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  • New Zealand: Alpine and Coastal Hiking Tour
Overview

Explore the Soaring Sights of New Zealand with Boundless Journeys

The South Island of New Zealand has long been held sacred by nature lovers for its soaring alps, sweeping green valleys split by coursing rivers, pristine glacial-fed lakes, and incredible coastal beauty. Boundless Journeys has carefully crafted a hiking itinerary into the heart of it all, so you can connect to both the grandest vistas and the tiniest trailside details.

The locals call it "tramping"; we simply call it awe-inspiring, as we follow mountain-ringed footpaths, seaside walkways, and rainforest routes from east to west. All the while, we’ll reward each day’s efforts with the finest accommodations.

More than just another walk in the woods, this New Zealand adventure tour captures the full range of the South Island, whether we’re searching for dolphins and whales on the open sea, paddling a kayak into a rainforest Eden, experiencing local culture firsthand, or witnessing how merino wool is produced. Join us on a New Zealand Alpine and Coastal Hiking adventure into some of the world’s most magnificent wilderness.

 

Boundless Journeys specializes in all-inclusive small group tours around the world. Discover your next adventure abroad among our South Pacific tours.

What Our Guests Have To Say About This Tour

Outstanding trip Outstanding guides

★★★★★
5 5 1
We traveled with Boundless Journeys to Portugal in 2022 and were very impressed with the whole experience. We love the small group and custom itineraries. Our local guide was so knowledgeable and made every detail of our travel adventure enjoyable. Our friends took the Boundless Journeys New Zealand trip with Nicky as their guide in 2023 and highly recommended the trip to us. This adventure to New Zealand's South Island was beyond our expectations! With the help our local experienced and knowledgeable guides, along with our compatible fellow travelers, we were able to experience so much of the contrasting beautiful landscapes of the South Island in 11 days. We enjoyed the opportunity to be off the beaten path and experience the local culture. It was comforting to leave the driving to our guide, Nicky. We had an excellent communication experience with office staff. The staff always responded in a timely manner to our questions and were most helpful. We appreciated the online planning materials as well as the hard copies mailed to us with clear planning information. We were very fortunate to have such experienced local guides. Nicky and her assistant Sally shared their extensive knowledge of the environment and culture of New Zealand. We loved the Wilderness Lodges and beach resort hotels. All of the meal selections and wines were outstanding. They seemed to have a wide variety of foods to choose from. We enjoyed the lamb and fish dishes very much. Hiking through the lush forests and along the scenic coastal trails was a highlight for us. The guides knowledge of the plants and animals along the diverse contrasting landscapes we traveled was very interesting.was very informative. We enjoyed our experience at the Wilderness Lodge at Lake Moeraki and spending time walking along the remote coastline of the Tasman Sea. Jerry, our host, took us to a beautiful remote beach and showed us how to look for New Zealand jade rocks. We were also able to kayak on beautiful Lake Moeraki from the Lodge that day. That evening Jerry took us out in the dark to see the glow worms...it was fascinating!

Amazing Guide

★★★★★
5 5 1
Our guide Nicky was amazing. She made the trip. Sally was great as well in a backup role

Outstanding

★★★★★
5 5 1
All my previous BJ trips were great.

Magical Place

★★★★★
5 5 1
New Zealand is a magical place and Nicky and Boundless Journeys make it even more so. We learned so much about the nature around us and the history and cultures of the South Island.

Fabulous trip

★★★★★
5 5 1
New Zealand South Island was a fabulous trip. Our guide, Nicky, provided exemplary service that accommodated all our respective needs. Her in-depth knowledge of the country added to the beauty of the scenery. And the itinerary provided us with the best of the entire South Island.

Nicky was an awesome guide!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Nicky was an awesome guide. This was a fabulous trip! Way to enjoy the natural wonders first hand in a comfortable manner within my ability. Arthur’s Pass was probably our favorite location…but the Punakaiki-Porarsri Loop hike was probably our favorite hike.

Outstanding Guide!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Our guide Niki was outstanding in every way making our experience pleasurable, interesting and informative. A real gem allowing for an overall outstanding trip, Local guides were also incredibly knowledgeable and inspiring.

Informed Guides

★★★★★
5 5 1
Boundless Journeys offers a good guide to guest ratio and guides with extensive knowledge of the region allowing for the best choices of locations to visit for genuine exposure to local culture and cuisine.

We love Boundless Journeys!

