Top South Island Hiking Tours

Discover the idyllic landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, where filming for the Lord of the Rings took place, on this action-packed half-day tour from Wanaka. Zip along the pristine waters of the Matukituki River on a jet boat, admire spectacular landscapes, then hike past forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams before ending your tour.

Experience the beauty on Marlborough Sounds on foot and by boat through a guided walk with round-trip boat service. You can choose from three walks of varying length and challenge. These include Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay. Round-trip boat service drops you at the beginning and collects you at the end of your tour. A day hike is the perfect opportunity to experience the natural tranquility of the track, particularly if you have a shorter time-frame.

Hike Fox Glacier Valley on a guided walking tour that explores glaciology, geology, local plants, and animals. Walking alongside a local guide is a great way to learn the natural history of the Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountains, and should conditions allow, it means you can depart the main trail to explore an area that many visitors miss.

Step into a powerful Fiordland Jet boat and cruise down the mighty Waiau River on this roughly two-hour adventure into the heart of Fiordland National Park. With no windows and no ceilings on the jet boat, you’ll hear the wind rush past you as you head down river to Lake Manapouri. Disembark and explore the Park’s ancient forest, then return in your jet boat, doing stunts along the way that you could never do in a car or tour bus.

See the glowworm caves of Te Anau on an underground adventure sure to charm visitors of all ages. An informative guide joins you on the 2hour and 15 minute Te Anau glowworm caves tour, starting with a cruise across Lake Te Anau. Then marvel at the shimmering illumination of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the quiet darkness of this magical underground world.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS ‘Earnslaw,’ a vintage steamship. Stroll the lakeside gardens and enjoy a traditional morning or afternoon tea and take a walking tour of the farm. You’ll watch sheepdogs in action and see sheep shearing demonstrations. Treat yourself to home-baked goods and alpine views of the Remarkables mountain range. Savor a delicious afternoon tea and an amble through lakeside gardens before heading back to Queenstown by boat.

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Explore the stunning fiord by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Board the TSS "Earnslaw," a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts, and a New Zealand cheeseboard. After dinner, see farm demonstrations or purchase a drink and simply relax in the bar.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. Have the chance to see native wildlife like the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and the Fiordland crested penguin. Visit Gunns Camp, take short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise with live commentary, morning tea, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Sample Central Otago wines without the stress of choosing a sober driver. Enjoy handy hotel transfers from Queenstown on a lunchtime drive around celebrated wineries in the Gibbston Valley. Have lunch at a winery restaurant (own cost). Go behind the scenes at the country’s oldest wine cave and sample a range of varietals, from pinot noirs to various whites. Canine lovers will also enjoy being accompanied by Ruby the dog.

Visit ‘The Lord of the Rings’ filming locations in Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD with an informative guide. Departing Queenstown for Middle-earth in the morning or afternoon, this half-day tour includes stunning countryside landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, such as the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlorien, Ithilien Camp and Forest of Amon Hen. Enjoy light refreshments and personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to six passengers per vehicle.

Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River during an extreme ride, and make use of transport from Queenstown. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in your back pocket, you will not be able to access Pigeon Island. These Islands are fantastic places with wildlife, beaches surrounded by mountains, and away from the crowds

The Tasman Glacier is Aotearoa New Zealand's longest glacier measuring at 27km long and as wide as 4km in places, so this is an experience of a lifetime to explore the ever changing ice formations that carved this wonderful landscape in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Your journey will begin with a scenic helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier, landing 1200m above sea level. A two hour hike with professional and experienced guides amongst epic glacial ice formations, gentle undulating terrain below the highest peaks of the Southern Alps. The snow-clad giants tower above vast icefalls that flow down the mountain sides. On the return flight, pass the Hochstetter Icefall as your adventure nears its end.

Get introduced to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks with a 2.5-hour hike on the Routeburn Track. This half-day tour departs Queenstown for the awe-inspiring scenery of Mt Aspiring National Park. Walk across a swing bridge and follow your guide at a relaxed pace through a beech forest lush with ferns and mosses. Experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls while you learn about native birdlife and cultural history.

Get up close to nature and explore one of the top spots on New Zealand's South Island on this half-day Milford Track guided walk. Take a boat ride across Milford Sound to Sandfly Point with your guide and admire soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Hike along the banks of the Arthur River and Lake Ada, and enjoy panoramic views over the pristine countryside. Admire the mighty Giant's Gate Waterfall from the swing-bridge over the river and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.

Go on one of New Zealand's "Great Walks," the Routeburn Track from Te Anau to Key Summit, during this full-day guided walking tour. Get views of alpine herb fields, lush forests, and enjoy panoramic views of South Island. Travel with a small group of 12 hikers or fewer, ensuring personalized attention from your guide.

Spend quality time with a wooly llama on New Zealand's rugged Kaikōura Coast. Trek with your own llama, who can carry your belongings in saddle bags. Your guide will help you get to know your wooly companion. Learn Kaikōura history and facts, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake, as you trek along Kaikōura's coastlines and beaches. Take in mountain and coastal scenery throughout.

Whether you just have a couple of hours to spare or want to spend the whole day kayaking, this rental service is ideal. Pick up your double kayak in Marahau, at the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the coastline at your own pace, without a guide telling you want to do or a group to keep up with.

The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of the Mount Aspiring National Park lie along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. This action-packed tour lets you explore the park by plane, boat, and on foot. Soar overhead on a scenic flight, hike along the banks of the Siberia River, then hop aboard for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Wilkin River.

For those seeking a more unique experience of the iconic Routeburn Track, this private guided walk is ideal for you. Take on one of New Zealand’s 'Great Walks' and hike along the Routeburn River, a swing bridge, the Humboldt Mountains and stunning beach forest. This magnificent walk has so much to offer. Learn as you hike: your guide will teach you about the history of the area as well as native birdlife, flora, and fauna that you encounter along the way.

Experience the best of the Kepler Track on an easy day trip that includes a helicopter drop-off at Mt. Luxmore. Enjoy an extended scenic flight over Lake Te Anau and a collection of lakes hidden in the mountains. Land on Mt. Maury to admire the views, then continue to Luxmore Hut, where you’ll start your day hike on the Kepler Track. At the end, return to Te Anau by boat.