Ultimate South Island Adventure

  • 14 Days
  • 14 People Max

    5 - 14 guests

  • Activity Level 4
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Christchurch
  • Trip End: Christchurch
Ultimate South Island Adventure

Looking for a great, outdoorsy way to see New Zealand? Our signature trip, the Ultimate South Island Adventure, is the perfect hiking tour for you.

We'll take you on an unforgettable journey exploring our mountains in Mount Cook National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park, walking the West Coast rainforest and coastlines, getting up close to glaciers in Franz Josef, cycling incredibly scenic trails such as the Alps to Ocean trail, hiking sections of our Great Walks, and even cruising on Milford Sound. You'll experience our unique culture and wildlife along the way. Each night, we'll stay in carefully hand-picked accommodations in some of New Zealand's most stunning settings. We've been fine-tuning this perennial favorite since 1996, and it's simply an incredible trip. You'll explore the most beautiful, famous and little-known places in the South Island with legendary hospitality and unsurpassed attention to detail on our 14-day Ultimate South Island Adventure tour. Be prepared to leave a piece of your heart in New Zealand.

   This trip is operated by Active Adventures.

Pick Your Multi-Day Option!

Option A: Angelus Circuit

The Angelus Circuit option is a remote one-way hike through the Nelson Lakes National Park wilderness area for three days and two nights. You’ll be hiking a loop track from hut to hut carrying everything you need in your own backpack. While your guides carry the lion’s share of the load, you’ll still need to carry your own gear (sleeping bag, dry clothes and toiletries) and a portion of the group’s food. Any excess gear is stored securely for you at the start of the trail.

Option B: The Rotoiti Circuit

The Rotoiti Circuit will have you experience hiking in the Nelson Lakes National Park, from the comfort of a St Arnaud Lodge! You’ll be heading out on day hikes so you'll only require a day pack for each day. The remainder of your gear will stay behind at your accommodation in St Arnaud.

Ultimate South Island Adventure ~ Itinerary

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

  • Day 2Start of multi-day options

  • Day 2 Option AHike Angelus Circuit: Saint Arnaud to Lakehead Hut

  • Day 2 Option BHike Rotoiti Circuit: Saint Arnaud to Lakehead Hut

  • Day 3Multi-day options continued

  • Day 3 Option AHike Angelus Circuit: Lakehead Hut to Angelus Hut

  • Day 3 Option BHike Rotoiti Circuit: Coldwater Hut to Saint Arnaud

  • Day 4Multi-day options continued

  • Day 4 Option AHike Angelus Circuit: Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti

  • Day 4 Option BHike Rotoiti Circuit: Hike Roberts Ridge

  • Day 5Hike Punakaiki Rainforest, explore Hokitika

  • Day 6Kayak Okarito Lagoon, hike coastal forest and beach

  • Day 7Hike near Franz Josef Glacier

  • Day 8Hike Rocky Mountain

  • Day 9Free day in Queenstown

  • Day 10Hike Kepler Track

  • Day 11Milford Sound Cruise, hike Key Summit

  • Day 12Journey over Lindis Pass, bike the Alps to Ocean trail

  • Day 13Hike Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park

  • Day 14Depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive, visit Gore Bay and explore Kaikoura

    #13

    Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving in Auckland early Monday 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. You’ll start your trip by travelling up the coast, stopping off at Gore Bay for a picnic lunch, and exploration of the rugged coast with its fresh air. You'll continue onto the seaside town of Kaikoura, passing weathered limestone cliffs, where we can walk to view fur seals basking on the rocks and playing in the eddies from a look-out point. This stretch of rugged coastline that was uplifted in the Kaikoura earthquake - it’s amazing to see this brand new land! Today is a relaxed introduction to New Zealand. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll probably find jetlag is no big deal. It’s a 12 to 13 hour direct overnight flight from the West Coast of the USA to Auckland so you’ll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.

    Kaikoura Lodgings, Kaikoura (Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 0.5-1 hour

  • Day 2

    Start of multi-day options

    From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along spectacular coastline for a couple of hours 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 off for our various activities.

