New Zealand South Island Hiking

Heading south, stop at Yealands Estate. Taste wines from this award-winning vineyard renowned for innovation and sustainable wine production, tour the grounds, and enjoy the sweeping views. 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.

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 hike down the Chatterton Track and back to town. 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.

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.

Spend today discovering beautiful Paparoa National Park. Start hiking from the Punakaiki River, following the Inland Pack Track to the Pororari River canyon which leads back to Punakaiki. Hike down the Pororari River Track, passing through nikau palm groves as you climb out of this spectacular canyon - stopping to swim in the river's beautiful deep pools along the way. After hiking, spend the afternoon exploring more of this wild section of coast or just relaxing at the beachfront resort.

Get another early start to drive south down New Zealand's picturesque West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier, situated in a protected UNESCO World Heritage Area. Hike with our guide to the foot of the glacier. Or, book an (optional and subject to weather conditions) heli-hiking trek on the glacier with crampons. After your Franz Josef adventure, drive over the forested moraine hills to the quaint village of Fox Glacier for dinner in a local restaurant.

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 fish and chips at Craypot Restaurant before driving over the Southern Alps at Haast Pass to Wanaka.

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. Got energy to burn this afternoon? Hike the lakeside trail that passes in front of the hotel. Otherwise simply wander around the alpine resort, grab a bite to eat, or loll and dine at the hotel.

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.

This morning drive out to breathtaking Milford Sound for a memorable cruise. Get up close to the soaring cliffs and thunderous waterfalls, plus stop at the underwater observatory. 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.

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.