt Cook – New Zealand's highest peak.

This morning you'll have the choice to explore the Sealy Tarns Track or make your way up to Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Lookout for spectacular views of Hooker Lake and Aoraki/Mt Cook's towering peak.

The most physically challenging option of the day is the hike up to Sealy Tarns. Providing spectacular panoramic views of the National Park's many snow-capped peaks and Sefton Glacier. The Sealy Tarns are reached via a steady and steep climb on a well-built track (think: Stairmaster). The views are worth every step, even by South Island standards.

For those seeking a more relaxed option, we'll hike to Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Lookout. On this well-formed track, you'll enjoy a steady climb on a gentle gradient as you make your way to the Hooker Valley lookout. From here you'll be able to take in Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Hooker Valley in all their glory.

In the afternoon we'll hike the Tasman Glacier View, Blue Lakes Track, and Governors Bush Track. On the Tasman Glacier View and Blue Lakes Track you'll be treated to spectacular views of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest glacier, as well as Aoraki/Mt Cook itself. From your vantage point above Tasman Lake, you'll have excellent views of the glacier's terminal face and giant icebergs floating across the lake.

On the Governors Bush Track you'll enjoy a gentle walk through New Zealand's lush native forest and experience another side of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. As you make your way round this well-maintained loop track, you'll learn all about our native bush from your expert New Zealand guides.

Day 3: Hike Pukaki Kettle Hole Track, explore Mackenzie Country & Christchurch

This morning, we’ll enjoy the stunning views across Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The Pukaki Kettle Hole Track is a scenic walk set along the shores of Lake Pukaki. The trail winds through golden tussock to a collection of ancient kettle holes - shallow depressions left behind by retreating glaciers. 

Spend the afternoon exploring Christchurch your way. Wander through the city centre at your own pace or, if you’re keen to really stretch your legs, take an unguided walk along the Avon River Walkway. Following the river through the heart of the city, the trail passes parks, public art, gardens, cafés, and lively local spaces, giving you a relaxed glimpse into everyday Christchurch life.

Day 4: Hike Godley Head Track & Explore Kaikoura Peninsula

After a relaxed breakfast, we'll enjoy a coastal walk on the Godley Head Track and take in the incredible views over Banks Peninsula. The Godley Head Track offers stunning coastal views and a bit of history too — this remote headland once served as a World War II coastal defence site. On a clear day, you’ll spot the Southern Alps to the west and the vast Pacific stretching out to the east. 

This afternoon we’ll travel north a short distance to the seaside settlement of Kaikoura on the East Coast. If you're keen for a bit more hiking this afternoon there's the option to take an unguided hike of the Kaikoura Peninsula. This is a fantastic walk for spotting the native New Zealand fur seal!

Day 5: Dolphin Swim and Lochmara Lodge

After an action packed morning swimming with dolphins, you will make your way North to Picton, here you will catch a water taxi across to Lochmara Lodge where you can relax and unwind with a book in a hammock, get the body moving by heading off on a scenic walk nearby or learn all about New Zealand wildlife at one the many interaction activities on offer here.

Day 6: Kayak Queen Charlotte Sound and Marlborough Vineyard

This is your opportunity to explore the Queen Charlotte Sounds by kayak and say "Kia Ora" to the wildlife that thrives in this beautiful region! The kayaking is suitable for beginners and experts alike, and we’ll be joined by specialist guides who’ll share their knowledge of Queen Charlotte Sound, teaching you all the paddling skills you need to enjoy this activity safely. If kayaking isn’t for you, you’ll be able to soak up the scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound from the boat instead.

If you’re keen for an extra walk in Nelson this afternoon, you'll be able to take an unguided walk up to Botanical Hill, known as the “Centre of New Zealand.” This track climbs through native and exotic forest, where tūī and bellbirds fill the trees with birdsong. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Nelson City, Tasman Bay, and the mountains beyond.

Day 7 – Explore Nelson

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish in Nelson, “the sunniest place in NZ” and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. 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. Or if you’d prefer something a little more active, you’ll have the option of adding on a guided day trip to explore Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak.

Day 8: Nelson Lakes National Park hike to Whiskey Falls

Today we'll explore the remote Nelson Lakes National Park, a favourite of Kiwi hikers like us. We'll hike to Whisky Falls, a beautiful hidden spot alongside Lake Rotoiti. The trail leads through peaceful forest to a dramatic 40-metre waterfall cascading over mossy boulders. This afternoon we head to the "wild West Coast" of New Zealand, known for its thundering seas and cliff top coast line. 

Day 9: Hike Paparoa National Park

On Day 9, towering limestone cliffs, lush rainforest and the crashing ocean feel almost prehistoric!  Today, we’ll embark on a stunning hike in the Paparoa National Park - an easy underfoot loop track that takes around 2 hours. Before we head south, we’ll take a short walk to see the famous Pancake Rocks.

Day 10: Hike Lake Matheson & Haast River Jet Boat

Today we'll walk the Lake Matheson Track where you'll enjoy stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and our towering Southern Alps. Renowned for its still, glassy waters, you'll enjoy spectacular mirror-like reflections across Lake Matheson as we make our way through native forest, learning about the fascinating glacial history of the area.

Day 11: Wanaka Hiking options

There are a couple of options today depending on your mood – if you’d like a relaxed day, you can enjoy exploring the lakeside town of Wanaka. If you’re keen to stretch your legs, your guides will take you on a hike near Mt Aspiring National Park.

Our hike today takes us to the Lake Wanaka lookout on Rocky Mountain. If you’re keen for a more challenging and technical hike, you'll then have the option to carry on to the Rocky Mountain summit if you’d like. The return hike to the lookout takes around 2 hours. Adding the summit extends the hike by around another 1.5 hours.

Day 12: Hike the Kepler Track

This afternoon we head further south to Fiordland National Park where we’ll hike a section of the Kepler Track. We’ll meander through lush beech forest before emerging at a spectacular viewpoint over a beautiful wetland.

Day 13: Journey to Fiordland and Cruise Milford Sound

This morning we’ll explore the magic of Milford Sound by boat, soaking up the grandeur of this world-famous fiord. Towering cliffs rise straight out of the deep water, waterfalls tumble from hanging valleys, and the sheer scale of the place is simply breathtaking. Whether it’s misty and moody or clear and calm, Milford always puts on a show.

After our cruise, we’ll take our time on the journey back through Fiordland National Park. The drive itself is unforgettable, winding past mirror-like lakes, moss-draped forests and glacier-carved valleys. We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs, snap photos and soak up the incredible scenery. From the Homer Tunnel to the Eglinton Valley, every corner offers something new.

The total time on foot today is flexible, with short walks and scenic stops to make the most of this iconic part of the South Island.

Day 14 – Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights & Finish in Queenstown

Today we’ll hike the picturesque trail from Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights (a favourite amongst us locals). We will admire the magnificent alpine scenery and panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak whilst tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The total walking time today is around 3 hours.

For the full itinerary including all the other things involved on this trip, please read the full day by day itinerary. At the end of your trip, you'll leave for home refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.

Haere ra!