  • Day 2 Option A

    Hike Angelus Circuit: Saint Arnaud to Lakehead Hut

    The Nelson Lakes Angelus Circuit hiking option begins in the charming village of Saint Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut, a small mountain cabin at the head of the lake and our home for the night. Our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. All you’ll be carrying is a backpack with your sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and a share of our food. To protect this beautiful and fragile environment, we always keep our group sizes small and our exact route flexible.

    Lakehead Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (65 feet)

  • Day 2 Option B

    Hike Rotoiti Circuit: Saint Arnaud to Lakehead Hut

    Your hike begins in the charming village of Saint Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut and jetty. From here, we’ll board a water taxi to take us back to St Arnaud, where you’ll stay for the next couple of nights.

    St. Arnaud lodgings, St Arnaud (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (65 feet)

  • Day 3

    Multi-day options continued

  • Day 3 Option A

    Hike Angelus Circuit: Lakehead Hut to Angelus Hut

    Today is an unforgettable day – the scenery gets better with each step! You'll follow the Travers River through beech forest, before heading up the Hukere Stream towards the ridgeline. This is a challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 1000 meters (3280 feet), but it’s absolutely worth it. The Angelus Circuit has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. There’s no rush and your guides will be there to encourage you the whole way. It’s a tremendous feeling at the top when you reach Angelus Hut, nestled beside a gorgeous alpine lake. Many people tell us this hidden gem was the highlight of their New Zealand adventure, and a lot of Kiwis prefer the Angelus Circuit to better-known tracks.

    Angelus Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), 6-8 hours, elevation + 1,050 meters (3,445 feet)

  • Day 3 Option B

    Hike Rotoiti Circuit: Coldwater Hut to Saint Arnaud

    After breakfast, you’ll return by water taxi to the top end of the lake, and this time you’ll arrive at Coldwater hut and jetty – just across the river from Lakehead hut. From here you'll follow the trail as it gently winds its way around Lake Rotoiti to Whisky Creek, and the beautiful Whisky Falls. Feel free to fill up your water bottles from Whisky Creek, but it IS only water, honest! After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to West Bay and loop back to St Arnaud for the evening.

    St Arnaud lodgings, St. Arnaud (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), 4-5 hours, elevation +/- 90 meters (295 feet)

  • Day 4

    Multi-day options continued

  • Day 4 Option A

    Hike Angelus Circuit: Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti

    Wake up on top of the world! After breakfast, you’ll hike out along the barren Robert Ridge with dramatic views of Tasman Bay and the mountainous Kahurangi National Park in the distance. You’ll descend below the tree line again into native beech forest completing our hike on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here, you’ll meet up with the Rotoiti Circuit explorers and share stories of our adventures, before carrying on to the West Coast. After regrouping in Saint Arnaud, we’ll head across the Southern Alps to the West Coast – a dramatic and rugged coastline stretching 600 kilometers (372 miles), with a population of only 40,000 people. You’ll mingle with the ‘coasters’ tonight in the seaside village of Punakaiki, exchanging tales of our adventures over dinner.

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

    Hiking: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), 4-6 hours, elevation + 70 meters (230 feet) / - 840 meters (2,755 feet)

  • Day 4 Option B

    Hike Rotoiti Circuit: Hike Roberts Ridge

    After breakfast, don your hiking boots and set out for this morning's walk. You'll explore the beautiful peninsula track, stretching out into Lake Rotoiti, before making our way to the Pinchgut Track. This trail gives access to Mt. Robert, and Robert's Ridge, where the rest of the group will be approaching from the Angelus Circuit. You'll wind our way up the trail through the native beech trees and manuka scrub to meet the group. Once we’re back together we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, before carrying on to the West Coast. After regrouping in Saint Arnaud, we’ll head across the Southern Alps to the West Coast – a dramatic and rugged coastline stretching 600 kilometers (372 miles), with a population of only 40,000 people. You’ll mingle with the ‘coasters’ tonight in the seaside village of Punakaiki, exchanging tales of our adventures over dinner.

