Hiking Adventure on the South Island

Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, and Abel Tasman Exploration

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Overview

Kia Ora, welcome to New Zealand’s South Island!

Crisscross this island of natural beauty traveling north, south, east, and west – by train, plane, helicopter, hiking boot, and, along its coast by boat and kayak. There are so many special things to see on the South Island and this trip puts a serious dent in that endeavor. Four national parks, three vibrant cities, two towns perfectly situated for whale watching and wine tasting, an extraordinary backcountry lodge, and miles upon miles of glorious, lush countryside.

Start this outdoor-oriented extravaganza in Queenstown, with time to wander around town, stroll along the lakeshore, take the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, taste wine, and dine. Get off the beaten path with a helicopter ride to a luxury lodge sandwiched between Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. Boat Kaikoura’s stunning coastline and immerse yourself in its abundant marine life and renowned whale watching. Taste hand-crafted and delicious wine in the Marlborough wine region. Then it’s time to dive into and hike around the crystal-clear waters of Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.

Immerse yourself in warm Kiwi hospitality, unique wildlife, and new adventures each day on this adventure through the South Island’s natural beauty.

Price From*

$12,800 USD
Trip Type

Custom-Made Travel
Best Months for Travel

January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Duration

17 days / 16 nights
Trip begins/ends
Queenstown, New Zealand / Aukland, New Zealand

*Price per person based on sample itinerary detailed. Pricing will vary depending upon number of travelers, rooming configuration, and other planning details specific to your trip.

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How Can We Customize This Sample Itinerary For You?

If this sample itinerary looks intriguing, let us know and we can begin the process of tailoring it for you and yours! Call or email us today: [email protected].

Trip Details

Trip Highlights

kayaking in the ocean in abel tasman national park

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

"Do" the South Island: You’ll hit just about every corner of the island – Abel Tasman, Nelson, and Kahurangi in the north, stunning Fiordland in the south, Christchurch, Kaikoura, and Marlborough in the east, and Queenstown and Minaret Station in the west.
Splendid Lodges: Settle into accommodations that put you in the right place – in the heart of Queenstown and Christchurch, in the backcountry, overlooking Kaikoura, within biking distance of wineries in Marlborough, and at the start of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
South Island Gems: Queenstown is the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Kaikoura is known for whale watching, Blenheim is home to the Marlborough wine region, and sunny Nelson – the gateway to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.

The Essentials

Hiking Adventure on the South Island

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: Oceania

Region: New Zealand

Trip Price: $12,800

Duration: 17 days/16 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Queenstown, New Zealand / Aukland, New Zealand

National Parklands: Mount Aspiring NP;Abel Tasman NP;Kahurangi NP;Fiordland NP

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Hiking Adventure on the South Island

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

Make It Private

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Trip Highlights
The Essentials
Energy Index
How Custom Travel Works

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

"Do" the South Island: You’ll hit just about every corner of the island – Abel Tasman, Nelson, and Kahurangi in the north, stunning Fiordland in the south, Christchurch, Kaikoura, and Marlborough in the east, and Queenstown and Minaret Station in the west.
Splendid Lodges: Settle into accommodations that put you in the right place – in the heart of Queenstown and Christchurch, in the backcountry, overlooking Kaikoura, within biking distance of wineries in Marlborough, and at the start of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
South Island Gems: Queenstown is the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Kaikoura is known for whale watching, Blenheim is home to the Marlborough wine region, and sunny Nelson – the gateway to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks.

Hiking Adventure on the South Island

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: Oceania

Region: New Zealand

Trip Price: $12,800

Duration: 17 days/16 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Queenstown, New Zealand / Aukland, New Zealand

National Parklands: Mount Aspiring NP;Abel Tasman NP;Kahurangi NP;Fiordland NP

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Hiking Adventure on the South Island

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Itinerary

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Arrive into Auckland, then fly to Queenstown – holding the title of the “Adventure Capital of the World”! Start off your explorations with a half-day wine tour in the Gibbston Valley. Then, take a guided hike in Mount Aspiring National Park – considered New Zealand’s most pristine park – and the next day head out for a whitewater rapid adventure on the Shotover River with an enthusiastic local guide.

Days 4-6: Te Anau – Fiordland National Park

Travel south to the Fiordland National Park area and the quaint town of Te Anau. This base gives you excellent access into the iconic Milford Sound and the more remote/lesser frequented Doubtful Sound. Start off your explorations of Fiordland National Park in the remote and stunning Doubtful Sound, on a guided kayaking trip. The following day, set out for a full day of boating, wildlife viewing and walks in stunning Milford Sound.

