Skip to Main Content
New Zealand

Active New Zealand: Hike and Bike the South Island

Program No. 20621RJ
New Zealand is stunning. Come explore this outdoor adventurer’s paradise as you raft the Waiau River, cycle on scenic trails, and hike mountains familiar from the “Lord of the Rings.”
Program
At a Glance
Duration
14 days
Program Begins
Hanmer Springs
Program Concludes
Te Anau
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
30 ( 11B, 11L, 8D )
Activity Level
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 recognise 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.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy expert-led rafting on the pristine Waiau River.
  • Cycle the Central 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.
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 (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it