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 several headlands, first to the head of Sandfly Bay and the Falls River, then the beach settlement at Torrent Bay 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 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 for today's hike and picnic lunch. Take either a picturesque lakeside walk back to St Arnaud, or hike in the Travers Valley passing crystal clear river pools, tranquil beech forest, rushing streams and grassy river flats before a return boat ride. From St Arnaud, 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: Edit Picton
(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 one of Marlborough's renowned vineyards. 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 Maruia Springs
2-hour private van transfer
2.5-hour whale-watching cruise; 30 minutes/1 miles hiking
Start the morning with a whale-watching cruise offering the opportunity for close-up views of majestic sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross. Then drive into the mountainous interior to the secluded Maruia Hot Springs deep in the forested Southern Alps. On route, take a short hike from the summit of Lewis Pass, past alpine tarns with expansive views of the surrounding wilderness. After checking in to your accommodation, take time to enjoy the natural surroundings while relaxing in the geothermal mineral pools, and savour a delicious dinner prepared with locally sourced organic ingredients.
Accommodation: Maruia Hot Springs
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Spa Experience & Pancake Rocks
3.5-hour private van transfer
Up to 2 hours/3.5 miles hiking
Complete your experience of this health and wellness destination this morning, choosing from a variety of included activities - hot pools, sauna, yoga, or spa treatments can also be booked at an additional cost. Alternatively, hike with the guide on one of the local trails that weaves through lush Red Beech forests alongside the Alfred River. Afterward, head west to 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 with 920' elevation gain and loss
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: Te Weheka Hotel 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 Waiatoto 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: Oakridge Resort
(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. After a picnic lunch, those with energy left to burn can hike the pretty lakeside trail into town. Alternatively, choose to return to your accommodation for a relaxing afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Oakridge Resort
(B, L)
Day 11 Trek the Kepler Track
3-hour private van transfer
3 hours/6 miles hiking with 460' elevation gain and loss
After transferring to Te Anau, visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary for an opportunity to see some New Zealand's more elusive and endangered native birds, then hike part of the Kepler Track—one of New Zealand's famed Great Walks—located in Fiordland National Park. The section meanders through serene mossy beech forest before emerging at Shallow Bay on Lake Manapouri, described as the "loveliest of all lakes" for its display of small islands, bush fringed coves, and mountain backdrop.
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
(B, L)
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)
