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Hooker_Valley Track, Mt Cook- Miles Holden (5) - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Hooker_Valley Track, Mt Cook- Miles Holden (5)  | Miles Holden
Pure Bliss at Milford - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Pure Bliss at Milford
Kayaking in Milford Sound - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Kayaking in Milford Sound
Hooker_Valley Track, Mt Cook- Miles Holden (4) - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Hooker_Valley Track, Mt Cook- Miles Holden (4)  | Miles Holden
The fabulous walk up the Hooker Valley with Aoraki/Mt Cook ahead - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
The fabulous walk up the Hooker Valley with Aoraki/Mt Cook ahead  | Matt Gould
Mount Cook from the Hooker Valley - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Mount Cook from the Hooker Valley  | Chris Buykx
Walking through native forest on the Kepler Track along the Waiau River - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Walking through native forest on the Kepler Track along the Waiau River  | Douglas McKay
Hiking at the Rob Roy Glacier - Best of South Island Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
Hiking at the Rob Roy Glacier

Best of South Island Hike and Kayak

A dramatic 12 day itinerary showcasing some of the best hikes in New Zealand's Southern Alps

New Zealand
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 8 reviews

12 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SHK
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 12 Days
Activities
  • 12 days walking and kayaking
Accommodation
  • 10 nights hotel/motel
  • 1 night cruise boat
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 10 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 5

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

27kg of CO2-e PP per day

(299kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Experience the Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks
  • Explore the outstanding beauty of some of NZ's stunning National Parks
  • Trek to the wild west coast beach and amongst the rainforest of the Paparoa National Park.
  • Kayak on the largest unmodified estuarine lagoon, feeding ground for thousands of wading birds
  • Admire the majesty of NZ's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook
  • Hike up the Rob Roy Track and get face to face with active glaciers
  • Enjoy an unforgettable kayak excursion on Lake Wanaka
  • Overnight cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound out to the Tasman Sea
  • Stay at Aoraki Mt Cook Village and hike up the Hooker Valley and Tasman Glacier

Overview

This tour is packed full of stunning scenery with the jaw-dropping backdrops of the Southern Alps and several of New Zealand's National Parks. We start with our first traverse of the Alps as we head across from Christchurch to the West Coast, stopping along the way for a trek to the first of many beautiful waterfalls. Reaching the West Coast at Punakaiki, in the shadow of the Paparoa National Park, we'll enjoy 2 of the Park's highlights, the Truman Track and the uniquely formed Pancake Rocks.

Heading down the Coast, our next 2 days are spent in Glacier County, kayaking amongst 70 species of wading bird and hiking in the rainforest of the Westland National Park, all the while surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Next stop is Lake Country where our home will be Lake Wanaka, gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. The Rob Roy Glacier Track will bring us face to face with active glaciers and we'll get up close and personal with Lake Wanaka on an unforgettable kayak adventure.

From the Lakes we head to the Fiords and visit Milford Sound, where we stay overnight on a purpose-built cruise boat and cruise out to the Tasman Sea surrounded by towering peaks, waterfalls and dense bush with time to hop in a kayak and view sealife and bird life up close.

A rest day in Queenstown follows which can be spent truly resting in the many cafes or engaging in one of the multitude of adventure activities on offer.

Our last 2 nights will be spent in the close company of Aoraki Mt Cook and its surrounding National Park. Hiking up the Hooker Valley and, weather permitting, up the 2,200 steps to the Sealy Tarns will be a memorable end to this scenic journey.

