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Guided Walking : Asia & South Pacific

New Zealand: The South Island

Easy to Moderate Terrain: 2-8 Miles Daily

New Zealand South Island Guided Tour Map

Tramping—that’s Kiwi for “taking long walks”—is a beloved and long-cherished pastime in New Zealand. When you join Country Walkers in this breathtaking corner of the world, you will understand why. In the northern reaches of the South Island, pristine lakes glimmer in the soft light reflected by emerald-clad hills. Tranquil footpaths deliver you to secluded coves and golden-sand beaches. Sea-drowned valleys form a maze of waterways dotted with lush forested islands. Follow the footpaths of locals—and some of the nation’s earliest settlers— along spellbinding trails sought by connoisseurs of nature. Set off on trails directly from your lodges, savoring the lakeside tranquility of Nelson Lakes National Park, absorbing the coastal beauty of Abel Tasman National Park—home of one of the nation’s “Great Walks”—and traversing the magnificent Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds. Along the way, enjoy fresh cuisine from land and sea—including a special tasting of the region’s famed green-shell mussels.


Tour Highlights:
  • Hike the Mt. Robert Circuit and marvel at the untouched vistas of Nelson Lakes National Park.
  • Trace the spellbinding trails of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.”
  • Follow the scenic ridgeline of the Queen Charlotte Track as splendid vistas of island-dotted sounds unfold far below.
Flight + Tour Combo

11 days, 10 nights

FROM $6,298 USD

per person, double occupancy

Tour extension available
Queenstown
3 nights $1,148 - $1,248*

Tour Only

8 days, 7 nights

FROM $4,448 USD

per person, double occupancy



Reserve Online Contact Us

OR Call to Book 800.234.6900

Your Tour Includes:

  • All meals except one dinner
  • Local wine and/or beer with dinner
  • Exceptional boutique accommodations
  • Local Guide(s) with you 24/7

Flight + Tour Combo Includes:

  • All tour inclusions
  • International round-trip airfare
  • Pre-tour night accommodations
  • Overseas airport transfers
  • Breakfasts
  • Business-class upgrades available

Itinerary & Accommodations

View the Tour Only Itinerary Open
Download Full Itinerary
Day 1

Join your New Zealand: The South Island tour

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

Your guide(s) meet you at the Chateau on the Park at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking.

From Christchurch, drive to Hanmer Springs, a walker’s paradise of forested hills and soothing thermal baths. Climb the gentle trail up Conical Hill, passing Japanese cypress and giant firs, and take in sweeping views of the Hanmer Basin at the top.

Accommodation: Select Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs

Ideally located close to the village yet enveloped in its own pocket of peace and tranquility, Select Braemar Lodge & Spa offers outstanding views across the valley toward the mountains and alpine forests. Each of its 24 open-plan suites—the largest in Hanmer Springs—features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. During your stay, you might indulge in the services of Spa Braemar, from traditional and therapeutic body treatments to premium beauty therapies.

Day 2

Alpine Nature Walk

1 mile, easy. Honeydew Walk; 2 miles, easy

Transfer to the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti, part of the scenic Nelson Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, trace the Honeydew Walk through beech forests and past grassy tussocks, watching for parakeets and bellbirds.

Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud

Alpine Lodge enjoys a pristine natural setting close to the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti. The property with its frontier style took its inspiration from the surrounding mountains. Rooms feature natural woods and large windows that look out into the open forest. This family-owned property is operated by the founder’s daughter and her husband, Alexandra and Leighton. Their restaurant proudly serves fresh, local cuisine with personable service.

Day 3

Mt Robert Circuit or Brunner Peninsula

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

Walk the Mt. Robert Circuit today, ascending through beech forest to high landscapes of alpine herbs and shrubs. For a gentler option, the Brunner Peninsula Nature Trail hugs the lake’s shore and offers stunning views.

Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud

Alpine Lodge enjoys a pristine natural setting close to the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti. The property with its frontier style took its inspiration from the surrounding mountains. Rooms feature natural woods and large windows that look out into the open forest. This family-owned property is operated by the founder’s daughter and her husband, Alexandra and Leighton. Their restaurant proudly serves fresh, local cuisine with personable service.

Day 4

St. Arnaud to Kaiteriteri

Abel Tasman Coastal Track; 3 miles, easy to moderate

Transfer to seaside Kaiteriteri to embark a sea shuttle to Abel Tasman National Park, a stunning peninsular nature reserve. Upon arrival, hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” marveling at rocky outcrops, sheltered coves, and palm-fringed beaches.

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park

This four-star wilderness lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a pristine setting within the national park. Contemporary design and comfort are combined with sustainable practices and local building products in guest rooms and throughout the grounds. The restaurant and café offer organic fare, much of it from the lodge’s organic garden, or sourced from nearby providers.

Day 5

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

7 miles, easy to moderate

Trace the contours of Awaroa Inlet through beech, rimu, and matai forest, descending to Totaranui past giant cliff-top rata trees. You may spend time at this famous beach before returning to your lodge by sea shuttle.

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park

This four-star wilderness lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a pristine setting within the national park. Contemporary design and comfort are combined with sustainable practices and local building products in guest rooms and throughout the grounds. The restaurant and café offer organic fare, much of it from the lodge’s organic garden, or sourced from nearby providers.

Day 6

Sky Track Walk and Greenshell Mussel Cruise

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

After a scenic morning loop walk, transfer to Marlborough Sounds, a striking landscape of secluded bays, islands, and beaches surrounded by soaring hills. Enjoy a vineyard lunch, then embark a private cruiser for Kenepuru Sound, sampling the region’s delectable green-shell mussels and award-winning wine along the way.

Accommodation: Raetihi Lodge, Marlborough Sounds

Located amidst the natural serenity of Marlborough Sounds and set directly on Kenepuru Sound, the boutique-style Raetihi Lodge offers the ultimate in tranquility. Popular since the 1930s, the lodge has been extensively rebuilt and today is a four-star property heralded for its luxury and comfort. With only 14 rooms, it guarantees an intimate experience. And with a private water-taxi dock and kayaks and mountain bikes readily available for your use, the invigorating activities of the sound are right outside your door.

Day 7

Queen Charlotte Track

8 miles, easy to moderate. Optional – Skiddaw Reserve Walk; 5 miles, easy

Cross Kenepuru Sound by water taxi to hike the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular walks. Your choice of routes traces the ridgeline of hills that surround the sound, offering magnificent views.

Accommodation: Raetihi Lodge, Marlborough Sounds

Located amidst the natural serenity of Marlborough Sounds and set directly on Kenepuru Sound, the boutique-style Raetihi Lodge offers the ultimate in tranquility. Popular since the 1930s, the lodge has been extensively rebuilt and today is a four-star property heralded for its luxury and comfort. With only 14 rooms, it guarantees an intimate experience. And with a private water-taxi dock and kayaks and mountain bikes readily available for your use, the invigorating activities of the sound are right outside your door.

Day 8

Your New Zealand: The South Island tour concludes

Optional – Centre of New Zealand Walk; 1 mile, easy

Transfer to the town of Nelson. After lunch, explore on your own or follow the mile-long Centre of New Zealand path before transferring to the airport.

View the Flight + Tour Combo Itinerary Close
Download Full Itinerary
Flight

Fly from USA to Christchurch, New Zealand

Begin your adventure by departing from a convenient gateway city in the United States or Canada. Spend the first night aloft. Flying from the US to New Zealand requires crossing the International Date Line, so this day is “lost.”

Arrival

Arrive in Christchurch, New Zealand

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 transfer to the Chateau on the Park, about 15-20 minutes away. The shuttle is provided by Super Shuttle. 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.

