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South Island Highlights – 10-Day Guided Hiking Tour of New Zealand

New Zealand

South Island Highlights – 10-Day Guided Hiking Tour of New Zealand

Explore New Zealand’s most iconic trails, national parks, and alpine landscapes on a luxury hiking adventure from Nelson to Queenstown.

Group Guided

South Island Highlights – 10-Day Guided Hiking Tour of New Zealand

Explore New Zealand’s most iconic trails, national parks, and alpine landscapes on a luxury hiking adventure from Nelson to Queenstown.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this 10-day guided hiking tour that combines world-class trails, diverse landscapes, and exceptional comfort. From the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the lush rainforests of Punakaiki, the alpine grandeur of Aoraki/Mt Cook, and the dramatic fiords of Milford Sound, this adventure offers the best of New Zealand hiking.

Led by expert local guides, you’ll trek iconic routes including sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Paparoa Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Track. Enjoy daily hikes of 1–5 hours with moderate difficulty, perfectly balanced with time to relax in premium hotels and lodges. Along the way, savor exceptional local cuisine, experience unique excursions such as a glacier boat trip on the Tasman Glacier lake, and cruise the stunning waters of Milford Sound.

Perfect for active travelers seeking both challenge and comfort, the South Island Grand Hikes offers an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s most legendary landscapes — all while traveling in style.

Highlights:

  • Guided hikes in five national parks: Abel Tasman, Paparoa, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mount Aspiring, and Fiordland.
  • Iconic multi-day track experiences without heavy packs.
  • Scenic boat cruises in Abel Tasman, Milford Sound, and on a glacier lake.
  • Luxury accommodation and hearty local meals each day.
  • Small-group travel for a personalized experience.

‍

Start: Nelson

‍Finish: Queenstown – approx. 5:00pm

‍Accommodation: Hotels and Lodges

‍Departures 2025: November 25

‍Departures 2026: January 4 | February 3, 17 | March 3, 17 | April 5

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Nelson & Botanical Hill Hike

Hiking distance: up to 3.3 km (2 miles) | 1–1.5 hours | Elevation: +/-170 m (560 ft)

Your South Island hiking adventure begins in Nelson, where you’ll meet your expert guides and fellow travelers at 4:00pm in the Rutherford Hotel. Ease into the trip with a guided hike up Botanical Hill—the “Centre of New Zealand”—for panoramic views over Tasman Bay and the vibrant city of Nelson. Prefer a gentler start? Your guides can suggest alternative ways to explore this lively arts and dining hub. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Nelson’s finest restaurants.

Overnight: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (Dinner included)

Day 2 – Abel Tasman National Park: Golden Beaches & Coastal Trails

Hiking distance: up to 12.2 km (7.6 miles) | 4 hours | Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)

After breakfast, travel to Kaiteriteri to board a water taxi along the spectacular coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. Glide past golden sand beaches, granite headlands, and forested islands before stepping ashore at Bark Bay. Follow the renowned Abel Tasman Coast Track through lush native forest, across gentle ridges, and past cascading streams. Take a refreshing dip at Cleopatra’s Pool or brave the natural rock “hydro-slide” before hiking to Anchorage for your return boat ride.

Back in Nelson, you’ll have free time to explore the town’s art galleries, boutique shops, and dining scene.

Overnight: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 3 – West Coast Wilderness & Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks

Hiking distance: up to 6 km (3.7 miles) | 2 hours | Elevation: +/-170 m (560 ft)

En route to the rugged West Coast, enjoy a unique guided walk to the Natural Flames—an otherworldly phenomenon where flames have burned in the forest since the 1920s. Savor fresh “billy tea” and hot cakes cooked over the flames, adding a distinctly Kiwi touch to the day.

Continue alongside the Buller River to the coastline at Westport, then travel the scenic route to Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Depending on the tides, explore them in the evening or wait for the perfect conditions tomorrow.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 4 – Paparoa Track & Castle Hill’s Limestone Outcrops

Hike the Inland Pack Track, part of New Zealand’s Paparoa Track, winding through lush rainforest, deep limestone canyons, and groves of nikau palms. Swim in crystal-clear pools before journeying over the Southern Alps via one of New Zealand’s most remarkable alpine highways.

Stretch your legs at Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill)—a sacred Māori site and a playground of massive limestone boulders—before continuing to Methven, a charming alpine town with sweeping views of the Southern Alps.

Overnight: Ski Time, Methven (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 5 – Lake Tekapo & Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Hiking distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles) | 3 hours | Elevation: +/-380 m (1,280 ft)

Travel across the Canterbury Plains into the Mackenzie Basin to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, then hike along the lake to the summit of Mt John for sweeping views of this Patagonia-like landscape of tawny tussock, braided rivers, and distant snow-capped peaks.

Arrive in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and settle into your accommodation, surrounded by New Zealand’s highest mountains and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Overnight: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 6 – Aoraki/Mount Cook: Sealy Tarns or Hooker Valley

Hiking distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles) | 3 hours | Elevation: +/-590 m (1,940 ft)
or 10.2 km (6.3 miles) | 3 hours | Elevation: +/-270 m (890 ft)

Wake up surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Today you can choose between two unforgettable hikes:

  • Sealy Tarns Track – A challenging climb rewarded with sweeping views of Mt Sefton’s hanging glaciers and the full length of the Hooker Valley to Aoraki/Mt Cook.
  • Hooker Valley Track – A gentler, yet equally stunning walk past swing bridges, glacier-fed streams, and turquoise lakes to the terminal face of Hooker Glacier.