Itinerary

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We will meet in a central city location in Christchurch around 08:00am and after a short tour briefing we’ll head straight out of town towards the West Coast. We’ll break the journey for lunch and the delightful Devil’s Punchbowl walk through beech forest, zigzagging up 240 steps to one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls. We’ll reach Punakaiki, a small community on the West Coast nestled on the edge of the Paparoa National Park, in late afternoon. There may be time to visit a nearby cavern and check out the glowworms that glow through bioluminescence, thereby enticing prey to the sticky silk threads they make which hang like fishing lines. Our accommodation tonight is situated just 2 minutes from the Punakaiki beach at the Punakaiki Resort, where we’ll also enjoy our first group dinner. Hiking : 1 hr return including 240 steps Driving Time : 5 hours

Meals: L,D

The boundaries of the Paparoa National Park were carefully established to encompass a complete range of landscapes and ecosystems running all the way inland from the coast to the rugged ice-carved Paparoa Ranges. This morning we’ll explore 2 of the Park’s highlights. The Truman Track is a short, easy, but stunning, walk through beautiful sub-tropical rainforest to a secret beach! From there we’ll head to a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools. The Pancake Rocks were formed 30 million years ago from minute fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. Gradually seismic action lifted the limestone above the seabed. Mildly acidic rain, wind and seawater sculpted the bizarre shapes. After lunch we transfer further down the West Coast to the village of Franz Josef, arriving in time for a wander. Hiking : Truman Track 1.2km return ;Pancake Rocks 1.1km loop

Meals: B,L,D

Okarito is New Zealand's largest unmodified estuarine lagoon - home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kotuku/white heron and royal spoonbills. The lagoon is surrounded by lush native rainforest, above which rise the towering snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. The area is an important feeding ground for thousands of wading birds and there's a huge area of shallow open water and tidal flats perfect for sheltered water kayaking. We’ll spend the morning following a self-guided kayak trail which will bring us up close (but not too close) and personal with this amazing colony of birds. After lunch you can either return to Franz Josef for a leisurely afternoon or stay in Okarito and hike to the Okarito Trig Viewpoint. This walk initially winds through bush before crossing the estuary on a curving broadwalk and then winding gently uphill to the Trig. On a clear day, the view is unbeatable overlooking Westland National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast. Heading back to Franz Josef there’ll be time to soak in the hot springs before dinner which the legs should appreciate! Kayaking : 3.5 hrs Hiking : Optional 4.2km 1.5 hrs

Meals: B,L,D

The heart of Glacier Country, the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, offer the most accessible rivers of ice in the world, plunging down through rainforest almost to sea level. This morning, depending on the weather, we’ll pick from one of several hikes in the area to experience this dynamic, glacial environment. After lunch we’ll experience one of the best scenic drives in New Zealand from the Glaciers to the Lakes. Tracking down the West Coast through the breath-taking Haast Pass, into the heart of the Southern Alps, we’ll travel past coastal scrub, rain forest and native bush, alpine tussock lands, lakes and mountains - this road showcases the best of South Island scenery all in one go. Ending the day at a central motel within walking distance of Wanaka and its lakefront which will be our base for the next 2 nights. Hiking : upto 3 hours, distance 8-10kms Scenic Drive : 5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, and to continue with our glacier theme, a local guide will collect & drive us for approximately 90 minutes to the trail head of the Rob Roy Glacier Track. The trail leads into Tititea Mount Aspiring National Park following Rob Roy Stream through beech forest with waterfalls and a luxuriant understorey of ferns and mosses. At the tree line, the forest gives way to alpine vegetation and spectacular views of the hanging glaciers beneath Mount Rob Roy. The walk to the viewing point is mostly uphill, but the incline gradual. The cheeky kleptomaniac Kea (mountain parrots) are fond of anything edible or not that you may leave unattended on a rock – just saying! Returning to Wanaka in the late afternoon, the evening is yours - for the coming season, dinner tonight is no longer included. Your Adventure South guide will have pointed out our local favourites for you last night, so you can hunt these down at your leisure. Hiking : 10km, 3-4 hours Driving : 1 hr each way

Meals: B,L

Lake Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s largest lakes situated in a glacier carved basin and is surrounded by the majestic snow capped mountains of the Southern Alps. This makes it the ideal location for an unforgettable kayaking adventure exploring the beautiful coastline whilst enjoying the outstanding scenery. After lunch we are rejoined by our Adventure South guide, and we get to sit back and enjoy another stunning drive, starting with a spectacular 69km between Wanaka and Queenstown on the Crown Range Road. Renowned for its beautiful views and epic scenery the road traverses New Zealand's highest sealed alpine pass at 1076m. From there we hug the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston and then cross through several small farming settlements before finishing up in the township of Te Anau on the shores of another stunning lake. Kayaking : 4 hours Scenic Drive : 3.5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

