Discover the magic of New Zealand’s South Island in its quiet winter beauty. Enjoy a sunrise cruise on Milford Sound as mist rises from the still water, then lace up your boots to explore the Kepler Track, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Snow-dusted peaks, peaceful trails, and warm Kiwi hospitality make this the perfect way to experience the South Island without the crowds.
Start - End: Christchurch - Christchurch
Total trip: 13 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 3
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Discover the South Island without the crowds on our 13-day New Zealand Winter Adventure hiking trip. To let you in on a secret, exploring the dramatic landscapes of the South Island during New Zealand's winter months is largely underrated. Between May and September, ski areas come to life, and the mountains look spectacular covered in snow. However, trails once busy during the summer months are now exclusively yours, and huts once packed full of enthusiastic hikers sit empty, waiting for a small group to enjoy their beautiful surroundings.
Our New Zealand Winter Adventure has been crafted specifically for our mild winters. You'll enjoy a sunrise cruise on Milford Sound, hike the Kepler Track, Mount Aspiring National Park, and under the towering mountains of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. If you're short on time we have 5-day Winter Adventure and 8-day Winter Adventure versions of this spectacular trip. If you're ready to see New Zealand in all its beauty, our New Zealand Winter Adventure is calling your name.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Walk beneath snow-capped peaks and wide alpine skies in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, where you’ll feel the crisp winter air on your face and the quiet beauty of the mountains all around you.
Franz Josef Glacier
Explore a shimmering world of ice and rock as you hike near Franz Josef Glacier, surrounded by glistening peaks and crisp mountain air.
Kepler Track
Traverse frost-tipped ridgelines and beech forests on the Kepler Track, where every turn reveals the serene beauty of Fiordland in winter.
Mt Aspiring National Park
Wander through snow-dusted valleys and beneath towering peaks in Mt Aspiring National Park, a true alpine wonderland.
Lake Matheson
Gaze into the glassy surface of Lake Matheson, one of New Zealand's most photographed lakes, where reflections of Aoraki and the Southern Alps glow against the still winter light.
West Coast
Follow wild coastal trails lined with fern-filled forests and feel the refreshing chill of the Tasman Sea on New Zealand’s untamed West Coast.
Wanaka
Pedal along Wanaka’s peaceful lakeside paths, with snow-covered mountains mirrored in the calm blue water beside you.
Okarito Lagoon
Glide quietly across Okarito Lagoon as mist rises from the water and the call of native birds echoes through the cool morning air.
Cruise on Milford Sound
Sail beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls as low clouds drift across Milford Sound, a winter scene straight from a dream.
Explore Lake Te Anau glow worm caves
Venture underground into a glittering galaxy of glow worms, their soft blue light illuminating hidden caves beside Lake Te Anau.
Explore Queenstown
Embrace the buzz of Queenstown in winter, where snow-capped peaks frame cozy cafés, lively streets, and endless alpine adventure.
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Leaving the city behind, we'll head to Lake Tekapo for a hike along the lakeshore before emerging above the treeline on Mt. John for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Then we’ll carry on to the remote and beautiful Lake Ohau Lodge. The lodge is tucked in beside an alpine lake, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps – the ideal spot to soak in the hot tub and star gaze! Today is a relaxed introduction to New Zealand. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll probably find jetlag is no big deal. For instance, it’s a 12 to 13-hour direct overnight flight from the west coast of the USA to Auckland so you’ll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,080 feet (330 meters) ascent, 1,080 feet (330 meters) descent
After a late breakfast on the balcony overlooking Lake Ohau, we’ll take an impressive hike at the head of Lake Pukaki, up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake complete with icebergs! This is a great spot for lunch and on a clear day, the views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, are stunning.
