New Zealand: The South Island

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first nights aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Flying to New Zealand requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”

A local driver welcomes you on arrival at Christchurch International Airport and provides complimentary shuttle service to your centrally located hotel in Christchurch, approximately a 30–minute drive.

After arrival at your hotel, Chateau on the Park – Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton, settle in and enjoy this serene retreat nestled beside Hagley Park. Surrounded by five acres of landscaped gardens, this charming hotel offers a peaceful escape just minutes from Christchurch’s vibrant city center. Relax in the outdoor pool, stroll through the rose gardens, or unwind in the hotel’s cozy bar and restaurant.

A complimentary hotel shuttle provides convenient access to the city center, making it easy to visit nearby attractions such as the Canterbury Museum, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the lively Riverside Market. You may also wish to explore the city’s striking new architecture and creative street art that reflect Christchurch’s ongoing renewal.

Please note: If you arrive early, your room may not be available until 3:00 p.m., but the hotel will gladly store your luggage so you can begin exploring. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and enjoy Christchurch at your leisure.

Lunch and dinner are on your own today. Choose from a variety of nearby cafés and restaurants, or consult your City Highlights for recommendations on dining, sightseeing, and local experiences.

Meet in Christchurch. Conical Hill Walk; 3 miles, easy to moderate

Meet your Trip Leaders at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Chateau on the Park. Dress for walking in comfortable, weather-appropriate attire with sturdy footwear, and bring a daypack to carry essentials such as rain gear and a water bottle.

From the meeting point in Christchurch, travel this morning to Hanmer Springs, a walker’s paradise known for its forested hills, alpine air, and therapeutic thermal waters. This charming resort town was first settled for its natural hot springs, which continue to attract visitors seeking relaxation in a peaceful, pastoral setting.

Upon arrival, set out on a short scenic walk through sub-alpine forest. The iconic Conical Hill Walk features a steady, winding climb along a well-graded track, zigzagging through groves of exotic trees such as Japanese cypress, larch, and giant fir. At the summit, take in panoramic views of the expansive Hanmer Basin. A lookout point honors early settler Duncan Rutherford, whose efforts helped establish the area as the wellness retreat it is today.

Later, you may browse the town center’s colorful galleries, cafés, and boutique shops before heading to the renowned Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. A relaxing soak in these mineral-rich waters—surrounded by mountain views—offers the perfect introduction to your New Zealand adventure. Note: Please keep your swimwear easily accessible in your day bag if you plan to enjoy the thermal pools.

This evening, settle into your elegant alpine-style accommodation for the night. Set amid rolling countryside just outside Hanmer Springs, the lodge offers spacious rooms, peaceful surroundings, and views of the Amuri mountain range—an inviting retreat after a day of travel and exploration.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

0.5 mile, easy, Honeydew Walk; 2 miles, easy

After breakfast, begin the northeast drive to the small alpine village of St. Arnaud. Along the way, pause for a short, easy walk through a high-country landscape characterized by open grasslands, mountain views, and hardy sub-alpine plants. It’s a gentle introduction to the natural beauty that defines this region of the South Island.

Upon arrival in St. Arnaud, settle into your welcoming lodge accommodations—your home for the next two nights. Tucked among native beech forest near the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti, the lodge offers a peaceful, scenic base with easy access to trails, lakefront views, and the quiet charm of this alpine village. St. Arnaud serves as the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park, a 390-square-mile wilderness of glacier-carved valleys, ridgelines, and two jewel-like lakes—Rotoiti and Rotoroa—whose shimmering waters and surrounding peaks make this area a favorite among New Zealand trampers.

This afternoon, set out directly from the lodge to walk the Honeydew Walk, a gentle loop trail named for the sweet substance produced by scale insects that nourish local birdlife. This mostly flat forest path provides an ideal introduction to the plants and animals of the northern South Island mountains. Wander beneath tall beech trees and through pockets of tussock grass while listening for native birds such as kākāriki (parakeet), korimako (bellbird), and riroriro (grey warbler).

This evening, gather with your fellow walkers for a delicious dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy New Zealand cuisine that blends its British foundations with modern Mediterranean, Pacific Rim, and Southeast Asian influences.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5 miles, moderate, Optional – Brunner Peninsula; 2 miles, easy

A hearty breakfast at the lodge fuels you for today’s longer exploration. With a leader-prepared picnic lunch packed, travel to the trailhead for the Mt. Robert Circuit, an iconic loop around the flank of Pourangahau—its Māori name. These slopes were once thick with beech forest until a major fire in 1887 cleared much of the mountainside. Early settlers later encouraged grass growth for grazing sheep, delaying natural regeneration. Today, the forest is actively recovering, offering a fascinating look at the region’s ecological history.