The drive to Milford Sound this morning is every bit as impressive as the destination. Climbing through the Southern Alps, the Milford Road is one of the highest and most scenic roads in New Zealand traveling through lush beech forest and vast valleys, past mirror-like lakes, towering mountains and impressive feats of roading engineering in the form of the Homer Tunnel. The beautiful Milford road tracks through the wilderness and we stop to enjoy some of the short walks and views on the way, before arriving at The Divide. From here we walk to Key Summit, a 3 hour return hike which forms part of the Routeburn Track, gives spectacular views of the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt and Earl mountain ranges. Milford Sound itself is arguably the most stunning fiord in Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. It’s lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200m or more from the sea. At 1692 metres, the iconic Mitre Peak is a spectacular sight and New Zealand’s most photographed mountain. Visiting Milford Sound you will be in the heart of a rainforest, which creates walls of temporary waterfalls. Glorious on a fine day, the ethereal, moody beauty in the rain is equally spectacular. The Milford Mariner is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfect for cruising the fiord with private ensuite cabins, an onboard specialist nature guide and delicious food prepared by the onboard chef. During our time on the boat, there are options to kayak, explore the shoreline and even take a swim,weather permitting. Hiking/ Kayaking options Scenic Drive : 2.5hrs

Meals: B,L,D

After farewelling our overnight cruise, we’ll head back South along the Milford Road, so a second opportunity to take in the extraordinary sights on this stunning drive. We’ll stop just beyond Te Anau to experience a delightful section of another of NZ’s Great Walks, the Kepler. The track follows the terraces of the Waiau River through red and mountain beech forest to Rainbow Reach and is on easy terrain. Then we continue onto Queenstown for the next 2 nights, with a rest day tomorrow which can be spent relaxing or otherwise! Hiking : 9km 2.5hrs Scenic Drive : 4 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Today there’s the option of a very long lie-in and spending the rest of the day cruising Queenstown’s many cafes and outdoor shops or you can stick with the active theme of the tour and choose one of the myriad of activities offered by NZ’s adrenaline capital! Bunjy jumping, jet boating, rafting, ziplining, off-road driving, mountain biking, hiking…the list is almost endless. Surrounded by mighty mountain ranges, glistening lakes and swooping trails there is literally something for everyone to enjoy in Queenstown.

Meals: Nil

Today we head to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Leaving Queenstown, we pass through the Gibbston Valley wine growing region before entering the historic gold mining district of the rugged Kawarau River Gorge. Next up the famous fruit growing region of Cromwell followed by a drive up the shores of Lake Dunstan that leads us to the dramatic Lindis Pass. Crossing the Pass we enter the high-country landscape of the MacKenzie Basin and then the final stretch takes us up the shores of the stunning Lake Pukaki to the Aoraki/Mt Cook village. The afternoon is free to stretch your legs on one of the short walks in the Park or perhaps explore the Edmund Hillary Centre or the highly recommended DOC centre and keep the legs fresh for tomorrow. Hiking : 1+ hours Scenic Drive : 3.5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock. Walking one of the tracks is the best way to experience this ancient landscape. The Hooker Valley track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, ending at the glacier lake, where there are amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Mueller Glacier on a clear day. Along the way we’ll cross the Hooker River via three swingbridges and encounter picturesque icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains. For those keen to experience more of this special environment, we may take on the famous Sealy Tarns hike, known as the "Stairway to Heaven," with 2,200 steps to spectacular views as your reward. For those feeling adventurous, the guided option to Mueller Hut may be available, depending on the group's enthusiasm and weather. Alternatively, return to the village having achieved an epic feat, and enjoy further exploration at your own pace. Not feeling a big hike to Sealy Tarns today? You have the option to remain local in the village, exploring short walks on foot. Your guide will be able to advise must do hikes and locations to visit close by. Returning to our lodge accommodation we’ll gather for a final trip dinner and enjoy reliving all the great experiences we’ve had! Hiking : Hooker Valley 10km rtn, 3hrs; Sealy Tarns 3-4 hrs, 2200 steps +600m

Meals: B,L,D

The drive back to Christchurch offers more great views as we head back down Lake Pukaki and continue through the MacKenzie Basin via Lake Tekapo to the pretty country towns of Fairlie and Geraldine. We then cross the vast canterbury plains to arrive back into Christchurch in the late afternoon.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

9 scheduled departures between 14 Nov 2026 and 11 Apr 2028.

