Conquer the Alps to Ocean Trail, an Iconic New Zealand Bike Ride
The longest continuous bike ride in New Zealand, the Alps to Ocean trail, showcases Mother…
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
The South Island of New Zealand hardly needs an introduction - its reputation as an outdoor lover's paradise ensures its presence on many people's bucket lists. On our South Island hiking adventure, we'll explore famous glaciers such as Franz Josef and Hooker Glacier, guide you on the best bits of our Great Walks, cruise or kayak the world-famous Milford Sound, venture into lesser-known backcountry that only locals know about and cycle some incredibly scenic trails such as the Alps 2 Ocean Trail. You'll have plenty of time to contemplate the scenery and relax in our carefully picked lodgings, and your guides will make sure you get fed in proper Kiwi fashion with freshly cooked meals. Come hike, bike and kayak in some of our favourite spots on the South Island, or opt for a more relaxed adventure - just take your pick!
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand!
New Zealand's South Island is a hiking paradise. Boasting beautiful beaches, dramatic alpine wilderness and pristine native forests, hiking trails in these varied landscapes offer a range of easily accessible hikes. Along the backbone of the South Island are the spectacular Southern Alps, a mountain range of incredible natural beauty and home to several Great Walks. With over 15,000km of coastline, there are several hiking trails alongside pristine beaches. The South Island offers truly spectacular options in various landscapes and a range of hikes to suit all fitness levels.
The 'Great Walks' are well-maintained hiking trails that rank as some of the very best in the world, and in most cases need to be booked months in advance. The Milford Track, which can be walked in full on our Milford Track Adventure, is the most famous of these in New Zealand. Hiking this trail is a life-changing experience with the most stunning views, incredible alpine scenery, beautifully designed lodges, and a post-card moment at every turn. At the top of the South Island is the exquisite Abel Tasman Track; imagine hiking on pristine golden sand beaches, alongside clear blue waters, and through gorgeous New Zealand native trees that grow down to the shore. On the west of the island is the beautiful Heaphy Track, and to the south lies the mighty Kepler Track near Lake Te Anau and the ever-popular Routeburn Track (both trails can be sampled on most of our South Island trips) - a two-night hike near the beautiful resort township of Queenstown.
There are over five hundred incredible hiking trails in the South Island, of which 10 of the most popular (including the Milford Track) have been developed into 'Great Walks'. These 'Great Walks' have impressive backcountry facilities, are very popular, and hiking passes have to be booked months ahead of time - and often sell out the day they get released.
Unfortunately, most visitors to New Zealand don't realize there are hundreds of other trails taking you to cozy backcountry huts, in equally stunning surroundings, with slightly more rustic amenities, but without the crowds. We believe these lesser-known trails, such as the Angelus Circuit, are the best way to experience a true New Zealand wilderness experience.
Get 30% off every second traveler’s adventure of a lifetime - only until April 30, 2024.
Choose an epic adventure from 25 countries, 6 continents, and over 85 itineraries, and bring a friend or family member to save 30% of their trip! Got a bunch of fellow adventurers? The more the merrier! Every second group member gets 30% OFF!
This is an unprecedented offer and spots are selling quickly - book now to secure your dream adventure!
Offer ends April 30, 11:59 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).
*Terms & conditions apply – see below
Terms & Conditions
*Offer applies for every second guest for trips departing no later than June 30, 2025, valid for new bookings for two or more guests made no later than April 30, 2024 (11:59 pm US PDT). A 30% discount is applied to the pre-tax trip cost for every second guest booked, and all other guests are subject to the full advertised trip cost. To secure the booking and discount, a 50% deposit is due at time of booking. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. If you change or cancel your trip, you will forfeit your 50% deposit, and no refunds will apply. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply. We highly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
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Limited Time Deal!
Get 30% OFF* every second traveler’s adventure of a lifetime!
Choose an epic adventure from 25 countries, 6 continents, and over 85 itineraries, then bring a friend or family member and save 30% on their trip! Want to bring a group of friends? Every second group member's adventure is 30% OFF!
The offer applies to ALL trips. Spots are selling fast, so BOOK NOW to secure your next adventure!
Offer must end April 30, 11:59 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).
*Terms & conditions apply – see below
*Offer applies for every second guest for trips departing no later than June 30, 2025, valid for new bookings for two or more guests made no later than April 30, 2024 (11:59 pm US PDT). A 30% discount is applied to the pre-tax trip cost for every second guest booked, and all other guests are subject to the full advertised trip cost. To secure the booking and discount, a 50% deposit is due at time of booking. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. If you change or cancel your trip, you will forfeit your 50% deposit, and no refunds will apply. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply. We highly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
show more
show less
Escape the Northern Hemisphere winter for some summer sun in the south.
Until the end of April 2024, ALL summer trips to New Zealand are guaranteed to go ahead!
From the volcanic plateau of central North Island, to alpine lakes and hiking trails in the spectacular Southern Alps, to pristine beaches of golden sands - come and experience the unique wonders of New Zealand.
Our summer trips are filling fast! Book now to secure your spot, and enjoy a fully-guided, small group adventure in New Zealand - the adventurer's dream destination.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.