Your walk begins with a steady ascent toward the mountain’s open alpine ridgeline. As you climb, enjoy sweeping views over Lake Rotoiti and its deep glacial basin. Several huts and shelters along the route provide restful places to pause and soak in the scenery. Higher up, the forest gives way to hardy alpine herbs and shrubs, and you traverse a series of scree-filled gullies before crossing the ridge for your return. The dramatic views across Nelson Lakes National Park make the effort exceptionally rewarding.

For those preferring a gentler option, the Brunner Peninsula Nature Trail offers a mostly flat lakeside loop with views from Kerr Bay and West Bay across the water to soaring peaks. In addition to its peaceful shoreline, this route includes opportunities to visit the local church—famed for its picture-perfect altar window—and the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. You may also enjoy a lakeside break or explore the beach at West Bay before returning to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon or a refreshing swim.

This evening, gather for a casual dinner at the lodge. Afterward, consider stepping outside to stargaze: with remarkably clear southern skies, you may spot the Southern Cross, a small but vivid constellation visible year-round only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Abel Tasman Coast Track; 4 or 7 miles, moderate

This morning, leave the magnificent mountains of St. Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park behind as you travel north toward the coast. Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the seaside village of Kaiteriteri, arriving in time for lunch before boarding the Sea Shuttle bound for Abel Tasman National Park. As you cruise along the glittering coastline, marvel at marine vistas, including the iconic Split Apple Rock, a massive granite boulder cleanly divided by natural forces over millennia. You’ll also pass Adele Island, home to a colony of fur seals, and glide by pristine golden beaches lapped by clear turquoise water.

Disembark at Medlands Beach (longer option) or Tonga Quarry (shorter option) to begin walking along the celebrated Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.” This spectacular trail winds past rocky headlands, quiet coves, and palm-fringed beaches, revealing landscapes that shift from deep forest to open coastal views.

Late this afternoon, arrive at your lodge—a secluded eco-retreat accessible only by foot or boat, tucked between native forest and a wide, golden-sand beach. Your home for the next two nights, it offers a rare chance to experience Abel Tasman after the day-visitors depart. You may wish to stroll down to the shore for a swim, relax on your private deck, or enjoy the peaceful hush that settles over this extraordinary hideaway.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6 miles, easy to moderate

Awake to the tranquil beauty of Abel Tasman, where shifting tides and golden beaches create a landscape that feels different with every hour of the day. This national park is shaped by some of New Zealand’s largest tidal ranges, carving inlets that walkers may cross only at low tide and when conditions allow. With flexibility and a spirit of adventure, today promises to be richly rewarding.

If you wish, join your leaders on a four- to five-hour walk from the lodge to Totaranui, timed with the tides. With a packed lunch in hand, you begin by traversing the Awaroa Inlet, then follow a well-benchmarked coastal track through lush beech, rimu, and matai forest. Along the way, enjoy sweeping wilderness views and keep an eye out for towering rātā trees, which shelter entire mini-ecosystems in their massive branches. The route winds over a series of small saddles and descends toward the long arc of Totaranui Beach. Upon arrival, visit the National Park headquarters to browse the informative ecology exhibits or take a refreshing swim before boarding the Sea Shuttle back to Awaroa.

This afternoon, enjoy independent time to explore the beach near your lodge or wander the surrounding wetlands in search of birdlife such as petrels, herons, and even penguins. You may also spot deer or wild goats along the edges of the forest. This evening, rejoin your fellow travelers for dinner in the lodge dining room, sharing stories from another remarkable day on the coast.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1 mile, moderate; Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, 1 mile, easy

This morning, “have a lie-in,” as the locals say, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your secluded coastal lodge. When you’re ready, set out on the Sky Track, a beautiful loop walk open exclusively to lodge guests. The trail climbs about 300 feet above the inlet, rewarding you with sweeping views of forested hills, golden sand, and the luminous blue waters of Abel Tasman’s northern coastline.

Late in the morning, stroll just five minutes down to the beach to board the Sea Shuttle back to Kaiteriteri. From here, a scenic drive carries you east toward Havelock, pausing at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve for the Circle Loop Trail—a gentle walk framed by ancient rimu trees and dramatic views over the Pelorus River. This coastal region is shaped by a maze of sea-drowned valleys forming dozens of bays, islands, and hidden coves. To the south, rolling hills blanketed with vineyards produce some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wines. Enjoy lunch at a charming riverside café and soak up the artistic, easygoing ambience of this small community.

