New Zealand South Island Hiking & Walking Tour
Wild Coastlines, Queen Charlotte Sound & Marlborough Wine Country
Rolling hills, rugged beaches and tidy wine country vineyards. Where some of the world’s best trails and kayaking are tucked away. Where the night sky dazzles. Where? New Zealand.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $7,299 - $7,949/person
+15% Sales tax
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Explore Queen Charlotte Sound, a stunning maze of forested hills and quiet coves, and listen for endemic tui and bellbirds while keeping an eye out for whales
- Kayak the sheltered waters of Ngākuta Bay, gliding past forested bays that are home to soaring gannets and playful fur seals and dolphins
- Savor farm-to-table Kiwi cuisine and sip world-famous Marlborough wine at the source
- Hike scenic sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails, staying at secluded wilderness lodges only reachable by foot or water
- Discover the Kaikoura Coast, where rugged mountains meet sapphire seas rich with marine life
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Blenheim Airport & Travel Details
- Adventure begins in Blenheim, gateway to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary places
- Hike in Marlborough, where rolling hills and wide views set the tone
- Settle into our boutique hotel, a welcoming base surrounded by vineyard country
- Follow scenic coastal trails from Rārangi to White Bay.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
A peaceful retreat set among vineyards and gardens in the heart of New Zealand’s wine country. Stylish rooms, warm hospitality and local flavors make this restored estate an inviting base for exploring the region’s trails and landscapes. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Kayak the calm waters of Ngākuta Bay and Picton Sound, gliding past forested hills and into quiet coves
- Back on land, hike pathways connecting coast and forest
- Cruise the Marlborough Sounds’ legendary waterways, steeped in Maori history
- Walk through native bush on one of New Zealand’s most beloved trails, the Queen Charlotte Track
- From its skyline ridges, the majestic trail offers up one panoramic viewpoint after another
- Gaze at a blanket of stars from our peaceful retreat.
Nights 3-4
Deluxe Hotel
Built at the turn of the 20th century as a private vacation abode, this historic lodge is tucked away among virgin native forest. The original colonial-style home and expanded resort is beautifully set at the head of the Endeavour Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds—enjoy sweeping views of the inlet from your private balcony or patio. Reachable only by boat or on foot via the Queen Charlotte Track, its exclusive waterfront location offers unparalleled tranquility and access to some of New Zealand's best trails.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Head out on a whale watch adventure, keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, humpback and minke whales
- Hike the undulating coastline through tree ferns, nikau palms and climbing kiekie
- In a region renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, enjoy a taste of Marlborough wine
- Soak in the heated mineral pool at our treehouse abode
- Along the Kaikoura Coast, hike a seaside trail with snow-covered mountain scenery
- Indulge in elevated Kiwi cuisine made with locally sourced seasonal provisions.
Nights 5-6
Luxury Hotel
Situated on the rugged Kaikoura Coast with the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range as a backdrop and the Pacific Ocean spreading out before it, views abound from every corner of this family-owned lodge. Relax in your eco-conscious luxury room, meticulously designed with custom furniture and tailor-made mattresses, then soak in the heated mineral pool and watch wild deer wandering on the resident farm. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Christchurch Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