Accommodation: Chateau on the Park, Christchurch

Tucked between Hagley Park and the picturesque historic homes and gardens of Mona Vale, the 193-room Chateau on the Park is nestled amidst five acres of beautiful and tranquil gardens. This resort-style hotel is just minutes from the center of Christchurch and offers a unique escape, seemingly a world away from city life. Country Walkers has reserved deluxe rooms for our guests.

Day 1

Join your New Zealand: The South Island tour

Breakfast is included at your hotel. Your guide(s) meet you at the Chateau on the Park at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking.

Your guide(s) meet you at the Chateau on the Park at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking.

From Christchurch, drive to Hanmer Springs, a walker’s paradise of forested hills and soothing thermal baths. Climb the gentle trail up Conical Hill, passing Japanese cypress and giant firs, and take in sweeping views of the Hanmer Basin at the top.

Accommodation: Select Braemar Lodge & Spa, Hanmer Springs

Ideally located close to the village yet enveloped in its own pocket of peace and tranquility, Select Braemar Lodge & Spa offers outstanding views across the valley toward the mountains and alpine forests. Each of its 24 open-plan suites—the largest in Hanmer Springs—features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. During your stay, you might indulge in the services of Spa Braemar, from traditional and therapeutic body treatments to premium beauty therapies.

Day 2

Alpine Nature Walk

1 mile, easy. Honeydew Walk; 2 miles, easy

Transfer to the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti, part of the scenic Nelson Lakes National Park. Upon arrival, trace the Honeydew Walk through beech forests and past grassy tussocks, watching for parakeets and bellbirds.

Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud

Alpine Lodge enjoys a pristine natural setting close to the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti. The property with its frontier style took its inspiration from the surrounding mountains. Rooms feature natural woods and large windows that look out into the open forest. This family-owned property is operated by the founder’s daughter and her husband, Alexandra and Leighton. Their restaurant proudly serves fresh, local cuisine with personable service.

Day 3

Mt Robert Circuit or Brunner Peninsula

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

Walk the Mt. Robert Circuit today, ascending through beech forest to high landscapes of alpine herbs and shrubs. For a gentler option, the Brunner Peninsula Nature Trail hugs the lake’s shore and offers stunning views.

Accommodation: Alpine Lodge, St. Arnaud

Alpine Lodge enjoys a pristine natural setting close to the northern shores of Lake Rotoiti. The property with its frontier style took its inspiration from the surrounding mountains. Rooms feature natural woods and large windows that look out into the open forest. This family-owned property is operated by the founder’s daughter and her husband, Alexandra and Leighton. Their restaurant proudly serves fresh, local cuisine with personable service.

Day 4

St. Arnaud to Kaiteriteri

Abel Tasman Coastal Track; 3 miles, easy to moderate

Transfer to seaside Kaiteriteri to embark a sea shuttle to Abel Tasman National Park, a stunning peninsular nature reserve. Upon arrival, hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” marveling at rocky outcrops, sheltered coves, and palm-fringed beaches.

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park

This four-star wilderness lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a pristine setting within the national park. Contemporary design and comfort are combined with sustainable practices and local building products in guest rooms and throughout the grounds. The restaurant and café offer organic fare, much of it from the lodge’s organic garden, or sourced from nearby providers.

Day 5

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

7 miles, easy to moderate

Trace the contours of Awaroa Inlet through beech, rimu, and matai forest, descending to Totaranui past giant cliff-top rata trees. You may spend time at this famous beach before returning to your lodge by sea shuttle.

Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park

This four-star wilderness lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a pristine setting within the national park. Contemporary design and comfort are combined with sustainable practices and local building products in guest rooms and throughout the grounds. The restaurant and café offer organic fare, much of it from the lodge’s organic garden, or sourced from nearby providers.

Day 6

Sky Track Walk and Greenshell Mussel Cruise

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

After a scenic morning loop walk, transfer to Marlborough Sounds, a striking landscape of secluded bays, islands, and beaches surrounded by soaring hills. Enjoy a vineyard lunch, then embark a private cruiser for Kenepuru Sound, sampling the region’s delectable green-shell mussels and award-winning wine along the way.

