New Zealand South Island Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Jeremy Martin

Jeremy is a top MT Sobek guide, who loves exploring wild places the world over! As well as guiding in his home country of New Zealand for over 15 years, Jeremy leads intrepid adventures in England, Scotland, and Ireland. He has a special passion for summer walks in England, leading England Coast to Coast Hiking and Village to Village Hiking in the Cotswolds. When he's not guiding for MT Sobek, Jeremy enjoys examining maps, planning adventures, and working with school groups near his home in Herefordshire, England.

Marios Gavalas

Marios does not have the most Kiwi of names, but since arriving in New Zealand over 20 years ago he has not stopped exploring. With boots laced up, pen, paper, and camera in his backpack, Marios has ventured widely into the nooks and crannies of these folded islands as a researcher and guide. As an avid explorer of Fiordland, Abel Tasman, and the mountainous regions of New Zealand, he has had the privilege to meet extraordinary locals and gain snippets of history and culture. These give depth to the landscape and enrich his interpretation for MT Sobek guests.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Nelson
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Welcome to the South Island! Upon arrival at the airport in Nelson, your MT Sobek guide will meet you outside the arrivals area and transfer you to your hotel. Relax before joining the group for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
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                    [Headline] => Go Deep into Abel Tasman National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,938\' elevation gain and loss
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Today is dedicated to the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri, a seaside village and gateway to the park, cruise the rugged coastline past golden-sand beaches and granite headlands into the heart of Abel Tasman. Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forests and along empty beaches. A well-formed trail leads up and over a gentle ridge into Torrent Bay, where you check out the clear, fresh water of Cleopatra\'s Pool before continuing to Anchorage, from where you boat back to Kaiteriteri.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour round-trip private van transfer and 2-hour round-trip boat transfer
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                    [Headline] => Experience Nelson Lakes National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 460\' elevation gain and loss
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Depart Nelson bound for St Arnaud and the picturesque alpine lake Rotoiti situated in the northernmost extent of the Southern Alps. A short water taxi ride accesses the head of the lake to hike and have a picnic lunch in the splendid Travers Valley. The track traverses crystal clear river pools, tranquil beech forest, rushing streams and grassy river flats surrounded by mountains. The return boat ride to St Arnaud and a late afternoon drive down the broad Wairau Valley into the wine growing region of Marlborough delivers you to your accommodation for the night.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour drive and 1-hour water taxi
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                    [Headline] => Get a Taste of Local Wines & Maori History
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/7.5 miles hiking
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Head south and stop for wine tasting at Yealands Estate, an award-winning vineyard renowned for innovation and sustainable wine production. Tour the extensive property by way of the White Road and enjoy sweeping views over the Cook Strait. Continue along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country, with superb scenery and common New Zealand fur seal and dolphin sightings. On arrival in Kaikoura, experience remarkable coastal scenery with a hike around the Kaikoura Peninsula, passing by historic whaling and Maori pa sites.
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                    [Headline] => Enjoy Whale-Watching, Hiking, and Hanmer Springs
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 1,361\' elevation loss, 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
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Start the morning with a whale-watching cruise offering close-up views of majestic sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Then drive to the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs and up to Jack\'s Pass, your first alpine experience. Enjoy the scenic vistas of the Hanmer Range, Clarence Valley, and Amuri Basin as you explore the local trails. The remainder of the day is free to browse the shops, soak in the Hanmer Springs thermal pools, and savor dinner in a local eatery.
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                    [Headline] => Experience Beech Forests & Pancake Rocks
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 528\' elevation gain and loss
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Hike today in the Victoria Conservation Area amidst pristine beech forests, meandering rivers, and mining relics. The return track leads up the Klondyke Valley through ancient gnarled beech forests draped in verdant green mosses. Take time out to enjoy a cup of tea and a snack beside the river before returning the same way. Afterward, stop in the historic and quaint town of Reefton for a coffee and a stroll down the main street, lined with restored heritage buildings that offer insight into the past. On arrival at Punakaiki, take a short walk around the famous Pancake Rocks and watch the mighty blowholes. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local pub.
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                    [Headline] => Hike Paparoa National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/6 miles hiking
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Hike the Inland Pack Track from Pororari River to Punakaiki. This historic route was once used by prospectors and miners to avoid the immense coastal cliffs while travelling the West Coast now forms part of our newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. After gently climbing out of the Punakaiki Valley, the trail descends into the Pororari. From here the trail follows a deep limestone canyons ,with towering rainforests and groves of tropical nikau palms. You may not be able to resist a speedy swim in one of the many deep clear pools you pass on the way! After the hike there is free time for more exploring along this wild section of coast or to relax at the beachfront accommodation.