★★★★★
5 5 1
The guides are so knowledgeable and SINCERELY NICE! Nicky and Fiona were like walking encyclopedias! And they were so nice. We have taken 2 trips now and both times we are sad to say goodbye to our fellow travelers and the guides. Boundless Journeys has a knack for putting the best guides and the nicest people! And I like how we can always change something if we need to, as a group or individually. We just love Boundless Journeys - We feel that they have the traveler’s best interest. The communication with the Home office is excellent and again, outstanding Guides!!!

Once in a Lifetime

★★★★★
5 5 1
Absolutely unforgettable once in a lifetime tour of New Zealand's South Island!

Great Itinerary

★★★★★
5 5 1
This trip checked all the boxes. Destinations, accommodations, meals, guides and travel companions were all excellent. I travel most to have fun but as a veteran of these adventure trips (11), I can't help but notice and appreciate the work and planning that went into this itinerary. 1-2 hour hikes broke up what would have been a very long ride. Out of the way meal locations added to the specialness of this trip. Great work putting this together!

Awesome Guides!

★★★★★
5 5 1
Everything was excellent! But the GUIDES were awesome and made everything just perfect: Very pleasant, great planning, always gave good notifications about what was coming. They were very well educated on all aspects of the country and trip and they excelled at passing the information to us.

Local Guides!

★★★★★
5 5 1
We encountered other groups in New Zealand that had guides from Toronto. Having a local guide who knows their environment, culture, and food is very enriching.

Spot on excellent

★★★★★
5 5 1
You surpassed our expectations. Every detail, hiking adventure and meal experience was spot on excellent! You already know this but Nicky is fantastic and has put together an amazing NZ itinerary. I would simply say she is the BEST guide we have ever had and obviously you need to keep her for your NZ trips.

As Beautiful as the photos

★★★★★
5 5 1
New Zealand really is as a beautiful as it looks in photographs. But the only way to experience it properly is by hiking with a guide who knows where to go. If you travel with Boundless Journeys, you needn't worry about figuring out exactly where to go, booking the best accommodations and finding great restaurants. All you have to do is show up with a sense of adventure.

A place of incredible beauty

★★★★★
5 5 1
New Zealand is a place of incredible beauty with very friendly people. Our guide Nicky was informative, kind, and has a wonderful spirit. This was our 3rd trip with Boundless and we will continue to travel with them for memorable experiences.

I cannot imagine a better introduction to New Zealand

★★★★★
5 5 1
I cannot imagine a better introduction to New Zealand than we had on this trip. The accommodations and meals were excellent and our traveling companions were lovely. Most of all, though, our guide, Nicky, made the journey very special. Her love and knowledge of her country were clear in her willingness to share them with us. She was a joy to be with and is a true asset to your company.

Overall an A++

★★★★★
5 5 1
New Zealand is a country that unless you've traveled there, words cannot express the astounding beauty we witnessed. Overall an A++ adventure and we could not have asked for a better guide in Nicky while experiencing the trip of a lifetime with Boundless Journeys. We laughed, learned and tramped our way through the South Island of New Zealand!

again it exceeded ALL our expectations

★★★★★
5 5 1
This is the 4th trip spent with BJ....and again it exceeded ALL our expectations. Travel, plans, destinations, accommodations, food, events, and the exceptional quality of the guide - all combined to make the investment of time and $ in going to NZ with Boundless Journeys an A+ experience. Wow - every day was a chance to enjoy, learn and adventure. We had referred a couple of close friends to BJ, and they chose to take this tour also....I know they were blown away by the quality and value of the Boundless Journey experience as well. All of us are already discussing, "what's next?"

A very comprehensive experience

★★★★★
5 5 1
The trip provided a very balanced comprehensive experience not only of New Zealand's natural beauty & wonders but also included the cultural aspects of its history and people in their past & present lives. Much of this due to the skill and knowledge of Nicky our guide!

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Itinerary &
Accommodations

Itinerary & Accommodations

Day 1

Exploring Nelson

  • Activity Overview: Walking
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Activity Length: 1-2 hours

Our adventure on New Zealand's South Island begins in Nelson, only a short flight from Auckland. Considered the geographic center of New Zealand, Nelson is a relaxed arts community situated on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay. We meet after lunch in the early afternoon to explore the town by foot, allowing us to experience Nelson's offbeat culture.

After a stop at the Queen's Gardens, we hike up a small peak in one of Nelson's urban parks to a marker signifying the point "zero, zero," from which the island's first land surveys were conducted in the 1870s. This is a great opportunity to stretch our legs and get an excellent view of the city, Tasman Bay, and the mountains beyond.

Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel, Nelson's historic choice for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Accommodations
Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand

Centrally located in Nelson, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping streets and the landmark cathedral.

Day 2

Abel Tasman National Park

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: moderate
  • Activity Length: 6-7 hours (approximately 8 miles) with 300' elevation gain

We journey by private van about an hour and a half to scenic Marahau, a small settlement on Tasman Bay. Here, we embark on our hike through Abel Tasman National Park, 87 square miles of sheer beauty founded through the efforts of ornithologist Perrine Moncrieff.

Our hike today is on a small section of trail that is declared one of the nation's Great Walks by the Department of Conservation. We join the ranks of other "trampers" — as hikers are locally known — as we make our way past stunning white-sand beaches, sweeping bays, and dense forest.

Our wonderful local guides provide us with an intimate glimpse into the flora and fauna of the area. Along the way, we stop for a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, where we also have the chance to swim in the refreshing Tasman Bay. This afternoon's outing concludes with a water taxi ride to Kaiteriteri Beach before we return to Nelson.

Dinner is on your own to explore one of the many casual, ethnic, or fine dining establishments in Nelson.

Accommodations
Rutherford Hotel Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand

Centrally located in Nelson, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping streets and the landmark cathedral.

Day 3

Transfer to Kaikoura; Marlborough Wine Region

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 2-3.5 hours (3-6 miles) with moderate elevation gain or loss depending on hike

Our transfer today includes a scenic four-hour drive from Nelson. In the morning, we enjoy a lovely walk following a coastal trail through the lush forest reserves around a peninsula with views down the Pelorous Sound. Shaded by a canopy of beech and broadleaf trees, the reserves contain native species including manuka, rimu, kahikatea, and totara.

Following the walk, our drive continues on to Blenheim through productive farm and forest land before giving way to the arid plains of the Wairau Valley.
On arrival in Blenheim, we enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at one of the vineyards in the Marlborough region, world-famous for its beloved wines.

We then make our way to the small town of Kaikoura, our home for the next two night. Kaikoura enjoys a splendid setting abutted by the sea and the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains that nearly reach the shore, and is well-located for exploring the surrounding region.

Tonight, we dine at a local restaurant renowned for its use of seasonal, local ingredients.

Accommodations
The White Morph

The White Morph
Kaikoura, New Zealand

Set on the esplanade in iconic Kaikoura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean, to the distant horizon and mountains, and provides easy access to town and all of the region?s many experiences.

Day 4

Wildlife Encounter; Coastal Hiking in Kaikoura

  • Activity Overview: Optional Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 3 hours (4-7 miles) with no significant elevation gain or loss

Kaikoura is famous for its marine environment thanks to the peninsula south of town that swells the currents upward from the Hikurangi Trench. Dolphins, sperm whales, and sea birds thrive here, feeding on the food that's been buoyed by those currents. This morning, there are several activity options from which to choose.

For those who are interested in having an up-close encounter with wildlife, you may set off on a dolphin encounter, albatross encounter, or whale watching excursion. These activities are at an additional expense and must be booked in advance. Your Trip Planner will have details about how to reserve your spot.

Those who prefer to stay on land may choose to rest and relax or head out for a scenic coastal walk with our guide. We have several options depending on energy levels; we may explore various trails and beaches by foot, while soaking up the majestic beauty of the dramatic Kaikoura peninsula and mountain ranges.

After lunch, we gain insight into the human history of this region through an informative museum tour to learn about early Maori and European whaling history. A local expert offers insight into the region's people, history, and traditions.

Dinner is on our own this evening, a wonderful opportunity to explore Kaikoura independently!

Accommodations
The White Morph

The White Morph
Kaikoura, New Zealand

Set on the esplanade in iconic Kaikoura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean, to the distant horizon and mountains, and provides easy access to town and all of the region?s many experiences.

Day 5

Transfer to Arthurs Pass

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 2-3 hours (2-4 miles) with approximately 600ft elevation gain and loss. 2-3 hours (3-4 hours) with approximately 600' elevation gain and loss

This morning, we leave Kaikoura and transfer to Arthur's Pass (total drive time is about 4 hours). Heading inland we stop for lunch in Oxford, a former logging town and now a quaint village at the edge of the foothills.

We continue our drive into the mountains, arriving at Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass by mid-afternoon. Our afternoon hike traverses basins covered in dry eastern tussock, or snow grass, and southern beech forest.

