New Zealand

Hiking Under Southern Skies

Program No. 11592RSBLOG
Hike the iconic trails of New Zealand, including sections of the world-renowned 'Great Walks', and discover National Parks and traditional Maori culture alongside local experts.

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At a Glance

Challenge your mind and body on some of New Zealand's most spectacular hiking trails. Hike over the world-renowned Tongariro Crossing and sections of the celebrated Routeburn and Kepler Tracks, two of New Zealand's designated 'Great Walks'. As a special highlight, enjoy four nights on Stewart Island, a native wildlife sanctuary seldom accessible to visiting groups.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Challenging
Categorized as Challenging, you will be hiking 6-10 miles daily on mixed terrain that is frequently hilly (undulating), rocky or uneven. Ascents of up to 2,000 feet. Elevations up to 6,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Take expert-led hikes over the Tongariro Crossing in Tongariro National Park and in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
  • Experience Maori culture including the powhiri (formal welcome), traditional songs, dances and hakas.
  • Hike sections of the world-renowned Routeburn and Kepler Tracks, two of New Zealand's designated 'Great Walks'.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Peter Brady
Pete Brady was born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand. His working careers have been in land surveying, backcountry leading, outdoor instructing at the NZ Outward Bound School and ranger in New Zealand National Parks and Reserves. Pete has extensive experience in risk assessment and managing groups in the outdoors. He has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand on foot, pushbike, horse-drawn wagon, kayak and motor vehicle. Pete's interests include his family, natural history, photography, surfing, running and transalpine tramping (hiking).

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Peter Brady
Peter Brady View biography
Pete Brady was born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand. His working careers have been in land surveying, backcountry leading, outdoor instructing at the NZ Outward Bound School and ranger in New Zealand National Parks and Reserves. Pete has extensive experience in risk assessment and managing groups in the outdoors. He has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand on foot, pushbike, horse-drawn wagon, kayak and motor vehicle. Pete's interests include his family, natural history, photography, surfing, running and transalpine tramping (hiking).
Profile Image of Gerard Dunne
Gerard Dunne View biography
Gerard Dunne grew up running around the South Island with his family, school and venture group. He’s traveled extensively throughout New Zealand, hiked the nine DOC Great Walks, cycled, skied, camped, sailed, swum and skydived in various parts of the country, as well as overseas. He’s been lucky enough to visit seven continents as well as many of the South Pacific islands. After careers in information technologies and medical research, he now works as a volunteer with the Red Cross and others.
Profile Image of Russell Davie
Russell Davie View biography
Russell Davie is an ex-dairy farmer with a background in geology, geography, soil mineralogy and volcanology, with a particular interest in the Fiordland area, in and around Te Anau, where he now lives and the lake, which bears the same name.
Profile Image of Bruce Cardwell
Bruce Cardwell View biography
Bruce has gained extensive experience in the New Zealand outdoors as an instructor, manager and governance of the New Zealand Outward Bound School. He enjoys adventures, traveling, cycling, reading and cooking. He initiated an aquaculture consultancy business, based in Blenheim, offering professional advice and assistance in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom to the seafood and natural products industries.
Profile Image of Elspeth Jaine
Elspeth Jaine View biography
Elspeth Jaine, originally from Scotland, has lived in mid-Canterbury, New Zealand, since 1986. She and her husband Charles have farmed sheep and cattle near Mt. Somers for most of that time. Elspeth has also worked as a physiotherapist, been a mother to four (now grown) children, and latterly has run a small visitor exploration venture. Elspeth loves to be in the outdoors and indulge her love of tramping, skiing, biking, and exploring nature. She also enjoys creative pursuits, especially painting and photography.
Profile Image of Charles Lambert
Charles Lambert View biography
Charles Lambert was born in Basra, Iraq. His childhood was spent in India, and at age 10, his family moved to New Zealand. Charles has degrees in accounting and business administration. He has traveled, trekked, and climbed in South America, the European Alps, the Himalaya, and the U.S. He and his wife, Robyn, have served in Vanuatu on Volunteer Service Abroad. Charles is a Rotarian and served as president of clubs in Napier and Nelson over the last 25 years.
Profile Image of Robyn Lambert
Robyn Lambert View biography
Robyn Lambert was born and educated in New Zealand. She has a B.Sc. with honors in geography, and has taught both at home and overseas in a variety of secondary schools. Currently, Robyn and her husband, Charles, live in Nelson, the oldest city in the South Island, where she is involved with a variety of volunteer work involving the Red Cross, refugee resettlement, and Volunteer Service Abroad. To keep fit, she enjoys Zumba, NIA, and hiking.
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