Queen Charlotte to Queenstown Write a review
This tour is designed to showcase the best of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. We take you to the top of the island to experience the gorgeous seascapes of the Marlborough Sounds before descending to the precipitous Kaikoura Coast. We have 2 days in lovely Christchurch before encountering the Southern Alps. We take you inland via Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook to Wanaka village set on the shore of stunning Lake Wanaka. A short hop over the Cadrona pass brings us to fantastic Queenstown and the aptly named “Remarkables” mountain range. You can choose to extend by 2 nights to hike the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks”, which allows you to get into some of New Zealand’s stunning high alpine terrain while enjoying luxury accommodation at the end of the day.
The itinerary is designed to limit vehicle transfers to not more than 4 hours on any given day. Note: This is our only tour where we have shared WC/shower facilities during two nights while on the Kaikoura coast.
Queen Charlotte to Queenstown Hiking Tour Includes:
Accommodation: 12 nights accommodation. 8 nights in four-star hotels/resorts with ensuite bathrooms/showers; 2 nights on the Kaikoura farm track where you have your own rooms but shared WC and shower facilities (singles may have to share a room for these two nights because there are only 5 rooms available); 2 nights in a luxury rental house where everyone has their own WC and shower facilities.
Meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners
Special events: Meet the locals. Dinner with Bruce and Heather owners of Nagroma farm, dinner with Sally and David owners of Medina station, meet Eve Hope at Grampians station whose family has owned the historic high country run since 1914, lunch with Julia Mackenzie, owner-operator of Braemar station.
Luggage: Bags are transferred starting from pick-up at Blenheim airport on day 1 to Queenstown airport on Day 13, unless you do the Routeburn Extension.
Transport: Private van pick up from Blenheim airport on day 1, transfer to Picton, all transport as per itinerary including water taxis during the Queen Charlotte hike. Your transfer to Queenstown airport is not included on the last day.
Active days: 12 days of guided hiking.
Guides: A guide will be present for the whole tour and will accompany you on all walks. For groups larger than 7 a second guide will be present.
Max group size: This tour is capped at 14 people.
Booking: Please e-mail us at info@hikenz.co.nz to receive a booking contract or simply click on the BOOK NOW button or the 'Contact Us' tab. Thanks!
Queen Charlotte to Queenstown itinerary Request full itinerary
Arrive independently in Blenheim, in the Marlborough wine country. Please arrive no later than 1:30 pm. (There is a flight from Auckland which arrives at 1:30 pm). We will meet you at the airport (whenever you arrive before 1:30) and transfer you to Picton harbour for a light lunch and then a boat transfer to beautiful Furneaux lodge. There is time for a swim or a short stroll along the coastal path before dinner on the terrace of the historic homestead building. There are many flights from Auckland and Christchurch to Blenheim. Overnight Furneaux Lodge in luxury waterfront suites. Endeavour Inlet. Airport transfer, overnight, and all meals included.
Today you begin the Queen Charlotte walking track, a relatively easy but long walk amongst the splendid bays and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. The track is unique for its stunning coastal views, historical landmarks, and wonderful variety of native bush and birdlife. The terrain is undulating with hills ranging from sea level to 400 m (1,200 ft). Most of the track is wide and all major streams have been bridged. We begin our walk from Ship Cove, where Captain Cook rested and replenished during his three historic voyages to the South Pacific in the 1770s. Upon arrival at Furneaux Lodge, enjoy a cold drink on the terrace, or borrow a sea kayak for a paddle along Endeavour inlet. Walking Distance: 18 km (11 mi), about 4.5 - 5 hours of walking. We start the day with a short boat transfer to access the trailhead. 2nd night at Furneaux Lodge in luxury waterfront suites. Overnight and all meals included.
Exit the Queen Charlotte track via water taxi back to the mainland. Time for a "flat white" in Picton village before a 2-hour van transfer to Kaikoura. A beautiful 6 km (3.5 mi) walk along the coast allows us to stretch our legs before continuing along this super scenic stretch of coast, which features the towering peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura range on one side and the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific on the other. We soon arrive at the Ngaroma Beach House, a simple but comfortable house located 20 m (60 ft) from the shore that was originally built as the farm's “Shearers Quarters.” We are now on a private farm track, created by two neighbouring "run-holders" to diversify their farm income. We are joined for dinner by Heather and Bruce, the owners of the Ngaroma farm. They are lovely hosts and they share with us some local lore about this isolated farm and their life here. Walking distance: 6 km (3.5 mi) for Kaikoura walk, and as many as you like along the beach. Overnight at the Ngaroma Beach House, a farm cottage with separate rooms but shared WC and shower facilities. Overnight and all meals included.