Days 7-8: South Island Backcountry

After a quick drive back to Queenstown, a helicopter will whisk you away to a family-owned, lodge situated in the deep backcountry between Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. From this luxurious and serene remote base, gear up for hiking, guided fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.

Day 9: Christchurch

Helicopter out of the Minaret Station, then fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. Stroll to dinner from your historic boutique hotel.

Days 10-11: Kaikoura

Take the train along the coast to Kaikoura. Arrive mid-morning and acquaint yourself with this picturesque town – where the mountains meet the sea. Your boutique B&B is perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the vast South Pacific. Experience Kaikoura’s incredible marine life on two tours. Onboard your first tour, look for sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. Then, you’ll join a guided dolphin encounter cruise to swim with the dolphins (amazing!) or view the pod from the comfort of a boat.

Days 12-13: Blenheim – Marlborough Wine Region

Continue north by rail through rolling hills and the vineyards of New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region. Stay in Blenheim at a beautiful 1901 historic lodge. Visit nearby vineyards and wineries by bicycle. Cheers!

Days 14-16: Nelson – Abel Talsman and Kahurangi National Parks

This morning, a private driver whisks you off to Nelson, stopping at wineries for tastings along the way. Stay at a fabulous eco-nature lodge, the perfect base for exploring two spectacular national parks – Abel Tasman and Kahurangi. Spend a full day on a guided kayaking tour in the turquoise waters along the Abel Tasman coast. Then, spend your last day hiking in Kahurangi National Park.

Day 17: Departures Home from Auckland

The time has arrived to return to the Northern Hemisphere. Fly from Nelson to Auckland and connect with flights home.

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Lodging

Brown's Boutique Hotel

Brown’s Boutique is our favorite Queenstown accommodation, located just a few minutes’ walk to downtown shopping and dining. Each room has a private balcony with town, lake and courtyard views. Your delightful hosts and managers, Angelo and Skye.

Dusky Ridges Farm Stay B&B

Spanning over 500 acres, you’ll enjoy the mountains and lakes of Fiordland National Park as your backdrop at this special accommodation. Dusky Ridges is a traditional New Zealand sheep and deer farm offering contemporary bed and breakfast accommodation in an iconic New Zealand setting.

Minaret Station

Situated in the heart of untouched landscapes and beauty in New Zealand's South Island, the Minaret Station is one of the finest luxury Alpine Lodges. This 50,000 acre, family owned and unique lodge provides guests with a one of a kind experience with unmatched luxury and hospitality. Minaret Station is also home to a working high country farm with 10,000 deer, 7,000 sheep and 1,000 cattle. Accessible only by helicopter, station invites guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil and unspoiled wilderness. With only four tastefully designed Alpine Chalets, the Minaret Station is an intimate and adventure filled experience. Each chalet is connected to the main lodge by a series of raised wooden boardwalks where you can relax in one of the two separate living areas and enjoy a good book from the well-stocked library by the wood-burning fires. During a stay at the Minaret Station guests have access to countless hiking trails, mountain biking, guided fishing, scenic flights and a wide variety of heli-adventures. In addition to the incredible accommodations and adventures the cuisine on property is just as fantastic. Food is always fresh and locally sourced from the Southern Alps and Central Otago and artfully paired with some of the best local wines.

Eliza's Manor Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of Christchurch, Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel is a comfortable bed and breakfast offering all of the modern amenities. Built in 1861, this historic building has been beautifully restored and offers spacious rooms to relax after a day of adventure!

Lemon Tree Boutique Hotel

Lemon Tree lodge is set on the limestone cliffs above the small coastal community of Kaikoura. The small boutique B&B property has six individually furnished guest rooms. Wake up in the morning to the sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, and a freshly cooked breakfast!

The Peppertree

Built in 1901 and nestled quietly in the world famous Marlborough wine region, The Peppertree is a timless boutique lodge where time stands still. Surrounded with 10 acres of farmland, vineyards, olive groves and beautiful gardens this is the perfect base for your time exploring the rolling hills of Marlborough. Featuring five private suites The Peppertree offers guests a personal and uniuqe experinence.

Abel Tasman Lodge

The Abel Tasman Lodge is a hidden gem, just steps from the Abel Tasman National Park and a few more steps to quaint and cozy local dining options. As a collection of small and private chalets, set among beautiful native grounds, these modern accommodations are the perfect base for exploring the area. Breakfast is served directly to your door each morning!