The Wonders of New Zealand's South Island: Hiking, National Parks & Nature - 17 Days

Highlights

• Ride the TranzAlpine train across the South Island from east to west
• Lace up your boots and trek national parks with half- and full-day hikes
• Join an overnight fjord cruise across Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
• Visit glowworm caves, go kayaking, and embark on boat cruises

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Christchurch Gondola

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand! Begin your adventure in Christchurch, where a driver will wait to transfer you to your accommodation. Take some time to settle in before venturing out to the Heathcote Valley, 15 minutes from the heart of the city, for your first adventure. Ride the Christchurch Gondola for half a mile into the collapsed rim of an extinct volcano that exploded six million years ago. Soak up 360-degree views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains, and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps, then choose from a handful of nature walks.

Return to Christchurch, where you'll see the virtual rebirth of the city following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The urban city center is full of new secrets, from modern architecture and immense street art to cocktail bars and bustling restaurants. You can go punting on the Avon River / Ōtākaro, ride a historic tram, visit the world's only Cardboard Cathedral, and wander the beautiful botanic gardens.

Day 2: Ko Tāne Māori Experience & Kiwi Tour, Historic Tram Dinner

Get a unique glimpse into Māori culture when you visit the Ko Tāne Living Māori Village and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve today. Begin with a guided kiwi tour of the reserve with an experienced guide. Following this, enjoy Māori performances, songs, games, and weapons displays. Learn the poi (soft balls on strings that are twirled) and the haka (war dance), then enjoy a four-course hāngī dinner of meat and vegetables cooked in an underground pit.

Tonight, you'll board a historic colonial-style dining tram for a moving four-course dinner. Journey along the inner city tram loop, taking in the regenerating central business district and the city's top landmarks, all while enjoying a memorable, moving feast. Sit back and relax as you take in the views of the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the Avon River / Ōtākaro from your window-side table.

Day 3: TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth, Drive to Punakaiki

Today the TranzAlpine Scenic Train will take you on what's considered one of the world's greatest train journeys. A private driver will collect you from your hotel for a transfer to the train station ahead of this epic trip. Destined for the opposite coast of New Zealand, you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through beech rainforest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.

Collect a rental car and make the short 40-minute drive north to Punakaiki, a coastal town in the heart of the Paparoa National Park, where you can go trekking, canoeing, surfing, climbing, and more. The town is most famous for Pancake Rocks, which are best viewed at high tide when the incoming ocean waves send seawater up the blow holes, creating spectacular plumes.

Day 4: Glowworm Cave Tour, Drive to Franz Josef / Waiau

Delve into an ancient wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, and glowworms in the enormous Nile River Caves this morning. Drive 30 minutes north to reach Charleston, where you'll set off with caving helmets, coats, and boots. Catch the Nile River Rainforest Train through the lush forest before exploring the dry upper levels of the Aranui Entrance series. In the dark, you'll find galaxies of glowworms spanning over you as your guide enriches the journey with curious explanations and stories connecting you to this special place.

Day 5: Hiking & Kayaking, Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Today you'll visit the famous Franz Josef Glacier, a 7.5-mile (12 km) long glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This steep glacier is known for its sparkling ice and picturesque views, and the glacier's end is just three miles (5 km) from town. Start with a trek around the national park. Popular trails include the Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk and Sentinel Rock Walk, which provide views of the glacier. Then there's the Lake Wombat Track and Terrace Walk, which takes you through the forest and past former gold mining operations.

Later, grab a paddle and glide effortlessly across the water, taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and untouched Jurassic rainforest reflected on the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika. Paddle into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, exploring the protected area with your knowledgeable guide. Then up the adrenaline with an exhilarating helicopter ride to the top of the glacier. Look out over the staggering scenery and panoramic views before landing on the ice, then squeeze through narrow crevasses, wind between ice towers, and slide through ice caves.

Day 6: Drive to Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour & Dinner

From Frans Josef / Waiau, it's a 5.5-hour drive to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Travel through a former sawmilling area to Fox Glacier, then pass forests of red and white pine to Bruce Bay. See tranquil lakes Paringa and Moeraki, then pass Wānaka, Lake Hawea Dam, and Lake Hayes on the descent to Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, this ruggedly beautiful region offers hair-raising thrills, vineyards, and historic gold-mining towns.

Then get ready for a leisurely cruise across the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Wakatipu. At the appointed time, the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship will take you to the lakeside gardens of Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet dinner by the water. Soak up the alpine scenery at the homestead and watch as chefs prepare a seasonal bounty of succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Enjoy desserts and New Zealand cheese before the return cruise, complete with a singalong from the ship's pianist.

Day 7: Hiking in Queenstown

Queenstown is well known for its adventure sports and activities, but there's also a huge network of walking tracks and trails to suit all abilities and time frames. A few of the satisfying shorter hikes include Queenstown Hill, which takes around three hours to return as you climb through pine forest to the summit of Te Tapu-nui Mountain. The reward is 360-degree views of Remarkables Mountain Range, the Kawarau River, Cecil Peak, and of course, Lake Wakatipu.

Or tackle Ben Lomond, a two-hour trail that starts from the top of the Skyline Gondola. Ride up the mountain, then follow the signposts for this steep trail and enjoy spectacular views, where on clear days, you can even see Mount Earnslaw and Mount Aspiring. For a simpler option, Bob's Cove, a short drive from Queenstown, offers easy half-hour walks around the lake.

Days 8-9: Drive to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Overnight Cruise

Today you'll marvel at the peaks that soar above and below sea level of stunning Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Witness cascading waterfalls plunging into the sound, the lush untouched rainforests, and encounter nature as seals, dolphins, and penguins say hello. Best of all, you'll experience the majesty with an overnight cruise on the exquisite Fiordland Jewel. Depart Queenstown early to make the 3.5-hour journey to the departure point.

