OUR NEW ZEALAND MULTI ACTIVITY TOURS  

​📌New Itinerary

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Day 1: Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass, Ōtari Valley Walk, Pororari River Track & Pancake Rocks

After meeting in Christchurch around 10 am, we take our time travelling to the fabulous West Coast via Arthur’s Pass National Park and its breathtaking scenery. We stop for a café lunch at Arthur’s Pass (not included).
Before arriving on “The Coast”, we stretch our legs with a short walk through the Ōtari Valley (~1–2 hours). We might spot some cheeky kea (mountain parrots) amidst panoramic mountain views. The track meanders through a picturesque alpine valley near Mount Rolleston/Kaimatau, climbing over a glacial moraine and passing through subalpine shrubs and summer wildflowers.

We continue along the scenic coastal road to the small settlement of Punakaiki. Here we immerse ourselves in lush subtropical forest on the Pororari River Track (~3.5 hours), following a spectacular limestone gorge lined with giant rocks and deep blue pools.

Of course, we won’t miss the famous Pancake Rocks – and if tides allow, we’ll also witness the impressive blowholes.

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Hiking time: ~ 4-5 hours

Driving time: ~ 4 hours / 285 km

Accommodation: Punakaiki

Meals:  D

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Day 2: Truman Track, Cape Foulwind Seals, Oparara Arches & Karamea

Today we explore the northern end of the West Coast with a variety of scenic walks. Our destination is the tiny settlement of Karamea at the edge of Kahurangi National Park. We start with one of our favourite short walks – the Truman Track – packed with incredible variety in just 30 minutes.

We then visit a seal colony and lighthouse at Cape Foulwind, accessible via an easy walkway with panoramic coastal views (~1.5 hours).

Near Karamea, we enjoy two short walks (~2 hours) through beech and podocarp forest to the Oparara Arches – spectacular limestone tunnels carved by the river. Some are big enough to house a multi-storey building! You’ll have access to the river too, perfect for a refreshing dip. We stay two nights in Karamea, a remote slice of paradise.

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Hiking time: ~ 3-4.5 hours

Driving time: ~ 2.5 hours / 150 km

Accommodation: Karamea

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 3: Heaphy Track Day Walk

Today we walk one of the most beautiful sections of the Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. We follow the Kohaihai River up to a long swing bridge, then climb steadily through lush forest filled with nīkau palms, karaka and rātā trees. A side loop brings us to the largest stand of nīkau palms on the South Island.

From a lookout above the saddle, we descend to stunning Scotts Beach – a great spot for lunch, with facilities and beautiful views. This coastal day walk offers a wonderful taste of the Heaphy’s wild beauty.

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Hiking time: ~ 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Karamea

Meals: B, L, D, S

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Day 4: Drive from Karamea via Buller Gorge to Motueka

We change coasts today, heading east around Kahurangi National Park. After retracing our route to Westport, we continue through the scenic Buller Gorge, where we can take in spectacular views of emerald-green foothills surrounding the pristine Buller River.

We break the drive for a café lunch in Murchison (not included), and reach the Tasman coast in Motueka, where we stay the night.

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Driving time: ~ 5 hours / 330 km

Accommodation: Motueka

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 5: Waka Tour from Kaiteriteri & Labyrinth Rocks

Just a short drive to Kaiteriteri brings us to today's unforgettable adventure, which is sure to leave a lasting impression. Waka Abel Tasman take our group on a journey of discovery - a combination of idyllic surroundings, movement, history and tradition. Most people may never have travelled in a waka (Māori canoe), and we will learn about many fascinating facets of our rich maritime history and heritage. We will paddle along the coast to Split Apple Rock/Toka Ngāwha, a beautiful, atmospheric site and one of the most famous places on the Abel Tasman Coast. The return journey takes about two hours and by the end we will understand how empowering membership of a waka crew can be.

We enjoy lunch at a cafe (not included) in Kaiteriteri, then continue to Tākaka for a two-night stay. En route, we visit the aptly named Labyrinth Rocks - a fascinating maze of natural limestone formations. Exploring the wondrous shapes is fun for all ages!

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Waka paddling time: ~2 hours
Walking time: ~1 hour
Driving time: ~1.5 hours / 70 km

Accommodation: Tākaka

Meals: B, D, S

 

Day 6: Farewell Spit Walk, Wharariki Beach & Waikoropupū Springs

Today is dedicated to the very top of the South. First, we spend time at Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sand spit and northernmost point of the South Island. It currently comprises about 25 km of stable land with a further 5 km of sand spit, all of which is a protected wetland and an important sanctuary for migrating birds. The Spit provides a variety of habitats for birds and more than ninety species of birds have been recorded here. Explore this special place on a circuit walk that takes in both sides of the spit.

Then we drive the short distance to Wharariki Beach, one of New Zealand's most surprising beaches. A 20-minute walk across farm paddocks and through a section of coastal forest leads us to the most spectacular coastline in the region, featuring caverns, islands, sand dunes, and a stunning long stretch of beach. We will take our time to savour this amazingly diverse landscape.

On the return to Tākaka, we stop at Farewell Spit Lookout and visit the mesmerizing Waikoropupu Springs. New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs produce a remarkable 14,000 litres per second and the crystal-clear water is absolutely astounding.

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Hiking time: ~3–4 hours
Driving time: ~2 hours / 110 km
Accommodation: Tākaka

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 7: Riuwaka Resurgence, Nelson & Lake Rotoiti Walk

We make our way to sunny Nelson today, home to many artists and a relaxed vibe. On the way, we visit Te Puna o Riuwaka (the Riuwaka Resurgence), a sacred, beautiful and peaceful place where crystal-clear water emerges from underground – perfect for a short walk.

We arrive in Nelson by midday, with time to explore the local cafés and galleries. Enjoy lunch in one of the many interesting eateries (not included).

In the afternoon, we head to St Arnaud where we explore beautiful Lake Rotoiti from different perspectives, both from the water and the shore, with plenty of picturesque views throughout. A water taxi takes us across Lake Rotoiti, and we return via a scenic bush track. Dense beech forest towers over a carpet of vivid green mosses and ferns for much of the walk back to Kerr Bay/St Arnaud (~ 2.5h / 7km). Bring your togs – there are great swimming spots! We stay the night in St Arnaud.

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Hiking time: ~ 3 hours

Driving time: ~ 4 hours / 280 km 

Accommodation: St Arnaud

Meals: B, D, S

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Day 8: Drive from St Arnaud to Christchurch

After a last breakfast together and preparing some lunch to have at your leisure, we drive back to Christchurch with plenty of stops to stretch your legs. We arrive around 4 pm and your guide will drop you off at the airport or in town.

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Driving time: ~ 4.5 hours / 350 km 

Meals: B, L

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B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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Tour Grading

🥾 Top of the South – Grade 1–2 (Easiest to Easy) with one optional Grade 3 section (Moderate)

This tour offers a beautiful mix of easy walks – mostly flat or gently undulating tracks, with walking times ranging between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

There’s one longer day (Grade 3) that involves more time on foot, but it can be shortened if needed, so you’re never pushed beyond your comfort zone.

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👉 Our recommendation:
Ideal for women with little or no hiking experience, or for those who have done plenty in the past and now prefer shorter, enjoyable walks. It’s also the perfect way to (re)discover your joy for walking – in a relaxed and supportive group atmosphere.

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You can find more about how we grade our tours here:

→ Our Hiking Track Grading System explained