Experience some of the most accessible yet rugged trekking in the world, from rainforests to mountains to glaciers.
Click on the links below to find out more about individual destinations.
Journey Summary
Starting our journey in Christchurch, we strike west to the delightful Peel Forest, where the lovely walking and camping prepares us for the drive through the glacial lakes to Twizel. From here we drive into the stunning Southern Alps to Mt Cook village, where the walking is wonderful (though the weather often isn't). Heading south again, we come to Queenstown, spiritual home of bungee jumping, white water rafting and plenty of other extreme sports. Driving to Te Anau bring us to our first Great Walk, the Kepler Track, from where it's a short drive north to the huge Hollyford-Pyke Route, a walk that's not for the inexperienced. Stopping only to visit the tourist Mecca of Milford, we head back through Queenstown to walk the mountainous Routeburn-Greenstone Track, before we head off to the west coast and the stunning Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The beautiful settlement of Okarito provides a breathtaking view of the Southern Alps, and the drive to Hokitika is rugged and a delight. Cutting across the mountains at Arthur's Pass provides more amazing views, before we drop back down to the plains and Christchurch once again.
Suggested Itinerary
The following is only a suggested itinerary, and is based round a journey by car, with overnight stops at camping grounds. All roads are suitable for normal two-wheel-drive cars.