South Island Walks

Hike New Zealand’s South Island on the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte Tracks

New Zealand’s South Island (Te Wāhi Pounamu) is world-famous for its spellbindingly beautiful scenery. With exceptionally well maintained hiking trails, easy access, and the absence of dangerous wildlife it is a hiker’s paradise. Add world-class seafood, top-notch wines and boutique lodges, and it really is the perfect destination.

We invite you to explore two of the South Island’s best coastal walks with us. The world-famous Queen Charlotte Track is renowned for its stunning panoramas, rugged forest, historical landmarks and dazzling variety of native bush and wildlife. The tranquillity and creature comforts on this trail make it a superb choice. Even in the height of the tourist season, you’ll be lucky to cross paths with half a dozen trampers.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Trek is located in one of the country’s smallest and most impressive national parks. On this trail you’ll walk through lush coastal vegetation, along spectacular granite cliffs and to golden beaches with azure waters. These pristine patches of paradise are secluded and come with no crowds, and the sheltered bays are perfect for kayaking, with ample opportunity to see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these coastal waters.

The walks can be completed independently of each other or combined into one longer walk – a popular option and highly recommended. You will be rewarded with two very different but equally enjoyable coastal hikes.

View across the bay looking out over the dense green hills of New Zealand.
Two travellers in front of a boutique lodge on the South Island
picturesque stream flowing through the hills
Seals playing on the rocks in the sun.
Long stretch of white sandy beach with turquoise waters
A landscape image of Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand
A cable bridge over the water
A delicious meal with a beautiful outlook
Abel Tasman National Park
A lodge at night lit up in the bush.
The view
inside a lodge
Abel Tasman and Queen charlotte wallks0002
Abel Tasman Lodge
Solo Woman adventurer Walking the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand South Island
Local shop
Lush native bushland and turquoise waters of the Abel Tasman National Park
Accomodation on the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte walk.
Boats in the bay on the Queen Charlotte Track New Zealand.
Lodge guests enjoying a meal, Queen Charlotte Track
Dolphins in the turquoise waters
Accomodation on the Abel-Tasman-and-Queen-Charlotte walk.
View from the beach on the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte walk.
Seafood on the Queen Charlotte track in New Zealand.
Scenic look out out over the bay
Local birdlife
Bedroom

New Zealand

The RAW Travel Difference

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Beautiful lodges & food

Our walks in the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte area are based around wonderful walker's lodges in beautiful natural surroundings, often only accessed by foot or boat. The facilities are excellent and ensure a very relaxed and comfortable stay each day after your walks.

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Local staff & knowledge

You can't beat local knowledge! Our New Zealand trips are supported by our local operator who provides expert leaders for our guided trips and support for our self-guided walkers. The trips are designed to showcase the very best tramping of this region.

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FLEXIBLE & TAILOR MADE

We offer flexibility with our trips; we listen to what you want and tailor the walking to your ability and timeframes, giving you the experience you want, not what's easiest for us! All our guided trips include carefully planned itineraries and wonderful accommodation and meals that emphasise locally grown produce.

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HIGHEST STANDARDS

Our trips are high-quality nature-based tourism experiences that are also measured on our contribution back to the environment and local communities. As a BCorp, our operations small scale, local and authentic. We are a Quality Tourism certified business and have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standards.

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Explore

New Zealand Route Map

Picton

The picturesque port town of Picton is the gateway to the marine, forest and island attractions of the Marlborough Sounds, including the Queen Charlotte Track. It offers a great selection of cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Ship Cove

Ship Cove is known as one of the first encounters between Māori and Europeans, and explorer Captain James Cook’s favourite base. Besides a memorial, Meretoto/Ship Cove has information panels about its fascinating past, a bush walk to a waterfall and a waka-shaped picnic table.

Furneaux Lodge

Nestled in the heart of the Marlborough sounds and only accessible by boat or foot, Furneaux Lodge offers a true immersion in nature surrounded by 2000 acres of pristine forest. It is the ideal location to relax and enjoy a fresh, local and seasonally inspired menu.

Punga Cove Resort

Punga Cove Resort has individual chalets set amongst the bush-clad hillside providing stunning views across Endeavour Inlet. You won’t go hungry here! There’s a bar and café at the jetty and a hilltop fine dining restaurant.

Portage Resort

The Portage is a waterfront hotel set within a landscape of native bush, with an abundance of unique wildlife and the Queen Charlotte Track right on our doorstep. The restaurant serves excellent food with a selection of local wines to match.

Anakiwa

The small settlement of Anakiwa is a residential village that sits at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and from where your water transport will collect you to travel back to Picton.

Nelson

The city of Nelson is known for local arts and crafts stores, and art galleries. It’s a popular base for nearby caving sites, vineyards and the Abel Tasman National Park.

