New Zealand Walking Adventure

  • 14 Days
  • 12 People Max

    5 - 12 guests

  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Christchurch
  • Trip End: Christchurch
South Island Explorer 'Kiwi' Trip

Experience beautiful, famous and little-known places of New Zealand, at your own pace, on our New Zealand Walking Adventure.

Over 14-days, you'll explore the South Island of New Zealand on breathtaking walks and cruises. Our New Zealand Walking Adventure is handcrafted for those new to adventure tours and for those who love to slow down and enjoy shorter hikes. From walking along the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park and sipping wine in the Marlborough Sounds to feeling tiny under Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain, and pondering thousands of waterfalls thundering down in Milford Sound. Add in an optional heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier and exploring parts of the Routeburn and Kepler Tracks, and you'll be hard-pressed to pick a favorite moment. Each night, you'll relax in stunning lodges set in unbelievable locations and be looked after by two excellent local guides. The only thing missing on our New Zealand Walking Adventure? You.

New Zealand Walking Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Christchurch Trip End: Christchurch
  • Day 1Arrive, visit Gore Bay and explore Kaikoura

  • Day 2Wine Tasting and hike Pelorus Track

  • Day 3Boat ride and hike Abel Tasman National Park

  • Day 4Hike Cape Foulwind and Punakaiki rainforest

  • Day 5Hike Truman’s Track, visit Hokitika and explore Lake Mahinapua

  • Day 6Hike coastal forest and beach, kayak Okarito Lagoon (optional)

  • Day 7Hike at Franz Josef Glacier

  • Day 8Hike Mt Iron, visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park

  • Day 9Free day in Queenstown

  • Day 10Hike Kepler Track

  • Day 11Cruise Milford Sound, hike Routeburn Track

  • Day 12Visit Cromwell Old Town, journey over Lindis Pass

  • Day 13Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

  • Day 14Visit Tekapo, depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive, visit Gore Bay and explore Kaikoura

    #119

    Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Thursday evening, arriving in Auckland early Saturday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you. We’ll travel north to Gore Bay to stretch our legs and get some fresh air after your flight. Then we’ll continue north to the seaside town of Kaikoura, referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the South Pacific as it has an amazing variety of whales, dolphins, fur seals, and other marine life that feed from the surrounding waters. We can walk to view fur seals basking on the rocks and playing in the eddies from a lookout point. This stretch of rugged coastline was uplifted in the Kaikoura earthquake - it’s amazing to see this brand-new land! Tonight, we’ll kick back and enjoy some delicious kiwi cuisine and get to know your fellow adventurers.

    Kaikoura Lodgings, Kaikoura (Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 2

    Wine Tasting and hike Pelorus Track

    #121

    From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along the coast to Blenheim, a town in the Marlborough wine region. We’ll visit Forrest Estate Winery to sample some of their fantastic wines and have a picnic lunch before we head back into the wilderness. The Pelorus River Track is our destination this afternoon, an idyllic spot for a hike, through cool, green native bush, alongside the Pelorus River. You can expect crystal clear waters in this enchanting scenic reserve and even a little bit of Middle-earth magic, as one of the locations for the filming of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

    Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 3 kilometers (2 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (65 feet)

  • Day 3

    Boat ride and hike Abel Tasman National Park

    #123

    Abel Tasman National Park is famous for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and the world-renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track. This morning, we’ll take a water taxi through crystal clear, sheltered waters - we’re at the whim of the tides here, though our boat captains know the Abel Tasman Coastal Track like the back of their hands, so we’ll find the best section to hike. Once ashore, we’ll make our way along the coast through stands of ancient rimu, totara, and rata. The rata (known as the South Island Kiwi Christmas tree) blossoms with brilliant red flowers between November and January. After our hike, we’ll relax on a white sandy beach and go for a dip in the ocean if you’d like. This area of New Zealand is famous for receiving the most sunshine hours of any place in the country.

    Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 80 meters (260 feet)

  • Day 4

    Hike Cape Foulwind and Punakaiki rainforest

    #125

    Today we journey to Cape Foulwind on the West Coast, where we’ll hike a spectacular track that takes us to a viewpoint overlooking a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony, then on to a lighthouse, taking in panoramic views of the coastline. The sparsely populated West Coast stretches 600 kilometers (372 miles) from north to south and is home to temperate coastal rainforest and two magnificent glaciers. After a picnic lunch, we’ll hike the Pororari River Trail in Paparoa National Park, which passes beneath magnificent limestone cliffs and through dense temperate rainforest full of distinctive coastal plants including the southern rata and towering rimu. This area has a unique micro-climate that supports the native nikau palm, a tree usually found much further north. In nearby Punakaiki, we’ll also visit the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea.

    The Ocean View Retreat, Punakaiki (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 3.5 kilometers (2 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation + 20 meters (65 feet) / - 65 meters (210 feet)

  • Day 5

    Hike Truman’s Track, visit Hokitika and explore Lake Mahinapua

    #127

    We’ll begin the day traveling on the coast to the start of Truman Track, rated one of New Zealand’s finest short walks. We’ll hike through dense native forest with tall flax stands near the ocean, eventually giving way to a pebbled bay and barren sandstone cliffs. Traveling along the scenic coastline, we’ll stop in Hokitika to check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade). Next, we’ll get to explore Lake Mahinapua, a beautiful coastal lake surrounded by dense bush and birdlife. We can wander along one of the many paths that wind their way through the bush, and enjoy the serenity of the area. From here, we’ll carry on down to Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next couple of nights. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country.

    Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 6 kilometers (4 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 130 meters (425 feet)

  • Day 6

    Hike coastal forest and beach, kayak Okarito Lagoon (optional)

    #129

    This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds. If you’d prefer not to kayak, we’ll point you in the right direction for a relaxing hike through the lush coastal forest or along the black sand beach. Later we’ll head back to Franz Josef where you’ll have the option to take another hike or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying a traditional Kiwi roast dinner.

    Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Kayaking: 2-4 hours
    Hiking: 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 120 meters (394 feet)

  • Day 7

    Hike at Franz Josef Glacier

    #131

    With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. Our hike will take us along the Waiho River bed up the valley and offer up views of the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier. Heli-hike option (extra fee applies): An outrageously scenic alternative to this afternoon’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 meters (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilization. The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only.  The is also a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds). From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest visiting historic Ship Creek to explore the Kahikatea forest, providing a glimpse back in time to what the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement. Tonight we’ll stay in the small settlement of Makarora, where you can enjoy incredible views of the mountains right outside your window.

    Wonderland Lodge, Makarora (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (66 feet)

  • Day 8

    Hike Mt Iron, visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park

    #133

    The landscape this morning changes rapidly from dense beech forest to semi-arid terrain before transforming into an impressive vista of lakes and mountains. At Lake Wanaka, we’ll hike the Mt. Iron track, a spectacular circuit with great views of Mt. Aspiring National Park. From Wanaka, it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, our base for the next couple of days. This afternoon we’ll visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park to view and learn about New Zealand’s icon, the flightless kiwi bird. You’ll sleep sweetly tonight at a lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.

    Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Hiking: 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 220 meters (722 feet)

  • Day 9

    Free day in Queenstown

    #135

    Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, a historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafés. Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.

    Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown

  • Day 10

    Hike Kepler Track

    #137

    This morning we’ll take a scenic drive through Te Anau, our base for the next couple of nights. We’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before heading out to explore Fiordland’s wilderness on foot where we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Waiau River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views! Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.

    Matai Lodge or Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 9.5 kilometers (6 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 50 meters (165 feet)

  • Day 11

    Cruise Milford Sound, hike Routeburn Track

    #139

    This morning, we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into the deep inky water. We’ll jump on board a boat cruise, where you’ll gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. Afterwards, we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track for unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina, before heading back to Te Anau for the night.