This afternoon, board a private cruiser and set off across the shimmering waters of the Marlborough Sounds. As you glide between forested peninsulas and quiet inlets, watch for dolphins, seabirds, and the ever-changing play of light on the water. About an hour later, arrive at Portage Bay, your home for the next two nights. Your waterfront-style lodge sits just steps from Kenepuru Sound, offering panoramic views, tranquil surroundings, and a private dock for easy access to the water. Dinner is on your own this evening—perhaps enjoy fresh-from-the-water seafood while watching the sun set over the Sounds.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

6 or 8 miles, easy to moderate

This morning, wake to the quiet beauty of the Marlborough Sounds—one of New Zealand’s most captivating outdoor playgrounds. Your waterfront lodge, set directly on Kenepuru Sound, is perfectly positioned for today’s unforgettable experience along one of the country’s premier walking routes: the Queen Charlotte Track.

After breakfast, step down to the lodge’s private dock and board a water taxi to the start of your walk. As you cruise across the sound, your captain may share insights into the region’s famed greenshell mussels, a local specialty cultivated in these pristine waters. On foot, follow a section of the Portage Track, traversing regenerating native bush along a ridgeline with gentle ascents and descents. Enjoy magnificent views over the glassy waters of both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds, where forested hills rise steeply from the sea and shifting light paints the landscape in luminous greens and blues.

Your walk ends with a leisurely descent back to your lodge in Portage Bay. This afternoon, you may wish to take advantage of the lodge’s waterfront access and complimentary equipment—perhaps a paddleboard or kayak—to enjoy the calm waters before evening settles in. Tonight, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in the lodge’s dining room—an opportunity to share memories, toast new friendships, and savor your final evening in the serene beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel north to Nelson, the South Island’s oldest city and one of its sunniest and most creative communities. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore this charming coastal town—browse the lively Saturday Market, filled with local artisans and food producers, or join your leaders for the gentle walk to the Centre of New Zealand, where panoramic views extend over the city, surrounding hills, and Tasman Bay. Later, meet your group for lunch at a local café before receiving walking maps from your guides and making your own way—approximately a 10-minute walk—to your hotel at your leisure; your luggage will be delivered directly.

Upon arriving at The Rutherford Hotel, check in to this centrally located property, ideally positioned in the heart of Nelson’s vibrant arts and dining district. If you arrive before the hotel’s official check-in time of 3:00 p.m., the reception will be happy to store your luggage so you may continue exploring the city at your leisure. Settle into your comfortable room once it is ready, then enjoy the rest of the day discovering Nelson’s creative and walkable center—perhaps browsing local galleries, visiting the waterfront, relaxing in a café, or strolling through nearby boutique shops.

Dinner is on your own this evening, with countless inviting options just steps from the hotel. Your City Highlights provide curated suggestions for dining, sightseeing, and local experiences to help you make the most of your time in Nelson.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel. Complimentary transportation is provided to Nelson Airport, approximately a 10-minute drive from the hotel. SuperShuttle will arrange your transfer based on your individual flight departure time. Please be ready in the hotel reception area at your designated pick-up time.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet in Christchurch. Conical Hill Walk; 3 miles, easy to moderate

Meet your Trip Leaders at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Pre-Tour hotel, Chateau on the Park in Christchurch. Dress for walking in comfortable, weather-appropriate attire with sturdy footwear, and bring a daypack to carry essentials such as rain gear and a water bottle.

From the meeting point in Christchurch, travel this morning to Hanmer Springs, a walker’s paradise known for its forested hills, alpine air, and therapeutic thermal waters. This charming resort town was first settled for its natural hot springs, which continue to attract visitors seeking relaxation in a peaceful, pastoral setting.

Upon arrival, set out on a short scenic walk through sub-alpine forest. The iconic Conical Hill Walk features a steady, winding climb along a well-graded track, zigzagging through groves of exotic trees such as Japanese cypress, larch, and giant fir. At the summit, take in panoramic views of the expansive Hanmer Basin. A lookout point honors early settler Duncan Rutherford, whose efforts helped establish the area as the wellness retreat it is today.

Later, you may browse the town center’s colorful galleries, cafés, and boutique shops before heading to the renowned Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. A relaxing soak in these mineral-rich waters—surrounded by mountain views—offers the perfect introduction to your New Zealand adventure. Note: Please keep your swimwear easily accessible in your day bag if you plan to enjoy the thermal pools.

