New Zealand's South Island Walking Tour
8-day Tour from $5,645 per person
Tour with travel package from $7,295 per person



An Unforgettable Walking Tour in New Zealand's South Island: Explore Breathtaking Landscapes
While most walking tours of New Zealand’s South Island skip over its majestic north coast, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the best of the island! On this unique Country Walkers adventure, you’ll explore the splendid vistas of the Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Rotoiti, and take a boat ride to the golden sands of Abel Tasman...
While most walking tours of New Zealand’s South Island skip over its majestic north coast, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the best of the island! On this unique Country Walkers adventure, you’ll explore the splendid vistas of the Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Rotoiti, and take a boat ride to the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park—a rich coastal environment unspoiled by car traffic. Here, you’ll stay in a secluded lodge perched deep in the coastal forest—just a short walk from the smooth shores of Awaroa Beach. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll discover wetlands and sub-tropical bush that are home to native pūkeko, oyster-catchers, and songbirds—even getting up close to the cheeky, flightless weka. Cruise through the incomparable beauty of Marlborough Sounds as the ship’s captain pauses by a greenlip mussel farm—pulling ropes of plump, succulent shellfish straight from the sea. Along the way, you’ll enjoy New Zealand’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine, superlative vintages, and the cheerful camaraderie of your insightful Kiwi leaders.
Tour Highlights
- Hike the Mt. Robert Circuit, an alpine trail overlooking Lake Rotoiti, in Nelson Lakes National Park, gazing up for views of the snow-capped Southern Alps.
- Explore one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” the Abel Tasman Coast Track, admiring its golden beaches, crystal-clear bays, and stunning rock formations.
- Take in panoramic views of turquoise waters and stunning coastlines at Marlborough Sounds, as you ascend the ridge-top trails of the Queen Charlotte Track.
- Enjoy iconic Greenshell mussels aboard a private cruise across Marlborough Sound, sailing past some of the most spectacular scenery on the South Island.
- Browse the charming town center of Hanmer Springs, with its colorful galleries and inviting shops, before soaking in the thermal, mineral-rich pools around which the town was established.



An Unforgettable Walking Tour in New Zealand's South Island: Explore Breathtaking Landscapes
While most walking tours of New Zealand’s South Island skip over its majestic north coast, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the best of the island! On this unique Country Walkers adventure, you’ll explore the splendid vistas of the Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Rotoiti, and take a boat ride to the golden sands of Abel Tasman...
While most walking tours of New Zealand’s South Island skip over its majestic north coast, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the best of the island! On this unique Country Walkers adventure, you’ll explore the splendid vistas of the Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Rotoiti, and take a boat ride to the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park—a rich coastal environment unspoiled by car traffic. Here, you’ll stay in a secluded lodge perched deep in the coastal forest—just a short walk from the smooth shores of Awaroa Beach. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll discover wetlands and sub-tropical bush that are home to native pūkeko, oyster-catchers, and songbirds—even getting up close to the cheeky, flightless weka. Cruise through the incomparable beauty of Marlborough Sounds as the ship’s captain pauses by a greenlip mussel farm—pulling ropes of plump, succulent shellfish straight from the sea. Along the way, you’ll enjoy New Zealand’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine, superlative vintages, and the cheerful camaraderie of your insightful Kiwi leaders.
Tour Highlights
- Hike the Mt. Robert Circuit, an alpine trail overlooking Lake Rotoiti, in Nelson Lakes National Park, gazing up for views of the snow-capped Southern Alps.
- Explore one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” the Abel Tasman Coast Track, admiring its golden beaches, crystal-clear bays, and stunning rock formations.
- Take in panoramic views of turquoise waters and stunning coastlines at Marlborough Sounds, as you ascend the ridge-top trails of the Queen Charlotte Track.
- Enjoy iconic Greenshell mussels aboard a private cruise across Marlborough Sound, sailing past some of the most spectacular scenery on the South Island.
- Browse the charming town center of Hanmer Springs, with its colorful galleries and inviting shops, before soaking in the thermal, mineral-rich pools around which the town was established.



What's Included
VBT | Country Walkers Gives You More
You don’t have to sweat the small stuff. We take care of everything when you choose our Tour + Travel Package. With our Tour + Travel Package, we arrange your flights, Airport Pickup and Drop-off, and a Pre-Tour and Post-Tour Hotel Night if your flights require you to fly in the day before and out the day after your tour. You arrive rested, leave refreshed, and we do all the work.
| Tour + Travel Package | Tour Only | |
|---|---|---|
| Exceptional Boutique Accommodations | ||
| Luggage Transportation | ||
| Entrance Fees and Special Events as Noted in the Itinerary | ||
| Free Branded Gear | ||
| Local Leaders Throughout the Tour | ||
| Telescopic Walking Sticks for Use on Tour | ||
| Support Vehicle | ||
21 Included Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 6 Dinners | ||
| Local Wine and/or Beer with Included Dinners | ||
| Roundtrip Airfare | Not included | |
| Airport Pickup and Drop-off | Not included | |
Pre-Tour Hotel Night in Christchurch | Not included | |
Post-Tour Hotel Night in Nelson | Not included | |
2 Additional Meals: 2 Breakfasts | Not included | |
| City Highlights Information | Not included |




