New Zealand

Active New Zealand: Hike, Bike and Paddle the South Island

Program No. 20621RJ
New Zealand is stunning. Come explore this outdoor adventurer’s paradise as you raft the Hurunui River, cycle on scenic trails, and hike mountains familiar from the “Lord of the Rings.”

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

For outdoor enthusiasts who live for snow-capped mountain peaks, pristine coastlines, and immaculate cycle paths through stunning landscapes, New Zealand’s South Island is the ultimate destination. In the shadow of the stunning Southern Alps, hike through valleys and along trails you might recognize from the “Lord of the Rings” movies. Experience the thrill of river rafting through rocky gorges and cycle a rail trail through spectacular wide-open tussock country. Absorb the majesty of towering granite walls and waterfalls as you cruise by vessel through glacier-carved Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Hiking up to six miles on mixed, sometimes hilly terrain, cycling up to 20 miles on mostly flat terrain, and river rafting.
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

  • Enjoy an exhilarating day of expert-led rafting on the pristine Hurunui River.
  • Bike the Otago Rail Trail, a well-maintained gravel path through rocky gorges and past small villages.
  • Wonder at the spectacular beauty of Fiordland's Milford Sound by vessel.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Russell Davie
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.

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

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 Nicola Cardwell
Nicola Cardwell View biography
Nicola Cardwell originally trained as a registered nurse but has spent many recent years working as an administrator at the local hospice. However, she is now self-employed, providing administration services as a contractor, and is enjoying a more flexible lifestyle. She enjoys walking, gardening, reading, cycling, and a range of outdoor activities. Bruce and Nicola have four grown-up children and are now experiencing the joy of being grandparents.
Profile Image of Esther Sassenburg
Esther Sassenburg View biography
Esther Sassenburg is Dutch born, married to Eric, and lives in Nelson. Her main career has been in urban planning, and she has worked in countries around the world. After settling in New Zealand, she became a teacher, specializing in Social Sciences. This has given her a broad general knowledge of the country. In her free time, Esther loves the outdoors, particularly tramping (hiking), cycling, and water sports. Esther also has an interest in European languages and currently works as a French language teacher.
Profile Image of Eric McPherson
Eric McPherson View biography
Eric McPherson is married to Esther. He is a retired cabinetmaker and wood machinist and ran his own furniture-joinery business. Now in his free time he is doing community volunteering, mainly environmental and predator control work, and is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Eric also enjoys tramping (hiking), recreational cycling, kayaking, and jogging. He has a passion for classic motorcycles and DIY in his garage.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
14 days
13 nights
30 meals
11 B 11 L 8 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
In Transit to Program Continues, Crossing Int’l Dateline
In Flight

Activity note: A day is “lost” due to crossing the International Dateline

DAY
3
Arrive Christchurch, Coach to Hanmer Springs, Welcome Dinner
Hanmer Springs
L,D
Tussock Peak Motor Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Christchurch Airport to Hanmer Springs: 82.5 mi (132 km), 1 hr 45 min. If time allows a short walk around the village.

Morning: After claiming your luggage, wait inside the Arrivals area and meet our Group Leaders who will be holding a Road Scholar sign. When everyone has arrived, we will board a coach for the ride north to Hanmer Springs, with a stop-off en route for lunch.

Lunch: At a cafe en route

Afternoon: Arrive Hanmer Springs mid-afternoon and check into motel. Hanmer Springs is a pretty little town, very popular for its plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking in the nearby forest trails, and also for its hot mineral pools and spas. If time allows, we will have a short walk to orientate to the village and environs before gathering for our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will pre-order some meals so as to make the most of our time. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant

Evening: At Leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
4
Hanmer Forest Park Walks
Hanmer Springs
B,L,D
Tussock Peak Motor Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; in/out of hot pools. Conical Hill Walk: 1 hr; zig-zag track uphill to Lookout and down; loop. Dog Stream/Timberlands Circuit: 2 hr; uphill to saddle and down; loop

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: Set off from our motel for walks in the Hanmer Forest Park, starting with a walk up to Conical Hill Lookout to get a panoramic view of the area. Then wander back down on an alternative route to the village.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: This afternoon we take a different trail, following the Dog Stream track through forested areas, over the Jolliffe Saddle and return via Timberlands Trail, passing through an impressive array of redwoods, familiar to all Americans. After returning to Hanmer Springs, there is FREE TIME to explore the village or head off for a soak in the hot mineral pools before dinn

Dinner: At a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure

DAY
5
White Water Rafting on the Hurunui River
Hanmer Springs
B,L
Tussock Peak Motor Lodge

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a raft. Road trip Hanmer Springs to Waikari: 39 mi (63 km), 45 min. Rafting: 3 hr (approx.) on the river; Grade Three rapids; expert guides.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: Depart by coach for drive south to Waikari to meet up with our rafting guides for the white-water rafting experience on the Hurunui River. We are fitted for all river gear, then transfer by their shuttle van upriver to the starting location. The Hurunui River flows from the eastern side of the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. On the river, with world-class guides, we practice our paddling and safety drills on the initial calmer waters, then paddle our way downstream through gorges, fun rapids, calm waters and wide-open vistas.

