Walking Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand South Island

Walk through rainforest trails near Franz Josef Glacier with a guide who'll show you the ice formations, then hike across Hokitika Gorge's suspension bridge to see its bright blue waters below. Cruise Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park past mountain slopes and waterfalls, keeping an eye out for dolphins.

Check out Franz Josef Glacier region with optional kayaking on Lake Mapourika and heli-hiking through ice mazes. Cruise Milford Sound within Fiordland National Park, passing waterfalls and seals while having lunch on board. Stay 8 nights in hostel-style accommodation and 1 night hotel, cycling Arrow River Bridges and wine tasting in Cromwell for ages 18-32.

Hike up Mount John for 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo, then trek through Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park with views of New Zealand's tallest peak at 3,724 meters. Kayak across Lake Wanaka's clear waters and climb Mount Iron to see the Pisa Range and Upper Clutha Basin.

Walk the West Coast Tree Top Walk high above ancient Rimu and Kamahi rainforest before hiking to the viewpoint at Franz Josef Glacier in the Southern Alps. Then spend five hours driving through Haast Pass wilderness, with a stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to see the limestone blowholes and rock formations.

The TreeTop Walkway on the West Coast takes you among towering native Rimu trees, then there's Punakaiki Pancake Rocks limestone formations and blowholes. Hike trails with Franz Josef Glacier valley views, wander Christchurch's 19th-century architecture and rose gardens, check out Kaikōura's coastline.

Check out Christchurch's botanical gardens and walk the rebuilt city center mixing 19th-century Anglican buildings with modern designs after the 2011 earthquake. Riverside Market's got interesting stalls, there's optional whale watching or dolphin tours in Kaikōura, and Marlborough has vineyard wine tasting.

Walk golden beaches and native forests in Abel Tasman National Park, then hike trails around Lake Pukaki with Mount Cook's peaks rising above the glacial waters. Check out Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, take a jet boat up the Whanganui River, do easy walks near Fox Glacier, and see Wai-O-Tapu's geothermal features.

Walk the limestone formations and blowholes at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, then climb the West Coast TreeTop Walkway among ancient rainforest canopy. Follow nature trails around Franz Josef Glacier with valley views, maybe try punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, and have free time around Queenstown's lakefront.

Trek the Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you'll see panoramic views of New Zealand's highest peak, then walk through lush forests and coastal trails in Abel Tasman National Park. Navigate the Pancake Rocks formations in Punakaiki and kayak the calm waters of Marlborough Sounds.