New Zealand South Island Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
7 days
6 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
New Zealand South Island Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
7 days
6 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Oct-Dec 2026: Jan-Feb
Abel Tasman National Park, Queen Charlotte Sound & Wine Country
Golden beaches, turquoise waters and dreamy coastlines. Where dolphins frolic and bellbirds sing. Where some of the world’s best trails and kayaking are tucked away. Where the night sky dazzles. Where? New Zealand.
Highlights
- Explore Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal paradise of native forest, hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters and diverse wildlife
- Kayak in the Tasman Sea and spot sunbathing fur seals, soaring gannets and little blue penguins diving for lunch
- Indulge in farm-to-table Kiwi cuisine and sip Marlborough wine at the source
- Hike the famed Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman Tracks, staying at secluded wilderness lodges only reachable by foot or water
- Discover the Kaikoura Coast, where snowcapped mountains meet the sapphire Pacific Ocean
Start Nelson
End Christchurch
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Adventure begins with a scenic water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand's most extraordinary places • Hike to a lookout point for views across the Tonga Island Marine Reserve • At our remote abode, be surrounded by unique flora and fauna that make this part of the world so special • Discover the famed Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the country's ten Great Walks • Find shade under the trail’s thick canopy and pass aquamarine lagoons • The iconic song of boisterous tui birds fills the forest.
Nights 1-2
Nestled deep in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, this secluded wilderness property is surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest. Accessible only by private water taxi or by foot along the scenic Abel Tasman Coastal Track, arriving here is part of the unique experience. While the lodge's interior is warm, inviting and full of character, its outdoor spaces shine with an abundance of birdlife and spectacular night skies. (spa)
Days 3-4
Kayak in the Tasman Sea surrounded by abundant marine life and distinctive landforms • Cruise the Marlborough Sounds’ legendary waterways, steeped in Maori history • Walk through native bush on one of New Zealand's most beloved trails, the Queen Charlotte Track • From its skyline ridges, the majestic trail offers up one panoramic viewpoint after another • Gaze at a blanket of stars from our peaceful retreat.
Nights 3-4
Built at the turn of the 20th century as a private vacation abode, this historic lodge is tucked away among virgin native forest. The original colonial-style home and expanded resort is beautifully set at the head of the Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds—enjoy sweeping views of the inlet from your private balcony or patio. Reachable only by boat or on foot via the Queen Charlotte Track, its exclusive waterfront location offers unparalleled tranquility and access to some of New Zealand's best trails.
Days 5-7
Explore along the Queen Charlotte Sound, keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins • Hike the undulating coastline through tree ferns, nikau palms and climbing kiekie • In a region renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, enjoy a taste of Marlborough wine • Soak in the heated mineral pool at our treehouse abode • Along the Kaikoura Coast, hike a seaside trail with snow-covered mountain scenery • Opt for a whale-watching tour or scenic flight over the Southern Alps • Indulge in elevated Kiwi cuisine made with locally sourced seasonal provisions.
Nights 5-6
Situated on the rugged Kaikoura Coast with the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range as a backdrop and the Pacific Ocean spreading out before it, views abound from every corner of this family-owned lodge. Relax in your eco-conscious luxury room, meticulously designed with custom furniture and tailor-made mattresses, then soak in the heated mineral pool and watch wild deer wandering on the resident farm. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand, the relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are down-to-earth, without a lot of bells and whistles, and may not offer the level of customer service that you might be used to.
To bring you to our favorite parts of this region, we make liberal use of water taxis and shuttles on this trip. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend more time aboard transportation.
Note that unexpected changes to water taxi schedules can result in alterations to the activities as described. We assure you that any such changes will not affect the quality of your experience.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
Nestled deep in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, this secluded wilderness property is surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest. Accessible only by private water taxi or by foot along the scenic Abel Tasman Coastal Track, arriving here is part of the unique experience. While the lodge's interior is warm, inviting and full of character, its outdoor spaces shine with an abundance of birdlife and spectacular night skies. (spa)
Nights 3-4
Premiere Hotel
Built at the turn of the 20th century as a private vacation abode, this historic lodge is tucked away among virgin native forest. The original colonial-style home and expanded resort is beautifully set at the head of the Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds—enjoy sweeping views of the inlet from your private balcony or patio. Reachable only by boat or on foot via the Queen Charlotte Track, its exclusive waterfront location offers unparalleled tranquility and access to some of New Zealand's best trails.
Nights 5-6
Premiere Hotel
Situated on the rugged Kaikoura Coast with the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range as a backdrop and the Pacific Ocean spreading out before it, views abound from every corner of this family-owned lodge. Relax in your eco-conscious luxury room, meticulously designed with custom furniture and tailor-made mattresses, then soak in the heated mineral pool and watch wild deer wandering on the resident farm. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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