South Island Scenic Hiking Adventure

Your adventure begins with the ocean at your side as you leave Christchurch and travel north along the coast. We’ll stop at Gore Bay for a picnic lunch and a first taste of the South Island outdoors, with fresh sea air and rugged shoreline stretching around you.
From here, we’ll continue to Kaikoura, passing weathered limestone cliffs on the way. Once we arrive, we’ll stretch our legs on a coastal walk and look out for fur seals lounging on the rocks or playing in the water below. You’ll also see sections of coastline lifted during the Kaikoura earthquake, a remarkable glimpse of a landscape still being shaped by nature.
It’s a relaxed first day, with just enough time on your feet to ease into the adventure and get to know your guides and fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura, KaikouraView More
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 0.5-1 hour

Leaving Kaikoura behind, we’ll follow the coast toward Blenheim before turning inland for St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park. Beech forest, clear water, and mountains fill the landscape here. Over the next three days you can choose how deep into the National Park you’d like to go with our active and challenging options.

DAY 2 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
Hike from St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
Set out from St Arnaud on a gentle trail beneath native beech forest, following the edge of Lake Rotoiti toward Lakehead Hut. With the lake through the trees and mountains rising beyond the water, it’s a beautiful introduction to the scenic hiking that makes this corner of the South Island so special.
At the Lakehead jetty, we’ll swap boots for a water taxi and cruise back across the lake to St Arnaud, where you’ll settle in for the evening.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St ArnaudView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

DAY 2 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Hike from St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
Your backcountry adventure begins in St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park, where beech forest, broad lakes, and the mountains of the upper Southern Alps set the scene. You’ll follow the relatively gentle trail beside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut, a small mountain cabin tucked away at the head of the lake and your home for the night. It’s true wilderness country, with plenty of space, quiet, and big mountain views along the way. You’ll carry a backpack with your sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and a share of the group food. Your guides will take on most of the communal load, so you can settle into the trail without carrying more than you need.

To help protect this fragile environment, we keep groups small and stay flexible with the exact route depending on conditions.
(Note: The Angelus Hut Challenging Option is rated a Level 4 on our Activity Scale.)
Accommodation: Lakehead Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

Today your two routes reveal different sides of Nelson Lakes National Park. Choose a full day beside the stunning Lake Rotoiti, or climb into the alpine backcountry toward Angelus Hut.

DAY 3 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Hike from Coldwater Hut to St Arnaud
We’ll begin with a water taxi ride to Coldwater Hut at the head of Lake Rotoiti. From here, the trail traces the lakeshore through forest toward Whisky Creek and Whisky Falls, where water tumbles through the greenery.
After a picnic lunch by the lake, continue toward West Bay before looping back to St Arnaud. It’s a rewarding day of forest, water, and mountain views, without leaving the comforts of the lodge behind.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St ArnaudView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 524 feet (160 meters) ascent, x feet (459 meters) descent

DAY 3 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Hike up to Angelus Hut
This is the big climbing day of your backcountry hiking adventure. From Lakehead Hut, you’ll follow the Travers River beneath beech forest before turning toward Hukere Stream and beginning the steady climb into the high country.
As you gain elevation, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), the forest gives way to an increasingly open alpine landscape. At the end of the climb sits Angelus Hut beside its mountain lake, a remote spot that feels wonderfully removed from the world below.
There’s no need to rush. Your guides will help set a steady pace so there’s time to look around, catch your breath, and enjoy the satisfaction of getting there under your own steam.

IMPORTANT: For guests participating in early season departures (i.e. September, October, November, and sometimes early December, though this varies each year) access to Angelus Hut can be impeded due to the removal of the Hukere Stream bridge on the upper section of the Cascade Track, during the New Zealand winter months, to prevent possible avalanche damage. The reinstallation of the bridge depends on the amount of snow in the area and so in the event Angelus Hut cannot be accessed, we will either enjoy alternative hikes in the area and stay a second night at Lakehead Hut, or venture to Bushline Hut. 
Accommodation: Angelus Hut, Nelson Lakes National ParkView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), 6-8 hours. Note: Rated Level 4 on our Activity Scale
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) ascent

Your final morning in Nelson Lakes brings the group back together before a complete change of scenery. By evening, alpine lakes and beech forest will have given way to the wild Tasman Sea.

DAY 4 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Hike toward Roberts Ridge
Start along the peninsula beside Lake Rotoiti before joining the Pinchgut Track and climbing through beech forest and mānuka scrub (yes, like the famous honey!) toward Mt Robert and Roberts Ridge.
You’ll hike as far as conditions and timing allow, meeting the backcountry group as they make their way down from Angelus Hut. Once everyone is reunited, we’ll share lunch with a view together and begin our journey west.

Hiking: Up to 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,804 feet (550 meters) ascent, up to 1,804 feet (550 meters) descent

DAY 4 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti
Step outside Angelus Hut this morning and straight into the high country. The route follows the exposed Roberts Ridge, with wide views toward Tasman Bay and the mountains of Kahurangi National Park.
Eventually, you’ll leave the ridge behind and descend through native beech forest to the shores of Lake Rotoiti, where you’ll meet the rest of the group for a well-deserved delicious lunch.

Hiking: 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 623 feet (190 meters) ascent, 3,117 feet (950 meters) descent

DAY 4
Regroup, travel to West Coast
After regrouping in St Arnaud, we’ll head across the Southern Alps to the West Coast – a dramatic and rugged coastline stretching 372 miles (600 kilometers), with a population of only 40,000 people. You’ll mingle with the ‘Coasters’ tonight in the seaside village of Punakaiki, exchanging tales of our adventures over dinner.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, PunakaikiView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you’ll experience one of the great contrasts of the West Coast. Dense temperate rainforest grows within reach of the ocean, while limestone cliffs and canyons rise through the greenery.
We’ll hike the Inland Pack Track, following a route once used by gold miners through rainforest and limestone country. Beneath the canopy, ferns crowd the trail and the air carries that unmistakable earthy scent of the West Coast bush. One of New Zealand's most impressive features is its remarkable diversity of landscapes.

We’ll also visit the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. Layer upon layer of limestone sits above the Tasman Sea, where waves have spent thousands of years carving caves, channels, and openings through the rock. Later, we’ll follow the coastline south to Hokitika. There’ll be time to browse local galleries and visit pounamu (iconic greenstone) carving workshops before continuing to Franz Josef, deep in glacier country.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz JosefView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 4.6 miles (7.5 kilometers, 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 459 feet (140 meters) ascent, 426 feet (130 meters) descent

This morning we’ll head to Okarito, a tiny coastal settlement tucked between rainforest, lagoon, and the Tasman Sea.

From the seat of a sea kayak, you’ll paddle across the calm waters of Okarito Lagoon with the Southern Alps rising in the distance. Keep an eye on the shoreline and skies for some of the birdlife that makes its home here, including New Zealand’s native white herons.
After your paddle, choose a walk through the coastal landscape or simply enjoy some unhurried time in Okarito. This little place is a special gem, you'll experience forest behind you, ocean ahead, and mountains on the horizon.

Back in Franz Josef, the rest of the afternoon is yours. Relax at the accommodation, opt for a hot tub soak, or simply enjoy some downtime before heading out for dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz JosefView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), 1-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 394 feet (120 meters) ascent, 394 feet (120 meters) descent

Kayaking: 2-4 hours

Today the trail takes you into one of the South Island’s most unusual environments, where temperate rainforest grows beneath glacier-carved mountains. We’ll spend much of the day hiking near Franz Josef Glacier, climbing through forest for views toward the ice and the surrounding Southern Alps. The combination of lush green bush and glacier country makes this a landscape unlike anywhere else on the trip. Weather plays a big part in what’s possible here. If weather conditions don’t permit our planned Franz Josef hike, we may explore the stunning Lake Matheson and the Blue Pools near Haast Pass as an alternative.

After hiking, we’ll continue south through the forest before turning inland for Makarora, a remote mountain settlement beside Mt Aspiring National Park. With very little light pollution, Makarora can offer exceptional stargazing, and on clear nights our guests are often treated to breathtaking views of the night sky.
Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, MakaroraView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: Up to 5.5 miles (9.5 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,640 feet (500 meters) ascent, up to 1,640 feet (500 meters) descent

The scenery changes again this morning as the dense forests of the West Coast give way to the drier mountains and open country around the beautiful town of Wanaka.

You’ll hike the Rocky Mountain Track, a circuit through native forest and shrubland with views across a landscape carved by ancient glaciers. As the trail climbs, the surrounding lakes and mountains open up around you, making this a fitting final hike of the journey.

Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch in Wanaka before crossing the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown. This is an exceptionally scenic drive where Lake Wakatipu and the magnificent surrounding mountains will welcome you to the renowned "Adventure Capital of the World".
Accommodation: Rendezvous Heritage Hotel, QueenstownView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 4.5 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,230 feet (375 meters) ascent, 1,230 feet (375 meters) descent

After days spent on trails, lakes, and wild coastline, today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace.
If your legs are asking for more, there are plenty of ways to keep moving, from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and other outdoor activities. Or take things down a notch with a gondola ride, winery visit, spa treatment, café stop, or a good book somewhere with a mountain view. Your guides know Queenstown well and will be happy to point you toward their favorite places, whether you’re after another dose of adventure or a slow final day.
Accommodation: Rendezvous Heritage Hotel, QueenstownView More
Meals: No meals