After a hearty farm-style breakfast we set off on today’s adventure. The “trail” starts along the beach and passes beneath cliffs embedded with 8,000-year-old tree stumps and fossils. You may see seals or dolphins playing in the surf, but chances are you will be too busy beachcombing as the sand reveals lots of natural treasures! Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Circle Shelter nestled amongst coastal bush before climbing up some high terraces for immense views up and down the uninhabited coast. The trail then turns inland and weaves its way through covenanted land that is returning to native bush and forest. Fantails and Bellbirds provide a natural soundtrack as we head for the Medina homestead where we spend the night. We will be joined by farm owners Sally and David, who share many colourful stories about their 50+ plus years living a unique lifestyle on this land. We again enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal prepared with TLC by Sally and David’s daughter. Walking Distance: 13 km (8 mi). Overnight at Medina homestead featuring a charming 100-year-old, all-wood "Shearers Quarters" and “Garden Cottage.” Private rooms but shared WC and shower facilities. Overnight and all meals included.
Our day starts with a long but gradual climb up a ridge line through native forest and pine plantations. We emerge above the bush line and are rewarded with a spectacular view over rolling hills to the jagged peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura range. Stop for lunch at a hut perched high above the valley, and in some cases, above the soft, fluffy sea mist that burns away during the morning. A gradual descent brings us back to the Ngaroma beach hut where we rest and enjoy a glass of homemade lemonade before hopping into the van for a scenic two-hour transfer to Christchurch. Overnight in Sumner, Christchurch’s popular beach and surf area. We stay in a small, contemporary 4-star hotel that is in the heart of Sumner village and a 2-minute walk to the beach. Walking Distance: 11 km (7 mi). 4-star hotel. Overnight and all meals included.
This morning we walk along Christchurch's spectacular crater rim walkway. True to its name, it follows the rim of the ancient and now extinct volcanic crater that gave birth to Banks Peninsula, an area of 1,150 sq. km (440 sq. mi). We start with a short van ride to Lyttelton and leave the historic port on foot to climb 400 m (1,200 ft) for fabulous views of Christchurch city to the north and Whakaraupo Bay and Banks Peninsula to the south. Fantastic panoramas abound as we walk through open country to eventually descend the historic bridle path, which in pioneer days connected Christchurch settlement with Lyttleton harbour. Lunch today is at Eruption Brewery, Lyttelton’s excellent craft brewery, which also serves up tasty food on their rooftop terrace. After lunch, you have a choice: either take a gorgeous walk along the wild bluffs of Godley Head or return to Sumner and hit the beach. 2nd overnight at 4-star hotel in Sumner. Walking Distance: 12 km (8 mi) in the morning and 6 km (4 mi) in the afternoon. Hotel and all meals included.
This morning we leave Christchurch and head for the hills to take the scenic inland route first west, and then south. We stop for a midmorning coffee break before setting out on a wonderful short hike along the edge of the spectacular Rakaia gorge. The path weaves its way amongst trees and clearings to provide you with everchanging views. Our delicious picnic lunch is enjoyed from a vantage point overlooking the upper gorge. We loop back and then retrace our steps. The changing angle of the sun means you get 50 shades of turquoise from the gorgeous clear river below you. Another two hours in the van takes us to the "Mackenzie country," a unique environment of harsh winters, hot summers, and mountainous terrain that produces the finest Merino wool in the world. We arrive around 4:00 pm at the historic Grampians Station where we have permission to do a walk into the foothills around the farm. You are rewarded with incredible views of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the snow-capped peaks of its adjacent rivals. We descend down to the Shearers’ Quarters to enjoy the sunset view and a cold drink with owner Eve Hope, who will give you some insights into the challenges of running a 50,000-acre Merino sheep station. We stay tonight at nearby Tekapo settlement, a small community situated on the edge of a glacial lake where the Southern Alps provide a dramatic backdrop.
Tonight our accommodation is in a very comfortable 5-bedroom and bathroom holiday home. Dinner is family style at the dining room table. After dinner it's time to look to the heavens because Tekapo is located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This 4,300 sq. km (1,660 sq. mi) area is the southern hemisphere’s sole dark sky reserve and one of only eight in the world. Light pollution is strictly controlled to provide a unique and unforgettable star-gazing experience. Overnight Tekapo house. Walking distance: 8 km (5 mi) in the morning and 4 km (3 mi) in the afternoon. Drive time 3.5 hours. Overnight, breakfast, and dinner included. Lunch not included.