Lunch: Our lunch is supplied by our guiding friends

Afternoon: We continue downstream with our guides and, if the weather is kind, you may take the opportunity to jump off the raft and have a swim! Arriving at our destination by mid-afternoon, we meet our coach for the return journey back to Hanmer Springs.

Dinner: OWN CHOICE to enjoy local fare.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
6
Journey through Canterbury & MacKenzie Country to Twizel
Twizel
B,L,D
Mackenzie Country Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Hanmer Springs to Twizel: 270 mi (435 km) 5 hr.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: We check-out of the motel and board the coach for the all-day journey south to Twizel. On the way, we traverse the Canterbury Plains, observing rare (on a world scale) braided rivers, to the pretty little town of Geraldine.

Lunch: At a café in Geraldine en route

Afternoon: We continue our journey out of South Canterbury and into the Mackenzie region, renowned for its wide-open tussock-filled grasslands, stunning glacier-fed lakes and home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. We stop at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, a turquoise-coloured lake with a view of Aoraki/Mount Cook in clear conditions. Arriving in Twizel, we check in to our hotel. Twizel is a stepping-off point for many outdoor adventures, including mountain-climbing, mountain-biking, fly-fishing, hunting, hiking and much more.

Dinner: At the hotel

Evening: At leisure

DAY
7
Hooker Valley Walk, Mount Cook & Tasman Glacier Lake
Twizel
B,L,D
Mackenzie Country Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Twizel to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village: 45 min. Tasman Lake Track: 2.2 mi (3.5 km) 1 hr; out & back; packed dirt; uneven; some rocks. Hooker Valley Track: 6 mi (10 km) 3 hr; out & back; packed dirt; uneven; some rocks; undulating.

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: Board coach for drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village where we enjoy a short hike on Tasman Lake Track through old terminal moraines to a viewpoint of the Tasman Glacier terminal lake. Look out for icebergs floating in the lake during summer. On our return, we visit the Department of Conservation Information Centre and self-guide ourselves through the exhibitions in our own time.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: This afternoon, we embark on a longer hike on the Hooker Valley Track which leads us towards Aoraki/Mt Cook with viewpoints of the famous mountain, Mueller & Hooker Glaciers, the expanse of the Southern Alps and across several swing bridges. We return on the same track, enjoying the views down the valley and across to the Sealy Range. Wildflowers proliferate, including the Mt Cook Lily (actually in the buttercup family) and look out for the cheeky but endangered kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Board coach for return journey back to Twizel. Before dinner, we have a presentation by a local expert.

Dinner: At the hotel

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
8
Cycle on Alps to Ocean Trail, Coach to Cromwell
Cromwell
B,L,D
Carrick Lodge Motel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a bicycle. Cycle trail: 11 mi (17.7 km), 2.5 hr; mostly flat paths; light gravel. Road trip Twizel to Cromwell: 87.5 mi (140 km), 1 hr 45 min.

Breakfast: At the hotel

Morning: Cycle from Twizel to the shores of picturesque, turquoise-colored Lake Pukaki on the Alps to Ocean cycling trail. From Lake Pukaki, there are expansive views of the Southern Alps, sometimes called the “Main Divide”, the mountain range that extends much of the length of the South Island.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: We board the coach and depart Twizel, traversing the barren but stunning Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region to Cromwell, the heart of goldmining in New Zealand’s early pioneering days. Cromwell is located where the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers converge, and at the head of man-made Lake Dunstan, the lake filled because of the formation of the Clyde Dam for hydro-electric power generation. Cromwell’s climate is ideal to produce delicious seasonal stone fruit and the town is dubbed the “Fruit Bowl of the South”. We check into our motels and settle in.

Dinner: At a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure

DAY
9
Bannockburn Sluicings Reserve, FREE TIME in Queenstown
Cromwell
B,L
Carrick Lodge Motel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve: gentle up and downhill; stony paths, uneven surface; 2.5 hr.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: Explore the Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve, tracing the paths trodden by gold miners in the 1800’s and be amazed at the dramatic transformation of the local geography as a result of their gold-mining endeavors. We travel to Queenstown for a visit to Kiwi Park to see our iconic nocturnal bird, the kiwi, and other species endemic to New Zealand, up close.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: After lunch, we continue exploring Kiwi Park and then wander downhill into Queenstown, where we can enjoy a FREE AFTERNOON. Queenstown is renowned worldwide for its iconic natural location and beauty. It is situated on the shores of the South Island's Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic and rugged mountain ranges, one of which is aptly named "The Remarkables". It has a history of gold mining and the tough early pioneers of New Zealand and attracts visitors from across the world. There are plenty of options for your afternoon’s activities: a gondola ride up and walk or luge down; walk in the Botanic Garden; walk up Queenstown Hill; sail on ferry TSS Earnslaw, or other activities.

