New Zealand Walking Adventure

Please note many New Zealand hotels do not offer breakfast, so our breakfasts will be a combination of hotel buffets and to-go breakfasts provided by your guides. This actually works great as it allows us to get out and on the trails earlier.

Day 1

Welcome to New Zealand! We’ll depart Christchurch this morning and head west toward the spectacular landscapes of the Southern Alps. Our first stop is Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill, where we’ll walk among dramatic limestone formations while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. From here, we’ll continue to Cave Stream Scenic Reserve for a picnic lunch and another short walk through the beautiful limestone landscape. This afternoon, we’ll make our way into Arthur’s Pass National Park for an optional hike to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. The trail winds through native forest and climbs a series of stairs to a viewpoint overlooking the impressive 131-meter waterfall. After our hike, we’ll settle into our accommodations in Arthur’s Pass and enjoy our first evening in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Activity > Approximately 4 miles / 6.5 km walking throughout the day, mostly easy terrain with a moderately challenging stair climb. Approximately 120 m / 395 ft elevation gain on the main afternoon hike.

Day 2

This morning, we’ll leave Arthur’s Pass and travel west toward New Zealand’s wild West Coast, stopping along the way for a short walk to beautiful Carew Falls. After arriving in the coastal town of Hokitika, we’ll have time for lunch before heading inland to explore the region’s lush native forests and striking scenery. Our main walk takes us through Hokitika Gorge, where a forested trail and suspension bridges reveal the gorge’s brilliant turquoise waters. We’ll return to Hokitika for a free evening to explore town, with the option to stroll along the beach to Sunset Point.

Activity > Approximately 3 miles / 5 km of walking throughout the day on mostly easy forest trails with minimal elevation gain.

Day 3

Today we’ll continue south along New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast, stopping along the way for a short walk before reaching Franz Josef. After lunch in town, we’ll head into Westland Tai Poutini National Park to explore the dramatic landscape surrounding Franz Josef Glacier, a 12-kilometer-long (7.5 mi) glacier. A combination of trails will take us through lush native rainforest to scenic viewpoints overlooking the glacial valley, river, and surrounding mountains. Later this afternoon, we’ll make the short drive to Fox Glacier, a small mountain village where we’ll settle in for the evening and have a casual dinner together.

Activity > Approximately 4–5 miles / 6–8 km of walking throughout the day, primarily on easy to moderate forest trails with some uneven terrain and modest elevation gain.

Day 4

We’ll start the morning with breakfast overlooking beautiful Lake Matheson, followed by a walk around the lake, famous for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on clear days. Plus, the trail winds through native rainforest and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching along the way! Afterward, we’ll continue exploring the Fox Glacier area before heading south along the wild and remote West Coast. Our final walk takes us through coastal rainforest and sand dunes at Ship Creek, where the trail opens to views of the rugged Tasman Sea. We’ll then continue to Haast, home to 100 permanent residents, where we'll stay for the evening.

Activity > Approximately 4–6 miles / 6.5–10 km of walking throughout the day on mostly easy trails. Approximately 200–350 m / 650–1,150 ft elevation gain, depending on walks selected.

Day 5

Today we’ll leave the wild West Coast behind and travel toward beautiful Wānaka, breaking up the journey with several short walks along the way. We’ll stretch our legs at Roaring Billy Falls before continuing to the Blue Pools, where an easy forest walk leads to surreal turquoise water surrounded by native beech forest. After arriving in Wānaka, we’ll have lunch before setting out on our afternoon hike up Mount Iron. The steady climb is rewarded with panoramic views over Lake Wānaka, the surrounding valleys, and the Southern Alps. We’ll return to Wānaka for dinner and our first night in this lively lakeside town.

Activity > Approximately 4–5 miles / 6–8 km of walking throughout the day. Mostly easy morning walks followed by a moderate afternoon climb. Approximately 280 m / 920 ft elevation gain on Mount Iron.

Day 6

Today is all about exploring the spectacular landscapes surrounding Lake Wānaka. We’ll begin with a hike to Diamond Lake and the Lake Wānaka Lookout, climbing through beautiful countryside to sweeping views across the lake and surrounding mountains. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a more relaxed walk along the lakeshore, with time to take in the scenery, perhaps go for a swim, and visit Wānaka’s famously photogenic lone willow tree. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner at the stellar Muttonbird Restaurant and enjoy our second evening in this beautiful lakeside town.

Activity > Approximately 5–7 miles / 8–11 km of walking throughout the day on easy to moderate trails, with some steeper sections. Shorter options will be available.

Day 7

Today we’ll check out and travel the scenic Cardrona Valley Road to historic Arrowtown, a charming former gold-mining settlement tucked beneath the mountains. We’ll explore its preserved streets and historic sites on foot, with time for lunch on your own and a little independent exploring. This afternoon, we’ll continue toward Queenstown for a relaxed walk around the Kelvin Heights Peninsula, following the shores of Lake Wakatipu with beautiful views across the water and surrounding peaks. Next, we'll toast our arrival in Queenstown with an aperitif and wine tasting at Fino Wine Bar before settling into our hotel in lively Queenstown. Dinner will be together at a local gem.

Activity > Approximately 4–6 miles / 6–10 km of mostly easy walking throughout the day with minimal elevation gain.

Day 8

Today we’ll explore some of the beautiful landscapes surrounding Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's third-largest lake. We’ll start with a short drive and an easy walk around picturesque Lake Hayes, surrounded by rolling hills and mountain views. From there, we’ll head to the shores of Lake Wakatipu for our hike to Bob’s Cove, following a scenic lakeside trail through native forest to a spectacular viewpoint over the brilliant blue water. We’ll finish with a stop at Bennett’s Bluff for one more sweeping view across the lake and surrounding mountains (trust us, the views never get old!) before returning to Queenstown for the evening for our final farwell dinner. We will toast to new friends and incredible memories!

Activity > Approximately 8–9 miles / 13–14 km of mostly easy walking, with a short, steeper climb to the Bob’s Cove viewpoint. Minimal overall elevation gain.

Day 9

You’re free to check out and head to the airport for your homeward journey or go on your next adventure!