Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: New Zealand South Island Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Nelson
Welcome to the South Island! Upon arrival at the airport in Nelson, your MT Sobek guide will meet you outside the arrivals area and transfer you to your hotel. Relax before joining the group for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
Accommodation: Tides Hotel
(D)
Day 2 Go Deep into Abel Tasman National Park
2-hour round-trip private van transfer and 2-hour round-trip boat transfer
3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,938' elevation gain and loss
Today is dedicated to the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri, a seaside village and gateway to the park, cruise the rugged coastline past golden-sand beaches and granite headlands into the heart of Abel Tasman. Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forests and along empty beaches. A well-formed trail leads up and over a gentle ridge into Torrent Bay, where you check out the clear, fresh water of Cleopatra's Pool before continuing to Anchorage, from where you boat back to Kaiteriteri.
Accommodation: Tides Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Experience Nelson Lakes National Park
2.5-hour drive and 1-hour water taxi
3 hours/6.2 miles hiking with 460' elevation gain and loss
Depart Nelson bound for St Arnaud and the picturesque alpine lake Rotoiti situated in the northernmost extent of the Southern Alps. A short water taxi ride accesses the head of the lake to hike and have a picnic lunch in the splendid Travers Valley. The track traverses crystal clear river pools, tranquil beech forest, rushing streams and grassy river flats surrounded by mountains. The return boat ride to St Arnaud and a late afternoon drive down the broad Wairau Valley into the wine growing region of Marlborough delivers you to your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Get a Taste of Local Wines & Maori History
2-hour private van transfer
3 hours/7.5 miles hiking
Head south and stop for wine tasting at Yealands Estate, an award-winning vineyard renowned for innovation and sustainable wine production. Tour the extensive property by way of the White Road and enjoy sweeping views over the Cook Strait. Continue along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country, with superb scenery and New Zealand fur seal and dolphin sightings. On arrival in Kaikoura, enjoy remarkable clifftop views of sea and mountains with a hike around the Kaikoura Peninsula, passing by historic whaling and Maori pa sites.
Accommodation: Sudima Kaikoura
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Enjoy Whale-Watching, Hiking, and Hanmer Springs
2-hour private van transfer
1.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 1,361' elevation loss, 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
Start the morning with a whale-watching cruise offering close-up views of majestic sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Then drive to the thermal resort of Hanmer Springs and up to Jack's Pass, your first alpine experience. Enjoy the scenic vistas of the Hanmer Range, Clarence Valley, and Amuri Basin as you explore the local trails. The remainder of the day is free to browse the shops, soak in the Hanmer Springs thermal pools, and savor dinner in a local eatery.
Accommodation: Hanmer Springs Hotel
(B, L)
Day 6 Experience Beech Forests & Pancake Rocks
3.5-hour private van transfer
2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 528' elevation gain and loss
Hike today in the Victoria Conservation Area amidst pristine beech forests, meandering rivers, and mining relics. The return track leads up the Klondyke Valley through ancient gnarled beech forests draped in verdant green mosses. Take time out to enjoy a cup of tea and a snack beside the river before returning the same way. Afterward, stop in the historic and quaint town of Reefton for a coffee and a stroll down the main street, lined with restored heritage buildings that offer insight into the past. On arrival at Punakaiki, take a short walk around the famous Pancake Rocks and watch the mighty blowholes. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local pub.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike Paparoa National Park
3 hours/6 miles hiking
Hike the Inland Pack Track between river valleys. This historic route, once used by prospectors and miners to avoid the immense coastal cliffs while travelling the West Coast now forms part of our newest Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Walking into the otherworldly canyon of the lower Pororari with its towering limestone walls, rainforest and groves of tropical nikau palms, you may not be able to resist a swim in one of the deep river pools. Once through the canyon the trail gently climbs away from the river, then descends to the Punakaiki River. After the hike there is free time for more exploring along this wild section of coast or to relax at the beachfront accommodation.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Tackle the Mighty Fox Glacier
3.5-hour private van transfer
2 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss (optional heli-hiking for additional fee, booked on arrival)
Get another early start to drive south down New Zealand's picturesque West Coast to Fox Glacier, situated in a protected UNESCO World Heritage Area. Hike with our guide to the glacier viewpoint via the Moraine Walk. This walk traverses old moraine surfaces enveloped with dense West Coast forest. Or, book an (optional and subject to weather conditions) heli-hiking walk on the glacier with crampons. You will be guided on a set walk to scenic spots around the glacier. Stay in the quaint village of Fox Glacier for dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Distinction Fox Glacier
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Take a Jetboat Safari in South Westland
4.5-hours private van transfer
2.5-hour jetboat safari
Drive south toward Hannah's Clearing, where you board a jetboat and embark on a remarkable Waitoto River safari. This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the otherwise inaccessible UNESCO-listed Te Wahipounamu, also known as the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The scenery changes dramatically from wild coastline to mountainous primeval beech forests upstream. Part way up the river, take a short hike among the towering trees. After the jetboat safari, enjoy a BBQ lunch with the owners of the jetboat company featuring fresh seafood and wild game before driving over the Southern Alps at Haast Pass to Wanaka.
Accommodation: Edgewater Lake Wanaka
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Follow Trails Around Lake Wanaka
3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,886' elevation gain and loss
Take it easy today with a moderate morning hike amongst the post-glacial features of Diamond Lake and the Rocky Mountain area. Relish spectacular views of Glendhu Bay, Roy's Peak, Lake Wanaka, and the patchwork of farmland and wilderness areas. Return to your lakeside accommodation for a relaxing afternoon and evening at your leisure. Those with energy left to burn can hike the pretty lakeside trail that passes in front of the hotel.
Accommodation: Edgewater Lake Wanaka
(B, L)
Day 11 Trek the Kepler Track
3-hour private van transfer
1.5 hours/3.5 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
After transferring to Te Anau, hike part of the Kepler Track — one of New Zealand's famed Great Walks, located in Fiordland National Park. The section meanders around the lake through lush mountain and red beech forest before emerging at Brod Bay, a delightful picnic and swimming spot. From here, catch the water taxi back to Te Anau; it's just a short walk to your hotel. Later in the afternoon you can visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary for an opportunity to see some New Zealand's more elusive and endangered native birds.
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Marvel at Milford Sound & the Routeburn Track
4-hour round-trip private van transfer
3 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,620' elevation gain and loss; 2-hour cruise
This morning drive out to breathtaking Milford Sound for a memorable cruise. Get up close to the soaring cliffs and thunderous waterfalls. After lunch, take an afternoon hike to Key Summit on another of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. The trail offers stunning views of the Darran Mountains and the Hollyford Valley, and passes through an alpine region of meadows, tarns, and a diverse range of alpine flora. Then drive back to Te Anau through lovely Eglinton Valley.
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Arrive in Queenstown and Depart for Home
2.5-hour private van transfer
Transfer to Queenstown this morning in time for a midday airport drop-off. If you're staying longer, you can also be dropped at a central Queenstown hotel.
(B, L)