For a different pace, explore the world-class Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and learn about the park’s mountaineering history.

Overnight: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (Breakfast & lunch included)

Day 7 – Tasman Glacier Boat Cruise & Lindis Pass to Wānaka

Hiking distance: 2.9 km (1.8 miles) | 1 hour | Elevation: +/-70 m (230 ft)

Travel into the Tasman Valley to view New Zealand’s largest glacier. After a short walk through glacial moraine, board a custom-built boat to cruise among icebergs on the glacier’s terminal lake—a rare opportunity to witness this constantly changing landscape.

In the afternoon, journey south through the vast Mackenzie Country, then over the sweeping tussock lands of Lindis Pass into the Southern Lakes region. Pause at a boutique Central Otago vineyard to sample local wines before arriving in the lakeside alpine town of Wānaka.

Overnight: Oakridge Resort, Wānaka (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 8 – Rocky Mountain Hike & Journey to Te Anau

Hiking distance: up to 7.2 km (4.5 miles) | 3 hours | Elevation: +/-650 m (2,130 ft)

Follow the shores of Lake Wānaka into Mount Aspiring National Park, where you’ll hike the Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track. The summit offers panoramic views across Lake Wānaka, the Southern Alps, and Mt Aspiring/Tititea. Easier loop options are available for a more relaxed pace.

In the afternoon, cross the Crown Range Road—New Zealand’s highest main road—descending alongside Lake Wakatipu and onward to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a peaceful lakeside stroll before dinner.

Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 9 – Milford Sound & Routeburn Track

Hiking distance: 7.2 km (4.5 miles) | 3 hours | Elevation: +/-490 m (1,610 ft)

Venture deep into Fiordland along one of the world’s most scenic drives. Stop at The Divide to walk a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit, where alpine tarns reflect the surrounding Humboldt and Darran Mountains. If the weather closes in, enjoy alternative valley walks among ancient rainforest in the Hollyford Valley.

Continue to Milford Sound for a spectacular boat cruise beneath sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 10 – Kepler Track & Queenstown Farewell

Hiking distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles) | 3 hours | Elevation: +/-180 m (430 ft)

Start your final day with a section of the famous Kepler Track, leading to the shores of Lake Manapouri, often called the loveliest of New Zealand’s lakes. Its small islands, pristine beaches, and mountain backdrop make for a perfect final hike.

Afterward, return north toward Queenstown, stopping in the wine country for a celebratory lunch featuring local cuisine. Your tour ends in the late afternoon with drop-offs at central Queenstown, select hotels, or the airport.

(Breakfast & lunch included)

Additional Trip Info

Included
Not Included
Items to Bring
Trip FAQ

Travel Insurance - We recommend  Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue

Trip Grading – Moderate Challenge (Grade B)

  • Up to 4–5 hours of physical activity per day
  • Occasional backpack weight of 4–5 kg (9–11 lbs)
  • Well-maintained tracks with good walking surfaces
  • Altitude gains up to 600 m (2,000 ft) on more challenging days
  • No prior hiking experience required — just a good general fitness level

Optional challenge: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Day 4) is a full-day hike of 6–8 hours with an altitude gain of 900 m (3,000 ft) — considered one of the best day walks in the world.

Expert Guides & Safety

Our handpicked New Zealand hiking guides bring diverse backgrounds, extensive outdoor experience, and an unmatched passion for the country’s wild backcountry. They’ll be with you on the trail, offering:

  • Local insights on culture, nature, and history
  • A high level of care, attention, and flexibility
  • Guided hikes on all featured trails
  • Optional shorter or longer self-guided walks for those wanting to adjust their daily activity

From setting up a scenic picnic to pointing out rare native birds, our guides ensure your trip is safe, inspiring, and fun.

Transport

Travel in comfort in a luxury minibus with a lockable trailer for your luggage, hiking gear, and supplies. Driving times vary — some days involve just short transfers, while others include longer journeys through spectacular landscapes.

  • Average driving time: 2–3 hours per day
  • Frequent stops for photo opportunities, vineyards, or even an iconic Kiwi ice cream shop
  • Mix of sealed and unsealed scenic roads

Accommodation – Comfort After the Trail

Stay in a curated selection of quality hotels and lodges chosen for their comfort, location, and atmosphere. All rooms include:

  • Ensuite bathrooms
  • Twin-share or double configurations (single supplements available)
  • Occasionally, two-bedroom units in select lodges

Note: Accommodation is subject to availability. If a listed property is unavailable, an equivalent style will be provided.

Meals & Dining

Almost all meals are included. Expect fresh, wholesome, and locally sourced food throughout the journey.

  • Breakfasts: Hearty and energizing, to prepare you for the day’s hike
  • Lunches: Often served picnic-style in scenic locations, prepared from our mobile kitchen
  • Dinners: A mix of lodge dining rooms, local restaurants, and occasional unique dining experiences
  • Free evenings in cities/towns to try local restaurants (see “Additional Costs”)

On-Tour Comfort & Facilities

  • Laundry: Available most nights (hotel service or self-service; additional charges may apply)
  • Device charging: Available in hotels and in the vehicle (bring your own adapter)
  • Custom trailers: Equipped with a fold-down table and cooking area for roadside or trailhead picnics
  • Fresh produce: We prioritize healthy, balanced meals using fresh local ingredients

Trail Notes

Track distances and elevations are approximate. Routes may be adjusted by guides due to weather or trail conditions, with advance notice provided.

Have Questions?

Email Us
info@flashpackerconnect.com
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+1 206-892-8877

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