New Zealand: South Island Adventure

New Zealand is one of nature’s best playgrounds. From mountains to sea, the entire South Island feels like one big national park—no wonder Kiwis celebrate any opportunity to “have a go” at outdoor adventure! We discover firsthand the beauty that inspires them as we swim among wild dolphins at Kaikoura, scramble on the towering ice formations of Fox Glacier, hike through glades of nikau palms at Paparoa, and savor the wonder of world-famed Milford Sound on a spectacular overnight cruise. Outdoor adventure abounds, yet our journey also reveals the unique culture, friendly Kiwi character, and unhurried pace of this nature-blessed land. At the end of our odyssey, we offer an optional hike on the Hollyford Track, a journey through one of New Zealand’s most stunning valleys.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Kaikoura Coast / Swim with Dolphins / Marlborough Sounds

From Christchurch, we explore and hike the stunning Kaikoura Coast, where snow-clad mountains make a spectacular backdrop, and set out for unforgettable snorkeling among the area’s friendly dusky dolphins, who swim here in pods of hundreds. Later, we enjoy a picnic and wine tasting amid the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famed for its sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and pinot noir wines.

Days 4-5
Abel Tasman National Park / Awaroa Lodge

Our water taxi whisks us to glorious Abel Tasman National Park, where we hike a coastal trail through tree fern forests, onto soft, powdery wilderness beaches, past lagoons with turquoise waters, and up into headlands, with fantastic coastal views all along the way. Our overnights are at deluxe Awaroa Lodge, set in a 47-acre private reserve inside the park.

Days 6-7
West Coast / Paparoa National Park / Hokitika

Circling the wild West Coast, we follow trails through luxuriant rainforest at Paparoa, whose rugged coastline features spectacular cliffs, water-sculpted blowholes, and the famous limestone stacks at Punakaiki. We also visit Hokitika, a former gold mining town now the jade-carving capital of New Zealand.

Days 8-11
Fox Glacier / Wanaka / Mount Aspiring / Queenstown

The Fox Glacier, flanked by emerald rainforests and framed by the snowy giants of the Southern Alps, is the setting for our exciting glacier walk that grants us up-close perspectives of a river of jagged ice. After a walk around Lake Matheson, where the reflections of Mt. Cook (New Zealand’s highest peak) and Mt. Tasman are often perfectly mirrored, we head to Wanaka, a picturesque town set on the edge of a sapphire-blue lake. In the alpine grandeur of Mount Aspiring National Park, we hike through a spectacular river gorge ending in a natural amphitheater surrounded by hundreds of waterfalls pouring from hanging sheets of ice and over vertical cliffs. On Day 11, we explore charming Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Days 12-13
Fiordland / Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Set among the soaring peaks of Fiordland National Park, the watery chasm of Milford Sound is one of the world’s most sublime meetings of mountains and sea, where 4,000-foot-high walls rise directly from the water’s edge. We head out into the Sound, where we can try our hand at sea kayaking, and have the fjord to ourselves as we anchor for the night in a sheltered cove beneath towering Mount Pembroke. At dawn, the grand silence and serenity greets us as the morning light falls across the sheer granite peaks. Spending the night enveloped by the majesty of this environment is simply the best way to experience Milford Sound! Depart Day 13 via Queenstown, or join our Hollyford Track Extension.

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Hollyford Track Extension
Days 13-17

Enjoy a panorama of mirror-like lakes, spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, ancient beech forest, sand dunes, surf, and plentiful birdlife while hiking from the base of the Southern Alps all the way to the Tasman Sea. At the end of each day, relax in comfortable lodges with hot showers and delightful three-course meals.

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2+, Easy to Moderate. This is a trip for people who enjoy hiking. In general you can set your own pace while hiking, and there is no need to keep up with the fastest walkers. Although you carry only a daypack, there are some steep ascents and descents and some sections that cross rough or rocky trails. On one or two occasions, our hiking routes cross an estuary or small stream and you will likely get your shoes wet (bring some Tevas or shoes appropriate for walking through water). For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition for the trip. Daily walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. You should wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots for maximum comfort on the trail.

Our vehicle touring is over good roads in a comfortable bus. The trip is designed to make the most of our time exploring the diverse landscapes of the South Island. We stay in a range of delightful accommodations along the way, including a charming bed-and-breakfast, a luxurious lodge accessible only by water taxi, and private cabins on a wonderful Milford Sound cruise boat.

Explanation of Trip Levels