New Zealand: The South Island
8 Days
Starting From
$5,545.00
12 Days
Starting From
$7,295.00
per person, double occupancy
Want more from your experience?
Add an ExtensionNew Zealand: The South Island
While most walking tours of New Zealand’s South Island skip over its majestic north coast, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the best of the island! On this unique Country Walkers adventure, you’ll explore the splendid vistas of the Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Rotoiti, and take a boat ride to the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park—a rich coastal environment unspoiled by car traffic. Here, you’ll stay in a secluded lodge perched deep in the coastal forest—just a short walk from the smooth shores of Awaroa Beach. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll discover wetlands and sub-tropical bush that are home to native pūkeko, oyster-catchers, and songbirds—even getting up close to the cheeky, flightless weka. Cruise through the incomparable beauty of Marlborough Sounds as the ship’s captain pauses by a greenlip mussel farm—pulling ropes of plump, succulent shellfish straight from the sea. Along the way, you’ll enjoy New Zealand’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine, superlative vintages, and the cheerful camaraderie of your insightful Kiwi leaders.
Highlights
- Hike the Mt. Robert Circuit, an alpine trail overlooking Lake Rotoiti, in Nelson Lakes National Park, gazing up for views of the snow-capped Southern Alps.
- Explore one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” the Abel Tasman Coast Track, admiring its golden beaches, crystal-clear bays, and stunning rock formations.
- Take in panoramic views of turquoise waters and stunning coastlines at Marlborough Sounds, as you ascend the ridge-top trails of the Queen Charlotte Track.
- Enjoy iconic Greenshell mussels and local Sauvignon Blanc aboard a private cruise across Marlborough Sound, sailing past some of the most spectacular scenery on the South Island.
- Browse the charming town center of Hanmer Springs, with its colorful galleries and inviting shops, before soaking in the thermal, mineral-rich pools around which the town was established.
Positive Impact
Country Walkers is proud to support Wine to Water with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. Wine to Water is an international organization providing access to clean drinking water and emergency supplies in water-challenged regions. We believe in giving back to the places that have enriched the lives of our guests. We’re committed to identifying and supporting sustainable initiatives in a variety of areas including education, world health, economic equality, safe drinking water, the environment, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Accommodations
Linger Longer with a Tour Extension
2025 Pre-Trip Extension - Queenstown
- Three nights at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel
- Airport car service for arrival and departure
- Internal flight from Queenstown to Christchurch
- Daily breakfast
- City information
3 Nights From
$
795
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $395
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.”
Start off your first day in Queenstown right by having a Country Walkers representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided from your Queenstown hotel to the Queenstown Airport based on the departure time for your flight to Christchurch. A representative from Queenstown Taxis will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and assist with your transportation. Should you encounter any challenges locating the taxi, please call the company’s local representative at +64 3 450 3000.
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, gather your luggage and exit baggage claim to look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle to the Chateau on the Park, about 15-20 minutes away. The shuttle is provided by SuperShuttle. Should you encounter any challenges locating the taxi, please call the taxi company’s local representative at +64 9 522 5100. You may also contact our third-party 24/7 travel assistance provider to advise of your delay and they will contact our transportation service on your behalf. Please note that your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m.; however, you may store your luggage at the reception desk.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps explore the city, rest up in the hotel, or select a local restaurant for lunch and dinner. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Heritage Queenstown
2026 Pre-Trip Extension - Queenstown
- Three nights at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel
- Airport car service for arrival and departure
- Internal flight from Queenstown to Christchurch
- Daily breakfast
- City information
3 Nights From
$
795
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $395
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.”
Start off your first day in Queenstown right by having a Country Walkers representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, complimentary transportation is provided from your Queenstown hotel to the Queenstown Airport based on the departure time for your flight to Christchurch. A representative from Queenstown Taxis will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and assist with your transportation.
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, gather your luggage and exit baggage claim to look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle to the Chateau on the Park, about 15-20 minutes away.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps explore the city, rest up in the hotel, or select a local restaurant for lunch and dinner. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Heritage Queenstown
This was my first trip with Country Walkers and also my first trip to New Zealand. From our first experience with the delightful driver at the Aukland airport provided by Country Walkers to the last hike together with our guides Mark and Sarah this trip was exceptional. I have such fond memories of places visited and friendships nurtured on the trails. I am so grateful for the experiences this walking tour provided. Thank you Mark and Sarah! You are awesome!
New Zealand: The South Island
Mark and Sarah were the best guides. We did amazing scenic walks, learned a lot about the Maori culture and even learned some Maori words. This was one of the best Country Walkers tours we have done (our 10th we believe). Our group was outstanding and we bonded and had fun. Both the Abel Tasman and the Queen Charlotte Track are parts of the world no one, who likes nature and active travel, should miss.
New Zealand: The South Island
Expert Local Leaders
Experience your destination like an insider with people who call it home.
Sarah Inglewood
After spending her youth exploring the far corners of the globe, with travel to 90 countries and 6 continents, Sarah Inglewood returned to New Zealand to work as an emergency responder and as part of the police search and rescue team. After spending time working in outdoor education, her passion for the outdoors inspired a move to guiding, where she loves sharing adventures in her beautiful homeland.
Mark Brinsden
Mark Brinsden is an avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast. He has a diverse background having worked in financial markets and bioscience but it is in tourism where his passion lies. A proud ambassador for all things Kiwi, he enjoys nothing more than sharing the wonders of his home country with fellow travelers and visitors from the world over.
David Mangnall
With over 30 years of experience working in outdoor education, David is an expert when it comes to New Zealand’s stunning natural landscape. With diplomas in both teaching and outdoor and environmental education, David has an exceptional talent for educating travellers about New Zealand’s remarkable landscape.
With his wealth of experience, including eight years on the management team at Outward Bound New Zealand, David serves an assessor for the New Zealand Outdoor Instructor’s Association in the areas of Bush and Sea Kayak qualifications. He is rated “Technical Expert” for sea kayaking, ropes courses and zip line, coasteering and tramping-and holds a New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Leadership.
In his spare time, David enjoys tramping, mountain biking, bike packing, and skiing adventures, as well as participating in orienteering events.