Tour Classic South Island Adventure

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner on all days, except where indicated on the itinerary (usually 1 day per trip is a free day, allowing you to choose your own dining location).

Guide

Two experienced New Zealand guides per trip.

Accommodation

A range of hotels, lodges, chalets, inns, sheep stations and backcountry huts.

Flights

International flights are not included.

Others

Hiking, kayaking, biking, rafting, scenic flights, jet boating and more!

Not included:

Transport

All transportation from trip start to end. Airport transfers on the first & last days.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive, Hike In Arthur'S Pass
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive, Hike In Arthur'S Pass

Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Friday evening, arriving into Auckland early Sunday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the South Island where we’ll meet you. We’ll then travel into the Southern Alps to hike Devil’s Punchbowl in Arthur’s Pass. The walk will take you through native beech forest to an awesome 131 metre (430 feet) waterfall, so make sure you have your camera handy! From there, we’ll head down the coast to Franz Josef where we’ll stay the night. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country.Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (Lunch, Dinner)Hiking Distance: 2 kilometres (1.2 miles), 0.5-1 hourElevation Gain: 100 metres (330 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (330 feet)
Day 2 Day 2: Kayak Okarito Lagoon And Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Kayak Okarito Lagoon And Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier

This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast. We’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.Optional Heli-hike (extra fee applies)An outrageously scenic alternative to today’s kayak is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation.The heli-hike is extremely popular, so we offer advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, we can reserve a space for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot if it’s availableAfter our activities this morning we’ll regroup back in Franz Josef for some lunch before heading off to check out the 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 250 metres (820 feet) above sea level. Our hike will take us along the Waiho River bed up the valley right to the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier. From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush forest, and over the divide to a small mountain village called Makarora, where we’ll enjoy some local fare.Makarora Lodgings, Makarora (All meals)Kayaking Time: 2-3 hours ORHeli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier: 3 hoursHiking Distance: 4.8 kilometres (3 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 20 metres (66 feet)Elevation Loss: 20 metres (66 feet)
Day 3 Day 3: To 4: Option A, Siberia Valley Wilderness In Mt Aspiring National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: To 4: Option A, Siberia Valley Wilderness In Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3 (afternoon) - Scenic flight, hike Lake CrucibleIf you like the idea of staying in one of New Zealand’s most isolated mountain huts, then this option is for you (but let us know early as space is limited!) We’ll start with a stunning scenic flight alongside the snowy Southern Alps to the Siberia Valley airstrip, a short hike from the hut where we’ll spend the night. After lightening your packs at the hut, we will hike up the trail to Lake Crucible, a cauldron-like glacial lake with fantastic views of the valley below. The hike follows the Siberia river upstream for a short while before crossing the river to make our way up into the Crucible Valley. This section of the trail is steep and forested and is where the majority of the 550m (1800 feet) in elevation gain will be tackled. The path will ease eventually, and you’ll cross the Crucible stream, making your way toward the moraine wall and the impressive backdrop of the valley, Mount Alba. The hike at times is strenuous, though the Lake Crucible Valley has exceptional scenic diversity, so it provides a great reward for the efforts you put in. We’ll be there to encourage you the whole way. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a true Kiwi experience at a small mountain hut, tucked within the Siberia Valley, our home for the night!Siberia Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park (All meals)Hiking Distance: 7 kilometres (4.3 miles), 6-8 hoursElevation Gain: 550 metres (1,800 feet)Elevation Loss: 550 metres (1,800 feet)Day 4 (morning) - Hike Siberia Valley, jet boat Wilkin RiverAfter an early start, we spend the morning hiking to Kerin Forks, at the head of the Wilkin River, where we’ll be met by a jet boat for an exhilarating ride back to Makarora to meet up with the rest of the group for lunch. Your load will be little more than a day pack – our guides will carry the lion’s share. You’ll be carrying a backpack with a sleeping bag, a few spare clothes and some food – no need for any more than that, although if you opt to camp out under the stars the night before, you will be carrying your tent out.Hiking Distance: 6.6 kilometres (4.1 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 140 metres (460 feet)Elevation Loss: 320 metres (1,050 feet)
Day 4 Day 3: To 4: Option B, Makarora Adventure In Mt Aspiring National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: To 4: Option B, Makarora Adventure In Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3 (afternoon) - Scenic flight, hike Siberia Valley, jet boat Wilkin RiverIf you prefer accommodation with modern amenities instead of a mountain hut for the night, then this is the option for you. You’ll head out for a mind-blowing scenic flight into Mt Aspiring National Park, with a bird’s eye view of the lower Southern Alps, landing in the remote Siberia Valley. From here, you’ll hike downstream along the Wilkin River, through beautiful silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) forests to a jet boat rendezvous. Then it’s a thrilling ride back to Makarora for dinner and perhaps a well-earned drink at the local pub.Makarora Lodgings, Makarora (All meals)Hiking Distance: 6.6 kilometres (4.1 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 140 metres (460 feet)Elevation Loss: 320 metres (1,050 feet)Day 4 (morning) - Hike Haast Pass Lookout and Blue PoolsThis morning we’ll head back toward the West Coast and stop off at the top of Haast Pass to walk up to the Haast Pass Lookout. The trail has a steady incline and doesn’t let off until you reached the top, though the views from above the tree-line are well worth the climb! On our way back to Makarora, we’ll check out the iconic Blue Pools, nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity. Alternatively, you can have a relaxing sleep in and spend your morning soaking up the mountain views.Haast Pass Hiking Distance: 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles), 1 hour returnElevation Gain: 107 metres (351 feet)Elevation Loss: 107 metres (351 feet)Blue Pools Hiking Distance: 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles), 1 hour returnElevation Gain: 54 metres (177 feet)Elevation Loss: 54 metres (177 feet)
Day 5 Day 3: And 4: Mt Aspiring National Park Options
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: And 4: Mt Aspiring National Park Options