  • Departs 14 Nov 2026 – ends 25 Nov 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 21 Jan 2027 – ends 1 Feb 2027 (12 days)
  • Departs 2 Feb 2027 – ends 13 Feb 2027 (12 days)
  • Departs 12 Mar 2027 – ends 23 Mar 2027 (12 days)
  • Departs 2 Apr 2027 – ends 13 Apr 2027 (12 days)
  • Departs 11 Dec 2027 – ends 22 Dec 2027 (12 days)
  • … and 3 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x10), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x10), two course restaurant dinners (x9) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 10 nights hand picked hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
  • 1 night cabin on a Fiordland cruise boat on a double or twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Private vehicle transport with trailer for luggage
  • Kayak expeditions on Okarito Lagoon and Lake Wanaka
  • Entry to Franz Josef hot pools and Sir Edmund Hilary Visitor Centre
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Transport from Christchurch (return)
  • Poles on request if required - please let our staff know in advance
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.

Video

New Zealand Hiking Holidays | Adventure South NZ

Reviews (8)

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Perfectly constructed itinerary, executed in perfection by our amazing guide Catherine. The different accommodations were all very comfortable and the meals were amazing.

Koen K|Netherlands
7 Apr 2026
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We visited and hiked all the most scenic spots in the lower South Island.

Francis B|Auckland , New Zealand
14 Mar 2025
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Great guide and places to walk, stay and enjoy. Places on the West Coast that we haven’t been before.

Terrance Knox|VIC, Australia
2 Mar 2025
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A fantastic trip with a good combination of touring, walking, exploring and of course eating. We really enjoyed the small group and the casualness of the tour - with our guide making changes to the itinerary as required to make the most of the weather, changing road conditions and other opportunities as they arose. Was always suggested with a group consensus when changes were required. Our guide was great - very informative and also relaxed and flexible which was refreshing and made the most out of the places we visited and activities etc.

Susan Tulau|VIC, Australia
24 Jan 2025
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Great Hikes & Glaciers of NZ was fantastic! The trip provided a perfect snapshot of NZ South Island’s incredible scenery. Loads of variety with activities, and great hiking trails. The overnight cruise on Milford Sound was wonderful. Rich, our guide, was awesome, very knowledgeable, professional and he was very accommodating to our group. Hotels, transportation and meals were great too. Highly recommend this trip - an awesome introduction to NZ South Island, it’s an epically beautiful place! Would definitely recommend Adventure South NZ.

Kirsty Cameron|VIC, Australia
29 Dec 2024
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Yuhsuan W|TaiWAn
15 Mar 2025
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Terrance Knox|VIC, Australia
3 Feb 2025
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Peri Buckley|TAS, Australia
2 Jan 2025

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?
Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Real Journeys Navigator | Real Journeys

Cruise Boat Cabin

The Fiordland boats are purpose built vessels designed to replicate a traditional trading scows and are perfectly suited to cruising the fiords, with spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge. Comfortable private cabins are provided on a twin or double share basis, some cabins have shared bathrooms. At night the boat will anchor in a sheltered bay and a delicious 3 course buffet meal will be prepared by the onboard chef.

Scenic Punakaiki Hotel | Scenic Punakaiki Hotel

Scenic Punakaiki Hotel

This well appointed 4 star hotel is located right on the beachfront with views of the Tasman Sea, Punakaiki Beach and surrounding rainforest. It is located just a few minutes walk from the famous Pancake Rocks. The restaurant and bar have large ocean facing windows and a open fire for cooler days. Offering large ensuite studio rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, some rooms have a small kitchenette.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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