Afternoon walking options abound, including an easy hike on one of the lodge's private trails with views of the Waimakariri River. For the more adventurous, a climb to the top of a small peak for views of stunning tussock filled basins and the craggy peaks of the Arthur's Pass National Park.

The Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass is situated on a merino sheep station with spectacular mountain views. This evening, we have the option to join the lodge staff for a guided nature walk. Or, on alternate nights, enjoy a tour of the sheep farm and learn about the production of soft merino wool; the lodge farm produces wool for the activewear company, Icebreaker. We stay here for two nights, so you will have the chance to join both early evening tours.

Accommodations
Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

Nestled in mountain beech forest, midway between Greymouth and Christchurch, Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass offers comfort and warm hospitality in a spectacular mountain setting.

Day 6

Arthurs Pass National Park

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Moderate to moderately strenuous
  • Activity Length: 6-8 hours (6-10 miles) with up to 2,100' elevation gain and loss

We spend today among the sweeping alpine splendor of New Zealand's wilderness on a challenging and rewarding hike in Arthur's Pass National Park. The park hosts a wide diversity of alpine ecosystems, since it is split by the South Island's main divide. We focus our time on the eastern side, where a drier climate persists, and our hike today will depend on the weather and preference of the group.

The Bealey Spur, a popular destination in the area for its unrivaled views, is a likely option. We can reach the trail by foot from our lodge, winding through evergreen forest to the surrounding paddocks where the Cora Lynn sheep graze as part of the Wilderness Lodge farm.

About twenty minutes of level hiking brings us to the official start of the Bealey Spur trail. The gradual incline traverses mountain-beech forest, tussock grassland, and subalpine scrub, offering sweeping views of the Waimakariri River Valley along the way.

There are several options to stop for a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the impressive Southern Alps. For those who are feeling ambitious, we may continue on to the Bealey Spur hut, otherwise we return to the lodge for an afternoon of relaxation.

Before dinner at the lodge, we have time to rest or read up on David McLeod. McLeod, who owned the sheep station for nearly 50 years, was a writer who made this part of the South Island's high country famous in his many books.

Accommodations
Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass

Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

Nestled in mountain beech forest, midway between Greymouth and Christchurch, Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass offers comfort and warm hospitality in a spectacular mountain setting.

Day 7

Southern Alps; Transfer to Punakaiki

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 3-4 hours (6-7 miles) with approximately 900' elevation gain and 200' elevation loss

If weather permits, we begin today with an invigorating hike across the main divide of the Southern Alps. Setting out from the village of Arthur's Pass, a sleepy outpost of 30 residents that only receives one hour of sunlight per day in mid-winter, we ascend to Devil's Punchbowl, a cascading waterfall fed by the snowmelt of the Southern Alps.

We then retrace our steps briefly, before heading up the Arthur's Pass walking trail, through hobbit-like forests, and then emerging into a high-alpine valley with impressive views of Temple Basin (a local ski area) and Avalanche Peak.

We enjoy a scenic picnic lunch alongside an icy cold mountain stream.
After lunch, we ascend the final bit of the track to Arthur's Pass divide for some fantastic views of the surrounding peaks (please note that this hike is not possible in inclement weather, in which case we will hike an alternate route).

Following our hike, we take a scenic drive (about 1.5 hours) west to Lake Brunner, which is famous for trout fishing and surrounded by densely forested hills. As we journey toward the Tasman Sea, the climate transforms into sub-tropical.

We arrive at our hotel for the next two nights, situated amongst the wilderness and stunning scenery of the region.

Accommodations
Punakaiki Resort

Punakaiki Resort
Punakaiki, New Zealand

Situated on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, and just south of the famous Pancakes Rocks and Blowholes, the resort is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and is only a stone’s throw from the beach.

Day 8

Paparoa National Park

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate
  • Activity Length: 4-6 hours (6-10 miles) with 300' overall elevation gain

Depending on the tides, we start with a walk on an easy paved trail that enables close up views of limestone stacks and blowholes. These unique geological formations are made up of heavily eroded limestone that has formed vertical shafts, known locally as the Pancake Rocks of Paparoa National Park.

Afterward. we hike the Punakaiki-Porarari Rivers Loop, a moderate hike through spectacular limestone canyons clothed in sub-tropical forests that contain New Zealand's single endemic species of palm, the Nikau.