    Matai Lodge or Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 3.4 kilometers (2 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 380 meters (1,246 feet)

  • Day 12

    Visit Cromwell Old Town, journey over Lindis Pass

    #141

    Carefully relocated or lovingly reconstructed, the buildings of Cromwell Old Town represent the character of Cromwell’s gold-mining history. We’ll explore the intriguing buildings and eat lunch here together. Then we’ll drive through the tussock country of Lindis Pass to the remote and beautiful Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village. Our accommodation for our last two nights is tucked in beside the towering mountains, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps – the ideal spot to stargaze!

    We use a variety of accommodation for stays in this region (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 13

    Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

    #143

    The highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt. Cook was first named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori. This region was Sir Edmund Hillary’s training ground as he prepared for his and Tenzing Norgay’s famous summit of Mt. Everest in 1953. Feeling inspired, we’ll take an impressive hike up to a lake at the base of the Hooker Glacier, complete with icebergs! The track is surrounded by peaks, glaciers, native vegetation, and mountain streams, and provides excellent views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook on a fine day. If you’re keen on a challenge, another option is to take a day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It’s a tough hike and the weather would need to cooperate, but the views across the Southern Alps are worth it! After hiking, we’ll relax back at our lodge nestled right in the heart of the National Park for the last night of the trip and we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner as we sit outside and watch the sunset on Aoraki/Mt. Cook.

    We use a variety of accommodation for stays in this region (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: Hooker Valley Hike : 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 100 meters (328 feet)
    Hiking: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), 2-4 hours, elevation +/- 650 meters (2,132 feet)

  • Day 14

    Visit Tekapo, depart for home

    #145

    After breakfast, we’ll head north past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo. We’ll stretch our legs with a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd, easily one of the most scenic locations for a church you’ll ever come across! After our lunch stop, we’ll head to Christchurch, arriving in time for afternoon flights. This is the end of your trip, and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand! If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches, and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).

    No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)

Trip Dates

New Zealand Walking Adventure Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year

Looking for a shorter trip? Have a look at our 8-day Classic South Island Adventure.

USD $6699/per adult (+tax) 

Tax info:
Our New Zealand trip fares are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST 15%)

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Interactive Trip Map: Click on the map icons to read details for each day

What Our Guests Say About the New Zealand Walking Adventure

view all

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

Great Trip with a variety of activities

"I really enjoyed this trip. It was mostly hiking to really beautiful places which… read more

"I really enjoyed this trip. It was mostly hiking to really beautiful places which I really love but also broken up a bit with other activities like kayaking and wine tasting. We had great food cooked for us by our great guides. The guides were very accommodating and made everything very easy for us. read less

4 Stars (378 reviews)

Gina, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

Kiwi is an excellent overview of South Island

"Kiwi is ideal if your goal is to get an overview of the South Island.… read more

"Kiwi is ideal if your goal is to get an overview of the South Island. I loved the rain forest and mountain hikes. The winery & fiord kayaking was also fun. The trip had sufficient variety of activities that it should appeal to anyone with reasonably good health. After Kiwi, I am looking forward to doing some of South Island Great Hikes on a future trip. Active Adventures did a great job structuring the days for maximum activity. Our trip was also blessed with incredible weather. read less

4 Stars (378 reviews)

Greg, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

Exploring the South Island

"We were so lucky to fit in this trip before everything closed down because of… read more

"We were so lucky to fit in this trip before everything closed down because of the virus. The trip was everything we could imagine and more. Of course the country is beautiful, but the way we experienced it made the time so special. Along the ocean there were beaches and cliffs and rock formations that changes so much from place to place. Our hikes varied from walks along the ocean to high in the mountains. We walked through forests that changed from place to place. We kayaked, road in boats, and even stayed on one overnight on Doubtful Sound. There was an ever changing beauty all around us.
We travelled in a van large enough to allow the 11 of us to spread out and be comfortable. The drives were never long and the places we stopped along the way were always interesting. Some stops were just to see the sights, but each day we had a chance to hike from 2-4 hours and get into the landscape. At night we stayed at different type of places, each was comfortable and interesting. The food was great and I can't say enough about our two guides. They were knowledgeable and quite interesting. It was nice being taken care of and not having to worry about anything (except when did they say we should meet?).
We enjoyed watching the seals and birds and being told about all of the different trees and plants in the various climates. This may not be the trip for hardcore hikers, but some of the trails were challenging. Where we went and what we did was all carefully planned to allow us to see and experience the very most we could in our 2 weeks. This is a trip we will not forget. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Bob, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