We’ll return to the lodge where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent
After breakfast we’ll head south, driving through the tussock-country of Lindis Pass to Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in New Zealand and surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains. We’ll venture up the Matukituki Valley and hike two to three hours into Mt. Aspiring National Park to reach our home for the evening – a spacious mountain hut nestled in a valley in the middle of nowhere. The track meanders past majestic peaks, fresh mountain streams, and natural beech forest. You’ll be carrying a sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and some food, so your pack won’t weigh much more than a regular day pack. The scenery is off the charts with Mt. Aspiring rising 9,951 feet (3,033 meters) into the blue sky. It’s amazing how far you’ll feel from civilization after this relatively short walk! Tonight your guide will whip up dinner in the backcountry kitchen while you relax by the fire.
Accommodation: Mt Aspiring Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 197 feet (60 meters) ascent
We have a leisurely start today, enjoying breakfast and a cuppa while admiring the view, before hiking back to the trailhead. Along the way, we might encounter the cheeky kea – they’re really inquisitive and like to get pretty close at times!
We'll head out for a bike ride along the lakeshore, and then it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, our base for the next couple of days.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel or Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 197 feet (60 meters) descent
Biking: Up to 6 miles (10 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here, including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, a historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere by the fire at one of the local cafés or pubs.
Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today. Alternatively, you can go skiing or snowboarding for the day at one of four nearby ski areas.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel or Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Queenstown
Meals: No meals
The 5-day Southern Alps Winter Adventure trip ends today
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Lake Te Anau to hike the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’. Unlike most of the other ‘Great Walks’, which evolved from Maori greenstone trails or pioneer exploration routes, the Kepler Track was custom-made and built for pleasure rather than necessity. The track has been carefully crafted to show walkers all the very best features of Fiordland, from the prolific bird life and tussock high country to the huge mountain ranges and vast glacier-carved valleys.
This evening we’ll take a boat journey across Lake Te Anau to a glittering grotto of glow worms. These fascinating bugs light the way in a 200-meter system of caves, underground waterfalls, sculpted walls, and swirling pools. From the darkness of the glow worm caves, we’ll head back into the light of Te Anau where we’ll stay the night.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6 miles (9.5 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 165 feet (50 meters) ascent, 165 feet (50 meters) descent
This morning we’ll head towards Milford Sound on one of the most dramatically scenic drives in the world. We’ll pass through the Eglinton Valley, and wind our way through the mountains of Fiordland. Our drive takes us through the Homer Tunnel, an astounding feat of human engineering which must be seen to be believed. Once we arrive you’ll have the opportunity to explore Milford Sound and hopefully spot some friendly fur seals and dolphins.
We’ll jump on board a boat cruise, where you’ll gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around, and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. This afternoon, we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot to check out some of its endemic flora and fauna, like the kea (Nestor notabilis), New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and intelligent alpine parrot and the kotukutuku (Fuchsia excorticate), the world’s largest fuchsia.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise: 2 hours
Today, we’ll be making the scenic journey past beautiful rolling farmland and around the edge of Lake Wakatipu, leaving the dry-arid mountains behind us as we continue driving on the stunning road between Lake Wanaka and Hawea. There will be plenty of time for photo stops on the way continuing over the Haast Pass, down into impressively dense rain forest as we near the West coast – a long stretch of gorgeous, rugged coastline with a population of only 40,000 people. We’ll mingle with the ‘coasters’ tonight in the tiny township of Haast, exchanging tales of our adventures at the local pub in front of a roaring fire.
Accommodation: Heartland World Heritage Hotel, Haast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The 8-day South Island Winter Adventure trip ends today in Queenstown. You will be dropped off en route between Te Anau and Haast.
This morning, we’ll journey up the wild West Coast, stopping on a deserted beach to stretch our legs and keep an eye out for friendly dolphins passing by.
We'll make our way to Fox Glacier where we'll walk along the South Side Walkway to view a glimpse of the 13-kilometre glacier, located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The track follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest, making its way gently up the valley crossing ancient glacial moraine surfaces. The track winds gently downhill through the rainforest before encountering a view point of Fox Glacier [Te Moeka o Tuawe].
