South Island
New Zealand

South Island

Walk the best of New Zealand's South Island through some of the world's most celebrated trails, taking in fiords, alpine passes, glacial lakes and native forest across one extraordinary journey.


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Overview

New Zealand's South Island is a walker's dream. From the shores of Lake Rotoiti in Nelson Lakes National Park to the serene waters of Milford Sound deep in Fiordland, this journey moves through a landscape of breathtaking and constant variety.

The route takes in the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, one of New Zealand's most striking geological formations, before heading into the mountains of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park where the full drama of the Southern Alps comes into view. A taxi boat on Lake Wanaka opens up remote trails inaccessible by road, while sections of the Routeburn and Kepler Tracks lead into the heart of Fiordland. The journey ends on the Milford Track, often described as the finest walk in the world, finishing at the edge of Milford Sound.

The scenery shifts constantly throughout, between fiords, native forests, alpine meadows and glacial valleys. Few countries concentrate this much walking excellence into a single journey.

Available Walks

Ultimate South Island Hikes - 14 Days
Group-Guided

Ultimate South Island Hikes - 14 Days

Duration14 days
Walking Grade
4
From$8,995
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The South Island experience

Wonder
Walk through fiords, mountains, and glacial lakes across some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth
Experience the unique sense of scale and silence that only the South Island's wilderness can offer
The South Island is one of the world's great walking destinations, and this journey covers its finest sections
Wellness
Walking pace creates genuine encounters with landscapes that driving or flying through cannot provide
The sense of space and emptiness across the South Island's interior is rare and deeply restorative in the modern world
The extraordinary silence of Fiordland, broken only by waterfalls and birdcalls, is one of the walk's great gifts
Nature
New Zealand's native beech forests, alpine meadows, and turquoise glacial lakes define each day
Wildlife encounters include fur seals, kea, wekas, and the extraordinary dawn chorus of native birds
New Zealand's extraordinary biodiversity, shaped by 80 million years of isolation, is present on every trail
Coming soon
Local recommendations are coming soon.

South Island reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

A 14-day journey through New Zealand's South Island, starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown. The route takes in Hanmer Springs, Nelson Lakes National Park, the West Coast, Arthur's Pass, Aoraki Mt Cook, Wanaka, and Fiordland.

You'll stay in a mix of 3-4 star hotels and lodges throughout, each chosen for its location and surroundings. Standouts include a beachfront hotel beside the Pancake Rocks on the West Coast, a mountain lodge at the foot of Aoraki Mt Cook, and lakeside apartments in Wanaka.

Most days include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A handful of days include breakfast and lunch only, and the final day is breakfast before departure. Check your specific itinerary for the full meal breakdown.

The trip covers a strong mix of day walks, including sections of the Routeburn Track, Kepler Track, and Milford Track in Fiordland, the Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki Mt Cook, the Mt Robert Circuit in Nelson Lakes, and the Punakaiki-Pororari Loop on the West Coast.

This is a pack-free walking holiday. Your main luggage is transported between accommodations and you carry only a light daypack on the trails each day.

Flights and airport transfers are not included in the package. The trip concludes in Queenstown — you'll need to arrange your onward travel from there.

A scenic heli-flight over the Aoraki Mt Cook glaciers is available at additional cost. An optional visit to the Te Anau glowworm caves is also available during the Fiordland section of the trip.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Daily walks range from 7 to 11km with some days involving significant elevation gain. Preparation on hilly or uneven terrain is advised before departure.

Pack for all conditions — you'll move through coastal, alpine, and rainforest environments across the two weeks. Essentials include broken-in hiking footwear, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, and a light daypack.

Yes, and it's a condition of booking. Your policy should cover injury, cancellation, loss of luggage, and medical evacuation.

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As Featured In

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