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4.7/5 (4485 reviews)

Ultimate South Island Adventure

Experience the best of the South Island on our signature New Zealand adventure tour. You'll explore the most iconic spots as well as little-known gems only we locals know about. With our guides' legendary hospitality and deep local knowledge, you're guaranteed an authentic connection with the stunning natural beauty of the South Island.

Start - End: Christchurch - Christchurch

Total trip: 14 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 3-4

from NZD 12,999/pp including taxes and fees

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Trip Inquiry - Ultimate South Island Adventure

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Trip Inquiry - Ultimate South Island Adventure

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Looking for the most authentic way to see and experience the real New Zealand on a hiking tour?

Our signature trip, the Ultimate South Island Adventure, is the perfect hiking tour for you. We'll take you on an unforgettable journey exploring our mountains in Mount Cook National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park, walking the West Coast rainforest and coastlines, getting up close to glaciers in Franz Josef, cycling incredibly scenic trails such as the Queenstown Trail, hiking sections of our Great Walks, and even cruising on Milford Sound.

You'll experience our unique culture and wildlife along the way, and enjoy the world's best wines at stunning vineyards. Each night, you'll stay in accommodations we have carefully hand-picked, in some of New Zealand's most spectacular settings. We've been fine-tuning this perennial favorite since 1996, and it's simply an incredible trip. You'll explore the most beautiful, famous and little-known places in the South Island with legendary hospitality and unsurpassed attention to detail on our 14-day Ultimate South Island Adventure tour. Be prepared to leave a piece of your heart in New Zealand.

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Milford Sound

Enjoy the peace and early morning light as waterfalls cascade all around you

Routeburn Track

Flexibility to cater for varying thirsts for adventure within the group

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Enjoy the backcountry setting as your guides prepare nourishing meals

Trip Highlights

Hiking

Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand’s best loved Great Walks, the scenery will steal your heart hiking through lush beech forests and vibrant alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers.

Hiking

Kepler Track

One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, this loop track winds through the dramatic alpine scenery of Fiordland National Park.

Hiking

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

New Zealand’s tallest peak of Aoraki / Mt Cook stands proudly above glaciers, lakes, and surrounding trails.

Hiking

West Coast

Feel the ocean breeze on your face and listen to the waves crashing below as you hike through lush rainforests and along rugged coastal cliffs on the Pack Track.

Hiking

Franz Josef Glacier

Nestled beside temperate rainforest, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the steepest and fastest moving in New Zealand.

Hiking

Nelson Lakes (Backcountry Option)

Breathe in the fresh alpine air as you step into the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park by hiking to Angelus Hut's serene setting.

Hiking

Nelson Lakes (Comfort Option)

Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Rotoiti surrounded by the native bush-covered mountains and vibrant beech forests of Nelson Lakes National Park.

Hiking

Punakaiki

The iconic Pancake Rocks and thundering blowholes create a spectacular show against the crashing waves of the Tasman Sea.

Biking

Queenstown Cycle Trail

Discover the world-class vineyards of Gibbston Valley, or cycle along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes to quaint Arrowtown. 

Kayaking

Okarito Lagoon

Glide over the inky green waters as you gaze up at the nesting sanctuary of elegant White Herons, with the snow-capped Southern Alps in the distance.

Plus...

Explore Queenstown

Every moment is an adventure in Queenstown, the jewel in New Zealand's crown. Whether you're bungee jumping or savoring a leisurely wine tour in the surrounding vineyards.

Plus...

Cruise Milford Sound

Cruising the epic beauty of the fjord with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls feels like a dream come to life. See bottlenose dolphins and seals bask in the sun during the bucket list moment.

Day by day trip

We’re often told each day of this trip is a highlight, and it’s difficult to single out the best day, as they’re all so breathtakingly incredible!

Click the map below to explore.

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Arrive, visit Gore Bay and explore Kaikoura

Leaving the city behind, you’ll start your trip by travelling up the coast, stopping off at Gore Bay for a picnic lunch, and exploration of the rugged coast with its fresh air.

