Hike the “Great Walks” in Four National Parks
New Zealand: Ultimate South Island
Overview
This journey brings you everything you could want to do on the South Island—that’s why we call it “ultimate” South Island! We hike four of the country’s Great Walks: the alpine Routeburn Track, plus the lush pathways of the Rakiura, Kepler, and Abel Tasman tracks, all protected in pristine national parks filled with soaring landscapes. We’ll also savor an overnight cruise in Milford Sound (the jewel of Fiordland National Park), hike and sea kayak in the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park, look for kiwis (the feathered kind) on remote Stewart Island, and sip wines in Central Otago. We’ve arranged three internal flights so we can easily get to the South Island’s most diverse settings.
Arrive: Queenstown, New Zealand
Depart: Nelson, New Zealand
Highlights
- Hike four of the “Great Walks”: the Routeburn, Rakiura, Kepler, and Abel Tasman tracks
- Paddle a sea kayak in the aquamarine waters of Abel Tasman National Park
- Enjoy an overnight cruise in UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, a mountain-ringed fjord
- Optional scenic helicopter flight, special access to the Rob Roy Glacier Track in Mt. Aspiring National Park
- Sample New Zealand’s best wines and fine farm-to-table cuisine
Itinerary
From New Zealand’s “adventure capital,” Queenstown, we stretch our legs with a hike on the Mt. Crichton Loop Track, enjoying vistas of 50-mile-long Lake Whakatipu. In Mt. Aspiring National Park, a fantastic walk on the Routeburn Track takes us across swing bridges above the jade-green Routeburn River as we follow a well-graded track through beech forest to Routeburn Flats.
A short flight brings us to remote Stewart Island, more commonly known by its Maori name, Rakiura. We’ll hike through podocarp forest where native birds abound and enjoy scenic views of peaceful Halfmoon Bay. On one evening, we’ll head out in search of the nocturnal and flightless Stewart Island kiwi. Flying back to the mainland on Day 6, we’ll hike our third “Great Walk,” the Kepler Track, through red beech forests along the Waiau River, which flows out of Lake Te Anau in Fiordland National Park.
Milford Sound is a spectacular meeting of mountain and sea, with 4,000-foot-high walls rising from the water’s edge. We’ll board our three-sailed vessel for an overnight cruise through this majestic body of water, with an optional heli-scenic flight to Tutoko Glacier (at extra cost). On Day 9, we explore Gibbston, one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand wine country, set between rugged mountains and the dramatic Kawarau Gorge. Here we can sample the pinot noirs for which Central Otago is famous and explore the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.
In the majestic Matukituki Valley, we hike the Rocky Mountain Track to Diamond Lake for panoramas of the Southern Alps. The next day’s hike is a fantastic journey across the Rob Roy Glacier Track into a dramatic setting of snowfields, hanging glaciers, cliffs, and waterfalls.
Flying to Nelson, we take a scenic water taxi ride to Abel Tasman National Park for a grand finale in a realm of aquamarine waters, native forests, golden beaches, and magnificent coastal trails. Wading ashore, we’ll hike along the coast to our lodge by way of mystical fern forests and lagoons. Our lodge, the Awaroa, is in a 47-acre private reserve inside Abel Tasman National Park itself. From this beautiful setting inside the park, we can hike to our heart’s delight and explore by sea kayak. Depart on Day 15 via Nelson.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3+, Moderate, according to our trip grading system, with softer options available for anyone who prefers a gentler hike. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
- 5 miles
- 3 hours
- 1,000' ascent/descent
Challenge Day
- Day 3: 9.2 miles, 3-5 hours, 850' ascent/descent; optional hike to Routeburn Falls, 3 additional miles, 2,562' ascent/descent
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 get your shoes wet (bring some Tevas or shoes appropriate for walking through water).
To get the most out of this trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.