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

    Hiking: Up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), elevation up to 400 meters (1,312 feet)

  • Day 5

    Hike Punakaiki Rainforest, explore Hokitika

    #25

    Spend the morning hiking the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons, following in the footsteps of gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. While we’re in Punakaiki, you’ll also check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through the relentless pounding of the Tasman Sea. Traveling along the scenic coastline, we’ll stretch our legs in Hokitika and check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade), before carrying on to the township of 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

    Kayak Okarito Lagoon, hike coastal forest and beach

    #39

    This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. You'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. Later we’ll head back to Franz Josef where you’ll have the option to take another walk or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying a traditional Kiwi roast dinner.

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

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

  • Day 7

    Hike near Franz Josef Glacier

    #41

    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 temperate rainforest to just 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level. We’ll spend most of the day near Franz Josef Glacier hiking up through the forest to get incredible views of the ice. Wet weather can inhibit these hikes, so we may opt to hike around Lake Matheson and to the Blue Pools near Haast Pass instead. From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest and then inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt. Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.

    Wonderland Lodge, Makarora (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: Alex Knob Hike: 8 kilometers (5 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation +/- 1,100 meters (3,610 feet)
    Hiking: Robert's Point Hike: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), 4-6 hours, elevation +/- 400 meters (1,312 feet)
    Notes: Optional Heli-hike (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 metres (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.  Please note also there is a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds).

  • Day 8

    Hike Rocky Mountain

    The landscape this morning changes rapidly from dense beech forest to semi-arid mountainous terrain. You’ll hike the Rocky Mountain track today, a spectacular circuit through an area carved out by Ice Age glaciers, with native forest and shrubland. Enjoy lunch after your hike in Wanaka before 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. You’ll sleep sweetly tonight at a lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.

    Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.5 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 375 meters (1,230 feet)

  • Day 9

    Free day in Queenstown

    #87

    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, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. 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

    #89

    This morning we’ll make our way around Lake Wakatipu, leaving behind the towering Remarkables, and head west to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. This afternoon 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 Wainu 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

    Milford Sound Cruise, hike Key Summit

    It’s an early start this morning as 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 breath-taking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water. We’ll jump on board the first boat cruise of the day, where we’ll have the water to ourselves, as we gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. We may be lucky enough to encounter the friendly fur seals and dolphins that are sometimes in the area. After the cruise, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before heading out to explore more of Fiordland’s wilderness on foot. We’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track for unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina, before making our way 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

    Journey over Lindis Pass, bike the Alps to Ocean trail

    After an early breakfast, we’ll head back through Queenstown and head North, driving through the tussock-country of Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki, where you’ll hop on a bike and ride a portion of the Alps to Ocean Trail, following the well-groomed trail around the alpine lake with views across to the magnificent Aoraki Mount Cook, passing a range of native plants including Kowhai (with brilliant yellow flowers, popular with endemic Tui birds), flax and tussocks. The trail then cuts through farmland across the Mackenzie Country basin and we’ll make our way back to Twizel. We’ll bike straight to our accommodation for our last two nights, with stunning views stretching across the Southern Alps. We’re in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with light pollution strictly controlled in the area, so it’s the ideal spot to stargaze!

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

    Biking: 24 kilometers (15 miles), 2 hours

  • Day 13

    Hike Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park

    #95

    Mt. Cook, named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite the mountain, we'll set off on a stunning day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It’s a challenging hike, but you’ll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever! The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it’s a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If we aren’t able to do the Mueller Glacier hike, or you’d like to take it a little easier, there’s an impressive hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier. Then you'll head back to your accommodation for the last night of your adventure, where we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner together and watch the sun set over the Southern Alps.

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

    Hiking: Mueller Ridge Hike: 7.2 kilometers (4.4 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation +/- 975 meters (3,200 feet)
    Hiking: Hooker Glacier Hike: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 100 meters (328 feet)

  • Day 14

    Depart for home

    After breakfast you’ll head to Christchurch, arriving in time for afternoon flights. We hope you'll leave 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)

Ultimate South Island 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 $5999/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 Ultimate South Island Adventure

view all

Ultimate South Island Adventure - November 2021

Awesome

"I felt so lucky to actually get away on a walking tour in these covid… read more

"I felt so lucky to actually get away on a walking tour in these covid times. Revisiting places I hadn't seen for thirty years and getting back into the West Coast bush was pretty special. Our guide made everything seamless and achievable read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Chris, New Zealand