After breakfast head west towards the “Main Divide,” the imposing wall of mountains that runs north-south along the western edge of the South Island. We stop at a farm gate and start our walk along a 4x4 track that enters Braemar station. Permission has been granted to access this spectacular property that overlooks the emerald waters of Lake Pukaki. An hour and a half into the walk we are joined by owner Julia Mackenzie, who tells us the fascinating history of the farm as well as the joys and challenges of "high country life.” Our hike finishes at the Braemar homestead where Julia invites us into her kitchen for a delicious home-cooked lunch. The nearby snow-capped peak of Mount Cook is visible from the kitchen window. The afternoon walk takes us along the edge of the braided Tasman river, with magnificent views of Mount Cook and the Mueller glacier. Return to Tekapo for a second night at our comfortable home in the village. Walking distance: 10 km (6 mi) in the morning and 6 km (4 mi) in the afternoon. Overnight and all meals included.
We say goodbye to the Mackenzie country as we head south along the celebrated scenic drive through the Lindis Pass to Queenstown. During the drive we will stop for a 45-minute easy walk along the edge of stunning Lake Pukaki. We stop for a delicious lunch near Arrowtown at Akarua winery. After lunch a short transfer to Wanaka for a gentle 12 km (7.5 mi) walk along the shore of Lake Wanaka, whose ever-changing moods never fail to enchant. We spend the next two nights at Te Wanaka lodge, a lovely boutique inn located a two-minute walk from the lakeshore. Tonight is a free-night dinner, so you are free to dine when and where you want. There are many excellent restaurants to choose from that offer a variety of regional and international cuisine. Walking distance: 12 km/6.5 mi. in the afternoon. Drive time: 3 hours. Overnight in Wanaka at 4-star hotel. Hotel, breakfast, and lunch included. Dinner not included.
Today starts with a boat transfer to the trailhead. We have been granted access to walk over private land, which enables us to enjoy a marvellous hike along the edge of the lake and then up a farm track to get a fabulous view out over both Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. A gourmet picnic is delivered by 4x4, which then saves us from a monotonous descent. Boat transfer back to Wanaka. Tonight we dine at the superb “Bistro Gentil” to enjoy a little refined French-inspired cuisine. Walking distance: 14 km/7 mi. Drive time: NA 2nd Overnight Wanaka in 4-star hotel. Hotel, all meals included.
Today we drive the incredible Crown Range Road, which tops out at 1,121 m (3,700 ft), to get to the spectacular Shotover Gorge. Enjoy a flat white before heading out on an awesome 5 to 6-hour hike. The trail gradually climbs along the flank of the Shotover Gorge and then up through open country to Ben Lomond saddle where you are rewarded with breathtaking views out over Lake Wakatipu. A gradual descent brings you to the Ben Lomond cable car station for a knee-saving ride down to Queenstown. Strong hikers can choose to summit Ben Lomond, which is an extra 2-hour effort but most of us will be happy to enjoy a cold beer on a sunny terrace. Your 4-star hotel has a convenient location less than a 10-minute walk from the lakeshore. Queenstown is famous not only for its scenery and adventure sports, but also for the excellent wines that come from the Central Otago wine-growing region. Before dinner you can visit an ingenious wine bar where you can sample some of the highest-rated Pinots on the planet. Tonight is a free-night dinner so you can dine where you please. There is much to choose from, including Michelin-starred chef Josh Emmet's "Rata" restaurant. Morning transfer: 1 hour. Walking Distance 15 km/9 mi. Overnight Queenstown. Hotel, breakfast, and picnic lunch included.
We have a picturesque 50-minute drive to Skippers saddle to start another fabulous hike. Our path takes you up Mount Dewar for a magnificent 360-degree view. Enjoy a gradual descent along a broad spur before an optional steep descent down into the dramatic Shotover gorge. If you don’t feel like the extra 2 km, stop here and enjoy your picnic lunch while overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the river. Afterwards, drop down through golden tussocks to Devils Creek whose babbling waters accompany us to the end of the hike. Throughout the day, big views are to be had as we cruise through open sub-alpine grasslands. We celebrate our epic journey down the South Island with a sunset dinner at Eicharts grill. Walking Distance: 15 km/9 mi. Overnight Queenstown. Hotel and all meals included.
A mid-morning transfer takes you to Queenstown airport for your flight home, or perhaps you will pick up a rental car to continue your explorations. Some of you may want to extend your tour with the 2-night/3-day Routeburn Track hike. If so, let us know and we can make all the arrangements for you, including pick-up from the hotel as well as the main booking. Breakfast and morning transfer to Queenstown airport included.
