New Zealand Uncut Hiking Adventure

Start your day early by meeting your North Island guide and group, then drive south through lush green farmland along the Waikato River. At Waitomo Caves, descend into Ruakuri Cave to marvel at limestone formations and sparkling crystals. Thousands of glow worms light up the cave ceiling like a starry night. After emerging, enjoy a loop trail through a stunning limestone canyon. Arrive in Rotorua by late afternoon, where you’ll experience the region’s geothermal activity and Maori cultural heritage, including an evening meal and cultural performance.

Hike along the clear waters of Lake Tarawera, shaded by towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs. Cool off with a swim at one of the tiny beaches while admiring the expansive views of the forest, lakes, and volcanoes. In the afternoon, explore Rotorua’s thermal areas, wandering boardwalks past bubbling mud, mineral hot pools, and rising steam. Afterward, drive to the pretty lakeside town of Taupo. Stop along the way and feel the power of the incredible Huka Falls.

Drive around Lake Taupo to New Zealand’s first national park, Tongariro. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through the forest on Mt Pihanga’s slopes to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). Spend the next two nights at a hotel on the park’s edge, allowing you to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, hike to Taranaki Falls, which cascades 20 meters over a 15,000-year-old lava flow.

Join your guide for a full day on the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world’s best day hikes. The well-built trail ascends, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Admire stunning views of the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and steaming vents. After this challenging hike, celebrate with a bottle of fine New Zealand wine at dinner. If you prefer a restful day, enjoy activities in the village such as the Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or relaxing with coffee and exploring the Park Visitor Centre.

Rest your legs this morning as you travel through rolling green hills to Wellington, the capital city. Stroll along the waterfront, visit the national museum Te Papa, or explore the charming heritage houses on the steep streets. Enjoy the vibrant café and restaurant scene in this compact city.

Spend the morning enjoying Wellington or relaxing before an early lunch. Then, catch a scenic flight over Cook Strait to the South Island. Upon arrival at Nelson Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to meet your guides and new travellers. Opt for a guided hike up Botanical Hill, known as the “Centre of New Zealand,” for stunning views of Tasman Bay and Nelson City, or explore the lively town at your leisure. Later, kick off the South Island tour with dinner at one of Nelson’s fine restaurants.

After an early breakfast, head to Abel Tasman National Park. At the beach resort of Kaiteriteri, take a water taxi along the coast, passing golden beaches, granite headlands, and bush-clad islands. Step ashore at Bark Bay and follow the famed Abel Tasman Coast Track through native forests and cascading streams. The trail leads to Torrent Bay, where you can swim in Cleopatra’s Pool or slide down its natural water slide. At Anchorage, catch the water taxi back to Kaiteriteri, then return to Nelson in the late afternoon. Explore this vibrant town and its many excellent restaurants this evening.

On the way to the West Coast, stop for an amazing hike to the natural flames, which have been burning since the 1920s. A local guide will lead you through a privately-owned working deer farm to this natural phenomena, surrounded by lush tree ferns and beech forest. A cup of ‘billy tea’ and hot cakes prepared over the flames is a uniquely Kiwi experience. Continue alongside the Buller River through the wilderness to the coast at Westport. Traverse a section of this dramatic coastline and catch the sunset at Punakaiki. Take an evening stroll around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – guides try to time your visit with high tide so you may not visit the rocks until tomorrow if tide times are more favourable.

Hike the Inland Pack Track from Pororari to the Punakaiki River, a historic route once used by prospectors and miners. This trail is now part of the Paparoa Track, New Zealand’s newest Great Walk. Traverse a deep limestone canyon and towering rainforest with tropical nikau palms. Don’t miss the chance for a refreshing swim in one of the clear pools along the way! 

After the hike, travel from the lush rainforests of the West Coast over the glaciated Southern Alps to the dry yellow tussock grasslands of the eastern high country. East of Arthur’s Pass, take a stroll around the captivating limestone formations of Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill), an important cultural site for early Maori. Named the “Spiritual Centre of the Universe” by the Dalai Lama in 2002, today it’s popular for rock climbing and bouldering. 

Continue past Lake Lyndon to Methven, a ski town in winter and a relaxed rural community year-round. The Southern Alps form a spectacular backdrop.

Continuing south, at first following the edge of the extensive Canterbury Plains then up into the intermontane Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo. This lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters and the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, perched daintily by the lake. Hike via the lakeshore to an elevated viewing platform for incredible views of the Patagonia-like landscape. The sweeping Mackenzie “Country” is a sparsely populated region in the shadow of the Southern Alps; tawny-brown drylands, braided riverbeds and startling glacial lakes extend to distant mountains. On arrival at Mount Cook village, relax and enjoy the splendour of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding alps.

Hike up to Sealy Tarns for stunning views of hanging glaciers on Mt Sefton and up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. Alternatively, opt for an easier experience by exploring the valley floor independently. Walk along the Hooker Valley to enjoy views of Mueller and Hooker Glacier terminal lakes and the towering south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Or perhaps visit the world-class visitor centre to learn more about the wonders of the national park.

Travel up the Tasman Valley to visit the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Take a short walk through glacial moraine and embark on a custom-built boat for a unique spin around the terminal lake. Like many glaciers worldwide, the Tasman Glacier is retreating, causing the terminal lake to expand annually. Spot icebergs of various shapes and sizes floating in the lake, from the collapsing terminal face of the glacier.

On the way to charming Wanaka, pass the scenic Mackenzie Country before ascending over the tussock lands of the Lindis Pass into Central Otago’s southern lakes district. Here, visit an award-winning vineyard to sample wine and learn about sustainable winemaking practices, or simply enjoy a stroll through the vineyards.

A beautiful drive alongside Lake Wanaka leads towards the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. In the lower Matukituki Valley, hike the Diamond Lake trail and ascend Rocky Mountain, a distinctively shaped glacial feature known as a “roche moutonnee” (rock sheep). Stunning views of the lake, Southern Alps, and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. There are various hike options here, from the gentle Diamond Lake circuit to the more challenging Rocky Mountain summit climb. 

After lunch, drive over the Crown Range and follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Relax in the afternoon or take a stroll along the scenic lakeshore, offering breathtaking views of the expansive Fiordland wilderness across the water.

Embark on a breathtaking day excursion through the majestic Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. At The Divide, hike a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit for panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Easier short walks, and the preferred option if cloud is likely to rob Key Summit of views, are located below in the Hollyford Valley. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound as you cruise amidst glaciated peaks towering over deep waters. Marvel at mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls, and keep watch for marine life such as dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

This morning, hike a section of the renowned Kepler Track to the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its islands, bush-fringed beaches, and mountainous backdrop. From here, head northward towards Queenstown. On the outskirts of Queenstown, amidst wine country, celebrate your adventures with lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the region’s finest food and wine before concluding your tour in Queenstown in the late afternoon.