New Zealand Trails - The Masterpiece Adventure Itinerary

The Masterpiece is an all-encompassing New Zealand Adventure Tour. Each day combines a blend of beautiful scenery and exceptional experiences with healthy meals, comfortable accommodations, time to relax and, of course, good company. Designed to showcase the best of New Zealand without the need to rush, this is adventure travel at its finest.

Begin your journey in Queenstown, a gorgeous alpine resort nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After meeting your guides and fellow travellers, we’ll head out for a dose of fresh mountain air on a scenic walk. With our legs sufficiently stretched, we’ll then travel on to the Mount Cook region where we’ll spend the next couple of nights. An area of incredible natural beauty, this National Park is home to many iconic mountain vistas, including that of our highest peak Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Hike Arrow River Trail
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. As part of your introduction to New Zealand, we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today you’ll be walking the Arrow River Bridge Trail, a favourite weekend walk for us locals. 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.

Road trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook 
After a morning of exploring, we’ll head to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the home of New Zealand’s highest peak standing tall at 3,724m (over 12,000 feet). Along the way, we’ll travel over the Lindis Pass and down into wide open valleys before catching our first glimpse of Aoraki/Mt Cook, ‘the cloud piercer’ as it’s known in Māori. This area is a UNESCO International Dark Sky Reserve, which means all you need do is step outside and look up for some world-class star-gazing this evening.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Aoraki/Mt Cook region - 2 Nights 

After a sound night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, it’s time to set foot on the trails this morning. Boasting views normally reserved for serious mountaineers, our hikes today take us into the heart of the National Park and provide jaw-dropping vistas for our efforts. Home to not only its namesake, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boasts a further 19 peaks topping more than 3,000 metres. This morning you'll have a choice of hiking to either Sealy Tarns or Kea Point or you can book an additional activity - a glacier heli-hike or a boat tour to replace the morning hikes. In the afternoon you will hike the Tasman Glacier View Track and Governors Bush Track.

Whichever option you decide on, you won’t be disappointed. After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a delicious meal and a chance to trade stories from the day or do some more stargazing.

Options for today:

Choice 1) Hike to Sealy Tarns
This route is one seriously rewarding leg workout. Known fondly as the ‘stairmaster’ or the ‘stairway to heaven’, you’ll pull yourself up exactly 1,882 steps to Sealy Tarns where the views out over the Mueller and Hooker Lakes are out of this world. It’s the most challenging option today and involves a steep but steady climb on a well-formed track. The views are worth every drop of sweat.

Choice 2) Hike to Kea Point
For a more relaxed option, we'll head to Kea Point for panoramic views of the National Park's many towering peaks. This walk takes you through subalpine grasslands and scrub to a stunning lookout perched on the Mueller Glacier moraine wall, which was formed back in 1913 when glacial waters reshaped the land below. From the viewing deck, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mount Sefton, The Footstool, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier lake, and the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook standing tall in the distance.

Choice 3) Free time around Mt Cook Village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s journey takes us from mountain to ocean as we head through the fertile plains of Canterbury towards the East Coast. We’ll begin the day with a short hike along the shores of Lake Pukaki admiring it’s beautiful turquoise waters accompanied by views of the beautifully desolate Mackenzie Country. After our hike we’ll make our way towards Tekapo on our way to Christchurch. We’ll take our time, stopping at Peel Forest and some of our other favourite spots along the way to stretch our legs and capture the glorious views.

Pukaki Kettle Hole Track
This morning, we’ll enjoy the stunning views across Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The Pukaki Kettle Hole Track is a scenic walk set along the shores of Lake Pukaki. The trail winds through golden tussock to a collection of ancient kettle holes — shallow depressions left behind by retreating glaciers. After our walk, we’ll continue on towards Christchurch, watching the scenery shift from tussock and mountains to the fertile Canterbury Plains.

Discover Christchurch
The city of Christchurch is a lovely spot with a mix of green parks and state-of-the-art architecture. The Avon River weaves its way through a city in the process of regeneration with plenty to see including the colourful Spanish Mission architecture of New Regent Street, curious cardboard cathedral and lush botanical gardens. Discover amazing street-art and innovative projects as the new urban heart of the city blends with the garden-like greenery of the old.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

After a relaxed breakfast, we'll enjoy a coastal walk on the Godley Head Track and take in the incredible views over Banks Peninsula. This afternoon we’ll travel north a short distance to the seaside settlement of Kaikoura on the East Coast, where we’ll stay the night.

Godley Head Track
The Godley Head Track offers stunning coastal views and a bit of history too — this remote headland once served as a World War II coastal defence site. On a clear day, you’ll spot the Southern Alps to the west and the vast Pacific stretching out to the east.

Kaikoura Peninsula
Just north of Christchurch lies the small coastal town of Kaikoura. The Kaikoura Peninsula is a striking area set on the edge of a deep continental shelf where towering cliffs meet an ocean floor that plunges even further in the other direction. The nutrient-rich water and startling topography has created a unique mecca for an abundance of marine life. Whales, dolphins, fur seals and more are thriving in ideal conditions and are a regular sight in the waters off the mainland. Tonight, if we’re lucky we’ll catch an impressive sunset over the ocean as we enjoy a delicious and quintessentially Kiwi dinner of fish and chips on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Today’s an unforgettable day and a dream come true for wildlife lovers. You’ll be up bright and early to swim with Dusky dolphins, a rare breed known for their aerobatics. We’ll see how many different varieties of fish, seals and even whales we can spot in this outstanding marine reserve, where the unusually deep waters make a unique habitat close to shore. We’ll carry on to the town of Picton, where we water taxi across Queen Charlotte Sound to our accommodation for the night, where you can explore some of the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track or take in the wonderful wildlife surrounding the lodge!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Queen Charlotte Sound - 1 Night (or similar)

This morning we’ll paddle back to Picton, providing another opportunity to view the local wildlife. From here it’s a short hop to Marlborough’s wine-growing region, where we sample some of the area’s produce. For the next couple of nights, we’ll stay in Nelson, a colourful beachside town and comfortable resting point.