If you have opted for the Routeburn Extension, you will have had an early departure from Queenstown this morning and you will be back in Queenstown by about 4:00 pm on March 8. We are happy to book the extension for you and arrange for your pick up from our hotel.
Optional extension: The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” and as such the government has invested in upgrading the trail to make it safe and well maintained. This allows people without mountaineering and bush skills to experience the beauty of this high alpine area. The government maintains four huts along the route for backpackers, and has also given concessions for two luxury lodges to be built along the track. This means you don’t have to carry food and bedding for three days of hiking. It also means you get a comfortable bed, clean linen and towels, a hot shower, and a three-course meal at the end of the day, even in this remote alpine setting.
Per Person cost of Routeburn Extension.
* In private twin bedded or queen bed room for two with private ensuite WC & Shower. $2,250 NZD. Bedding and linen provided.
* In shared quadruple room with common/shared WC and shower facilities. $1,720 NZD. You must bring a sleep sheet with you.
* Single in a private double room with private ensuite WC & Shower. $2,980 NZD. Bedding and linen provided.
Should you opt for the Routeburn extension, you have to carry with you your clothes for three days of hiking, and a picnic lunch, which is provided each morning. Your daypack will thus be slightly heavier than what you are used to since you’ll have to carry a change of clothes and some flip flops or light shoes for post-hike relaxing and evening wear. The evening scene is very, very casual. During the Routeburn portion of the tour you will be joining other like-minded hikers on this route. Group size can be up to 40 people. You hike at your own pace and there are four guides who look after the group. Contact us for more information.
Single Supplement: Single supplement: $1,000 NZD
The single supplement is for single occupancy in Furneaux Lodge (2 nights), Christchurch (2 nights), Tekapo (2 nights), and Queenstown (3 nights). If there are rooms available for single occupancy during the two nights during the Kaikoura farm track, you may also get single occupancy there, but you may have to share a twin room since there are only 5 rooms available in total.
Activity Level 3 = Moderate:
In general: This is a Moderate tour for fit hikers, and will be a little challenging but do-able for less fit hikers.
Terrain: Rolling to hilly terrain with frequent climbs and descents, often over rocky terrain. May have some short, relatively steep climbs and descents.
Actual walking time: between 2 - 5 hours per day, mostly in the morning but also in the afternoon.
Distances: Usually between 8 - 12 km (5 - 7 mi). Max distance is 14 km (8 mi).
Surfaces: Trails consist mainly of compact earth and/or gravel and sometimes gravel roads, with occasional rocky and uneven trails
Footing: Good, but on occasion you have to pay attention to where and how you place your feet. Proper hiking shoes with thick soles with good treads are required. Sport sandals, running shoes and tennis shoes are not adequate.
Specifics: We designed this trip to explore the best of the South Island. As a result, we have to spend more time than we usually like transfering by van. On some days we walk for a half-day and then have an afternoon transfer (the longest one is 3.5 hours). The first day has the longest hike (18 kms/11.5 miles) along good, wide trails on rolling coastal terrain, so it's not too demanding. The paths on the Routeburn track are good, but we'll be in the mountains so you should expect sustained climbs and descents, but never too difficult. Please see the supplemental information below about the Routeburn Track.
Hiking Poles: Recommended but not required, but if you habitually use hiking poles then you will find them helpful
Compared to the Cinque Terre: These tours are easier than the hikes in the Cinque Terre
Other: This tour is appropriate for fit, first-time “hikers” who enjoy walking and who have good balance
Moderate Tours: Tuscany Chianti, Dordogne Walk, Sicily Walk, Spain Andalusia, Lake Como Hike, and Corsica Hike
Getting There: the trip starts on February 22 (2021) with your independent arrival at our pre-booked hotel in Blenheim, which is well connected by air with Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. See this website for handy information on getting to New Zealand, with links to all airports and airlines.
Air: You can fly directly into the Woodbourne Airport, which is only 8 km from Blenheim. Air New Zealand has up to four flights a day from Auckland, eight flights from Wellington and three flights daily from Christchurch. See all flight schedules and shuttle booking at the airport’s website.
Getting Away at the End of the Trip: the trip ends after breakfast on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Queenstown. There are international flights between Queenstown and four Australian cities (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast), operated by Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. Domestic flights are operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar, linking Queenstown with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There are several flights a day to all of these destinations, so consult the airport’s website or your favorite airline for current schedules.
If you book a trip with us you will receive detailed information about how to get to the start of your trip, or e-mail us with any specific travel questions.