This evening, settle into your elegant alpine-style accommodation for the night. Set amid rolling countryside just outside Hanmer Springs, the lodge offers spacious rooms, peaceful surroundings, and views of the Amuri mountain range—an inviting retreat after a day of travel and exploration.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

0.5 mile, easy, Honeydew Walk; 2 miles, easy

After breakfast, begin the northeast drive to the small alpine village of St. Arnaud. Along the way, pause for a short, easy walk through a high-country landscape characterized by open grasslands, mountain views, and hardy sub-alpine plants. It’s a gentle introduction to the natural beauty that defines this region of the South Island.

Upon arrival in St. Arnaud, settle into your welcoming lodge accommodations—your home for the next two nights. Tucked among native beech forest near the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti, the lodge offers a peaceful, scenic base with easy access to trails, lakefront views, and the quiet charm of this alpine village. St. Arnaud serves as the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park, a 390-square-mile wilderness of glacier-carved valleys, ridgelines, and two jewel-like lakes—Rotoiti and Rotoroa—whose shimmering waters and surrounding peaks make this area a favorite among New Zealand trampers.

This afternoon, set out directly from the lodge to walk the Honeydew Walk, a gentle loop trail named for the sweet substance produced by scale insects that nourish local birdlife. This mostly flat forest path provides an ideal introduction to the plants and animals of the northern South Island mountains. Wander beneath tall beech trees and through pockets of tussock grass while listening for native birds such as kākāriki (parakeet), korimako (bellbird), and riroriro (grey warbler).

This evening, gather with your fellow walkers for a delicious dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy New Zealand cuisine that blends its British foundations with modern Mediterranean, Pacific Rim, and Southeast Asian influences.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5 miles, moderate, Optional – Brunner Peninsula; 2 miles, easy

A hearty breakfast at the lodge fuels you for today’s longer exploration. With a leader-prepared picnic lunch packed, travel to the trailhead for the Mt. Robert Circuit, an iconic loop around the flank of Pourangahau—its Māori name. These slopes were once thick with beech forest until a major fire in 1887 cleared much of the mountainside. Early settlers later encouraged grass growth for grazing sheep, delaying natural regeneration. Today, the forest is actively recovering, offering a fascinating look at the region’s ecological history.

Your walk begins with a steady ascent toward the mountain’s open alpine ridgeline. As you climb, enjoy sweeping views over Lake Rotoiti and its deep glacial basin. Several huts and shelters along the route provide restful places to pause and soak in the scenery. Higher up, the forest gives way to hardy alpine herbs and shrubs, and you traverse a series of scree-filled gullies before crossing the ridge for your return. The dramatic views across Nelson Lakes National Park make the effort exceptionally rewarding.

For those preferring a gentler option, the Brunner Peninsula Nature Trail offers a mostly flat lakeside loop with views from Kerr Bay and West Bay across the water to soaring peaks. In addition to its peaceful shoreline, this route includes opportunities to visit the local church—famed for its picture-perfect altar window—and the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. You may also enjoy a lakeside break or explore the beach at West Bay before returning to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon or a refreshing swim.

This evening, gather for a casual dinner at the lodge. Afterward, consider stepping outside to stargaze: with remarkably clear southern skies, you may spot the Southern Cross, a small but vivid constellation visible year-round only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Abel Tasman Coast Track; 4 or 7 miles, moderate

This morning, leave the magnificent mountains of St. Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park behind as you travel north toward the coast. Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the seaside village of Kaiteriteri, arriving in time for lunch before boarding the Sea Shuttle bound for Abel Tasman National Park. As you cruise along the glittering coastline, marvel at marine vistas, including the iconic Split Apple Rock, a massive granite boulder cleanly divided by natural forces over millennia. You’ll also pass Adele Island, home to a colony of fur seals, and glide by pristine golden beaches lapped by clear turquoise water.

Disembark at Medlands Beach (longer option) or Tonga Quarry (shorter option) to begin walking along the celebrated Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.” This spectacular trail winds past rocky headlands, quiet coves, and palm-fringed beaches, revealing landscapes that shift from deep forest to open coastal views.

