US
Leaving Picton at 11am you travel the scenic Pacific coast to Kaikoura where close encounters with seals and sea birds are common. This picturesque town sits right on the ocean at the foot of the mountains – a spectacular spot. Stretch your legs with a recommended evening peninsula walk and build up an appetite for a tasty feast of locally caught fresh seafood. Tonight you camp with the sound of the waves – perfect! Cabin upgrades available. Includes dinner.
Bike rides: 25km - 60km road cycling
Optional activities: whale watching (boat or flight), sea kayaking, deep sea fishing
For those that are keen there is the chance to rise early for a wonderful sunrise and then enjoy one of our most highly rated optional activities – dolphin swimming. The resident dusky dolphins are amongst the most interactive and entertaining in the world and it’s not unusual to swim with pods of 50 or more in their natural habitat, the ocean! You then have the chance to explore this quaint seaside town before heading through Christchurch to collect and drop off those starting/ending here. At 2:30pm you head out towards the Southern Alps with fantastic views across the Canterbury plains - real Lord of the Rings country! Tonight’s unique camp is at the Shearer’s Headquarters (an actual operating farm) located at the foot of the Southern Alps. Cabin upgrades available. Includes breakfast & dinner.
Bike rides: local rides or cycle the coast towards the Southern Alps. Distances vary from 10km - 60km
Optional activities: highly recommended dolphin swim, dolphin viewing
Wake up to mountain views and refresh yourself even more with the chance to try white water rafting on the mighty Rangitata River, grade 5 rapids! This thrilling ride takes you through the heart of the mountains with amazing scenery and a few splashes and spills on the way! If rafting isn’t for you then no problem - soak it all in with a morning cycle ride or walk through the forest. You then head through more jaw dropping landscapes (they don’t stop in the South Island) to the picture postcard, alpine Lake Tekapo. Here you will view the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour on the surrounding snow-capped peaks. From there you head to one of the best wilderness camps - sat on the shores of Lake Pukaki, a similar glacial lake with turquoise waters, you can set up your tent to nothing but views of lakes and mountains. Cross your fingers for a clear night sky as this area is part of New Zealand's dark sky reserve, an incredible place to star gaze! Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Hikes: lots of shorter options today but all with spectacular views
Bike rides: short forest rides & spectacular riding around the edge of Lake Pukaki
Optional activities: white water rafting
Today is a real chance to immerse yourself in the snow-capped mountain scenery that New Zealand is famous for. You will be exploring Aoraki National Park and hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain - Mount Cook. We then head back to the Pacific coast with a short stop at the historic town of Oamaru. From there it’s a short drive down the coast to the small village of Moeraki. Go for a walk to a view point and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and try and spot a little blue penguin along the shore. If you have a bike it’s possible to visit a colony of extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins near to camp. Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Hikes: highly recommended scenic hike to the base of Mount Cook
Bike rides: 13km – 57km ride options
Free activities: penguin viewing
Before heading south, we make a stop at the nearby Moeraki Boulders - a collection of perfectly round rocks each weighing up to 4 tonnes that sit on the beach, and then it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin - the South Island's second-largest city. Its name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh – very appropriate as the city is a carbon copy of the Edinburgh map (street names and all). This southern city is also home to the world’s steepest residential street and the famous Speight’s brewery which offers an interactive and informative guided tour through the historic working brewery. The Otago Coast stretches along the South Island's eastern side and Dunedin marks the halfway point along this coast which has a few decent surf breaks. Our camp is a short walk from the beach and you can walk the short distance to St. Clair to grab some food at one of the laid back water front restaurants. Includes breakfast.
Hikes: take a walk up/down the world’s steepest residential street then explore the sights of Dunedin city.
Bike rides: downhill ride into Dunedin
Optional activities: Speight’s brewery tour, surfing, Otago Peninsula wildlife tour
Journey through scenic southern pastures to Te Anau, the hub and jumping-off point for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Our accommodation tonight is a unique and historic site hidden in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley - a true wilderness escape. There is even an onsite museum to learn more about the region and history. For cyclists there is the chance to cycle into camp and for the hikers this camp offers some great short treks (ask your guide about secret glow worm trails). Limited cabin upgrades available. Includes breakfast & dinner.
Hikes: plenty of short treks from camp
Bike rides: 8km road cycle to camp
Optional activities: none (this place is all about getting off the beaten track!)
Travel one of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. The fiord’s cliffs rise dramatically from the dark waters (home to seals and dolphins) whilst waterfalls as high as 1000 metres cascade downwards. Board the optional boat cruise to explore the fiord up close. Afterwards those who love hiking are in for a treat with the start of the Routeburn Track. This 3 day walk passes through 2 National Parks and is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest. Cabin upgrades available. Includes breakfast & lunch.
Hikes: the chance to experience the awesome 3 day Routeburn Track (re-join group in Queenstown on day 9)
Bike rides: lake side rides of varying lengths, Ivon Wilson Park Mountain bike trail
Optional activities: highly recommend Milford boat cruise, Routeburn Track, Te Anau glow worm caves & boat ride
In the morning you journey to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. Once you arrive at the adventure capital of New Zealand you can enjoy spectacular views, a free Gondola ride and a huge selection of activities to choose from. There is everything here, from adrenalin pumping bungy, canyon swing or skydive to a more relaxed horse trek or boat trip – this place has it all. There are some great tracks around the lake ideal for bikers and hikers and all with wonderful views of this alpine region. Cabin upgrades available. Includes breakfast.
Hikes: multiple walking / hiking options
Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu ride or around town cycling
Optional activities: too many to list – something for everyone (see our website or ask us for details).
With so much to do we spend another day in fantastic Queenstown with the opportunity to enjoy those once in a lifetime experiences (don’t forget to try the legendary and very tasty fergburger!). Routeburn Track walkers re-join the group here with time to try the many exciting activities this vibrant city has to offer. Tonight you get the opportunity to dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a true kiwi feast (own cost). Cabin upgrades available. Includes breakfast.
Hikes: with panoramic views of this alpine area you are spoilt for walks and hikes of all distances
Bike rides: Lake Wakatipu trail, Twin Rivers trail and Lake Hayes trail
Optional activities: too many to list – something for everyone!
A last chance to indulge in Queenstown’s action before finishing your tour here and saying farewell to your fellow travellers by 2:30pm. Includes breakfast.
Bike rides: another chance to try some of the Queenstown trail rides
Optional activities: too many to list – something for everyone
© 2025 Active Earth and Hiking New Zealand Limited. All rights Reserved.