Ultimate South Island Adventure - May 2020

Wonderful Adventure

"The Rimu trip was extremely well organized, our guides were always cheerful, professional and caring,… read more

"The Rimu trip was extremely well organized, our guides were always cheerful, professional and caring, the accommodations adequate to excellent and the bus journey were enjoyable and comfortable. Thank you Katie and Emily for all or your attention and dedication to ensuring we each had the best vacation possible! read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Linda, Canada

Ultimate South Island Adventure - May 2020

Great Adventure

"Active Adventures is a great way to go if your idea of a perfect trip… read more

"Active Adventures is a great way to go if your idea of a perfect trip is getting out and hiking, bicycling and kayaking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, with guides who are local, experienced, fun, flexible and take excellent care of their clientele. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Carmelita, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - May 2020

Rimu trip Feb 2020

"A great challenging adventure on the beautiful south island, with a good mix of mountains,… read more

"A great challenging adventure on the beautiful south island, with a good mix of mountains, sea, and bush. Our awesome guides went above and beyond to make this trip extra enjoyable! read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Tom, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - April 2020

Everything I hoped for and more!

"The Rimu trip is an amazing adventure on so many levels. First of all, Dan… read more

"The Rimu trip is an amazing adventure on so many levels. First of all, Dan and Sal were the most phenomenal guides ever and they were part of what made this trip so incredible. They went above and beyond in every facet of the trip; I have never seen two guides work so hard and work together so well. I was hoping this would be a great way to experience New Zealand and it certainly was. Every aspect of the trip is laid out beautifully with adjustments made when weather doesn't cooperate and, again, Dan and Sal - along with Active Adventures office - worked the details out to make it all flow so well. The South Island is absolutely stunning, the activities were great fun and some of them were challenging (i.e. 3-day pack-in, pack-out to Angelus Hut) and I loved every minute of it. If you are traveling to New Zealand, take the time to do this trip; one week is not enough time. I also have to give a shout-out to our group - we had so much fun together and would love to do another Active Adventures trip!! read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Cris, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - April 2020

Best Trip EVER!

"Everything about this trip was wonderful and amazing! New Zealand is such a gorgeous country… read more

"Everything about this trip was wonderful and amazing! New Zealand is such a gorgeous country and I can't imagine a better way to see it. The hiking was often challenging, but doable. I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone on the backpacking trip but the payoff was unbelievable. Just the sheer number of stars that occupied the night sky outside the Angelus Hut--I saw the Milky Way! Stunning!! Our guides were professional, prepared and patient. Ruby is a fantastic cook and both she and Simon were well-equipped to shepherd even the slowest of us through every experience. The accommodations were always nice and, when available, five-star. The coach we traveled in was very comfortable with large windows for great viewing. I look forward to seeing the friends we made on the trip, our fellow travelers, on future Active Adventures excursions--what a great group of people! We are already looking at Iceland. Thank you so much for such an exceptional experience! read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Robyn, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - April 2020

On an unbeaten path

"I enjoyed the variety of places we stayed, hikes, and gorgeous landscapes that we enjoyed… read more

"I enjoyed the variety of places we stayed, hikes, and gorgeous landscapes that we enjoyed with the group you put together. Because many of the places were remote, we could soak up the uniqueness of New Zealand. The undertow of the growing international crisis of coronovirus was held at bay by our guides. It also allowed us to visit places with fewer people. I appreciated the diligence that Simon took to clean our bus everyday and Ruby's excellent catering which kept us out of crowded restaurants. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Anne, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - April 2020

EPIC Adventure on the South Island

"Loved seeing so much of the South Island. Great group, outstanding guides, nice accommodations,… read more

"Loved seeing so much of the South Island. Great group, outstanding guides, nice accommodations, and lots to see and experience. Enjoyed the hikes, kayak in Milford, and bike day. The BEST of all was the hut-to-hut in Nelson Lakes. The only thing I'd change is to add more physical adventure time and less drive time. Otherwise it was an excellent adventure and one I would recommend. read less

4 Stars (4385 reviews)

Liz, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - April 2020

An EPIC Kiwi Adventure

"From start to finish our trip was magnificent! The beauty of the South Island… read more