This morning we’ll make our final preparations for our incredible flight into Mount Aspiring National Park, and true wilderness.
Day 6 Day 4: (Afternoon): Finish Mt Aspiring National Park Options, Bike Queenstown Trail
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: (Afternoon): Finish Mt Aspiring National Park Options, Bike Queenstown Trail

After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before taking a beautiful drive through spectacular glacier-carved valleys. The landscape changes rapidly from dense beech forests to semi-arid mountainous terrain. We'll take a quick stop in Wanaka before a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Arrowtown, a small historic gold mining village established in the 1800s. We'll hop on bikes to ride a portion of the Queenstown Bike Trail. The trail is well packed and winds along beside the Arrow River, and we'll follow the Arrow Bridges Trail through to Morven Ferry Carpark or the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge, depending on the groups ability. After our ride we'll head on to Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu where you’ll sleep sweetly tonight at a lakefront hotel located in the heart of this alpine town.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)Biking Distance: 7.5-13 kilometres (4.6-8.1 miles), 1-2 hourElevation Gain: 127 metres (416 feet)Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet)
Day 7 Day 5: Gondola Ride, Hike Ben Lomond Or Free Day In Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gondola Ride, Hike Ben Lomond Or Free Day In Queenstown

Today you have two options – a full day hike or a free day to yourself. For those keen for an alpine hike, you’ll meet your guide at reception at 9am, ready to head up the Ben Lomond Track. To save our legs a little, we’ll take a short gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, which is 450 metres (1476 feet) above Queenstown. From there, we’ll head out along the trail through alpine tussock-land towards the summit of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point, you’ll find yourself immersed in amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, which are themselves dwarfed by the surrounding mountains including Mt Aspiring. As an alternative, you can have a free day to explore on your own. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation 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, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere or lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction if you choose to have a free day today.Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown (No meals included)Ben Lomond Hiking Distance (from the gondola): 8 kilometres (5 miles), 4-5 hoursElevation Gain: 978 metres (3,208 feet)Elevation Loss: 978 metres (3,208 feet)
Day 8 Day 6: Hike Kepler Track
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: 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 Waiau 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.Te Anau Lodgings, Te Anau (All meals)Hiking Distance: 9.5 kilometres (6 miles), 2-3 hoursElevation Gain: 50 metres (165 feet)Elevation Loss: 50 metres (165 feet)
Day 9 Day 7: Milford Sound Cruise, Hike Routeburn Track
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: 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 metres 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. Afterwards we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot again, with a hike to Key Summit on the famous Routeburn Track. The panoramic views are incredible from this vantage point and you’ll probably get to meet New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and intelligent alpine parrot, the kea (Nestor notabilis). After our hike we’ll continue heading out of Milford Sound to return for our last night on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Tonight we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner for the last night of the ‘Tui’.Te Anau Lodgings, Te Anau (All meals)Hiking Distance: 3.4 kilometres (2 miles), 3-4 hoursElevation Gain: 380 metres (1,246 feet)Elevation Loss: 380 metres (1,246 feet)
Day 10 Day 8: Depart For Home
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Depart For Home

After breakfast, we’ll return to Queenstown. This is the end of your trip and you’ll have had an exhilarating week. We’ll leave you buzzing with excitement, but feeling relaxed and refreshed as well! 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 our our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).(Breakfast)

8 days tour

Classic South Island Adventure

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Itinerary of your trip Classic South Island Adventure

Day 1: Arrive, Hike In Arthur&#039;S Pass

Day 2: Kayak Okarito Lagoon And Hike Near Franz Josef Glacier

Day 3: To 4: Option A, Siberia Valley Wilderness In Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3: To 4: Option B, Makarora Adventure In Mt Aspiring National Park

Day 3: And 4: Mt Aspiring National Park Options

Day 4: (Afternoon): Finish Mt Aspiring National Park Options, Bike Queenstown Trail

Day 5: Gondola Ride, Hike Ben Lomond Or Free Day In Queenstown

Day 6: Hike Kepler Track

Day 7: Milford Sound Cruise, Hike Routeburn Track

Day 8: Depart For Home

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Day 1: Arrive, Hike In Arthur'S Pass