• Hiking Mileage: 7.4 miles (12 km)
• Elevation Gain: 1555 feet (474m)
• Elevation Loss: 1365 feet (416 m)
• Drive Time: 2 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel in St. Arnaud

This morning, we head north to hike up the Fox River Gorge. Here we’ll encounter west coast rain forest, stunning limestone gorges, and spacious caves. On this hike we’ll have lunch beneath the Ballroom overhang, which is one of the South Island’s crown jewels.

We’ll have ample opportunity to practice our river crossing skills with aid from our fantastic guides. If the water levels are too high, we’ll enjoy a beautiful coastal hike and visit the fantastic residents of the Tauranga Bay seal colony.

After lunch our hike continues as it follows the river out of a limestone canyon to the coast. Upon arriving at the mouth of the Potikohua and Fox Rivers we’ll head inland toward the small alpine village of St. Arnaud, tucked away in the heart of the Southern Alps where we’ll be spending the next 2 nights.

• Hiking Mileage: 5.6 miles (9 km)
• Elevation Gain: 1640 feet (500 m)
• Elevation Loss: 1640 feet (500 m)
• Drive Time: 30 minutes
• Accommodation: Hotel in St. Arnaud

We start our day surrounded by the crisp mountain air and the tranquil beauty of St Arnaud. You’ll hear the call of native birds and see the early morning mist curling above Lake Rotoiti—a perfect setting to begin your alpine adventure.

We set out on foot to the Pinchgut Track, a well-maintained but steep trail that winds its way up through ancient beech forest. As we climb, you’ll  be rewarded with progressively stunning views of Lake Rotoiti and the surrounding ranges.

In the afternoon we’ll follow the Paddy’s Track, another stunning alpine route, making a scenic loop that showcases open tussock lands, hidden alpine tarns, and expansive landscapes. Your guide will tailor the route based on weather, group energy, and interest.

We begin our descent through lush forest, eventually looping back to the trailhead beside beautiful Lake Rotoiti. Dip your toes in the cool water or rest on the jetty while taking in the late-afternoon serenity.

• Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles (12 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2230 feet (680 m)
• Elevation Loss: 2395 feet (730 m)
• Drive Time: 2 hours
• Accommodation: Nydia Track Lodge

Today marks the start of our two-night remote, off-grid Nydia Track Adventure. This is a 2-day/17-mile trail (plus one amazing layover day) at the edge of Kaiuma Bay on the Pelorus Bay in the Marlborough mountains.

Today’s section crosses the Kaiuma and Nydia saddles and follows the shoreline of Nydia Bay. We’ll hike through varied landscapes of farmland, scrubland, pine forests, and old growth silver fern forests. The terrain will consist of stone and wooden steps, rock slabs, bridges, board walks, and a river crossing.

Just over 7 miles in, we’ll find ourselves at our incredible lodge that will be ours for the next 2 nights. Dinner will be prepared by the lodge hosts with some of the ingredients sourced directly from the gardens.

You will need to carry a bit more in your pack on Days 6-8, as you will need to include personal items that you’ll need for the two nights (toiletries, a change of clothes, bathing suit, etc.).

Please note that with this special lodge, no two rooms are alike, and some have shared bathrooms. We cannot guarantee which room you will be assigned to.

• Hiking Mileage: 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Elevation Gain: 210 feet (64 m)
• Elevation Loss: 210 feet (64 m)
• Accommodation: Nydia Track Lodge

We’ll enjoy today as a choose-your-own-adventure day. You may spend it relaxing and/or you can choose to kayak, paddle board, swim, and  we’ll have the option for more hiking.  Our chosen hike will take us to a small waterfall and swimming hole. Along the hike, your guide will show you how to responsibly and respectfully harvest harakeke (New Zealand flax used for weaving) and instruct you how to weave a mat or flower!

• Hiking Mileage: 9 miles (15 km)
• Elevation Gain: 1410 feet (430 m)
• Elevation Loss: 1575 feet (480 m)
• Drive Time: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Hot Spring Resorts near Lewis Pass

We’ll depart from our lodge after breakfast towards Duncan Bay. Today we’ll get to hike through ancient miro, red beech, and fern forests, first by walking along the side of Tennyson Inlet. Then we’ll climb the Nydia saddle and be surrounded by mosses, lichens, and a podocarp forest. With spectacular views of the Tennyson Inlet, we’ll then descend and walk along the Ngwhatakhiti Bay.

Before lunch, you may enjoy a swim of the Marlborough Sound. The hike concludes with views of the sea through the lush coastal forest full of giant rimu, nikau, beech, and fern trees. At the end of the trail, our private vehicle awaits to whisk us to Maruia Springs. Though the drive is long, it’s beautiful as we see more of the New Zealand countryside filled with sheep, rivers, and vineyards. We’ll quickly settle into our rooms and get ready to enjoy the local cuisine at the in-house restaurant.

• Hiking Mileage: 3.2 miles (5 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2159 feet (658 m)
• Elevation Loss: 2159 feet (658 m)
• Accommodation: Hot Spring Resorts near Lewis Pass

This morning we’ll hit the trail to the Lewis Tops Track. This track will take us up through aged beech forest and into open, tussock tops. This hike will afford us plenty of stunning views of the surrounding mountains and nestled, alpine tarns. In the afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to treat ourselves at our hot springs accommodations: hot spring soaks, sauna infusions, and meditation and yoga classes are all included in our stay.

• Drive: 2.5 hours

We’ll say goodbye to our hot springs resort with a final soaking in the early morning, if you choose, and then load up the van and grab breakfast along the way. As we make our way back South to Christchurch, we’ll get to reminisce over the incredible time we’ve had on our New Zealand hiking adventure. Your guide will drive you either to the airport for flights leaving after 2 pm or to your hotel in Christchurch if you plan to extend your stay in New Zealand.