"From start to finish our trip was magnificent! The beauty of the South Island is incredible. Our group was the perfect combo of travelers led by THE BEST guides - Simon and Ruby. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Ramona, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - April 2020

Rimu March 2

"I felt the group size was perfect and the activities at the right level for… read more

"I felt the group size was perfect and the activities at the right level for me. Guides were great and never a bad meal. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Joy, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - March 2020

A Wonder Around Every Corner

"What a breathtaking two weeks! We took the Rimu trip (southbound), and each day topped… read more

"What a breathtaking two weeks! We took the Rimu trip (southbound), and each day topped the previous--which seemed impossible. Our guides, Ruby & Simon, were knowledgable, warm, thoughtful, supportive: it was a tremendous experience. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Kevin, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - March 2020

More than I could have imagined!

"Beyond belief. We had a wonderful group, but our guides, Ruby & Simon, made this… read more

"Beyond belief. We had a wonderful group, but our guides, Ruby & Simon, made this adventure spectacular read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Lou, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - March 2020

Awesome Experience

"The trip was well planned and superbly executed by our guides, Simon and Ruby. … read more

"The trip was well planned and superbly executed by our guides, Simon and Ruby. Such a variety of experiences that were appropriate for our skill levels. Lodging great and when not eating in restaurants,our guides were master chefs. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Mike, United States

Ultimate South Island Adventure - March 2020

No worries

"The front office staff and guides took care of everything. I just had to show… read more

"The front office staff and guides took care of everything. I just had to show up and enjoy. Wonderful trip in a magical locale! read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Wendy, Hong Kong

Ultimate South Island Adventure - March 2020

Rimu March 2020

"Words and pictures cannot adequately describe the beauty of the South Island of New Zealand… read more

"Words and pictures cannot adequately describe the beauty of the South Island of New Zealand nor the emotional experience of being so welcomed to enjoy it.The majesty of the mountains , the beauty of the lakes and clear clean streams flowing down heights is overwhelming
particularly in the Haast Pass and Milford Sound road. Accommodation and food was varied and excellent. The guides made us feel individually important and tried to make our trip unforgettably wonderful. In this they were successful. Each individual was encouraged to reach their personal goal they set for themselves. Mine was to climb to Sealy Tarns . I shall forever remember sitting on the boulders looking at Mount Cook eating a chocolate bar on a beautiful sunny day. I highly recommend Active Adventure because they live up to their reputation of being an excellent adventure tour company. read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Pat, Canada

Ultimate South Island Adventure - March 2020

RIMU trip of a lifetime

"I can’t say enough about this trip. Our guides Dan and Sally were rock stars.… read more

"I can’t say enough about this trip. Our guides Dan and Sally were rock stars. They went above and beyond the call of duty! This is a great way to see the South Island. The people in my group were well traveled and all agreed that this was the way to see New Zealand. Active Adventures thought of everything. Make sure you’re in good shape before you go. The scenery is amazing. It’s really hard to pick my favorite day. The food was great! Sally and Dan cooked most of our meals and did a great job! I ate way more on this trip than at home. I met some awesome people on this trip. I consider all of them friends! BOOK THIS TRIP YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
Bev
Chicago, Illinois read less

5 Stars (4385 reviews)

Beverly, United States

Our Trips... from our Guests' Perspective

Alpine Lodge Cook
Angelus Hut 2

Accommodation

We’ve selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments, some of which have private bathrooms and some shared bathrooms. Some places are fairly basic – like the huts on the Nelson Lakes hiking option – and the true Kiwi experience makes it all worthwhile.

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.

READ MORE

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Rydges Latimer Square Hotel at 10:30am or the Christchurch airport (CHC) in front of the Help Desk (near door 7) at 11am. You are welcome to stay at any hotel in Christchurch if you arrive before the first day, 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.

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.

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.

How fit do I need to be?

As an Activity Level 3-4 trip, you’ll need a good level of fitness for this trip as it’s one of our more adventurous trips. Typically, hikes range between two and five hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available depending on your multi-day option.