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                    [Headline] => Tackle the Mighty Fox Glacier
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 500\' elevation gain and loss (optional heli-hiking for additional fee, booked on arrival)
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Get another early start to drive south down New Zealand\'s picturesque West Coast to Fox Glacier, situated in a protected UNESCO World Heritage Area. Hike with our guide to the glacier viewpoint via the Moraine Walk. This walk traverses old moraine surfaces enveloped with dense West Coast forest. Or, book an (optional and subject to weather conditions) heli-hiking walk on the glacier with crampons. You will be guided on a set walk to scenic spots around the glacier. Stay in the quaint village of Fox Glacier for dinner in a local restaurant.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => -43.381
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                    [Headline] => Take a Jetboat Safari in South Westland
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Drive south toward Hannah\'s Clearing, where you board a jetboat and embark on a remarkable Waitoto River safari. This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the otherwise inaccessible UNESCO-listed Te Wahipounamu, also known as the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The scenery changes dramatically from wild coastline to mountainous primeval beech forests upstream. Part way up the river, take a short hike among the towering trees. After the jetboat safari, enjoy a BBQ lunch with the owners of the jetboat company featuring fresh seafood and wild game before driving over the Southern Alps at Haast Pass to Wanaka.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4.5-hours private van transfer
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                    [Longitude] => 169.159
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                    [Headline] => Follow Trails Around Lake Wanaka
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,886\' elevation gain and loss
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Take it easy today with a moderate morning hike amongst the post-glacial features of Diamond Lake and the Rocky Mountain area. Relish spectacular views of Glendhu Bay, Roy\'s Peak, Lake Wanaka, and the patchwork of farmland and wilderness areas. Return to your lakeside accommodation for a relaxing afternoon and evening at your leisure. Those with energy left to burn can hike the pretty lakeside trail that passes in front of the hotel. 
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                    [Headline] => Trek the Kepler Track
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1.5 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 200\' elevation gain and loss
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After transferring to Te Anau, hike part of the Kepler Track - one of New Zealand\'s famed Great Walks, located in Fiordland National Park. The section meanders around the lake through lush mountain and red beech forest before emerging at Brod Bay, a delightful picnic and swimming spot. From here, catch the water taxi back to Te Anau; it\'s just a short walk to your hotel. Later in the afternoon you can visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary for an opportunity to see some New Zealand\'s more elusive and endangered native birds.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => -45.451
                    [Longitude] => 167.686
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                    [Headline] => Marvel at Milford Sound & the Routeburn Track
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,620\' elevation gain and loss; 2-hour cruise
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This morning drive out to breathtaking Milford Sound for a memorable cruise. Get up close to the soaring cliffs and thunderous waterfalls. After lunch, take an afternoon hike to Key Summit on another of New Zealand\'s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. The trail offers stunning views of the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford Valley, and passes through an alpine region of meadows, tarns, and a diverse range of alpine flora. Then drive back to Te Anau through lovely Eglinton Valley.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4-hour round-trip private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => -44.618
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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Queenstown and Depart for Home
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Transfer to Queenstown this morning in time for a midday airport drop-off. If you\'re staying longer, you can also be dropped at a central Queenstown hotel.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer
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    [ActivityHighlight] => You can enjoy a range of multisport adventures on this trip, including: whale-watching, jetboating and an optional glacier hike. You should feel comfortable hiking 3 to 5 hours a day and up to 7 miles. No previous experience is required, but participants should have a generally good level of fitness.
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Accommodations

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Comfortable, contemporary, and amenity-laden hotels, mostly located within spectacular natural settings.

The Ocean View Retreat

Comfortable Hotel

Situated on New Zealand's wild west coast, 30 minutes north of Greymouth and 300m south of the famous Pancakes Rocks and Blowholes, the Ocean View Retreat is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and is close to the beach. Its spacious, modern studio units all have en-suite bathrooms and either an ocean or garden view.

The White Morph

Comfortable Hotel

This lovely hotel is a Heritage Collection property right on the Esplanade in coastal Kaikoura. It is an excellent base from which to explore the natural wonders and native wildlife of the area, and serves all travelers, from business visitors to busy adventurers. Studios and apartments have kitchenettes or full kitchens, patios or balconies, and garden or ocean views.

Edgewater

Comfortable Hotel

The shores of Lake Wanaka host only one lucky property: the aptly named Edgewater. Three room types - hotel/studio rooms, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom apartments - suit both short- and long-term visitors and are complemented by lovely views, free Wi-Fi, two dining options, a sauna, spa pools, massage and other treatments, tennis courts, bike rental, putting green, and a children's playground.

Distinction Fox Glacier

Comfortable Hotel

The Distinction Fox Glacier offers luxurious hotel accommodation in the ruggedly beautiful Southern Alps, located New Zealand's magnificent West Coast region. The hotel's 20 spacious rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, including SKY TV, spacious en-suite bathrooms, coffee-making facilities, and unlimited free Wi-Fi - all rooms also feature their own private balcony. Guests can also enjoy access to the hotel's cozy lounge area and relax with a glass of wine while enjoying the valley views.

 

 

Tides Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Situated in the heart of Nelson City, the Tides Hotel is perfect for those who want to be close to all of the city center's highlights. The wider area has three national parks and plenty of outdoor activities available. Away from the action, the rooms at Trailways are perfect for relaxing, with their comfortable, large beds and outside lounging areas.

Chateau Marlborough

Comfortable Hotel

Chateau Marlborough Hotel is a five-star old-timer with comfortable studios, all well-equipped with a range of modern amenities. The hotel features a heated pool and a private gym; book a treatment at the luxury spa for total relaxation.

Hanmer Springs Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

This lovely 48-room hotel is situated amid lush gardens with green canopies. It showcases stunning mountain views, best savored from the swimming pool and sundeck. The classic rooms come complete with earthy colors, large comfortable beds and gorgeous vistas; some have private patios. Continental breakfast is included.

Distinction Luxmore

Comfortable Hotel

With its 180 rooms, Distinction Luxmore showcases a diverse range of comfortable accommodation options. The hotel has two restaurants on the premises, with lovely views of Lake Te Anau. The location is prime, close to the shopping center and a short walk away from Lake Te Anau and its many water activities.

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