New Zealand: A South Island Trekking Adventure

Christchurch - Methven - Mt Cook National Park - Ohau - Wānaka - Te Anau - Queenstown

Photography, Adventure, Exploration, Hiking

Activity Level: 3

Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure traversing through New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes. Start your journey in Christchurch before heading to the majestic peaks of Mt Cook, where alpine adventures await. Cycle and discover the serene beauty of Lake Ohau, a hidden and breathtaking gem. Continue to Wānaka, renowned for its stunning lakes on which you’ll kayak. Finally, explore the natural wonders of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This itinerary promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring scenery.

  • 8 days

  • 8 - 22 spots

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 2 Dinners

Activities Included

  • Hike Mt John
  • Hike Hooker Valley
  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
  • Hike to Diamond Lake
  • Lake Gunn Trail and Hollyford Gantry
  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Hike Kepler Track (part)

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
  • Local guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers

Exclusions

  • Flights (except as noted)
  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas and Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
  • Tips & Gratuity

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Kia ora, New Zealand!

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

meal

dinner

Included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Toast to an exciting trip ahead! Your meal will either be a 2-course set menu, or a la carte depending on your finalized restaurant with one alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink included.

accommodation

Distinction Christchurch, or similar

Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 2

info

Hike Scenic Mt. John

Good morning to your first full day in New Zealand! Fill up on breakfast before departing Christchurch. Today you’ll transfer across the Canterbury Plains to your first hike at Mt John. Mid-way through the hike you’ll stop for lunch and enjoy the views. After you finish, you’ll transfer to Mt Cook with the evening at your leisure. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

transfer

APPROX. 3 HOURS 30 MIN

Transfer to Lake Tekapo

Take a private transfer to Lake Tekapo. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS 30 MIN

Hike Mt John

Hike along the tranquil lakeshore, gradually ascending toward the elevated viewing platform on Mt. John, where sweeping, Patagonia-like landscapes unfold before you in all their grandeur. Take time to soak in the vastness of the scenery, from shimmering waters to dramatic peaks, before continuing your journey. After the hike, you’ll transfer to Mt. Cook, where you’ll settle in for the night amidst New Zealand’s most iconic alpine setting. Distance: 5.2 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet / Duration 2.5-3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

meal

lunch

Pack lunch included during your hike. Pack lunches usually consist of a wrap, hummus, and crackers along with snacks like energy bars or fruit. Your exact pack lunch will vary.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Transfer to Mt Cook

After your hike, you’ll continue via private transfer to Mt Cook.

accommodation

The Hermitage Hotel, or similar

Overnight in Mt Cook National Park

Day 3

info

Mt Cook National Park

After a good night’s rest, you’ll fuel up this morning and set out on the Hooker Valley Trail. Prepare to marvel at the high peaks of the Southern Alps as you trek through the valley. Upon finishing your hike and lunch, you can stop by the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Center before you continue your journey to Wanaka. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Hike Hooker Valley

The hike on the Hooker Valley trail allows us to admire the glacial features of the captivating valley. The path consists of flat wooden boardwalks, gravel paths and few mild inclines. Be awestruck by the icefalls on the Southern Alps’ highest peaks, and at the end of the hike, view the stunning terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier with its striking backdrop of Aoraki Mt Cook. After returning to the trail head you’ll transfer 5 minutes to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre situated right next to your hotel. Distance (Out & Back): 6.3 miles / Elevation Gain: 740 feet / Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

meal

lunch

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre

After your hike, visit the world-class Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre to explore the fascinating exhibits. Gain insight into the region's unique natural wonders and mountaineering history. This world-class visitor center is a 'must-do' activity during your visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

transfer

APPROX. 2 HOURS 30 MIN

Transfer to Wanaka

Take a private transfer to Wanaka. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

accommodation

The Oakridge Resort, or similar

Overnight in Wānaka.

Day 4

info

Leisure Time in Wānaka

Today you’ll have the full day at your leisure. Relax and enjoy lakeside views, or explore the town on your own.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

accommodation

The Oakridge Resort, or similar

Overnight in Wānaka.

Day 5

info

Diamond Lake Hike

From your hotel, take a short transfer into the striking landscapes of Aspiring National Park. Begin your hike to Diamond Lake, following scenic trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints over the glittering waters and surrounding mountains. After descending, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch amid the park’s natural beauty before continuing your journey with a transfer to Te Anau. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure in this charming lakeside town. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Hike to Diamond Lake

From your hotel, take a short 20 minute transfer into the heart of Aspiring National Park, where dramatic peaks set the stage for your adventure. Begin your hike to the serene Diamond Lake, following trails that wind through native bush and open landscapes. At the summit, pause to soak in sweeping views of the lake shimmering below and the surrounding mountain vistas. After descending, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. Distance: 1.8 miles / Elevation Gain: 430 feet / Duration: 1.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy

meal

lunch

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

transfer

APPROX. 3 HOURS 30 MIN

Transfer to Te Anau

Take a private transfer to Te Anau. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

accommodation

Luxmore Hotel, or similar

Overnight in Te Anau

Day 6

info

Cruise Along Fjords

Enjoy breakfast this morning then head out on a transfer to Lake Gunn. Enjoy a scenic walk with lots of view points before having a picnic lunch and transferring to Milford Sound. There, you'll board a ship to cruise among the fjords. After your cruise, you'll take a transfer back to Te Anau, with the evening at your leisure. Today you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots or active wear), and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Transfer to Lake Gunn

Take a private transfer to Lake Gunn.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Lake Gunn Trail and Hollyford Gantry

Enjoy an easy walk through lush beech forest draped in mosses and ferns, creating an almost enchanted atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll reach the shores of Lake Gunn, where calm waters mirror the surrounding mountains and provide stunning photo opportunities. Then head 15 minutes for a quick stop at Hollyford Gantry before heading back. Distance: 1 miles / Elevation Gain: 78 ft / Duration 1 hour / Difficulty: Easy

meal

lunch

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Milford Sound Cruise

After lunch you’ll transfer 45 minutes to the dock to board the cruise. Prepare to experience the true magnificence of the fjord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs that plummet hundreds of meters into deep dark waters. Enjoy wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you keep an eye out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and if you’re lucky the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

transfer

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Return to Te Anau

Take a private transfer back to Te Anau. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

accommodation

Luxmore Hotel, or similar

Overnight in Te Anau

Day 7

info

Hike Kepler Track & Farewell Dinner

On your final full day you will hike a portion of the famed Kepler Track. Fuel up on breakfast and take a short transfer to begin the hike. Hike from Te Anau to the shores of magnificent Lake Manapouri. After your hike you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and then transfer to Queenstown. This evening you’ll enjoy a final meal together and reminisce on the amazing experiences you’ve shared together. Today we recommend wearing comfortable hiking clothes, hiking boots, and bring a day pack with plenty of water, a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Hike Kepler Track (part)

Transfer 15 minutes to begin the hike. This morning you’ll hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush-fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Manapouri, you’ll turn back and hike back out. Distance: 6.1miles / Elevation Gain: 430 feet / Duration 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

meal

lunch

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

transfer

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Transfer to Queenstown

Take a private transfer to Queenstown. Stop for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

meal

dinner

Included farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Your meal will either be a 2-course set menu, or a la carte with one alcoholic /non alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

accommodation

Copthorne Hotel And Resort Queenstown Lakefront, or similar

Overnight in Queenstown

Day 8

info

Ka Kite Anō, New Zealand!

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Queenstown International Airport (ZQN).

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Itinerary Details

Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes. The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated information.

TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.

$4358+ USD

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$4358+ USD

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