New Zealand Trails - Pure South Hiking Itinerary

We’ve distilled down the very best experiences on the South Island for our Pure South trip, making sure you don't miss a thing on your New Zealand adventure! And it all starts today!

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure.

Hike the Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. Today we’ll explore one of our favourite sections, meandering beneath the beech canopy and tracing the shoreline of stunning Lake Te Anau. Along the way, enjoy panoramic lake views set against the dramatic Fiordland mountains. What a way to welcome you to New Zealand! Afterwards, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau for a delicious home-cooked meal and the chance to rest up before tomorrow’s adventures.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Rise and shine – it’s your first full day of adventure, and what a day it’s going to be. Today, you’ll tick off your second Great Walk with a section of the famous Milford Track and explore the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound from both boat and kayak. After a day packed with epic scenery and fresh air, you’ll sleep soundly back in Te Anau tonight.

Cruise Milford Sound

This morning we’ll set off on one of the most unforgettable journeys you’re likely to take. After a hearty breakfast to fuel the day, we’ll drive the spectacular Milford Road, winding past towering peaks, lush rainforest and crystal-clear lakes. Once at Milford Sound, we’ll hop aboard our scenic cruise and soak it all in – thundering waterfalls, sheer rock faces, and the magic of the fiord all around you. Keep your camera close. These are the kind of photos you’ll want to share far and wide. 

Kayak and Hike the Milford Track

Just when you think the day couldn’t get any better, it does. This afternoon, we’ll jump into kayaks and paddle across the still waters of the sound to the starting point of the Milford Track – arguably New Zealand’s most iconic Great Walk. From here, we’ll hike a beautiful section of the track, surrounded by ancient forest and iconic scenery only found in this special corner of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Afterwards, we’ll return to Te Anau for a relaxed evening, reflecting on a day you won’t soon forget.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we leave the rainforests of Fiordland behind and head for the high-country lakes of Central Otago. We’ll then head over the Crown Range to the pretty mountain resort town of Wānaka and gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, where we’ll spend the next two nights. 

Hike Rocky Mountain Track

This afternoon, we'll take a hike to the Lake Wānaka Lookout to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wānaka. It’s a steady climb but well worth the effort. With each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, and with sweeping views to enjoy at every turn, there’s certainly no rush to the top.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 Nights

Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! Today’s all about venturing deep into the wild – through glacial valleys, ancient beech forest, and rivers so clear you’ll think someone’s polished the rocks.

Wilderness Jet Boat Trip

Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Jet boating originally started on the Wilkin River in 1968 transporting venison out of the mountains before hiking and commercial work became more commonplace. We’ll kick off the day with a jetboat ride from Makarora, skimming across the braided waters of the Makarora River. It’s not just a ride – it’s a thrilling introduction to the raw, untouched beauty of Mt Aspiring National Park. As we weave our way upriver, you’ll get a unique perspective on the dramatic alpine landscape – think towering peaks, crystal-clear streams, and wilderness as far as the eye can see.

Hike Mt Aspiring National Park

Once we’re dropped off in this remote corner of the park, it’s time to stretch the legs. We’ll follow a well-formed track through lush forest and alongside vivid blue rivers and pools. There’s something special about walking in a place where there’s no road, no crowds – just you, your guide, and the rhythm of the bush. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds and your camera ready – this place knows how to show off.

Our walk finishes at the iconic Blue Pools – famed for their crystal-clear glacial water and swing bridge views. Dip your toes if you’re feeling brave, or simply soak up the magic of this special spot before heading back to Wānaka for a delicious dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we’ll start our day with some time to explore Wānaka before beginning our journey north toward Aoraki/Mt Cook, known to Māori as the Cloud Piercer. Along the way, you’ll pass through a land of wide-open skies, braided rivers and snow-capped peaks – the Mackenzie Country. Home to some of the best stargazing on the planet! Something you'll be able to appreciate this evening.

Explore Wānaka

This morning we’ll begin with some time to explore the charming mountain township of Wānaka. Nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains, this lakefront town is Queenstown’s more relaxed cousin, although it's equal in stunning scenery. It’s a great place to explore on your own for a bit – be sure to try out some of the local delicacies, including meat pies, uniquely flavoured gelatos, and of course, delicious barista coffee.

Explore the Omarama Clay Cliffs

On the way to the Mackenzie Country and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, we'll explore the Clay Cliffs of Omarama. This geological phenomenon was formed millions of years ago from layers of silt and gravel deposited by ancient lakes and rivers. These layers were then uplifted and tilted by an active fault and subsequently eroded, giving them their dramatic appearance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Mount Cook - 2 Nights (or similar)

New Zealand is home to 24 peaks over 3000m tall – your destination for the day, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, boasts 19 of them. Home to its namesake (known to Māori as “the Cloud Piercer”, standing at 3724 metres tall), the National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in New Zealand and a rich mountaineering history. These stunning mountains were the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary before becoming the first to successfully summit Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Today they’ll be your playground, with options for everyone at whatever pace is right for you.

Get up close to the icebergs on a glacier boat tour, or even splurge on a heli-hike if you’d like. Check out the many hiking tracks and trails, or simply explore the village at your leisure. Whatever you decide, it’s an incredible place to spend the day.

After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a tasty meal and a chance to trade stories from the day as well as gaze up at the impressive night sky in this internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve.

Options for today:

1) Morning: The Hooker Valley Track & Kea Point: This is one of the South Island’s most popular glacier country trails. The Hooker Valley Track offers spectacular alpine scenery and sweeping views of New Zealand's highest peak. For those with an interest in New Zealand flora, the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see Mount Cook lilies in season. 

2) Afternoon: Hike to Red Tarns: Offering phenomenal views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains the Red Tarns Track is one of Aoraki/Mt Cook's hidden gems. On a calm day, you'll enjoy incredible mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook that will leave a lasting memory of this magical spot.

3) Anytime: Explore Mount Cook Village: Today is a great opportunity to explore on your own. Visit the museum and planetarium at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Take some short walks around the area or just soak in the views with a coffee and good book.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we leave the mountains of Aoraki/Mt Cook and head for the high-country lakes of Central Otago. We'll explore the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and walk one of our favourite local trails. 

Hike Arrow River Trail & Plant a Native Tree

Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking. We’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today we will be walking the Arrow River Trail, one of our favourite hidden gems here in Queenstown. While you are walking the Arrow River Trail, you'll have the opportunity to plant a native seedling and leave a small legacy of your own here in New Zealand.

This afternoon, we'll finish our adventure in Queenstown. It’s time to say goodbye to your guides, travel companions, and new-found friends as we drop you at the airport or your accommodation. If you’re joining us to explore the North Island, we’ll ensure a smooth transition for you. If not, we hope to see you again soon in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.

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