New Zealand: The South Island
8 Days
Starting From
$4,648
12 Days
Starting From
$6,298
per person, double occupancy
Want more from your experience?
Add an ExtensionInspirational reflections come naturally on this walking tour in New Zealand among the South Island’s mountain-backed lakes and blue-green bays.
Step out from your lodge to stargaze, and the sweep of the night sky is gloriously different. On this remote inlet accessible only by foot or boat, it’s not just that the stars shine brighter. They’re completely reconfigured. Stretched out before you, Awaroa Bay reflects the light of the Southern Cross in the moonlight. As you wander the legendary Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte tracks and explore the South Island’s great national parks on this hiking tour, New Zealand’s most magnificent landscapes become your second home. Even better: its friendly locals—met in charming towns, trails, and even a boat cruise—will become like family. Along the way, its pristine lakes, coves, and sounds—glimmering in gorgeous shades of jade green, turquoise and topaz—will give you a lifetime of memories to reflect on.
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.
Accommodations
Linger Longer with a Tour Extension

2021 Pre-Tour Extension - Queenstown
- Three nights at the Heritage Hotel
- Small-group airport and hotel transfers
- Three breakfasts
- Internal flight from Queenstown to Christchurch
3 Nights From $548
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $348
Begin your adventure by departing from a convenient gateway city in the United States or Canada. Spend the first night aloft.
Flying to New Zealand requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”
After arriving at Queenstown Airport, enjoy a complimentary shuttle transfer to the Heritage Hotel, about 15-20 minutes away. After gathering your luggage and exiting baggage claim, look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. The shuttle is provided by SuperShuttle. 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 while you explore the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure (no meals included).
Country Walkers provides you with City Information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Queenstown during your stay.
Numerous possibilities await you today. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is perfectly situated as a springboard for outdoor adventure. As the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, it offers the perfect opportunity to get your pulse pounding as either a spectator or a participant. Your hotel can help you arrange many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or paragliding, to name a few. Whichever you choose, be sure to visit one of Queenstown’s exceptional restaurants this evening. With a range of choices, there’s enough variety to satisfy foodies of all types.
After breakfast, the day is yours to discover more of this spectacular city. Perhaps you’ll take an excursion to visit one of Queenstown’s excellent vineyards. Tonight, sip a glass of wine while enjoying the view across Lake Wakatipu, as the setting sun paints the saw-toothed peaks of The Remarkables.
After an early breakfast, you’ll take a complimentary transfer from your Queenstown hotel to the Queenstown Airport at 10:10 a.m. for your flight to Christchurch. A representative from SuperShuttle will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and assist with your transfer.
Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport mid-day, gather your luggage and exit baggage claim to look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle transfer to the Chateau on the Park, about 15-20 minutes away. The shuttle is provided by SuperShuttle. 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 while you explore the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals are on your own using the provided City Information as your guide.
Expert Local Guides
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.

Julia Thorne
From a traditional Kiwi upbringing in Northland, New Zealand, Julia Thorne’s life and vocation have segued through worlds of journalism and editorial photography, to property development, artwork, and eclectic roles in the adventure travel sector. Julia’s undying passion for Aotearoa and sharing its natural treasures and culture with visitors eventually led her to her current adventure-guiding guests around her beloved native country.