Conquer the Alps to Ocean Trail, an Iconic New Zealand Bike Ride
The longest continuous bike ride in New Zealand, the Alps to Ocean trail, showcases Mother…
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
The South Island of New Zealand hardly needs an introduction - its reputation as an outdoor lover's paradise ensures its presence on many people's bucket lists. On our South Island hiking adventure, we'll explore famous glaciers such as Franz Josef and Hooker Glacier, guide you on the best bits of our Great Walks, cruise or kayak the world-famous Milford Sound, venture into lesser-known backcountry that only locals know about and cycle some incredibly scenic trails such as the Alps 2 Ocean Trail. You'll have plenty of time to contemplate the scenery and relax in our carefully picked lodgings, and your guides will make sure you get fed in proper Kiwi fashion with freshly cooked meals. Come hike, bike and kayak in some of our favourite spots on the South Island, or opt for a more relaxed adventure - just take your pick!
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand!
New Zealand's South Island is a hiking paradise. Boasting beautiful beaches, dramatic alpine wilderness and pristine native forests, hiking trails in these varied landscapes offer a range of easily accessible hikes. Along the backbone of the South Island are the spectacular Southern Alps, a mountain range of incredible natural beauty and home to several Great Walks. With over 15,000km of coastline, there are several hiking trails alongside pristine beaches. The South Island offers truly spectacular options in various landscapes and a range of hikes to suit all fitness levels.
The 'Great Walks' are well-maintained hiking trails that rank as some of the very best in the world, and in most cases need to be booked months in advance. The Milford Track, which can be walked in full on our Milford Track Adventure, is the most famous of these in New Zealand. Hiking this trail is a life-changing experience with the most stunning views, incredible alpine scenery, beautifully designed lodges, and a post-card moment at every turn. At the top of the South Island is the exquisite Abel Tasman Track; imagine hiking on pristine golden sand beaches, alongside clear blue waters, and through gorgeous New Zealand native trees that grow down to the shore. On the west of the island is the beautiful Heaphy Track, and to the south lies the mighty Kepler Track near Lake Te Anau and the ever-popular Routeburn Track (both trails can be sampled on most of our South Island trips) - a two-night hike near the beautiful resort township of Queenstown.
There are over five hundred incredible hiking trails in the South Island, of which 10 of the most popular (including the Milford Track) have been developed into 'Great Walks'. These 'Great Walks' have impressive backcountry facilities, are very popular, and hiking passes have to be booked months ahead of time - and often sell out the day they get released.
Unfortunately, most visitors to New Zealand don't realize there are hundreds of other trails taking you to cozy backcountry huts, in equally stunning surroundings, with slightly more rustic amenities, but without the crowds. We believe these lesser-known trails, such as the Angelus Circuit, are the best way to experience a true New Zealand wilderness experience.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.