The weather in New Zealand is notorious for changing throughout the day. Average temperatures in New Zealand’s spring (September to November) typically range from the low to mid-60s. Crisp, sunny days can briskly change to cool temperatures and spring showers. Summer temperatures (December to February) are generally warm and pleasant with averages in the high 60s and low 70s and minimal rain, though it can get much colder in certain places and in the evenings. In autumn (March to May), long sunny days linger with temperatures still averaging in the mid-60s to low 70s, and you’ll hardly notice that summer has officially ended. Although it is rare, we have even experienced snowfall in the mountains in mid-summer. The pressure systems travel west to east, so the Southern Alps have a noticeable “wet” and “dry” side. The west side gets the greatest amount of rain. Cold and snow are permanent fixtures on the highest peaks. On the east side, temperatures are a bit warmer. Since the weather in New Zealand is often variable, we may occasionally have to wait for it to change in order to participate in our planned activities or possibly change our activities altogether. When packing, be prepared for a wide range of weather scenarios.
We stay a range of delightful accommodations along the way, including a lakeside alpine hotel, a charming bed-and-breakfast, vineyard cottages, an overnight aboard a boat, and a luxurious lodge accessible only by water taxi.
Most of the meals we eat on our journey will be very local and wonderfully fresh. With a thriving agricultural economy and thousands of miles of coastline, New Zealand offers a bountiful variety of ingredients, from abundant seafood to a famous lamb held in high esteem around the world. Local farm-grown produce is on most menus. Of course, New Zealand’s wine is known around the world, from full-bodied pinot noirs to fruity sauvignon blancs, and artful craft beers are widely available.
Our vehicle touring is over good roads in a comfortable van or minibus. The trip includes three short internal flights, and is designed to make the most of our time exploring the diverse landscapes the South Island has to offer.
Client Testimonials
"The itinerary was extremely well planned to showcase the vast diversity of the South Island, from glaciers to tropical fern forests to beech forests to fjords to tranquil beaches. The leaders' knowledge, humor, and expert logistical management skills made every day a joy."
Burton N.
Bellingham, WA
"Our best trip ever and that’s saying a LOT! We thoroughly enjoyed all our experiences. This trip is the best balance of adventure, hiking, great towns, spiritual meaning, and just feeling New Zealand’s nature. A truly incredible country that stays in your heart forever. "
Gail K.
Zephyr Cove, NV
"Outstanding trip leaders and great itineraries—that’s why we keep coming back to WT. I continue to be impressed with the number of activities that are so efficiently scheduled."
John H.
Evergreen, CO
"My first Wilderness Travel experience, and it far exceeded even my high expectations. I feel very lucky to be able to hike, kayak, and experience such a beautiful country as New Zealand. And to do it with guides who couldn't have been better, more caring, or knowledgeable."
John H.
Palo Alto, CA
"Incredible! Beyond my expectations across the board! Great itinerary, hiking, food, and lodging. The best guides I've had on any trip anywhere!"
Kathy B.
Silverthorne, CO
"This trip was an amazing experience. We enjoyed it so much and are grateful for the wonderful experiences, which we will never forget. Stewart Island was a real highlight and made a big impression on us. The food on this trip (and on the other New Zealand trip we have taken) were consistently outstanding and added greatly to our enjoyment of the trip."
Linda H.
Madison, WI
"I have been trying to get to New Zealand for 35 years. It surpassed all of my expectations! We got to see so much of the South Island, from tip to tip. The trails were manageable, challenging and exhilarating. Our leaders were the absolute best. I couldn't have asked for a better time!!"
Linda S.
West Orange, NJ
"We would recommend this trip to anyone looking to see fabulous vistas: beaches, mountains, cascades, rivers, glaciers, and hike unforgettable "Great Walk" tracks, experience wonderful NZ food and wine, AND be in the care and guidance of the best guides. Best hiking trip that we have taken with Wilderness Travel."
Lisa H.
Stockton, CA
"The trip was action packed, we saw and did such wonderful hikes in the fern forests, top of mountains, and gorgeous lakes. Bonus helicopter ride too!"
Monica L.
San Rafael, CA
"We really had the opportunity to experience the breadth of natural beauty, food, and fine accommodations of New Zealand. The guides were great and the itinerary was well planned."
Robert S.
Berkeley, CA
"A great, well-designed trip. A wonderful way to see many of the highlights of the South Island in a concentrated period of time. There were a terrific variety of beautiful hikes, and food and wine opportunities. Spending a night on Milford Sound, traveling to Stewart Island, AND being able to do an early morning helicopter ride outside of Wanaka, were terrific kickers to an already great hiking trip."
Warren J.
Peapack, NJ
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Itinerary
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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.