Enjoy full and half-day hikes amidst some of NZ's best scenery as you discover the top of the South Island by foot over 7 days. Sample the finest walks in the upper South Island, including the best sections of the Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman Tracks on this outstanding itinerary. This fully accommodated walk completes a circuit of the northern South Island, beginning with the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula Walk before taking in the spectacular scenery of the Marlborough Sounds from the Queen Charlotte Track, travelling through to the sublime Abel Tasman National Park and hiking the Nelson Lakes region. The tour starts and ends in Christchurch.
Marvel in the magnificent scenery of the Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Sound on this incredible hiking tour. Sail the beautiful coastal waters of the Abel Tasman National Park after a hike to Torrent Bay and take in the panoramic views of Nelson Lakes National Park from the bushline track.
Other highlights of this exceptional hiking tour include climbing to the summit of Mt Isobel at 1324 metres, enjoying the tranquillity of a remote eco-lodge, weaving your way through small bays and beautiful bushland along the Abel Tasman Walkway as well as retracing your steps along a magical trail from the decks of a yacht.
The amazing scenery continues as you divert inland from the coastal trails to Nelson Lakes to complete a circular track that provides wonderful views of craggy mountains and beech forests. Return to Christchurch via Hanmer Springs for a well-deserved soak in its therapeutic hot pools.
This itinerary utilises formed tracks on all of the walking undertaken. The trekking is as expected for a trip of this introductory grade with no unexpected surprises in steepness. In general, the hikes are of a half-day duration which usually requires around 4 - 5 hours walking. The tracks are well-formed and often have information panels available for additional detail. For you to be able to really enjoy this trip the tour operator recommends that you are to walk comfortably for a few hours at a time (with breaks included) recommend 90 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling, jogging or power walking) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip.