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New Zealand Walking & Hiking: Tramp Through South Island Paradise

New Zealand is a compact natural extravaganza, and this Backroads hiking trip is a sampler of the country’s stunning natural diversity. Native New Zealanders—known as Kiwis, after the unique flightless bird—are wild about “tramping” (that’s hiking in Kiwi-speak). Foot trails abound on the South Island, revealing spectacular beauty: snowcapped mountain summits, forest-fringed lakes, lush river valleys and tumbling glaciers. Combine the country’s extraordinary beauty with the effortless hospitality of its people and the expertise of Backroads’ leaders, and you’ve got a destination that’s perfect for exploring for the first time, or returning to again and again. more

New Zealand Walking & Hiking: Tramp Through South Island Paradise

New Zealand is a compact natural extravaganza, and this Backroads hiking trip is a sampler of the country’s stunning natural diversity. Native New Zealanders—known as Kiwis, after the unique flightless bird—are wild about “tramping” (that’s hiking in Kiwi-speak). Foot trails abound on the South Island, revealing spectacular beauty: snowcapped mountain summits, forest-fringed lakes, lush river valleys and tumbling glaciers. Combine… more

Trip at-a-glance

Price: From $4,498* per person
Lodging: hotel
Number of days: 10
Group size: 24

This trip is offered by:

Backroads

Call them at 800-462-2848 about this trip and mention you saw it at TravelDragon, or contact them.

Trip details

Days 1–2 Arthur’s Pass

Meet in Christchurch • Accompanied by our Maori guide, hike Godly Head, then travel to Kura Tawhiti for a meander amid sculpted limestone outcrops • Hike high in Arthur’s Pass National Park for inspirational views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains, sweeping forests and braided rivers.

Day 3 Punakaiki

At the summit of Arthur’s Pass, walk through alpine wetlands and herb fields • Observe exploding blowholes and explore luxuriant subtropical valleys.

Days 4–5 Franz Josef

In the gold-rush town of Hokitika, shop for hand-carved greenstone jewelry and other local crafts • Follow the Hari Hari Coastal Walkway to the Tasman Sea and through native kahikatea forest • Discover the dramatic Franz Josef Glacier on foot or by helicopter if you choose.

Days 6-7 Lake Moeraki

View the reflections of Mounts Tasman and Cook in the dark surface of Lake Matheson • At Lake Moeraki, take a rain forest hike and a canoe trip with the resident naturalist.

Days 8–10 Lake Wanaka

Travel by jet boat up the Haast River Hike along the stunning Diamond Lake Trail • Activities abound in Wanaka, from trekking and watersports to golfing and shopping • See working sheepdogs in action at historic Glendhu Station • Take an optional scenic flight to Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous fjord.

  • This trip/accommodation may accommodate for certain types of disabilities. Contact the provider for more information.
*TRAVEL INFORMATION DISCLAIMER: Travel product and pricing information are the travel provider’s base estimates, published here as a convenience to TravelDragon users without verification by TravelDragon. Your actual price will vary depending upon length of trip, travel dates, number of traveling guests, transportation (e.g. airfare, rail passes, etc.), and optional service features such as room categories or individualized food requirements. This base price estimate may or may not include all necessary fees, taxes, government-imposed surcharges. Be sure to confirm availability, total price and trip details with the travel provider using the contact information provided here.

e.g. Italy, biking

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