You'll continue onto the seaside town of Kaikoura, passing weathered limestone cliffs, where we can walk to view fur seals basking on the rocks and playing in the eddies from a look-out point. This stretch of rugged coastline that was uplifted in the Kaikoura earthquake - it’s amazing to see this brand new land! Today is a relaxed introduction to New Zealand. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll probably find jetlag is no big deal. 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: Sudima Kaikoura, Kaikoura
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 0.5-1 hour

Start of multi-day options

From Kaikoura, we’ll travel along spectacular coastline for a couple of hours to Blenheim, a town in the Marlborough wine region. We’ll have a picnic lunch before we head off to St Arnaud.

DAY 2 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
Your hike begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut and jetty. From here, we’ll board a water taxi to take us back to St Arnaud, where you’ll stay for the next couple of nights.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud
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: St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut
The Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking option begins in the charming village of St Arnaud, on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. This is serious wilderness country, with incredible views and marvelous solitude. The park straddles the upper Southern Alps, an area composed of beech forests, big lakes and even bigger mountains. You’ll hike the relatively gentle trail through the forest alongside Lake Rotoiti to Lakehead Hut, a small mountain cabin at the head of the lake and our home for the night. Our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. All you’ll be carrying is a backpack with your sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and a share of our food. To protect this beautiful and fragile environment, we always keep our group sizes small and our exact route flexible. (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

Multi-day options continued

DAY 3 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Coldwater Hut to St Arnaud
After breakfast, you’ll return by water taxi to the top end of the lake, and this time you’ll arrive at Coldwater hut and jetty – just across the river from Lakehead hut. From here you'll follow the trail as it gently winds its way around Lake Rotoiti to Whisky Creek, and the beautiful Whisky Falls. Feel free to fill up your water bottles from Whisky Creek, but it IS only water, honest! After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore, you’ll continue on to West Bay and loop back to St Arnaud for the evening.
Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 295 feet (90 meters) ascent, 295 feet (90 meters) descent

DAY 3 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Lakehead Hut to Angelus Hut
Today is an unforgettable day – the scenery gets better with each step! You'll follow the Travers River through beech forest, before heading up the Hukere Stream towards the ridgeline. This is a challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), but it’s absolutely worth it. The Angelus Circuit has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. There’s no rush and your guides will be there to encourage you the whole way. It’s a tremendous feeling at the top when you reach Angelus Hut, nestled beside a gorgeous alpine lake. Many people tell us this hidden gem was the highlight of their New Zealand adventure, and a lot of Kiwis prefer the Angelus Circuit to better-known tracks.

IMPORTANT: For guests participating in early season departures (i.e. September, October, and sometimes early November) 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 Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Multi-day options continued

DAY 4 ACTIVE OPTION
Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking: Hike Roberts Ridge
After breakfast, don your hiking boots and set out for this morning's walk. You'll explore the beautiful peninsula track, stretching out into Lake Rotoiti, before making our way to the Pinchgut Track. This trail gives access to Mt. Robert, and Robert's Ridge, where the rest of the group will be approaching from the Angelus Circuit. You'll wind our way up the trail through the native beech trees and manuka scrub to meet the group. Once we’re back together we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, before carrying on to the West Coast. 

Hiking: Up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) ascent, up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) descent

DAY 4 CHALLENGING OPTION
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking: Angelus Hut to Lake Rotoiti
Wake up on top of the world! After breakfast, you’ll hike out along the barren Robert Ridge with dramatic views of Tasman Bay and the mountainous Kahurangi National Park in the distance. You’ll descend below the tree line again into native beech forest completing our hike on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here, you’ll meet up with the Rotoiti Circuit explorers and share stories of our adventures, before carrying on to the West Coast.

Hiking: 6.8 miles 11 kilometers(), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 230 feet (70 meters) ascent, 2,755 feet (840 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, Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike Punakaiki Rainforest, explore Hokitika

Spend the morning hiking the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons, following in the footsteps of gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. While we’re in Punakaiki, you’ll also check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through the relentless pounding of the Tasman Sea.

Traveling along the scenic coastline, we’ll stretch our legs in Hokitika and check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade), before carrying on to the township of Franz Josef where we’ll stay for the next couple of nights. Nestled in the rainforestclad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 4 miles (6 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 425 feet (130 meters) ascent, 425 feet (130 meters) descent

Kayak Okarito Lagoon, hike coastal forest and beach

This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. You'll take to the water in sea kayaks and glide along a 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.