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’ve selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments, some of which have private bathrooms and some shared bathrooms. You may be sharing a two bedroom apartment or bathroom with other group members at some stage. Some places are fairly basic – like the huts on the Nelson Lakes hiking option – and the true Kiwi experience makes it all worthwhile.

If you've selected a single supplement for your trip, the Nelson Lakes hiking option is not included as no single rooms are available in the huts, and the single supplement price takes this into account.

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.

If you've chosen the Nelson Lakes Hiking option, you'll also require a good quality trekking pack with well-fitting shoulder and waist straps. Your pack should have a volume of ~60 litres (3500 cubic inches), large enough to fit your sleeping bag inside along with all your multi-day gear.

Trip Direction

Some departures for this trip run in the reverse direction, which means the stated itinerary will simply operate in reverse. Contact us, or check your Travel Wallet once booked, to get the specific itinerary for your trip.

Will we encounter snow on this trip?

During bumper snow years the snow may stay on the mountains into October and November. If so, the New Zealand Department of Conservation (equivalent of the USA’s National Park Service) will not allow us to travel over heavily snowed terrain for safety reasons and we heed their warnings. As a result, we may not be able to access some higher elevation hikes such as Mueller Ridge in Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park and Robert’s Ridge in Nelson Lakes National Park - both at 1,500 metres (4500 feet) in our itinerary. Luckily, New Zealand is full of stunning hikes so we’ll select an alternative hike that allows you to enjoy the snow-capped peaks from a safe distance.

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.

Tell me about the Nelson Lakes Hiking: The Angelus Circuit

The Angelus Circuit option is a remote one way hike through the Nelson Lakes National Park wilderness area for three days and two nights. You’ll be hiking a loop track from hut to hut carrying everything you need in your own backpack. While your guides carry the lion’s share of the load, you’ll still need to carry your own gear (sleeping bag, dry clothes and toiletries) and a portion of the group’s food. Any excess gear is stored securely for you at the start of the trail.

The first day is an undulating hike along the shores Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut. The following morning we begin our most challenging day, starting out along the Travers River and then turning to hike beside Hukere Stream where the path takes you to more demanding sections with tangles of roots, to the end of the valley. After it’s a steeper climb upto the ridgeline, on a rocky scree track. There’s a total elevation gain of 1000 metres (3000 feet) and the views are worth it, with Angelus hut perched next to a beautiful alpine lake. After a hearty breakfast the next day it’s a four to five hour hike out along the Roberts Ridge along a rocky trail, over boulders and some steep terrain before descenting back through the trees to the road, where we’ll meet up with the others - if there are others doing these options.

The average distance we cover on this hike is around 11 kilometres (7 miles) a day. While we must complete each day’s hike to get to our home for the night, we can take as long as we need to get there.

While on the hiking option you’ll be sleeping in Department of Conservation (DOC) owned mountain huts. These unique huts are open to the public and are warm, dry and comfortable. They’re located in very remote areas (with amazing scenery) so they don’t have private rooms, electricity, hot water, phones or flushing toilets - and the view from the outhouse is second to none! This really is New Zealand’s wildest country and because it’s not possible to book these huts, you’ll meet and share the experience with other mountain adventurers and explorers.

Tell me about the Nelson Lakes Experience: The Rotoiti Circuit

The Rotoiti Circuit will have you experience hiking in the Nelson Lakes National Park, from the comfort of a St Arnaud Lodge! You’ll be heading out on day hikes so you'll only require a day pack for each day. The remainder of your gear will stay behind at your accommodation in St Arnaud.

On the first day you'll hike in to Lakehead Hut with the Angelus Circuit group, before water taxiing back to St Arnaud. The next day you'll head back out on the lake, then continue hiking around the other side of the lake before staying a second night in St Arnaud. After waking up in St Arnaud the next morning, we’ll head out to the Mount Robert carpark and hike to a viewpoint over Lake Rotoiti, just above the treeline, where we’ll meet up with the Nelson Lakes Hiking guests - if there are others doing this option. There’s a total elevation gain of 400 metres (1,312 feet) and the views are worth it, looking out over Lake Rotoiti from a different perspective.

The average distance that we cover on this hike is around 11 kilometres (7 miles) a day. 

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.

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Your 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

Ultimate South Island Adventure