Accommodation: Raetihi Lodge, Marlborough Sounds

Located amidst the natural serenity of Marlborough Sounds and set directly on Kenepuru Sound, the boutique-style Raetihi Lodge offers the ultimate in tranquility. Popular since the 1930s, the lodge has been extensively rebuilt and today is a four-star property heralded for its luxury and comfort. With only 14 rooms, it guarantees an intimate experience. And with a private water-taxi dock and kayaks and mountain bikes readily available for your use, the invigorating activities of the sound are right outside your door.

Day 7

Queen Charlotte Track

8 miles, easy to moderate. Optional – Skiddaw Reserve Walk; 5 miles, easy

Cross Kenepuru Sound by water taxi to hike the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular walks. Your choice of routes traces the ridgeline of hills that surround the sound, offering magnificent views.

Accommodation: Raetihi Lodge, Marlborough Sounds

Located amidst the natural serenity of Marlborough Sounds and set directly on Kenepuru Sound, the boutique-style Raetihi Lodge offers the ultimate in tranquility. Popular since the 1930s, the lodge has been extensively rebuilt and today is a four-star property heralded for its luxury and comfort. With only 14 rooms, it guarantees an intimate experience. And with a private water-taxi dock and kayaks and mountain bikes readily available for your use, the invigorating activities of the sound are right outside your door.

Day 8

Your New Zealand: The South Island tour concludes

After breakfast, transfer to the town of Nelson, after lunch in Nelson there is the option to spend time in Nelson or do the Centre of New Zealand Walk before going to the airport.

Add a Tour Extension to Your Flight + Tour Combo
Pre-Tour Extension: Queenstown

3 nights from $1,148 - $1,248*

  • Three nights at the Heritage Hotel
  • Small-group airport and hotel transfers
  • Three breakfasts
  • Internal flight from Queenstown to Christchurch

For those guests reserving our Flight + Tour Combo, you may wish to further extend your time in New Zealand and explore independently with an additional two nights in Queenstown. Set in the heart of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is perfectly situated to springboard an outdoor adventure. As the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, it creates opportunities to get your pulse pounding in spades. From mountain biking to white-water rafting to paragliding, you’ll find outfitters for whatever kind of activity you might want to enjoy. Of course, those with more sedate interests will find plenty to delight them too. Queenstown offers countless exceptional restaurants and excellent vineyards to satisfy foodies of all stripes. And no visit to South Island is complete without watching the sun set across Lake Wakatipu, painting the saw-toothed peaks of the Remarkables beyond.

Single Supplement: $498

*Depending on your departure date, the Pre-Tour Extension price may vary. Please note that some hotel city taxes may need to be paid locally.

Tour Extension Available

Queenstown
3 nights from only $1,148 - $1,248*

Learn More

Ready to take the next step?

Reserve Online

OR Call 800.234.6900

Dates & Prices

Tour Only

Availability 2019 Dates Per person, double occupancy Single Supplement
more info
 Reserve Online
Filling Fast! Nov 2 - Nov 9 $4,448 $848 Reserve Online

Flight + Tour Combo

Availability 2019 Dates LOS ANGELES Change Departure Airport
Flight + Tour Combo
more info
 Single Supplement
more info
 Reserve Online
Filling Fast! Oct 30 - Nov 9 $6,598 $948 Reserve Online
Additional gateway cities available; please call for details. Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Prices include all airline surcharges and Government taxes and fees. Call for details. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only. We reserve the right to correct errors.

Guides

Guides

Our guides' experience, dedication, and enthusiasm make them ideal ambassadors for your destination. They chart the course, finesse the details, and speak the language (English, as well as the local language). They also possess a truly rare skill, knowing when to let serendipity and inspiration take the lead.

Mark Brinsden is a Walking Tour Guide in New Zealand
Mark Brinsden

Mark Brinsden is an avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast. He has a diverse background having worked in financial markets and bio-science 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.

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