Later we’ll head back to Franz Josef where you’ll have the option to take another walk or relax in the hot tub, before enjoying a night on your own for dinner.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
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

Hike near Franz Josef Glacier

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 temperate rainforest to just 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level. We’ll spend most of the day near Franz Josef Glacier hiking up through the forest to get incredible views of the ice. Wet weather can inhibit these hikes, so we may opt to hike around Lake Matheson and to the Blue Pools near Haast Pass instead.

From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest and then inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt. Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.
Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
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

Hike Rocky Mountain

The landscape this morning changes rapidly from dense beech forest to semi-arid mountainous terrain. You’ll hike the Rocky Mountain track today, a spectacular circuit through an area carved out by Ice Age glaciers, with native forest and shrubland.

Enjoy lunch after your hike in Wanaka before 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 & Suites, Queenstown
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

Free day in Queenstown

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, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving, as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel or Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Queenstown
Meals: No meals

Hike Kepler Track

This morning we’ll make our way around Lake Wakatipu, leaving behind the towering Remarkables, and head west to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. This afternoon we’ll take a hike on the famous Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks - we follow the track through mountain beech forest and along the Wainu River. It’s an awesome hike with spectacular views!

Tonight we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, enjoying the scenery and the delicious local fare.
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

Milford Sound Cruise, hike Routeburn Track

It’s an early start this morning as we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. We’ll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound. Rudyard Kipling rated this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breath-taking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand meters to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water.

We’ll jump on board the first boat cruise of the day, where we’ll have the water to ourselves, as we gaze in wonder at the waterfalls tumbling down enormous vertical rock faces all around and journey right out to the entrance of the fiord. We may be lucky enough to encounter the friendly fur seals and dolphins that are sometimes in the area.

After the cruise, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before heading out to explore more of Fiordland’s wilderness on foot. We’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track for unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina, before making our way back to Te Anau for the night. 
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1540 feet (470 meters) ascent, 1540 feet (470 meters) descent

Bike Queenstown trail, Journey over Lindis Pass

After an early breakfast, we’ll head back through Queenstown and jump on e-bikes to cycle a portion of the Queenstown Trail, following the well-groomed trail along the Arrow River, crossing the Edgar Bridge. You’ll have the opportunity to watch adrenaline junkies bungy jump off the famous Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge (the birthplace of bungy jumping!) before we carry on down the Gibbston Valley. We’ll finish our ride with lunch at The Church Cellar Door & Café where you can sample the exquisite local wines of Central Otago – one of the world’s most famous wine regions.

After lunch, we’ll continue north, driving through the tussock country of Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Country Basin where we’ll stay for our last two nights, with stunning views stretching across the Southern Alps. We stay in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is strictly controlled, so it’s the ideal spot to stargaze! 
Accommodation: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook or Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 10 miles (16 kilometers),1.5 hours
Elevation: 360 feet (110 meters) ascent, 492 feet (150 meters) descent

Hike Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park

Mt. Cook, named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite the mountain, we'll set off on a stunning day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It’s a challenging hike, but you’ll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever! The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it’s a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts.

If we aren’t able to do the Mueller Glacier hike, or you’d like to take it a little easier, there’s an impressive hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier.

Then you'll head back to your accommodation for the last night of your adventure, where we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner together and watch the sun set over the Southern Alps.
Accommodation: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook or Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mueller Ridge Hike: 4.4 miles (7.2 kilometers), 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,200 feet (975 meters) ascent, 3,200 feet (975 meters) descent

Hooker Glacier Hike: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent

Depart for home

After breakfast you’ll head to Christchurch. We hope you'll leave refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand! 
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5day options also available).

Pick Your Multi-Day Option!

Active Option: Nelson Lakes Comfort Hiking

The Rotoiti Circuit will have you experience hiking in the Nelson Lakes National Park, from the comfort of a St Arnaud Lodge! You’ll be heading out on day hikes so you'll only require a day pack for each day. The remainder of your gear will stay behind at your accommodation in St Arnaud.

