South Island Trekking

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

Good morning to your first full day in New Zealand! Fill up on breakfast before departing Christchurch. Today you’ll transfer across the Canterbury Plains to your first hike at Mt John. Mid-way through the hike you’ll stop for lunch and enjoy the views. After you finish, you’ll transfer to Mt Cook with the evening at your leisure. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Hike Mt John

  Hike along the tranquil lakeshore, gradually ascending toward the elevated viewing platform on Mt. John, where sweeping, Patagonia-like landscapes unfold before you in all their grandeur. Take time to soak in the vastness of the scenery, from shimmering waters to dramatic peaks, before continuing your journey. After the hike, you’ll transfer to Mt. Cook, where you’ll settle in for the night amidst New Zealand’s most iconic alpine setting. Distance: 5.2 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet / Duration 2.5-3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

  13:30· 150 min· Mt John
• Transfer · Christchurch → Lake Tekapo

  Take a private transfer to Lake Tekapo. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 210 min
• Transfer · Lake Tekapo → Mt John

  After your hike, you’ll continue via private transfer to Mt Cook.

  90 min

After a good night’s rest, you’ll fuel up this morning and set out on the Hooker Valley Trail. Prepare to marvel at the high peaks of the Southern Alps as you trek through the valley. Upon finishing your hike and lunch, you can stop by the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Center before you continue your journey to Wanaka. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Hike Hooker Valley

  The hike on the Hooker Valley trail allows us to admire the glacial features of the captivating valley. The path consists of flat wooden boardwalks, gravel paths and few mild inclines. Be awestruck by the icefalls on the Southern Alps’ highest peaks, and at the end of the hike, view the stunning terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier with its striking backdrop of Aoraki Mt Cook. After returning to the trail head you’ll transfer 5 minutes to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre situated right next to your hotel. Distance (Out & Back): 6.3 miles / Elevation Gain: 740 feet / Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

  09:00· 180 min· Mt Cook National Park
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre

  After your hike, visit the world-class Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre to explore the fascinating exhibits. Gain insight into the region's unique natural wonders and mountaineering history. This world-class visitor center is a 'must-do' activity during your visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

  13:30· 60 min· Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
• Transfer · Mt Cook → Wanaka

  Take a private transfer to Wanaka. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  150 min

Today you’ll have the full day at your leisure. Relax and enjoy lakeside views, or explore the town on your own.

From your hotel, take a short transfer into the striking landscapes of Aspiring National Park. Begin your hike to Diamond Lake, following scenic trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints over the glittering waters and surrounding mountains. After descending, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch amid the park’s natural beauty before continuing your journey with a transfer to Te Anau. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure in this charming lakeside town. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Hike to Diamond Lake

  From your hotel, take a short 20 minute transfer into the heart of Aspiring National Park, where dramatic peaks set the stage for your adventure. Begin your hike to the serene Diamond Lake, following trails that wind through native bush and open landscapes. At the summit, pause to soak in sweeping views of the lake shimmering below and the surrounding mountain vistas. After descending, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. Distance: 1.8 miles / Elevation Gain: 430 feet / Duration: 1.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy

  10:00· 90 min
• Transfer · Diamond Lake → Te Anau

  Take a private transfer to Te Anau. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  210 min

Enjoy breakfast this morning then head out on a transfer to Lake Gunn. Enjoy a scenic walk with lots of view points before having a picnic lunch and transferring to Milford Sound. There, you'll board a ship to cruise among the fjords. After your cruise, you'll take a transfer back to Te Anau, with the evening at your leisure. Today you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots or active wear), and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket.

• Lake Gunn Trail and Hollyford Gantry

  Enjoy an easy walk through lush beech forest draped in mosses and ferns, creating an almost enchanted atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll reach the shores of Lake Gunn, where calm waters mirror the surrounding mountains and provide stunning photo opportunities. Then head 15 minutes for a quick stop at Hollyford Gantry before heading back. Distance: 1 miles / Elevation Gain: 78 ft / Duration 1 hour / Difficulty: Easy

  · 60 min
• Milford Sound Cruise

  After lunch you’ll transfer 45 minutes to the dock to board the cruise. Prepare to experience the true magnificence of the fjord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs that plummet hundreds of meters into deep dark waters. Enjoy wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you keep an eye out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and if you’re lucky the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

  13:30· 120 min· Milford Sound
• Transfer to Lake Gunn

  Take a private transfer to Lake Gunn.

  60 min
• Return to Te Anau

  Take a private transfer back to Te Anau. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  120 min

On your final full day you will hike a portion of the famed Kepler Track. Fuel up on breakfast and take a short transfer to begin the hike. Hike from Te Anau to the shores of magnificent Lake Manapouri. After your hike you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and then transfer to Queenstown. This evening you’ll enjoy a final meal together and reminisce on the amazing experiences you’ve shared together. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Hike Kepler Track (part)

  Transfer 15 minutes to begin the hike. This morning you’ll hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush-fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Manapouri, you’ll turn back and hike back out. Distance: 6.1miles / Elevation Gain: 430 feet / Duration 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

  08:30· 180 min· Kepler Track
• Transfer · Kepler Track → Queenstown

  Take a private transfer to Queenstown. Stop for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 120 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Queenstown International Airport (ZQN).