New Zealand's South Island by Trail: An Active Journey

Fly to New Zealand’s South Island, crossing the international date line, and arrive in Nelson on Day 3. Set on the Tasman Bay near the northern tip of the South Island, Nelson is a hub of the arts and a gateway to stunning national parks. In the evening, meet your trip leader and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Set out on a walk through the native forests of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, watching for rare species such as the iguana-like tuatara, the New Zealand pigeon, and the beautiful tui bird. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a nearby winery that produces fine whites such as sauvignon blancs and chardonnays. then head up Botanical Hill for a panoramic view of Nelson and Tasman Bay. (B,L)

Walking: 3-4 miles on dirt or gravel trails, paved paths, and boardwalks; 482 feet of elevation gain

Spend a full day exploring the golden beaches, clear waters, and rainforests of Abel Tasman National Park. On a guided sea kayaking excursion, paddle past picturesque sandbars and limestone rock formations to Observation Beach. Then trek through lush coastal forests on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, named one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. After lunch, opt to join a hike with your Trip Leader to Cleopatra’s Pool, set out on a self guided walk to Pitt Head lookout, or enjoy a free afternoon to relax on the beach. Travel by aqua taxi back to the day’s starting point in Marahau and return to Nelson for dinner at leisure. (B,L)

Sea Kayaking: 5 miles on calm bays and inlets

Walking (morning): 2 miles on forest trails, beaches, and dirt tracks

Hiking (afternoon): 4-5 miles on forest trails with rocky, uneven terrain

Travel south, stopping at Cape Foulwind for a scenic walk along the coast to a colony of New Zealand fur seals. Continue to Punakaiki, your base for exploring Paparoa National Park and its famous Pancake Rocks. On a guided walk, see these stacked layers of limestone and sandstone and watch jets of water shoot out from the rocks at high tide. Check in to your hotel and gather for dinner with the group. (B,D)

Walking: 3–5 miles on mostly flat paved paths

Follow the coast to the town of Greymouth and visit the immersive Pounamu Pathways exhibition, which delves into the history and culture of the local Māori. Ascend by road to Arthur’s Pass, set at 2,430 feet above sea level—the highest pass over Southern Alps. In Arthur's Pass National Park, hike the Devil's Punchbowl Track through beech forests to a stunning waterfall. Later, near the village of Castle Hill, hike to the Kura Tāwhiti rock formations, a place of special significance to the local Māori. Settle into a high-country resort near Windwhistle surrounded by beautiful alpine landscapes. (B)

Hiking: 1-2 miles on paved paths and dirt or rocky trails with mild ascents and descents; 492 feet of elevation gain

Walking: 1-2 miles on paved gravel paths surrounding the rock formations

Set out on a hike on one of the nearby trails with your trip leader or enjoy some of the resort’s many amenities. Later, head to nearby Lake Coleridge for a stroll through the village. End the day with a soak in thermal pools offering spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Enjoy dinner on your own in the town of Methven before returning to the resort. (B)

Walking (morning): 1-2 miles on paved paths.

Walking (afternoon): 1-2 miles on sidewalks and some trails

Travel toward turquoise Lake Tekapo, pausing for lunch in Fairlie. Continue to a highland farm for a walk through its scenic pastures. Witness a sheep-shearing demonstration and observe sheep dogs at work alongside herders in the paddocks. Tonight, check into your resort on the shores of Lake Tekapo—weather permitting—take in the dazzling night skies of New Zealand’s largest dark sky reserve. (B,L)

Walking: 1 mile on paved and dirt paths

Head into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage site that is home to New Zealand's highest peaks as well as immense glaciers and soaring cliffs. Stop in at the visitor’s center before setting off on a day hike on the Hooker Valley Track, which leads through lands that are sacred to the local Māori people. Traverse a suspension bridge and trek along lakeshores, taking in majestic views of Mueller Glacier and Kakiroa/Mount Sefton. Along the way, keep an eye out for endemic kea and kārearea birds as well as wildflowers including the world’s biggest buttercup. Back at the resort, gather with the group for dinner.  (B,D)

Hiking: 6-7 miles on dirt and gravel trails with mostly flat but uneven terrain

Trace the Southern Alps south toward Queenstown, stopping for lunch in lakeside Wānaka. Arrive in the outdoor adventure hub of Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and take an orientation walk after check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to discover the many delights of Queenstown. (B,L)

Walking: 1-2 miles on paved roads and sidewalks

Embark on a full-day excursion to Doubtful Sound, the deepest of the South Island's fjords. Explore the untouched wilderness of Fiordland National Park, where a vast network of inlets and fjords thread between towering peaks and verdant forests. As there is no direct road access to this remote park, you’ll arrive by boat, crossing Lake Manapouri and driving over stunning Wilmot Pass to reach Doubtful Sound. Set sail on the majestic waterway on a cruise with an expert nature guide, watching for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and rare crested penguins. As the scale of and beauty of the park unfurl before you, learn of the explorers who have ventured here, including Captain Cook who first bestowed the name Doubtful Harbour to the inlets in 1770. (B,L,D)

Set out this morning on the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, or opt to take advantage of a number of optional outdoor offerings. Among the possibilities: hop on a gondola to Bob's Peak for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains, soar through the treetops on a zip line, speed through the canyons of the Shotover River on a thrilling jet boat ride, or opt for a full-day guided tour of award-winning wineries. (B,D)

Hiking (morning): 2-3 miles over paved paths with some rocky terrain along a steady incline; 1,315 feet of elevation gain near the trailhead

Depart at any time. (B)