Journey through the wild heart of Aotearoa on a unique and unforgettable South Island adventure, combining adrenaline, wilderness, culture, and wildlife. No other travel provider offers a tour quite like this. From climbing the Via Ferrata on Takaka Hill and rafting the Buller River to cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail, this wilderness adventure has it all. Explore glaciers near Wānaka, experience Māori hospitality at Bruce Bay, and discover the untouched beauty of Rakiura / Stewart Island. This once-in-a-lifetime journey showcases some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes and immerses you in wilderness that few people ever experience.

This is an active, adventure-based tour in remote wilderness environments. To get the most out of the experience, students need a good level of fitness and should enjoy the outdoors. If this doesn't sound like you, we recommend choosing a different tour.

Takaka Hill – Ngarua Caves – Abel Tasman Region

Kick off your adventure high above the Tasman coastline with New Zealand’s newest adrenaline challenge — the Via Ferrata (Iron Way) on Takaka Hill. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, clip into steel cables and climb your way across rugged cliffs. It’s part climbing, part hiking, and all adrenaline, with sweeping views across both Golden Bay and Tasman Bay rewarding every step.

From the heights, we head underground into the ancient world of the Ngarua Caves. Learn about the cave’s fascinating geology and discover preserved moa bones hidden deep within this underground time capsule.

Buller River – Cape Foulwind – West Coast

Take on an epic white-water rafting experience on the mighty Buller River, charging through rapids surrounded by dense native rainforest and rugged gorge walls. This is New Zealand wilderness at full force — fast, wet, and unforgettable.

We then continue toward Te Tai Poutini, the wild West Coast, with a stop at Cape Foulwind Seal Colony. Watch New Zealand fur seals lounging on rocky shores and playing in the surf.

Kawhaka Dam – Cowboy Paradise

Pack your overnight gear into your bike panniers, before being transported to Kawhaka Dam on the legendary West Coast Wilderness Trail to start our cycle journey. From here, begin your multi-day cycling journey through dense native New Zealand bush under the Southern Alps. 

Ride deep into native bush, crossing swing bridges and gravel trails before arriving at the off-grid wilderness experience of Cowboy Paradise. Settle in for a night under the stars with dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch provided — a true backcountry escape.

West Coast Wilderness Trail – Lake Kaniere – Hokitika

We cycle back to Hokitika via the beautiful Lake Kaniere, where glassy water reflects surrounding mountains and ancient rainforest. 

Follow the historic Kaniere Water Race before rolling back into Hokitika, where the Tasman Sea meets rugged shoreline. 

Hokitika – Bruce Bay

Start the day at the National Kiwi Centre, getting up close with New Zealand’s most iconic and elusive bird before our journey south.

Continue down the coast to Bruce Bay, where we’ll be welcomed onto Te Tauraka Waka a Māui Marae with a traditional pōwhiri led by local Kāi Tahu hapū. Experience the warmth of Māori hospitality and learn about the deep cultural connection to this coastline.

Sleep overnight in the wharenui in shared, communal style accommodation — a powerful cultural experience.

Wānaka – Matukituki Valley

Travel inland to the alpine village of Wānaka, then up the glacier carved Matukituki Valley where we'll spend the afternoon rock climbing on beautiful alpine schist.

After a few hours scaling the rock in the sunshine we'll continue up the Valley to the Otago's Boys Lodge where we'll stay overnight.

Matukituki Valley – Rob Roy Glacier – Queenstown

Tackle a rewarding alpine hike through the Matukituki Valley to the spectacular Rob Roy Glacier viewpoint. Although our height gain will be less vertical today it will be just as challenging on the legs but well worth the views of this backcountry glacier. Legs will get a rest as we travel to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Queenstown

Today is yours!!

Choose your adventure in the adventure capital of New Zealand!

With so many adrenaline/adventurous options in Queenstown you get to choose (self funded) what you want to do with your day.

Invercargill – Bluff – Rakiura/Stewart Island

Today we'll travel to and through Invercargill, New Zealand's most southern city, to Bluff where we'll leave our vehicles and board the boat to Rakiura / Stewart Island, one of the worlds most untouched wilderness regions. New Zealand's less known third island has beautiful native bush, homing many rare native birds, including the iconic Kiwi. Sitting way down in the southern ocean it's a vibrant hub of wildlife. Half of us will do a kiwi spotting tour in the evening while the other half explore the small town of Oban.

Stewart Island – Ulva Island

Take a short boat ride to Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary filled with rare native birds and untouched forest. Walk peaceful trails on a self-guided tour and experience one of New Zealand’s most important conservation success stories.

In the evening, the second group heads out for their kiwi-spotting experience.

Stewart Island – Invercargill

 After heading back to the mainland on the catamaran, then back to Invercargill. After days of adventure, culture, and wilderness, it’s time to say goodbye — heading off in different directions with unforgettable memories of this amazing adventure.