Few destinations pack as much natural drama into one trip as New Zealand’s South Island. This adventure weaves through bucket-list icons – cruising the majestic Milford Sound, riding the Skyline Gondola for sweeping views over Queenstown, and exploring the serenity of Te Anau’s lakeshore. Between runs, you’ll discover the country’s cinematic landscapes, from glacier-fed rivers to towering peaks made famous on the big screen. Paired with warm Kiwi hospitality, fresh local cuisine, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the ultimate way to experience one of the world’s most celebrated adventure destinations.

Our runs in New Zealand are self-paced and unguided, giving you the freedom to choose how far and how fast you go. Distances range from short shake-out runs to stretch the legs, through to big days of 40–60 km on iconic tracks. Most days offer options to shorten the route, take a rest day, or skip a run entirely. Whether you want to push your limits or enjoy a more relaxed pace, you’ll have the flexibility to make each day your own while still sharing the experience with the group.
This trip is running focused and many trails will be steep and technical, but most people will just be hiking these sections. We are there to enjoy the trail, the people, the views, and the experience, not to just run fast. However, you must be capable of completing the distances within the allocated time, so please ensure you are prepared so you can have an enjoyable time. *Please contact us with any concerns, and we can help you decide if this is the right trip for you or not.

4 (Difficult)

This trip is rated 4 (difficult). We will have some bigger days, and some point to point runs where you will need to make the distance. You will have plenty of time, but need to be comfortable with long days on the trail. The better condtioned you are, the more fun you will have, so ensure you are prepared.

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside

Meals: Dinner

Run: Optional “shake-out” run around the lake

Activities:

• Arrive to the beautiful and stunning Queenstown

• Hotel check in from 2pm, (luggage storage available).

• Take a taxi/Uber to the Hotel

• Dinner at a local Restaurant (Included in the price)

• Short briefing

Additional costs: Transport from Airport.

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside

Included Meals: Breakfast

Run: ~18km, 1524m elevation +/- on the Ben Lomond Track, out-and-back. Option to shorten with Skyline Gondola.

Activities:

• Breakfast at the Novotel Hotel Restaurant

• Take the Queenstown Skyline Gondola

• Run the Ben Lomond Track

• Lunch, as you please (Additional Cost).

• Buy all of your snacks for the next few days of running

• Afternoon meeting to go over GPS tracking, packing questions, GPX files, etc for the Routeburn Track

• Dinner at a local Restaurant

Additional costs: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast

Run: ~33km, ~33km point-to-point, Routeburn Track, 7-9 hours. Starting just outside of Glenorchy and finishing at the Divide. Unguided and at your own pace.

Activities:

• Pack bags and check-out

• Snacks (enough for lunch also) + water in running pack

• 1.5 hour drive to Glenorchy to start point

• Transfer to accommodation after run

• Group dinner

Additional costs: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge

Included Meals: Breakfast

Run: Out-and-back on the Milford Track, choose your own distance, 3-4 hour limit. You will reach Giant Gate Falls at 3 miles and this is a nice place to turn around.

Activities:

• Pack snacks (enough for lunch also) + water in running pack

• Boat transfer to run starting point, Sandfly Point (pack bug spray)

• Boat return across the sound, and return to the lodge to have lunch and a shower.

• Afternoon boat cruise on Milford Sound

• Optional scenic flight Group dinner

Additional costs: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Optional Scenic Flight

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau

Included Meals: Breakfast

Run: Optional runs, either Gertrude Saddle or Lake Marian, out-and-back, or Rest Day for long run tomorrow.

Activities:

• Pack bags and check-out

• Pack snacks + water in running pack

• 1.5 hour drive to Te Anau after run

• Check-in to accommodation

• Grocery store to buy more snacks

• Group dinner

Additional costs: Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau

Included Meals: Breakfast

Run: 40-60km loop run, Kepler Track, 8-10 hours. Option to shorten. We will take a boat to Brod Bay, where you will start the run. You will climb about 10km up to Luxmore hut, where the trail gets real good! You will enjoy stunning views as you traverse along the trail for hours of some of the best running you will find. You will then drop down to Iris Burn Hut, and run through the native bush to Moturau Hut, where a jet boat will be waiting for you to take you up the Waiau River and back to the Control Gates. Short shuttle return to to Te Anau.

Activities:

• Pack snacks (enough for lunch also) + water in running pack

• Boat transfer to start at Brod Bay

• Optional helicopter drop at Luxmore Hut to skip the first 14km and the first climb

• Group dinner

Additional costs: Dinner, Snacks, Optional helicopter drop

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside

Included Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Run: Options, easy run around Mavora Lakes, a hike, or rest and enjoy the views. Your legs should be tired!

Activities:

• Pack bags and check-out

• 1.5 hour drive to Mavora Lakes to explore/run/hike

• 1 hour drive to Walter Peak Station for lunch

• Boat transfer to Queenstown aboard the Earnslaw, from 12:45pm - 1:30pm

• Check-in to Novotel Lakeside

• Farewell group dinner, and Party in Queenstown!

Additional costs: Dinner, Snacks, Drinks.

Time to say goodbye…

Included Meals: Breakfast

Run: No Run

• Check-out by 11am

• Taxi/Uber to airport

Additional costs: Transport from Airport.