Afterwards, we'll settle into our accommodation in Fox Glacier.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel, Fox Glacier
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3.9 miles (6.4 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 551 feet (168 meters) ascent, 551 feet (168 meters) descent
We'll head toward the coast and enjoy a short loop walk around Lake Matheson where you’ll be rewarded with awesome vistas of the Southern Alps. As we had back toward the carpark, we'll branch off and walk toward Lake Gault, another small glacial lake surrpunded by vegetation. On a still day, the peaks are perfectly reflected on the surface of Lake Gault, so we may opt to walk Lake Gault first as the best time for this is in the morning!
After our excursion, we'll make our way further north to Franz Josef, where we'll spend two days exploring the area. With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Matheson Hiking: 1.7 miles (2.8 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 33 feet (10 meters) ascent, 33 feet (10 meters) descent
Lake Gault Hiking: 4.9 miles (8 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,292 feet (394 meters) ascent, 1,292 feet (394 meters) descent
This morning we’ll make a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’ll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along the picturesque lagoon, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand, as well as a host of other interesting birds. Once back in Franz Josef, you’ll have the option to take a hike or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Kayaking: 2-4 hours
Hiking: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 394 feet (120 meters) ascent, 394 feet (120 meters) descent
This morning, we’ll travel along the coast to check out local art galleries and a pounamu carving workshop (pounamu is Maori for jade) in Hokitika. After lunch, we carry on to Punakaiki, where we’ll hike the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons in the footsteps of the gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. While we’re in Punakaiki, we’ll also check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea. Tonight we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner for the last night of your trip.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Inland Pack Track Hike: 4 miles (6 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 425 feet (130 meters) ascent, 425 feet (130 meters) descent
Pancake Rocks Hike: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour
We’ll leave after breakfast for the beautiful journey over Arthurs Pass to Christchurch. This is the last day of your trip, and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand’s winter landscape.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
On the first morning of the trip, please meet us outside reception at the Merivale Manor at 9:00am, our designated departure point for all guests on your trip. Please make your own arrangements to get there. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch - that's up to you. Be prepared with your daypack and hiking boots, ready for this afternoon's hike up Mt John.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Christchurch Airport (CHC) in time for flights below or anywhere in Central Christchurch around 3pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Christchurch the day before your trip begins, or earlier, to accommodate potential flight delays and give you time to explore the city before your adventure starts.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm for domestic and 5pm for international flight departures. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We’ve selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments, some of which have private bathrooms and some shared bathrooms. You may be sharing a two bedroom apartment or bathroom with other group members at some stage. Some places are fairly basic - like when we stay at Mt. Aspiring Hut on our overnight hike - and the true Kiwi experience makes it all worthwhile. Where you’ll be staying each night is detailed on the trip itinerary above. Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may stay somewhere different, which will always be a similar standard and just as comfortable.
If you've selected a single supplement for your trip, the overnight hike is not included as no single rooms are available in the huts, and the single supplement price takes this into account.
While there are laundry facilities at most locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a couple of times during your trip. The best time will be during your two night stay in Queenstown (during your free day).
Getting from one breathtaking destination to the next in New Zealand means road travel is essential. That’s why having comfortable, reliable transport plays a big role in making your adventure vacation enjoyable.
We own and operate our very own fleet of medium-sized coaches — perfectly suited for New Zealand’s unique roads. They’re ideal for accessing the country’s iconic highlights and venturing off the beaten track to the lesser-known places most travelers miss.
So sit back, relax, and let us take the wheel. Your New Zealand adventure is calling — and we’ll make sure you travel in comfort and style.
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. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
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Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
New Zealand might feel like a world away, but it’s closer than you think — just a 12-hour direct flight from the Pacific Coast of North America. Major airlines, including Air New Zealand (our national carrier), offer non-stop flights to Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island from cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Vancouver.
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