We encounter interesting stacks of karst limestone boulders in the river that were once part of the canyon roof. As we enjoy the stunning coastal views, we may see the rare Westland Petrel taking flight. We end at the Punakaiki Tavern, a local pub with excellent fish & chips and tasty microbrews.

In the late afternoon, there is time to return the coast again to see how the beautiful rock formations look qute different as the tides and lighting change.

We return to our lovely accommodations for a bit of time to relax ahead of dinner together this evening.

Accommodations
Punakaiki Resort

Punakaiki Resort
Punakaiki, New Zealand

Situated on New Zealand’s wild West Coast, and just south of the famous Pancakes Rocks and Blowholes, the resort is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and is only a stone’s throw from the beach.

Day 9

Transfer to Lake Moeraki; Okarito

  • Activity Overview: Hiking
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Activity Length: Approximately 2 hours (4 miles) with 800' elevation gain and loss

Following an early breakfast, we begin our transfer to Lake Moeraki. En route, we stop at the delightful coastal town of Hokitika, home to artists and New Zealand jade carvers. We then enjoy a moderate hike at Okarito, wetlands that support more than 70 species of native birds, including the Okarito kiwi, white heron, and royal spoonbill.

Following the Wetland Walk and Three Mile Track across a forest-covered glacial moraine, we ascend a gentle climb on a well-defined trail to a high point known as the Okarito Trig viewpoint.

From here, we take in astonishing vistas of lagoons, beaches, and snow-covered mountains of Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. From Okarito Trig, we get a sense of the scale of Te Wahi Pounamu South Westland UNESCO World Heritage Site — the combined areas of four national parks — which makes up about 10% of New Zealand's total land mass.

We spend the next two nights at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, situated in the heart of 6.4 million-acre Te Wahi Pounamu South Westland World Hertitage Area near spectacular beaches that harbor fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins. Here, untouched lowland rainforests lie between pristine lakes and rivers that drain the snow-capped Southern Alps. The lodge is nestled in a lakeside clearing surrounded by 1,000-year-old trees and lovely Moeraki rapids.

Accommodations
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Hokitika, New Zealand

The lodge offers a high level of comfort in attractive rooms with lounges and a restaurant that overlook the lovely Moeraki rapids. Radiating from the lodge is a network of rainforest and Tasman seacoast walks.

Day 10

Lake Moeraki & the Tasman Sea

  • Activity Overview: Hiking (options) and optional kayaking on Lake Moeraki (no experience necessary)
  • Activity Level: Easy to moderate or moderately strenuous
  • Activity Length: 3-4 hours (approximately 3-6 miles) with no significant elevation gain or loss

We have many options today for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage area. For those who would like a peaceful start, we glide through the quiet water of Lake Moeraki by kayak (no experience necessary).

Our guides provide basic instruction in our stable boats before we paddle upriver for one hour through magnificent rainforest to enter the shallow wetlands of Lake Moeraki.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, we have the option to venture a bit farther afield to discover the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Sea. On this wet-footed walk, we scramble over beach rocks along the shore in order to see a variety of wildlife — the Fiordland crested penguin, if we are lucky, or even the New Zealand fur seal.

Penguins may only be spotted from August to early December and never guaranteed. We will not see penguins on spring departures.

In Wilderness Lodge style, guests are invited to participate in a short evening forest adventure before or after a well-earned dinner.

Accommodations
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Hokitika, New Zealand

The lodge offers a high level of comfort in attractive rooms with lounges and a restaurant that overlook the lovely Moeraki rapids. Radiating from the lodge is a network of rainforest and Tasman seacoast walks.

Day 11

Transfer to Queenstown; Wanaka

  • Activity Overview: Walking
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Activity Length: 1 hour

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the wilderness of Lake Moeraki and transfer to Queenstown. We stop to stretch our legs, perhaps on a short walk alongside the mighty Clutha Matha- Au River or on the shores of lovely Lake Wanaka.

Lunch is free to enjoy independently in Wanaka, then we'll enjoy a to a wine tasting as a group at a local vineyard en route to Queenstown where we toast our adventures together.

You will be transferred to your hotel in Queenstown between 5:00 and 6:00 this evening.

It is best that all of our guests stay in Queenstown for at least one night at the end of the trip. If you choose to extend your stay in and around Queenstown, you'll find many other ways to experience the South Island. Options include joining an excursion to the beautiful Milford or Doubtful Sound, bungee-jumping, or sampling the vintages at some of the central Otago wineries. If you'd like to spend more time hiking, we suggest walking the Milford Track or Routeburn Track, two routes that tread through spectacular scenery. Both walks require advance booking to confirm dates that line up with the end of our tour.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.