"I really enjoyed the trip. New Zealand is a beautiful country and this… read more

"I really enjoyed the trip. New Zealand is a beautiful country and this trip was a wonderful way to see it. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Lois, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous

"This two week adventure on the South Island was remarkable. We experienced so many… read more

"This two week adventure on the South Island was remarkable. We experienced so many fabulous things! Our guides, Ruby and Simon, were keen to share their knowledge and love of the island and all the grand things it contains. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Shelly, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

Kiwi adventure

"Wonderful. Delicious food. Great traveling companions. Awesome guides. Outstanding country. read more

"Wonderful. Delicious food. Great traveling companions. Awesome guides. Outstanding country. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Jackie, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - April 2020

The Trip of a Lifetime

"Taking into account all the moving parts of a 14 day guided trip, our Kiwi… read more

"Taking into account all the moving parts of a 14 day guided trip, our Kiwi journey with Ash and Lauren was 10 out of 10, - the only 10 out of 10 I've ever experienced. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Paul, Canada

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

Beautiful trip!

"We had gone on the Kauri trip to the North island just before our Kiwi… read more

" We had gone on the Kauri trip to the North island just before our Kiwi trip to the South Island. We found the North Island magnificent but had to admit that the South Island was just as beautiful or even a little bit more so. The mountains and fjords were breathtaking! Abel Tasman National Park is just overwhelmingly beautiful. The hike on Keplar track through the beech tree forest, made you feel like you would run into a Hobbit just around the corner! Staying overnight in a boat on Doubtful sound was so wonderful! We were able to go out and see the stars including the Southern Cross! The hike to Sealy Tarns above the Mueller Glacier was quite difficult (2300 stairs!!) but well worth it for the view you get of Mt. Cook. The day we went it was cloudy but it was still a magnificent view.

Every day and around every turn there was another beautiful view of water, mountains or forest! read less

4 Stars (378 reviews)

Anna, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

Awesome guides nudged me out of comfort zone

"Although I felt I was physically prepared for this trip, the guides actually believed… read more

"Although I felt I was physically prepared for this trip, the guides actually believed in me more than I do myself. Hike on Fran Joseph glacier was truly the most awesome thing.
I was surprised that, guides were responsible for preparing so many meals but they did a terrific job. We tried new things and food was delicious. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Joanne, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

"I liked New Zealand at the start; I loved her at the end. She weaves… read more

"I liked New Zealand at the start; I loved her at the end. She weaves her magic as you experience her. Active Adventures provided a variety of experiences that will live in my memory always. Mahalo! read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Charlene, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

Great Kiwi trip

"We loved our 2 week adventure. Our guides Dan and Brogan made the trip… read more

"We loved our 2 week adventure. Our guides Dan and Brogan made the trip a huge success. They love what they do and gave attention to every little detail to make the trip both fun and challenging. Although we are independent travelers, this group trip worked extremely well. We enjoyed our travel companions and liked the pace and variety of activities. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Barbara, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

Best way to see New Zealand

"We went on hikes in the national parks and on the great walks, we traveled… read more

"We went on hikes in the national parks and on the great walks, we traveled in a small group, we ate local, we went to a winery, had an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound and had two of the best guides ever (Pim and Astrid). We didn’t want to “see” New Zealand from a cruise ship or the window of a tour bus; this trip exceeded our expectations. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Vicky, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

Wonderful New Zealand

"This was our first trip with Active Adventures (Kiwi) and hopefully will not be our… read more

