New Zealand’s South Island with Jeff Hester & Social Hikers

Included welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Toast to an exciting trip ahead! Your meal will either be a 2-course set menu, or a la carte depending on your finalized restaurant with one alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink included.

Overnight in Christchurch.

Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Mt Somers.

The hike climbs through beech forest and traverses high tussock slopes with a distinctly "Middle-earth" feel. Stop for lunch at the well-placed Woolshed Creek Hut before returning on the Rhyolite Ridge Track, with spectacular views down into the canyon as we climb high above on the slopes of Mt Somers. After your hike you’ll transfer 30 minutes to your hotel in Methven. Distance: 6.2miles / Elevation Gain 2,760 feet / Duration: 5-6 hours hiking / Moderate-Difficult

Pack lunch included during your hike. Pack lunches usually consist of a wrap, hummus, and crackers along with snacks like energy bars or fruit. Your exact pack lunch will vary.

Overnight in Methven.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Hooker Valley. After about 2 hours you’ll stop at Lake Tekapo and visit the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, nestled against the backdrop of the lake. Then carry on another hour and a half to the foot of New Zealand’s tallest Mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

Before your hike, visit the world-class Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Centre to explore the fascinating exhibits. Gain insight into the region's unique natural wonders and mountaineering history. This world-class visitor center is a 'must-do' activity during your visit to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The hike on the Hooker Valley trail allows us to admire the glacial features of the captivating valley. The path consists of flat wooden boardwalks, gravel paths and few mild inclines. Be awestruck by the icefalls on the Southern Alps’ highest peaks, and at the end of the hike, view the stunning terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier with its striking backdrop of Aoraki Mt Cook. After returning to the trail head you’ll transfer 5 minutes to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre situated right next to your hotel. Distance (Out & Back): 6.3 miles / Elevation Gain: 890 feet / Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight in Mt Cook National Park

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Twizel.

Along with your guide, cycle along the quiet canal roads before crossing the Lake Ohau weir and weaving your way around the lake on a purpose-built cycle track. The views are amazing and there will be plenty of time to stop, take photos and admire the mountains and the amazing blue of the glacially fed Lake Ohau. Your ride ends at Ohau Lodge where there is time to enjoy a drink in the bar (at your own cost) and take in the stunning surroundings. Helmets and a rear carry bag are included. Distance: 23.6 miles / Elevation Gain: 475 feet / Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult.

Included pack lunch during your ride. Pack lunches usually consist of a wrap, hummus, and crackers along with snacks like energy bars or fruit. Your exact pack lunch will vary.

Dinner at the hotel is included. Your meal will either be a buffet or a la carte with water included, subject to change.

Overnight in Ohau. Please note that Ohau Lodge will be double occupancy per room, however, due to the limited amount of rooms at this remote lodge, some rooms may have different bed sizes. For example, you may stay in a room with 1 queen bed and 1 twin bed.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Wānaka. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way.

Savor the sense of freedom with the ability to explore Lake Wānaka at your own pace on a double kayak. Experience the crystal clear lake water up close as you paddle, with a stunning mountain backdrop in all directions. Lifejackets are included.

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

Sample four wines at Paddons Paddock vineyard and learn something of the sustainable natural winemaking practiced at this award-winning vineyard in this burgeoning wine region, or simply enjoy a walk among the vines.

Overnight in Wānaka.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a shared 20 minute transfer to the starting point for your Via Ferrata activity! In just a few hours, you will learn all you need to know to safely ascend steel rungs and cross 4 suspension bridges as you make your way up the lower section of the waterfall. This tour includes a safety briefing followed by approximately 45 Minutes - 1 hour of climbing and a 20-minute walk down. No previous experience is required, just an adventurous spirit. All safety equipment, including helmet, safety harness, safety clips are provided. This activity is not recommended for those with fear of heights. After your tour, you’ll be dropped off in Wānaka to get lunch on your own.

Overnight in Wānaka.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After a 20 minute drive, you’ll reach the trailhead. Today you’ll hike in the lower Matukituki Valley on the Diamond Lake walk and on up Rocky Mountain, a distinctive glacially sculpted “roche moutonnee” (rock sheep) for spectacular views over the lake, and to the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring/Tititea. Distance: 4.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 2,130 feet / Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

Transfer to Te Anau. Stops for bathroom breaks will be made along the way as needed.

Overnight in Te Anau

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Take a private transfer to Routeburn Track.

Upon arriving at The Divide you’ll hike a section of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Here you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. Make sure to take some photos! Distance: 4.4 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,610 feet / Duration: 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

After lunch you’ll transfer 45 minutes to the dock to board the cruise. Prepare to experience the true magnificence of the fiord, cruising between glaciated mountains under sheer cliffs that plummet hundreds of meters into deep dark waters. Enjoy wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls as you keep an eye out for marine wildlife. You may spot dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and if you’re lucky the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Take a private transfer back to Te Anau.

Overnight in Te Anau

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Transfer 15 minutes to begin the hike. This morning you’ll hike part of the famed Kepler Track onto the shores of Lake Manapouri, described as the ‘loveliest of all lakes’ for its array of small islands, bush-fringed beaches and coves, and mountain backdrop. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Manapouri, you’ll turn back and hike back out. Distance: 6.1miles / Elevation Gain: 430 feet / Duration 3 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy a simple picnic lunch. Picnic lunches usually consist of cold meats, hummus, salads, breads, and wraps along with snacks like nuts or cookies. Juice and water are included. Your exact picnic lunch will vary.

Take a private transfer to Queenstown. Stop for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

Included farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Your meal will either be a 2-course set menu, or a la carte with one alcoholic /non alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.

Overnight in Queenstown

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.