Late this afternoon, arrive at your lodge—a secluded eco-retreat accessible only by foot or boat, tucked between native forest and a wide, golden-sand beach. Your home for the next two nights, it offers a rare chance to experience Abel Tasman after the day-visitors depart. You may wish to stroll down to the shore for a swim, relax on your private deck, or enjoy the peaceful hush that settles over this extraordinary hideaway.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6 miles, easy to moderate

Awake to the tranquil beauty of Abel Tasman, where shifting tides and golden beaches create a landscape that feels different with every hour of the day. This national park is shaped by some of New Zealand’s largest tidal ranges, carving inlets that walkers may cross only at low tide and when conditions allow. With flexibility and a spirit of adventure, today promises to be richly rewarding.

If you wish, join your leaders on a four- to five-hour walk from the lodge to Totaranui, timed with the tides. With a packed lunch in hand, you begin by traversing the Awaroa Inlet, then follow a well-benchmarked coastal track through lush beech, rimu, and matai forest. Along the way, enjoy sweeping wilderness views and keep an eye out for towering rātā trees, which shelter entire mini-ecosystems in their massive branches. The route winds over a series of small saddles and descends toward the long arc of Totaranui Beach. Upon arrival, visit the National Park headquarters to browse the informative ecology exhibits or take a refreshing swim before boarding the Sea Shuttle back to Awaroa.

This afternoon, enjoy independent time to explore the beach near your lodge or wander the surrounding wetlands in search of birdlife such as petrels, herons, and even penguins. You may also spot deer or wild goats along the edges of the forest. This evening, rejoin your fellow travelers for dinner in the lodge dining room, sharing stories from another remarkable day on the coast.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1 mile, moderate; Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, 1 mile, easy

This morning, “have a lie-in,” as the locals say, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your secluded coastal lodge. When you’re ready, set out on the Sky Track, a beautiful loop walk open exclusively to lodge guests. The trail climbs about 300 feet above the inlet, rewarding you with sweeping views of forested hills, golden sand, and the luminous blue waters of Abel Tasman’s northern coastline.

Late in the morning, stroll just five minutes down to the beach to board the Sea Shuttle back to Kaiteriteri. From here, a scenic drive carries you east toward Havelock, pausing at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve for the Circle Loop Trail—a gentle walk framed by ancient rimu trees and dramatic views over the Pelorus River. This coastal region is shaped by a maze of sea-drowned valleys forming dozens of bays, islands, and hidden coves. To the south, rolling hills blanketed with vineyards produce some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wines. Enjoy lunch at a charming riverside café and soak up the artistic, easygoing ambience of this small community.

This afternoon, board a private cruiser and set off across the shimmering waters of the Marlborough Sounds. As you glide between forested peninsulas and quiet inlets, watch for dolphins, seabirds, and the ever-changing play of light on the water. About an hour later, arrive at Portage Bay, your home for the next two nights. Your waterfront-style lodge sits just steps from Kenepuru Sound, offering panoramic views, tranquil surroundings, and a private dock for easy access to the water. Dinner is on your own this evening—perhaps enjoy fresh-from-the-water seafood while watching the sun set over the Sounds.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

6 or 8 miles, easy to moderate

This morning, wake to the quiet beauty of the Marlborough Sounds—one of New Zealand’s most captivating outdoor playgrounds. Your waterfront lodge, set directly on Kenepuru Sound, is perfectly positioned for today’s unforgettable experience along one of the country’s premier walking routes: the Queen Charlotte Track.

After breakfast, step down to the lodge’s private dock and board a water taxi to the start of your walk. As you cruise across the sound, your captain may share insights into the region’s famed greenshell mussels, a local specialty cultivated in these pristine waters. On foot, follow a section of the Portage Track, traversing regenerating native bush along a ridgeline with gentle ascents and descents. Enjoy magnificent views over the glassy waters of both Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds, where forested hills rise steeply from the sea and shifting light paints the landscape in luminous greens and blues.

Your walk ends with a leisurely descent back to your lodge in Portage Bay. This afternoon, you may wish to take advantage of the lodge’s waterfront access and complimentary equipment—perhaps a paddleboard or kayak—to enjoy the calm waters before evening settles in. Tonight, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in the lodge’s dining room—an opportunity to share memories, toast new friendships, and savor your final evening in the serene beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Centre of New Zealand Walk; 1 mile, easy

After breakfast, travel north to Nelson, the South Island’s oldest city and one of its sunniest and most creative communities. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to explore this charming coastal town—browse the lively Saturday Market, filled with local artisans and food producers, or join your leaders for the gentle walk to the Centre of New Zealand, where panoramic views extend over the city, surrounding hills, and Tasman Bay. Later, meet your group for lunch at a local café before transferring to Nelson Airport for your onward travels. The tour officially concludes at approximately 12:30 p.m. upon arrival at Nelson Airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch