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Walking New Zealand - South Island Explorer

Available Departures: Oct, Nov

15 days from

US$9,330

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

All the hiking highlights of New Zealand's South Island and some unforgettable 'off the beaten track' experiences

Trip Code: NZS
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Walking New Zealand - South Island Explorer

Highlights

  • Hike the Routeburn Track & Cruise Milford Sound

  • Ride the Legendary TranzAlpine Railway

  • Stargaze from a Remote Mountain Hut

  • Walk, Taste & Discover with a Kai Safari

  • Hike to Sealy Tarns with Views of Aoraki / Mount Cook

At a Glance
  • Group Size 6 to 12
  • Join In Christchurch
Accommodation & Meals
  • 13 Breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches
  • 4 Dinners
  • 13 nights Hotel
  • 2 nights Ecolodge
Overview

This two-week trip focuses on the best of New Zealand’s South Island — combining scenic day hikes, unique cultural experiences, and time in some of the country’s most striking landscapes. Starting in Christchurch, we explore the coastline and surrounding hills before boarding the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps.

From Punakaiki’s limestone formations and rainforest trails to the glacier region around Fox Glacier, we travel south through the rugged West Coast. Along the way, we meet local Māori hosts, learn about pounamu (greenstone), and share a home-cooked meal with long-time residents.

The journey includes sections of the country’s Great Walks — the Paparoa, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks — as well as time in Wanaka, a cruise on Milford Sound, and hiking beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook. We finish with two nights at a remote hut above Lake Tekapo, in one of the world’s best locations for stargazing.

This is a well-paced and varied trip that gets beyond the usual tourist spots and offers a deeper look at the places, people, and stories of Te Waipounamu — the South Island of New Zealand.

Is this holiday for you?

This adventure is designed for active travellers who enjoy exploring on foot and want to go beyond the typical tourist routes. We’ve included a varied mix of short walks, longer day hikes, and a two-night backcountry hut stay — with walking times ranging from 2 to 6 hours. Some of the hikes follow well-formed tracks, while others involve unmarked terrain, including tussock grasslands, scree slopes, and moderate ascents without a clear path underfoot.

You’ll need to be confident walking on uneven ground and comfortable with uphill sections. While this isn’t a technical trekking holiday, a good level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experience. The sense of remoteness and wilderness is a key feature of this trip — particularly on our overnight hike to Rex Simpson Hut, where you’ll carry your overnight gear in a daypack (bedding is provided at the hut, and main luggage is left behind).

We travel in a comfortable vehicle and keep drive times reasonable, with plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch our legs, and enjoy the scenery. Two experienced driver-guides help ensure a smooth pace throughout the trip. While most of the walks are included, many are optional — and there are a few shorter or rest days to allow for flexibility and personal choice. This trip suits walkers who are looking for a rewarding, varied, and immersive way to experience New Zealand’s South Island.

Why KE?

New and Improved Itinerary!

We’ve revamped this 2-week New Zealand tour to include key Great Walks and take you beyond the usual tourist spots, offering a closer look at the landscapes, people, and stories of Te Waipounamu (south Island).

Itinerary

Download Trip Notes
The trip begins at the group hotel in central Christchurch, with a single timed transfer provided from Christchurch Airport. After checking in, you’ll have time to take a short walk—perhaps along the nearby Avon River—or simply relax. Most people choose to enjoy an early dinner and a good night’s rest before the adventure officially begins.

Accommodation

Hotel
Hide Details
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the trip with one of Christchurch's most scenic coastal walks. Setting out from the Port Hills, we follow the Godley Head Track along dramatic clifftops towards Taylors Mistake. This route offers far-reaching views over Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean, with time to explore WWII defence sites and spot native wildlife along the way. We also visit Scott's Cabin, once used by early Antarctic explorers, for a glimpse into New Zealand's polar history. We return to the city early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore Christchurch's lively city centre - with its mix of street art, green spaces, and new architecture. There is a range of cafés and food options nearby for lunch. In the evening, we meet again for the Amiki Kai Safari - a guided walking dinner tour through Christchurch that blends Maori storytelling, local history, and shared kai (food). It's a fitting and flavourful welcome to Aotearoa.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D

Time

2 - 3 hrs walking
Hide Details
This morning we transfer to Christchurch Railway Station and board the TranzAlpine - considered one of the world's great scenic rail journeys. Crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train climbs through the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass before descending into the lush forests of the West Coast. We disembark at the remote lakeside village of Moana, where we meet our local guides and continue by road to Punakaiki. Located within Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki is known for its dramatic limestone formations and coastal rainforest. This afternoon, we stretch our legs on two short walks: the Truman Track, which leads through native forest to a wild beach, and the Pancake Rocks, a remarkable area of layered limestone stacks and blowholes shaped by centuries of sea and wind. Lunch is at your own expense today, with a café carriage available on board the train. There's free time later in the day to visit the local Department of Conservation (DOC) centre or explore the nearby shops before dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

1 hrs walking
Hide Details
We start the day with a walk through the Pororari Gorge, one of the most scenic sections of the Paparoa Great Walk. This loop route winds through dense rainforest, beneath towering limestone cliffs and alongside the clear waters of the Pororari River - a striking landscape typical of the West Coast's rugged beauty. After the walk, we continue south to Hokitika, a small coastal town with a rich cultural heritage. Here, we join members of the Te Rua & Sons whanau (family) for a guided foraging walk along the wild shoreline. As we explore the beach, we learn about the traditional use and spiritual significance of pounamu (greenstone), a stone deeply connected to the identity and ancestry of local Maori iwi (tribes). This evening we're welcomed into the home and commercial kitchen of our local guide Rob and his wife Col, where we share a relaxed, home-cooked dinner - a genuine West Coast experience.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Ascent

800 M

Descent

1150 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Distance

20 KM
Hide Details
This morning we continue south along the spectacular West Coast, travelling through rainforest and past rugged coastlines en route to the small alpine town of Fox Glacier, located within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You may choose to take a short local walk or simply relax with an optional soak at the Waiho Hot Tubs - outdoor cedar tubs nestled in native bush, with views towards the Southern Alps. We enjoy a quiet evening here as we prepare for tomorrow's early start and lakeside hike.

Accommodation

Ecolodge

Meals

B L D
Hide Details
We begin the day with a gentle walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on still mornings - one of the most photographed spots on the West Coast. The loop track winds through ancient rainforest, offering peaceful views across the lake and surrounding peaks. After breakfast, we leave the West Coast behind and head inland, crossing the Southern Alps via the scenic Haast Pass. Following the course of the Makarora River, we travel through the remote reaches of Mount Aspiring National Park before arriving in the lakeside town of Wanaka. Dinner is at your own expense tonight, with plenty of great restaurants and casual dining options within walking distance. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations.

Accommodation

Ecolodge

Meals

B

Time

5 - 6 hrs walking

Distance

17 KM
Hide Details
Today is yours to relax and explore Wanaka at your own pace. This charming alpine town offers plenty to enjoy, from lakeside walks and boutique shops to cozy cafés. Optional activities include kayaking on Lake Wanaka, cycling nearby trails, or taking a short hike up Mount Iron for panoramic views. Your guide takes a well-deserved break today but will provide plenty of recommendations to help you make the most of your time. Both lunch and dinner are at your own expense, giving you the freedom to discover Wanaka's vibrant dining scene.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B
Hide Details
This morning we travel south to the edge of Fiordland National Park and enjoy a gentle walk along a scenic section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand's famous Great Walks. Starting at Rainbow Reach, the trail follows the crystal-clear Waiau River through ancient beech forest, offering a peaceful introduction to Fiordland's wild landscapes. After the walk, we continue to Te Anau, a quiet lakeside town that serves as the gateway to Fiordland's stunning wilderness. Here you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

460 M

Descent

460 M

Time

3 - 4 hrs walking

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details
We start early, driving along the iconic Milford Road, passing stunning sights like Mirror Lakes and towering mountain faces. At Milford Sound, we board a nature cruise that takes us through this dramatic fjord, with cliffs rising sharply from the water, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. In the afternoon, we return partway and set out on the Key Summit Track, a rewarding alpine hike with sweeping views over the Hollyford Valley and the rugged Darran Mountains. Dinner is at your own expense this evening in Te Anau, where you can choose from a range of local options.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

