New Zealand Winter Adventure

  • 13 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 4
    • Activity Level 4

      Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Christchurch
  • Trip End: Christchurch
new zealand tour 1

Experience the South Island of New Zealand with its winter coat on, draped in serene stillness, on our New Zealand winter adventure.

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 keen 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.

Trip Highlights

Lake Matheson

HikingHiking

Franz Josef Glacier

HikingHiking

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

HikingHiking

Wanaka

BikingBiking

Kepler Track

HikingHiking

West Coast

HikingHiking

Mt Aspiring National Park

HikingHiking

Okarito Lagoon

KayakingKayaking

Cruise on Milford Sound

Plus...

Explore Queenstown

Plus...

Explore Lake Te Anau glow worm caves

Plus...

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

New Zealand Winter Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Christchurch Trip End: Christchurch

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive to Christchurch, hike Mt John

  • Day 2Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park or ski/snowboard Ohau Ski Area

  • Day 3Mt Aspiring Hut: Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park

  • Day 4Hike out of Mt Aspiring National Park and bike Wanaka

  • Day 5Free day in Queenstown

  • Day 6Hike Kepler Track and explore Te Anau glow worm caves

  • Day 7Cruise on Milford Sound, explore Fiordland National Park

  • Day 8Scenic journey to the West Coast

  • Day 9Explore West Coast, Hike Fox Glacier Walkway

  • Day 10Hike Lake Matheson and Lake Gault

  • Day 11Kayak Okarito Lagoon, hike near Franz Josef Glacier

  • Day 12Hike Punakaiki rainforest and beaches

  • Day 13Depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive to Christchurch, hike Mt John

    #81317

    Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving in Auckland early Monday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you. We then 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

     

  • Day 2

    Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park or ski/snowboard Ohau Ski Area

    #81318

    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. An option today is to spend the day skiing at the small and friendly Ohau Ski Area, one of the South Island’s more remote backcountry ski fields.
    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

  • Day 3

    Mt Aspiring Hut: Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park

    #81319

    After leaving Wanaka, 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 

  • Day 4

    Hike out of Mt Aspiring National Park and bike Wanaka

    #81320

    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, 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

  • Day 5

    Free day in Queenstown

    #81321

    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, Queenstown
    Meals: No meals

    The 5-day Southern Alps Winter Adventure trip ends today

  • Day 6

    Hike Kepler Track and explore Te Anau glow worm caves

    #81322

    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

  • Day 7

    Cruise on Milford Sound, explore Fiordland National Park

    #81323

    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

  • Day 8

    Scenic journey to the West Coast

    #81324

    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.

  • Day 9

    Explore West Coast, Hike Fox Glacier Walkway

    #81325

    Fox Glacier, West Coast New Zealand

    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

  • Day 10

    Hike Lake Matheson and Lake Gault

    #81326

    Lake Matheson, West Coast of South Island

    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 Glacier
    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

  • Day 11

    Kayak Okarito Lagoon, hike near Franz Josef Glacier

    #81327

    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

     

  • Day 12

    Hike Punakaiki rainforest and beaches

    #81328

    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
    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

  • Day 13

    Depart for home

    #81329

    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

New Zealand Winter Adventure Departure Dates

Looking for a shorter winter trip? Check out our 5-Day Southern Alps Adventure or 8-Day South Island Winter Adventure.

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Included

  • 12 nights’ accommodation
  • 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced guides, driver and cook, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Hiking poles for your use throughout the trip
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!
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Our expert, local guides will take you hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, so you can experience the stunning backdrop close-up. Combine this with a warm and welcoming people, beautiful Maori culture, and world class wines and cuisine, and you've got an incredible, unique adventure you'll never forget.

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Useful Info

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Merivale Manor at 9:30am or the Christchurch airport (CHC) in front of the Help Desk (near door 7) at 10am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

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.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: If you're flying in on the first day of the trip, we recommend arriving in Christchurch before 9.30am on Monday.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 5pm on Sunday. If you're considering alternative flight times please check with us. International flights from Auckland airport (AKL) usually leave early evening, so if you're heading back to North America, you'll get home some time on Sunday, even though you left on Sunday evening! Flights back to Europe, of course, take a little longer.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a good level of fitness for this trip as it’s one of our more adventurous trips. Typically, hikes range between two and five hours to complete. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some hills, steps and carrying a backpack. Advance preparation means you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip even more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

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 and Welcome Flat hut on our overnight hikes - and the true Kiwi experience makes it all worthwhile.

If you've selected a single supplement for your trip, the overnight hike(s) are 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).

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

You'll also need a good quality trekking pack with well-fitting shoulder and waist straps. Your pack should be 60 litre size (3500 cubic inches), large enough to fit your sleeping bag inside along with all your multi-day gear.

Tell me about the overnight hikes?

Mt. Aspiring National Park
Your first overnight hike, into Mt. Aspiring Hut, is designed to ease you into the overnight hikes. It’s a three hour hike
(10 kilometres / 6 miles) to Mt. Aspiring Hut, your humble home for the night. Here you’ll be treated to a candle-lit
dinner - mountain style whilst looking up at New Zealand’s second highest peak! The following day you return the way you came, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the glacier.

Copland track to Welcome Flat
After a few days of creature comforts your next overnight hike is designed to be a bit more of a challenge. You’ll be
carrying a slightly bigger pack (more clothes and food) and we’ll be hiking greater distances (17 kilometres / 11 miles).
You’ve got all day to make your way up the Copland track to Welcome Flat hut - and the rewards are well worth it! Be sure to pack your bathing suit as only five minutes from the hut door there are natural hot pools – the perfect antidote for weary muscles! You’ll spend the following day hiking further up the valley, soaking in the pools or reading a book in the hut while we cook up a storm for you! On the third day we retrace our steps down the valley.

While on the overnight hikes you’ll be sleeping in Department of Conservation (DOC) owned mountain huts. These unique huts are open to the public and are warm, dry and comfortable. They’re located in very remote areas (with amazing scenery) so they don’t have private rooms, electricity, hot water, phones or flushing toilets - and the view from the outhouse is second to none! This really is New Zealand’s wildest country and because it’s not possible to book these huts, you’ll meet and share the experience with other mountain adventurers and explorers.

You’ll be carrying a large backpack of around 60 litres (3500 cubic inches) in volume - strapping things to the outside of your pack is not recommended in New Zealand. Your other gear will be stored securely for you. Your guides will give you a gear list to check over prior to both overnight hikes.

What will the weather be like?

Seeing you’re visiting New Zealand during the winter months, temperatures tend to be pretty cold, so be sure to pack those extra warm layers (see the gear list below). On the odd occasion, the weather can get in the way of our planned activities, so we try and be as flexible as possible and we always have great Plan B’s up our sleeve! Your guides will always inform you of any changes that need to be made during the trip - we ask for your flexibility and understanding under these circumstances as such decisions are always made with your safety in mind.

Is tipping expected in New Zealand?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of New Zealand.

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