Marlborough Vineyards
Home to some of New Zealand’s best vineyards, the Marlborough region is famous for producing excellent wines savoured around the world. We will sample some impeccable wines from this region, before carrying on towards Nelson and our accommodation for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Nelson, “the sunniest place in NZ” and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, is famous for its arts scene, award-winning wines, craft beers and fruit orchards, with plenty to keep you entertained within walking distance. Many of our guests are happy to spend a relaxed day exploring Nelson, browsing the shops and galleries, strolling along the beach or reading a book – it’s a lovely place to re-energise yourself for the rest of your adventure. There are over 350 local craftspeople and artists creating Maori, traditional and contemporary art in the area, so it’s also a chance to discover what inspires New Zealanders creatively.

If you’d prefer something a little more active on your free day, we can help you book a tour to explore Abel Tasman National Park on foot or by kayak. Abel Tasman is famous for its glorious coastline, where golden sand beaches meet clear blue seas.

Meals: none

Today we’ll leave Nelson and begin our day by making our way to St Arnaud for a leisurely stroll on the Honeydew Walk. After our stop in Nelson Lakes National Park, we'll continue on our way to the rugged West Coast, taking our time to stop and appreciate the journey, including a picturesque hike along the coast to Tauranga Bay seal colony. Our accommodation tonight is in the seaside village of Buller Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Buller Bay - 1 Night

With its towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, this area feels like something straight out of Jurassic Park. Today we’ll hike a fantastic track through Paparoa National Park, as well as checking out the blowholes and limestone formations of the Pancake Rocks. Then we drop in on Pounamu (greenstone/jade) carvers at work in the town of Hokitika. We’ll spend a relaxed evening in the tiny town of Franz Josef, tucked into the Southern Alps right in the heart of Glacier Country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

Today you’ll enjoy mountains, beaches and glacially-formed lakes all in one fantastic day. We will kick-start day 10 with a walk around the stunning Lake Matheson.

We’ll then travel south down the coast, exploring some of our stunning beaches before we head towards the Haast Pass to enjoy the famous Haast River Jet Boat experience, and then into the vast beauty and open spaces of Central Otago.

We’ll spend the next two nights in Wanaka, a charming lakeside resort snug amongst the mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 Nights (or similar)

After a peaceful night in our lakefront accommodation, you’ll have the option of having either a relaxed start to the day or joining your guides on a hike up Rocky Mountain for an exceptional outlook across Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks.

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track
If you’re feeling keen to lace up your hiking boots your day will start with a hike to Diamond Lake to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. If you fancy more of a challenge, you can carry on up the Rocky Mountain trail. It’s a steady climb and one that will no doubt get your heart pumping, but with each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, making it all worth it at the top.

If you’d prefer to have a more relaxed morning, there’s plenty to do in the town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle amble along the beach and an obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture. We’ll regroup this evening for a delicious meal together in a local eatery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we’ll wake up in the idyllic little town of Wanaka and tuck into breakfast before our day of exploring. We’ll then make our way to the Kepler Track, and enjoy our first glimpse of Fiordland National Park.

Kepler Track Hike
Breathe in the fresh Fiordland air with an afternoon walk along a pleasant section of the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, lush beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges.

After a full day of spectacular views, we'll head to Te Anau - the gateway to the fiords - in preparation for our journey into Milford Sound tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Today’s the big one! Milford Sound is calling. After spending the last two weeks exploring the best of New Zealand, we’ve saved something truly special for last.

Journey into Fiordland
This morning we’ll journey deep into Fiordland National Park, where ancient rainforests, mirror-like lakes and towering granite peaks create a world unlike anywhere else on earth. The road to Milford is a highlight in itself. Keep your camera close and your eyes peeled for cheeky kea and sweeping alpine vistas around every bend.

Cruise Milford Sound - The Eighth Wonder of the World
Once we reach the water, it’s time to experience Milford Sound from the water. You'll glide past towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls as we cruise out toward the Tasman Sea. Look for seals lazing on rocks, penguins darting along the shoreline, and dolphins riding the bow wave.

Rain or shine, Milford Sound always delivers. On a clear day, the reflections are mesmerising. But if it’s raining, it's even better! That’s when hundreds of waterfalls appear, tumbling down sheer rock faces in a dramatic show of nature’s power. If you’re feeling brave, head to the front of the boat and let the spray hit your face. It’s a moment you’ll never forget, a perfect ending.

Tonight, back in Te Anau, you’ll enjoy your final evening with your fellow travellers, now fast friends. After 13 days of unforgettable adventure, stunning landscapes, and more than a few laughs, you’ve truly experienced the best of New Zealand’s South Island. Sleep easy tonight, knowing you’ve made the most of every moment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the last morning of the trip, we'll make our way back to Queenstown, marvelling at the incredible views en route. After lunch you’ll have a chance to head out for one last stunning walk from Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights (a favourite amongst us locals), before saying our fond farewells at the airport or your accommodation.

Walk Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights
Our last journey together is a scenic trip through small farming towns, before tracing the shoreline of the impressive Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown for the last hike of the trip. The Jack’s Point to Kelvin Heights walk traces the shores of Lake Wakatipu and offers incredible sweeping views of swaying tussock and The Remarkables mountain range.

Finish in Queenstown
This afternoon we'll finish our adventure in Queenstown, and 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 on our Sweet North trip or New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – North, 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.

A First Light Travel Designer can help you extend your trip in New Zealand. Lets start planning today!