"This was our first trip with Active Adventures (Kiwi) and hopefully will not be our last. New Zealand is a beautiful place on earth and now holds a special place in our hearts. The people were universally welcoming and helpful. We have some special memories New Zealanders’ willingness to help us solve our group’s mystery question and will never forget the bartender at the Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn Pub! This still makes me smile. Our Kiwi guides Simon and Ruby were the best! They adeptly juggled the itinerary to maximize our experiences when weather and closures required. Both were professional and competent guides that kept us informed, entertained, safe, and well fed. Also, Active Adventures did a great job of helping our two traveling companions rejoin our group after an issue required they miss the first 3 days of the trip. We feel blessed to have shared this trip with our six fellow travelers and our intrepid guides Ruby and Simon. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Steven, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

"This Kiwi Trip was my third Active Adventures (hiking) trip. I have been to… read more

"This Kiwi Trip was my third Active Adventures (hiking) trip. I have been to Patagonia twice with Active Adventures on their Condor Adventure. This trip was extremely scenic, had wonderful hikes that were quite fun, and yet was relaxed enough to really sit back and enjoy the whole thing.
Our guides, Simon and Ruby, made the trip fun and provided lots of info on the NZ culture, history, and geographic sites. Their ability to work together in a happy confident manner allowed us, their guests, to relax and have fun. I will always remember their enthusiasm for all things New Zealand and for life, in general. They were simply terrific! I would go on ANY trip with them as my guides. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

David, United States

New Zealand Walking Adventure - March 2020

Wonderful trip to New Zealand's South Island

"This trip was superb! It was an excellent balance of hiking and sightseeing activities.… read more

"This trip was superb! It was an excellent balance of hiking and sightseeing activities. Our guides, Ash and Alicia, were amazing. Our travel group was extremely caring, personable and interesting; felt like family (in a good way). The choice of places to visit was excellent--beautiful scenery; lots of variety. read less

5 Stars (378 reviews)

Jo, United States

Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Distinction Luxmore Te Anau 2
Makaroa 2
Makaroa
Punakaiki Resort 2
Punakaiki Resort
Rainforest Retreat Franz Josef

Accommodation

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in New Zealand. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, lodges and apartments and you’ll have your own bathroom everywhere.

Austin PIF 2

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full.

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. 

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply.

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Useful Info

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travellers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travellers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travellers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Merivale Manor at 10:30am or the Christchurch airport (CHC) in front of the Help Desk (near door 7) at 11am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Christchurch Airport (CHC) in time for flights below or anywhere in Central Christchurch around 3pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Christchurch by 10am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

Is tipping expected in New Zealand?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide.

How fit do I need to be?

As an Activity Level 1-2 trip, you’ll need a good level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in New Zealand. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, lodges and apartments and you’ll have your own bathroom everywhere.

While there are laundry facilities at most locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a couple of times during your trip. The best time will be during your two night stay in Queenstown (during your free day).

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You’ll need one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage can be anything from a backpack, to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase and a good quality daypack 25-30 litres (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

Tell me about the Optional Activities on this trip?

You have the option to take an exciting scenic helicopter flight to visit the upper reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast – an area usually only experienced mountaineers would get to see. No prior experience is required, everything you need is supplied, and as long as you can hike, you can heli-hike!

The three hour package includes a scenic helicopter flight (15 minutes one-way), a two-hour guided walk on and around the glacier and amazing panoramic views of the area. A good level of fitness is required and the following equipment is provided for you: glacier boots, socks, crampons, ice axe and a waterproof raincoat. You’ll need to bring underlayers and this will be depend on the weather, along with sunglasses, sunscreen, some snacks and a small drink bottle.

Note; this is not a fast activity, as walking with a group and continually cutting steps in the ice can be time-consuming. This is however a unique experience. Also If you have (or have had) a heart condition, ACL Knee surgery or you exceed the weight limit of 115 kilograms (250 pounds), you may be refused this activity on arrival.

*This activity MUST be booked at the time of booking.

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Our Local New Zealand Guides

Why Travel With Us

benefit group size

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.

benefit guides

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!

benefit safety

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.

benefit family

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

benefit wow

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”

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New Zealand

New Zealand Walking Adventure