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Dates &
Prices

Dates And Prices

2025
Trip Length

11 Days

Trip Dates

Feb 17-27, 2025

Nov 10-20, 2025

Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.

2025 Land Cost

From $7,695 Per Person


Single Supplement

First two reserved:$495

Additional:$995

See single supplement policy below.

Pricing Notes

MAKE IT PRIVATE

Call for pricing: 1-800-941-8010 or email info@boundlessjourneys.com

What's Included

  • Expert leadership
  • All accommodations
  • All meals except 1 lunch and 2 dinners
  • Local wine and beer with included dinners
  • All on-tour transportation
  • Park fees
  • All activities as noted in the itinerary
  • Explorers Club savings on your next scheduled, small-group trip (conditions apply)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.

Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).

Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.

What To
Expect

What To Expect

Physical Activity

Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. New Zealand: Alpine & Coastal Hiking is rated 3, moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous).

The hikes on this trip are day hikes with minimal vehicle support. Because of the nature of the trails, we often hike "out and back" on the same trail.

The hikes will be moderate with some moderately strenuous options, 4-7 hours per day; also there will be easy flatwater kayaking options (no experience necessary).

Meeting Point

Nelson, New Zealand

Departure Point

Queenstown, New Zealand

Traveling To and From

Most Convenient Airport for Arrival:
Nelson Airport (airport code: NSN)

Most Convenient Airport for Departure:
Queenstown Frankton Airport (airport code: ZQN)

Meeting Time and Place:
Your guide(s) will meet you on the first day of your trip at 1:00 pm in the lobby of the Rutherford Hotel in Nelson. Please be dressed for hiking and ready to depart at that time.

Departure Time and Place:
On the final day of the tour (Day 11) you will be transferring from Lake Moeraki to Queenstown, arriving in Queenstown in the early evening. Please do not schedule any departure flights on this day earlier than a 6:30 pm departure time.

Weather

Winter in New Zealand falls between June and August, while summer is from December to February. Average rainfall is approximately two inches per month, although the Southern Alps form a barrier to much of the precipitation coming in from the west. East of the mountains the climate is characteristically more dry, although as a maritime climate, the weather may change fairly rapidly.

You may find more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com.

New Zealand

March

High: 67
Low: 52

November

High: 64
Low: 48

When to Go

Warmer months are, for us, the best time to travel to New Zealand. November is considered spring time and a very nice time to go. March is one of the best months to be in New Zealand as it is still quite warm and not overly crowded.

Cuisine

In the past decade, New Zealand has earned a reputation for its fine food. With an abundance of natural resources, and its strong agricultural tradition, New Zealand provides its chefs with an incredible bounty of ingredients to work with. You'll find a wide variety of fresh and saltwater seafood on most menus, including green-lipped mussels (prized worldwide for their nutritive qualities) and the New Zealand trout that is envied among fishermen everywhere. Lamb and farm-raised venison are staples and these, coupled with some of New Zealand's ample fresh produce, boutique cheeses, and local wines with an international reputation for excellent quality, make for some truly incredible meals! Even the casual fare is noteworthy: fish and chips or meat pies from "takeaway" shops are terrific, and don't forget to have fresh kiwi fruit while you visit — you'll never have it better. Vegetarians can be accommodated.

Guides

Featured Guides

About Our Guides

With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.

From $7,695 / person* *airfare not included
11 Days
Reserve This Tour
  • Departure Dates: Feb 17-27, 2025
    Nov 10-20, 2025
    Mar 14-24, 2026
    Nov 8-18, 2026
Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
Extend This Tour Complement this tour with other journeys

New Zealand: Alpine and Coastal Hiking Tour

The South Island of New Zealand has long been held sacred by nature lovers for its soaring alps, sweeping green valleys split by coursing rivers, pristine glacial-fed lakes, and incredible coastal beauty. Boundless Journeys has carefully crafted a hiking itinerary...

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Activity Level 3 Moderate

Moderate hiking, 4-8 hours per day; easy kayaking options (no experience necessary).

Read about our Activity Levels
  • Group Size: 4-13 Guests

Make it Your Own!

This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.

Prefer a Custom Tour?

Questions?

Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.

1-800-941-8010

Travel + Leisure World's Best Award

Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Traveler

50 Tours Of A Lifetime
Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Best Adventure Travel Company Winner

ATTA member since 2006