You'll journey along the southern side of the fjord, passing Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the legendary Mitre Peak, and more. Venture into the mouth of the fjord to catch a glimpse of the West Coast before returning to the serenity of the sound. Then navigate the north side and appreciate the splendor of Dale Point, Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Seal Rock, and Stirling Falls. Anchor at Harrison's Cove or Deepwater Cove for the evening. Set out to explore in the kayak before returning to enjoy dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.

On day two, you'll awaken to a colorful sunrise from your king-size cabin. When ready, return to the deck for breakfast and soak up your final moments aboard the Fiordland Jewel before returning to the terminal. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore more of the village and the fjord's shores at your own pace.

Day 10: Drive to Queenstown, Dinner at Botswana Butchery

This morning you'll return to Queenstown, taking your time as you drive through the rolling tussock lands of Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoying the relaxed vibes of New Zealand's adventure capital. For dinner, you could make a booking at Botswana Butchery, one of Queenstown's most renowned restaurants. Located in the historic Archer's Cottage, you'll enjoy spectacular lake views and roaring log fires inside and out as you dine on delicious contemporary New Zealand food and wine.

Day 11: Drive to Manapouri, Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Return to New Zealand's Fiordland with a two-hour drive to Manapouri. Here you'll board an overnight cruise to explore Doubtful Sound, the deepest of New Zealand's fjords at 1,381 feet (421 m) and the second longest at 25 miles (40 km). You'll take a short boat ride across the lake, followed by a bus over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to board the Fiordland Navigator. Settle into your private en-suite cabin, and then soak up the scenery from the viewing deck or observation lounge.

As you sail across the teal fjord, your captain will provide commentary on the area and its history, pointing out landmarks like Browne Falls, which crashes 2,030 feet (619 m) into the sound. Look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland penguins along the way. Eventually, you'll anchor in a sheltered cove to explore the shoreline by kayak or Stabicraft. The day ends with a three-course buffet dinner and stargazing on the upper deck.

Day 12: Drive to Te Anau, Glowworm Caves

A 20-minute drive this morning will take you along the lakeside to Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Te Anau sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, which reaches depths of 1,368 feet (417 m). The town is the starting point for many scenic walking tracks, including the Milford Track and the Kepler Track, which you'll explore tomorrow.

Today you'll cruise across the lake aboard a luxury catamaran, disembarking on the western side to enter the caves through Cavern House. Read displays sharing the story of this 12,000-year-old underground cave network. Then follow your guide along a limestone path as they point out whirlpools, intricate rock formations, and a staggering underground waterfall. Board a small boat to glide through darkness, surrounded by the blue-white pinpricks of thousands of glowworms on the cave walls. 

Day 13: Hiking at Te Anau & Milford Road, Guided Walk & Scenic Cruise

Lake Te Anau is a great place for walking, tramping, boating, fishing, hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming, and even water skiing. Today you'll explore the best of Fiordland National Park when you lace up your hiking boots. This morning you'll explore solo, so choose to trek part of the bigger Kepler Track, with a two-hour segment that follows the lake shore through red beech forest. Later, you'll experience one of the greatest walks in the world, the Milford Track. This four-day hike passes spectacular natural scenes, but today you'll join a half-day guided hike to Giant Gate Falls.

Day 14: Full-Day Routeburn Track Guided Walk

The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's most renowned and picturesque hiking trails. Tackling this 20-mile (32 km) track takes two or three days, so today, you'll experience part of it with a full-day hike, enjoying the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by the sound of rivers, waterfalls, and native birds, you'll be transported to a world of peace and tranquility as you hike with awe-inspiring vistas of snowcapped mountains and ancient beech forests.

Day 15: Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook

Your epic road trip across New Zealand continues today with a five-hour drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook. New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, measures 12,315 feet (3,754 m) and is also known by its Māori name Aoraki, which means "Cloud Piercer." It's one of 20 peaks in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey back past Queenstown, turning east over the historic Kawarau Bridge. If you haven't already, stop to bungee jump from the bridge, sit back and watch others throw themselves off, or go wine tasting in the Central Otago.

Travel through Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, with the summit reaching 3,185 feet (971 m), into the Mackenzie Basin. The towns of Ōmarama and Twizel are the last stops before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Mount Cook Highway along the shores to the village. Finally, you'll arrive in Aoraki / Mount Cook, your base for exploring glacial wonders.

Day 16: Hike Mount Cook, Tasman Lake Cruise

New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook, is where Sir Edmund Hillary made many expeditions, and this morning you'll embark on your own self-guided hike. Take it easy with the one-hour Tasman Lake trail, where the lake freezes in winter, and you'll see icebergs in summer. The Governor's Bush loop track takes a similar amount of time, or you can embark on the two-hour Kea Point or Red Tarns tracks.

Just make sure you're done in time for this afternoon's cruise across Tasman Lake. Your boat will weave around floating 500-year-old icebergs in a specially-designed boat as you make your way close to New Zealand's longest glacier, at around 10 miles (15 km).

Day 17: Drive to Christchurch, Depart

Rise early and hit the road for Christchurch Airport—sadly, it's your final day in New Zealand, but the fun isn't over yet. Make time to stop in Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. Along the four-hour drive, pause at the small town of Tekapo to photograph the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, and the Collie Dog statue. If you have time, join a guided horse trek or boat tour. Continue through Burkes Pass and into the rich farming valley that surrounds Geraldine. Continue across the vast Canterbury Plains, and arrive in Christchurch.

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