400 M

Descent

85 M

Time

2 hrs walking

Distance

4 KM
Hide Details
Leaving Fiordland behind, we travel east through the lively resort town of Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Take in the changing scenery as we follow the lake's edge before crossing into the vast, open landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin. Our journey ends in Twizel, a peaceful town that serves as the gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop for lunch, including a variety of local cafés and eateries. This relaxed travel day gives you a chance to unwind and enjoy the diverse South Island landscapes along the way, before the next chapter of our adventure.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

150 M

Descent

150 M

Time

1 - 2 hrs walking

Distance

4 KM
Hide Details
Today we tackle one of the most iconic alpine walks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The trail begins with a challenging climb up around 2,200 steps to Sealy Tarns, often called the 'stairway to heaven.' From here, you're rewarded with impressive views over the Hooker Valley and the surrounding peaks. Weather and group fitness permitting, there's an option to continue onward to Mueller Hut - a high alpine shelter with striking panoramic views of glaciers, ice cliffs, and New Zealand's tallest mountain.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

100 M

Descent

100 M

Time

2 - 3 hrs walking

Distance

4 KM
Hide Details
After breakfast, we travel to Lake Tekapo before setting out on our overnight trek into the backcountry. Our goal is Rex Simpson Hut, a private alpine refuge tucked away in the remote Two Thumb Range. Far from city lights, this spot is part of an internationally recognized dark sky reserve, ideal for stargazing beneath some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

1250 M

Descent

1250 M

Time

6 hrs walking

Distance

16 KM
Hide Details
This morning we climb Erica's Peak (2,000m), a rewarding summit with sweeping views over the Mackenzie Basin and the Southern Alps. After the hike, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to relax, explore nearby ridgelines, or simply soak in the remote mountain surroundings. As night falls, we'll take in one last unforgettable session of stargazing beneath the pristine dark skies.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

3 hrs walking
Hide Details
After breakfast at the hut, enjoy a relaxed morning with free time to soak up the mountain atmosphere before hiking back down to the trailhead. From there, we begin our journey back to Christchurch, taking in the changing landscapes along the way. We'll arrive in the city by late afternoon, where the tour concludes with a central city drop-off and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel. If you have time this evening, consider exploring Christchurch's vibrant riverside precinct, visiting the lively bars and cafés

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

140 M

Descent

120 M

Time

3 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM
Hide Details
After breakfast, KE's land-only services come to an end. A complimentary, timed group transfer will take you from the hotel to Christchurch Airport. Anyone may use this transfer.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

1 - 2 hrs walking
Hide Details
Download Trip Notes

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • 2 Professional and qualified Tour Leader/Drivers

  • A single timed transfer from airport to hotel in Christchurch on Day 1

  • A single timed transfer to the airport in Christchurch on Day 15

  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • All transport required by the itinerary

  • All activities/excursions/entrance fees mentioned except where specified as ‘optional’ National Park entrance fees

  • Travel Insurance

  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • Tips

  • Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc

From 1 October 2019, travellers must have an NZeTA (New Zealand Travel Authority) to travel to New Zealand. From July 2019 you can request your NZeTA via the Immigration New Zealand mobile app or the Immigration New Zealand website (www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta). The app is fast, easy to use, and the most affordable option. The cost of the ETA is NZD$9 for requests made via the mobile app and NZD$12 for requests made via the Immigration NZ website. You will be asked to pay your International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD$35 (Aug 2019) at the same time. ETA requests will take between 5-10 minutes to complete. Once issued, an ETA is valid for up to two years and can be used for multiple visits to NZ. 

The unit of currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar.

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking for up to 7 hours. Hill walking is the best training, but running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.

We run our New Zealand trekking trips during the Southern Hemisphere spring and summer period of November through to March. At this time of year, we can expect temperatures of between 20°C and 25°C during the day, falling to between 10°C and 15°C at night. Surrounded by warm oceans, New Zealand has a maritime climate and does experience rainfall throughout the year. In the South Island, the West Coast receives far more rain than the east of the island, which lies in the rain shadow of the mountains.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

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DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

Get in Touch

2026

Dates

Adults from

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Status

More Information

  • Walking New Zealand - South Island Explorer
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: NZS /01/26/
  • This trip begins on Sat 31 Oct and ends on Wed 18 Nov
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,025
  • Single Supplement Price: US$2,165
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

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