Challenging Option: Nelson Lakes Backcountry Hiking

The Angelus Circuit option is a remote one-way hike through the Nelson Lakes National Park wilderness area for three days and two nights. You’ll be hiking a loop track from hut to hut carrying everything you need in your own backpack. While your guides carry the lion’s share of the load, you’ll still need to carry your own gear (sleeping bag, dry clothes and toiletries) and a portion of the group’s food. Any excess gear is stored securely for you at the start of the trail.

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This trip includes:

13 nights’ accommodation

12 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners

Our own highly experienced guides, driver, and chef - with you from start to finish

Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)

All activities outlined in the itinerary

Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled

All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities

If on the Backcountry option - a trekking pack and sleeping bag for the duration of the hike

Hiking poles for the duration of the trip

Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away

You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip

“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

What Our Guests Say

FAQs about this trip

From where you will meet your guides, to how much luggage you should bring, to the types of accommodations where we stay. Read through our FAQs for the lowdown on how to prepare for your ultimate adventure of the South Island of New Zealand.

On the first morning of the trip, please meet us in the lobby at Rydges Latimer Square Hotel at 10:00am, our designated departure point for all guests on your trip. Please make your own arrangements to get there. You are welcome to book your pretrip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch - that's up to you. Be prepared on the day with your daypack, comfortable hiking shoes ready for our walk in Kaikoura. 

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 domestic and 5pm 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 the huts on the Nelson Lakes hiking option, or the chalets at Wonderland Makarora Lodge in Mt Aspiring National Park – 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 Nelson Lakes hiking option 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). 

This is one of our more adventurous trips, so a solid level of fitness is recommended. Most hikes typically take between three to six hours, though some days may involve more or less hiking depending on the itinerary. While it’s not our most physically demanding trip, hikes may inclue rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
 
Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!
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Travel in Complete Comfort

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.

Find out more

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

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.

Want to see more? Add on the North Island too!

Ultimate North Island Adventure

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Ultimate North Island Adventure

  • 11 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 5,564/pp + tax

Discover your favorite part of New Zealand's diverse North Island as you hike volcanic landscapes, explore rolling green hills, wander sandy beaches, snorkel or kayak the Poor Knights Islands, and walk through the otherworldly Waitomo Caves.

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Northland Adventure

4.6/5

Northland Adventure

  • 5 days
  • Level 2
  • fromUSD 3,651/pp + tax

Take five days to discover the charms of the northern area of the North Island, from colossal kauri forests to vibrant marine reserves, and learn about the Māori culture as you make your way along some of the best coastline of New Zealand.

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North Island Volcanic Adventure

4.5/5

North Island Volcanic Adventure

  • 5 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 3,651/pp + tax

Explore volcanic landscapes as you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Soak in hot pools, hike by geysers and boiling mud pools, and explore caves in search of mystical glowworms on this short, action-packed North Island adventure.

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Go Back-to-Back in New Zealand

Save 10% on a trip — plus we’ll throw in a connecting flight for free*

We want you to experience all our amazing home of New Zealand has to offer. That’s why we’ve created an incredible bucket-list bundle like no other:

Book two epic adventures to New Zealand and you’ll save 10% on one trip — plus we’ll cover your internal flight so you can get from one adventure to the next.

*Terms and conditions apply - see below

Terms and Conditions:
• Offer valid when booking any two New Zealand trips and a connecting flight at least 120 days prior to departure.
• Simply provide your flight receipt at least 120 days before your first trip, and the value will be deducted from your final payment.
• The flight must connect the endpoint of your first Active Adventures trip to the starting point of your second trip.
• A 10% discount will be applied to the lower-priced trip.
• Offer cannot be applied to existing bookings.
• Trip combinations are subject to availability.
• If either trip or the flight is amended or canceled for any reason, all change, cancellation, and rebooking costs are the guest's responsibility.
• This offer is not combinable with any other promotions, discounts, or loyalty rewards.
• Additional restrictions may apply.

Why Travel With Us

A love of adventure, born in New Zealand


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.

Life-changing, rewarding experiences in breathtaking places

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.

Expert guides, deep local connections

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.

Flexible, personalized experiences

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.

We welcome all adventurers

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.

All-inclusive

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.


Our Trips... from our Guests' Perspective

Getting to New Zealand

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 at Fuzion Travel are here to help make getting to and from New Zealand hassle-free and easy. 

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Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
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