Dinner: OWN CHOICE in Queenstown to enjoy local fare

Evening: Board the coach for return to Cromwell

DAY
10
Cycle a section of the Otago Rail Trail
Cromwell
B,L,D
Carrick Lodge Motel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a bicycle. Cycle Trail Auripo to Chatto Creek: 22 mi (35 km); hybrid/trail cycles; firm, gravel surface; downhill or flat.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: We travel by coach to Clyde for orientation and bike fitting, then continue by coach inland to our cycling start point of Auripo. We cycle on a section of the Otago Rail Trail from Auripo to Chatto Creek, our lunch stop. The Rail Trail follows the old Central Otago railway and passes over viaducts and bridges, through two tunnels and past old railway stations and gold-mining towns. Watch for colorful lupin and smell the wild thyme.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: We continue our cycle ride and after, return by coach to Cromwell with a stop to explore at Cromwell's Heritage Precinct, where gold rush-era (1860s) buildings have been restored & used for shops & cafes next to Lake Dunstan.

Dinner: At a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
11
Coach to Te Anau, Walk on the Kepler Track
Te Anau
B,L
Bella Vista Motel Te Anau

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Road trip Cromwell to Te Anau: 135 mi (218 km) 2 hr 45 min. Kepler Track walk: up to 7.5 mi (12 km), 3 - 4 hr, out and back; mostly flat/gently undulating; well-formed; some roots.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: We depart early for our journey skirting Queenstown, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, departing the Central Otago region, through the rich green rolling country of Southland, and into Fiordland, arriving near Te Anau. We stretch our legs by hiking out and back on a section of the Kepler track, either from Rainbow Reach to Moturau Hut, or in the opposite direction to Brod Bay. They are both particularly beautiful tracts of beech forest, with lush mosses and ground ferns creating an airy magical atmosphere.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: We continue our walking field trip, returning by the same route. Boarding our coach, we continue to Te Anau and settle into our motels. The town of Te Anau is located on the shores of a lake (of the same name) and surrounded by mountain ranges. Te Anau’s economy, a town with a small resident population, revolves around a thriving tourism and accommodation industry, as it is the gateway to the world-famous Milford Sound and stepping-off point for a number of New Zealand’s designated “Great Walks”, including the Kepler, Routeburn and Milford Tracks

Dinner: OWN CHOICE to enjoy local fare

Evening: At leisure

DAY
12
Milford Sound Cruise, Lake Gunn Walk
Te Anau
B,L,D
Bella Vista Motel Te Anau

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a boat. Road trip Te Anau to Milford Sound: 73.5 mi (118 km), 1 hr 30 min. Cruise: 1 hr 45 min duration. Lake Gunn Nature Walk: 1 mi (1.6 km) loop; well-formed track; flat.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: After an early breakfast, we board the coach for an all-day field trip to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, with short walks en route. Later in the morning, we embark on a cruise, with commentary, by a scheduled service on the world-famous Milford Sound. Known for the towering Mitre Peak, as well as rainforests and waterfalls such as the Stirling and Bowen Falls, which cascade down the sheer granite sides, the fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins.

Lunch: Boxed lunch onboard the vessel

Afternoon: On our return journey back to Te Anau, we stop for a short walk in the Lake Gunn Nature Reserve, where we enjoy the ancient red beech forest with weird moss-covered stumps and ground ferns. Pre-dinner, we gather up for a short film at the local cinema “Ata Whenua - Shadowlands”, a panoramic journey, taken from the air, portraying the majesty and splendor of immense and isolated Fiordland, over all four seasons.

Dinner: At a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure

DAY
13
Expert Field Lecture, Farm Visit, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
Te Anau
B,L,D
Bella Vista Motel Te Anau

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a boat. Some standing and walking during field trip/farm visit. Te Anau Glow Worm Caves: Walking on metal walkway; wet at times.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: A local geologist boards the coach and escorts us, providing expert commentary of the local geography, unusual geological landforms, and mineralogy. Together, we travel to a nearby working sheep and cattle farm for an in-depth presentation by the farming couple on their various livestock practices. Marvel at teams of working dogs mustering flocks of sheep from the surrounding hills and valleys in response to an array of whistle signals and commands, and observe a sheep shearing demonstration. There is time for an informative question and answer session with our farming hosts.

Lunch: Packed lunch during field trip

Afternoon: We depart at 2.00 pm for a boat trip across the lake to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves for an underground guided cave tour. After negotiating limestone passages filled with sculpted rock and a roaring underground waterfall, we drift in a small boat through a silent dark grotto, experiencing the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glow worms on the roof and walls of the caves. Before dinner, we gather for an informal time of program review and feedback, recalling the highlights of our time together.

Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure. Final pack and prepare for check-out in the morning and our flights home or continuation of personal travel plans.

DAY
14
Coach to Queenstown, Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; on/off a plane. Road trip Te Anau to Queenstown Airport: 102 mi (164 km), 2 hr.

Breakfast: At a local café

Morning: We check out of our motel and travel to Queenstown Airport with a refreshment stop en route. On arrival at Queenstown Airport our program concludes. You will go through International Check-In for your flights home. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Lunch: OWN CHOICE at Queenstown Airport






Recommended For You

loading spinner