You’ll be treated to stunning mountain views at every turn as you travel into the heart of the Southern Alps. From a cozy ski lodge, to magnificent Aoraki Mt Cook, to the remote backcountry of Mt Aspiring National Park, to the captivating charm of the adventure capital of Queenstown, where you can enjoy a local world-class pinot noir and reflect on your 5 days of snowy alpine delights.
Start - End: Christchurch - Queenstown
Total trip: 5 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 3
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Step into New Zealand’s Southern Alps at their most enchanting. A realm of snow-capped peaks, crisp mountain air, and cozy alpine hospitality awaits. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll adventure deep into the heart of this winter wonderland, where it's one breathtaking view after another.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the pristine backcountry of Mount Aspiring National Park, where peaceful trails wind through valleys dusted with snow. Each evening, return to the comfort of your alpine lodge and settle in to a crackling fire, hearty meals, and good company. Then round out your adventure in Queenstown, the vibrant hub of mountain life, with a glass of local pinot noir in hand and a heart full of alpine memories.
Mt Aspiring National Park
Hike through Mt Aspiring National Park’s glacier-carved valleys and beech forests, where the air feels crisp, the rivers run clear, and the grandeur of the Southern Alps surrounds you at every step.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Follow glacier-fed rivers and ancient moraine trails beneath the towering presence of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, and feel the awe of standing in the heart of the wintery Southern Alps.
Wanaka
Feel the crisp mountain air as you cycle the lakeside trails of Wanaka, gliding past mirror-like waters and golden tussock hills. This is pure South Island magic at your own pace.
Explore Queenstown
Round off your adventure in Queenstown, the lively alpine town where adventure and relaxation meet. Sip local wine by the lake or take in the mountain views that never stop impressing.
Click the map below to explore your winter wonderland route through the Southern Alps.
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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
Your trip finishes here in Queenstown, 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.
Alternatively, you can go skiing or snowboarding for the day at one of four nearby ski areas.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: No meals
Find out fitness levels required for this trip to gear and equipment that is supplied for your winter activities.
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 after breakfast and you're free to fly out any time. You'll need to organise your own transfer to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) in time for your departing flight.
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, you can depart from Queenstown at any time.
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.
We recommend bringing enough clothing so you don't have to do laundry during your trip.
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.
Book your bucket-list adventure at today’s price
Now's the time to secure today's trip price and look forward to an adventure of a lifetime with only $350 down.
Book by June 30 to reserve your place, before trip prices go up.
Plan ahead to lock in the dates that work for you — and let the excitement build as you count down to your dream adventure.
We're here to help, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.
*Terms and conditions apply. Lowered deposit of $350 only availableuntil June 30, 2025. See below for details.
*Terms and Conditions
- $350 deposit is valid for any new Active Adventures trip departing by June 30, 2026, when booked by June 30, 2025 (11:59 pm Pacific Time).
- Offer applies to Active Adventures trips only and excludes all Austin Adventures itineraries listed on the website.
- Final payment is due 120 days prior to trip departure. For bookings made within 120 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
- $350 deposit is per person and non-refundable. If you change your trip after booking, you will be required to pay the remaining standard 25% deposit amount at the time of change. Standard booking conditions will apply.
- Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
- Additional restrictions may apply.
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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.
Need a hand with your travel plans? Like to arrange a tropical stopover? Our trusted partners atFuzion Travelare here to help make getting to and from New Zealand hassle-free and easy.
