New 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 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.

On all Guided Adventures you can count on...
road-signs
Expert local leaders to introduce you to the best of your destination
map
Off-the-beaten-path places you’d never find on your own
cutlery
Delicious multi-course meals—a majority are included
hikers
A maximum of 18 fun-loving fellow travelers to share the journey
house
Gracious accommodations that are a clean, comfortable home away from home
check-list
Experts to handle all the details
airplane
Air Packages include plane tickets, airport shuttles, and pre- and post-tour accommodations

Itinerary

Thu, Jan 1 to Mon, Jan 12, 1970

Thu, Jan 1 to Thu, Jan 8, 1970

Accommodations

Linger Longer with a Tour Extension

New Zealand: The South Island 5
Pre-Tour
Air Package Only
2026 2027

2026 Pre-Tour Extension - Queenstown

  • Three nights at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel
  • Airport arrival transportation
  • 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 enjoying a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring at your own pace with the help of our provided city information.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After another delightful included breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day of independent exploration, using our provided city information to uncover more of the area’s hidden gems and highlights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, complimentary transportation will be provided from your Queenstown hotel to Queenstown Airport, timed according to your flight departure to Christchurch. A Queenstown Taxis representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and assist with your transfer.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, a Country Walkers representative will greet you at the airport. Enjoy a complimentary car service to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Heritage Queenstown

Heritage Queenstown

The Heritage Hotel Queenstown is a ski lodge-style building constructed from stone and cedar. It stands proud above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range. Well-appointed rooms include amenities such as WiFi and air conditioning. The main lodge building holds leisure facilities and a bar and restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
FREE WiFi Included
Air Conditioning
New Zealand: The South Island 5
Pre-Tour
Air Package Only
2026 2027

2027 Pre-Tour Extension - Queenstown

  • Three nights at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel
  • Airport arrival transportation
  • 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 enjoying a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring at your own pace with the help of our provided city information.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After another delightful included breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day of independent exploration, using our provided city information to uncover more of the area’s hidden gems and highlights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, complimentary transportation will be provided from your Queenstown hotel to Queenstown Airport, timed according to your flight departure to Christchurch. A Queenstown Taxis representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and assist with your transfer.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, a Country Walkers representative will greet you at the airport. Enjoy a complimentary car service to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Heritage Queenstown

Heritage Queenstown

The Heritage Hotel Queenstown is a ski lodge-style building constructed from stone and cedar. It stands proud above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views of the majestic Remarkables Mountain Range. Well-appointed rooms include amenities such as WiFi and air conditioning. The main lodge building holds leisure facilities and a bar and restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
FREE WiFi Included
Air Conditioning

What's Included

Air Package Tour Only
Exceptional boutique accommodations Included Included
21 on-tour meals: 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners Included Included
Local leaders with you throughout tour Included Included
Local wine and/or beer with dinner Included Included
Telescopic walking sticks provided on tour Included Included
Roundtrip airfare Included Not Included
One extra night in Christchurch Included Not Included
One extra night in Nelson Included Not Included
Airport car service for arrival and departure Included Not Included
Pre- and post-tour breakfasts Included Not Included
Business-class upgrades availableExceptional boutique accommodations Included Not Included
A passport on top of a paper map with pins stuck in it.

Dates & Prices

Departing Airport :

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For more information, call: 800-245-3868

Reviews
14 out of 16 (87%)
4.7 out of 5 stars.
Read More Reviews

The excellent adventure would not have happened without our guides, Mark and Sarah - native Kiwis - whose vast knowledge of the history, flora and fauna, as well as their ability to form a trusting team out of a group of strangers, created a glorious and memorable experience. Our fellow walkers, now friends, were a very interesting mix of diverse and engaging people.

Boulder, CO

New Zealand: The South Island

New Zealand is the most beautiful place in the world. At least, that is the conclusion my wife and I reached during our wonderful Country Walkers trip to the South Island. Among other delights, we were treated to a wondrous mix of mountain and water scenery on the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds and fern jungles along along the coastal trails of Abel Tasman National Park. The walking was never too demanding but there was scope to do more for those of us willing to take it on. Our guides, Mark and Sarah, were absolutely superb. Our hotels and food were first rate. We have done a number of these trips now and loved them all. But I have to say this was the best.

New Zealand: The South Island

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