5
What an incredible trip! The scenery was spectacular but the knowledgeable guides and the chance to share meals with locals made the experience that much more meaningful. The variety of hikes was impressive - I particularly enjoyed the alpine terrain around Mt Aspiring, although I won't easily forget walking along the stunning Kaikoura coast and exploring the fern forests in the Sounds via the Queen Charlotte track. Hat tip to the leaders for navigating and smoothly resolving unforeseen logistical challenges (two weather events and a vehicle malfunction). Five stars!
4.8
4.8
What an introduction to the South Island of New Zealand. Each part of the trip was unique and beautiful. We had a few schedule changes, but the changes were all wonderful. This trip had it all: tropical forests with unique tree ferns, fine dining, the alps, rustic lodges on sheep stations with locally grown lamb for dinner. We hiked in some of the most remote areas of the South Island. We also got to visit Christchurch and see the recovery since the 2011 earthquake. I can't say enough good things about our guides and dinner hosts. This was my second Customwalks hike and I can't wait for the next one!
5
I really enjoyed the local content that was part of the itinerary. This included day walks on isolated beaches with abundant wild life, including seals, and paths up into the high country on sheep stations, ending up back at the Shearers’ Quarters, where accommodation was adequate . On these days, dinner and breakfast were supplied by the landowner who joined us for meals, a glass of wine and contributed local knowledge.The Milford flight to and from Queenstown was definitely a highlight, and we ‘lucked out’ with the weather, which can be very unpredictable. The 3 days and 2 nights on the Routeburne Track were fabulous days, with stunning scenery, and an average degree of difficulty. The optional hikes were challenging! This experience highlighted how committed the NZ Government is to eradicating invasive species and protecting their parks. Restaurant choices were excellent, and the wines wonderful. Packed lunches were more than adequate. It was an excellent idea to take along a cooler, Esky, chilly bin. Accommodation overall was good. The van was comfortable and roomy, and no drives were more than 4 hours, with coffee and lunch stops in nifty little cafes along the way. All the guides were excellent company, well organized and able to rapidly adapt to a change in plans or weather. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and my heartbeat has been around for a few years.
4.6
This NZ walking tour was incredibly well planned to really see and appreciate a lot of NZ in just 12 days. I especially liked meeting the people who owned and operated the sheep stations that we stayed overnight and had dinner with, this was a very unique opportunity to learn more about NZ first hand from natives and gain access to some beautiful beaches to walk along. Our guides Bill and Brett were exceptional having extensive first hand knowledge of the places visited and their great company and sense of humor was key to spending so much time together. This is my third Customwalks walking tour and will not be my last, I like their style and plan to walk through my retirement with Customwalks! With regards to the NZ walk I really loved that we got to see the Milford Sound area by both air and sea, which was great as the tour only allowed for hiking the Routeburn Track in that region; so beautiful! I would definitely recommend this tour and others.
3.5
Wonderful trip in a lovely country! Especially enjoyed the visits with the sheep farmers and the incredible scenery everywhere. The Routeburn Trek was an experience not to be missed and so glad we did it. The hikes were very challenging though and as one of the oldest on the trip was glad to know my younger traveling mates were also challenged. We were blessed with good weather for the most part and company was fabulous as well as the guides. Much to remember and relish!
4.5
4.8
My first time in New Zealand--great introduction to a beautiful place. The trip included varied landscapes and hiking experiences including the Queen Charlotte Track, Kaikoura Coast Track, and the Routeburn Track and well as walks in farmland and areas where the native vegetation is being restored. Accommodations, food and logistics were excellent. A good hiking experience.
4.5
This trip provided a great overview of the South Island of New Zealand from the north to the south. The lush sub tropical rain forest of the Queen Charolette Track, the mountainous Roteburn Track, the Kaikoura Coast Track and the Grampians Sheep farm were all marvelous examples of the varied habitats in New Zealand. The hikes were moderate and within the abilities of those that enjoy hiking. Food was excellent, guides were knowledgeable and personable providing insight into the New Zealand way.
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What an incredible trip! The scenery was spectacular but the knowledgeable guides and the chance to share meals with locals made the experience that much more meaningful. The variety of hikes was impressive - I particularly enjoyed the alpine terrain around Mt Aspiring, although I won't easily forget walking along the stunning Kaikoura coast and exploring the fern forests in the Sounds via the Queen Charlotte track. Hat tip to the leaders for navigating and smoothly resolving unforeseen logistical challenges (two weather events and a vehicle malfunction). Five stars!
by Leo S. from Italy