Kaiteriteri

Kaiteriteri is a beautiful little beach town and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. From here, you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman Coast to Totaruanui. Sit back on the deck and watch the beaches, coves and islands of this spectacular stretch of coastline pass you by.

Awaroa

Awaroa beach is tucked away in the northern reaches of the Abel Tasman National Pak. Part of the beach’s charm lies in its isolation – you have to make an effort to enjoy the splendour.

Onetahuti Bay

Crescent-shaped Onetahuti Bay is of the longest expanses of beach in the Abel Tasman. Picture a pristine beach separating crystal clear, brilliant blue waters from dense green mountainous forest backdrop – simply stunning!

Torrent Bay

The sleepy summer holiday village of Torrent Bay has the largest concentration of privately owned beach houses (baches) in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Mārahau

Mārahau is a sleepy little beach village which has a long history of settlement by Māori. Its huge expanse of beach offers many activities. Fuel up by one of the excellent food options – from a world famous burger to fresh seafood waterfront dining.

View Our Walks

New Zealand

Queen Charlotte track Dolphins
6 Days

Australia and New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Track – Guided

Group Guided Moderate
  • Breathtaking views, secluded coves, golden beaches and native forests
  • Gastronomical delights from the world-renowned Marlborough region
  • Boutique lodge accommodation in amazing locations
  • Impressive birdlife, wildlife and sea life
from

$3,695.00

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Gorgeous turquoise waters surrounded buy white sandy beach and lush green forest.
5 Days

Australia and New Zealand

Abel Tasman Coastal Trek – Guided

Guided Moderate
  • Fully guided walk along the classic Abel Tasman Coastal Track
  • Boutique lodges along the trail and delicious locally produced meals
  • Remote golden sand beaches and pristine coastline
  • Cross an impressive 47m-long suspension bridge over Falls River
from

$2,650.00

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View across the bay looking out over the dense green hills of New Zealand.
5 Days

Australia and New Zealand

Queen Charlotte Track – Self Guided

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Pack-free self-guided hiking along the world famous Queen Charlotte Track
  • Dramatic sweeping views of untouched native forest, coves and inlets
  • Impressive birdlife, wildlife and sea life and plant life
  • Boutique lodge accommodation in amazing locations
from

$2,350.00

view trip
Abel Tasman and Queen charlotte wallks0002
4 Days

Australia and New Zealand

Abel Tasman Coastal Track – Self Guided

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Pack-free self-guided hike along one of New Zealand’s most popular trails
  • Excellent boutique lodges along the trail and delicious locally produced meals
  • Relax on a scenic cruise along the length of the Abel Tasman coast
  • Explore Idyllic beaches, coves and inlets along the coast
from

$2,195.00

view trip
Solo Woman adventurer Walking the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand South Island
9 Days

Australia and New Zealand

Abel Tasman & Queen Charlotte: Self-Guided

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Pack-free self-guided hike along two stunning NZ coastal trails
  • Excellent boutique lodges and delicious meals
  • Remote golden sand beaches and pristine coastline
  • A haven for wildlife and nature lovers
from

$4,550.00

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Travel Expert

Your Dedicated Travel Team

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Tamara

Destination Specialist
Front cover image of the Destination Guide for new Zealand

Exclusive Guide

New Zealand Destination Guide

Hiking really is the best way to see the beautiful landscapes and explore the vast wilderness of New Zealand’s South Island. With exceptionally well-maintained trails, easy access, and the absence of dangerous wildlife it is a hikers’ paradise. Add world-class seafood, top-notch wines and boutique lodges, and it really is the perfect destination. Find out everything you need to know in this comprehensive destination guide.

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New Zealand South Island Walks

Frequently Asked Questions

Which New Zealand Island is better for hiking?

While both South and North Island offer beautiful walking experiences, many people consider the South Island to be the best choice for hiking, especially if you’re drawn to diverse landscapes, coastal scenery, and quieter trails. It’s known for its wide open spaces, well-maintained tracks, and stunning natural beauty.

Also read: Why New Zealand’s South Island is one of my favourite destinations

What’s the accommodation like on the New Zealand hiking tours?

Our walks in the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte area are based around wonderful walker’s lodges in beautiful natural surroundings, often only accessed by foot or boat. The facilities are excellent and ensure a very relaxed and comfortable stay each day after your walks.

How long is the Abel Tasman track?

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is around 60 kilometres long.

How long is the Queen Charlotte Track?

The Queen Charlotte Track is approximately 72 kilometres long.

What is special about Abel Tasman National Park?

Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand’s most loved natural areas, and for good reason. It’s known for its golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush native bush, and sheltered coastal track that’s accessible yet wonderfully remote. What makes it really special is the combination of natural beauty and tranquility. Even though it’s easy to reach, parts of the park feel like untouched paradise, and we think it has some of the best views in all of New Zealand.

What are the best months to hike in New Zealand?

The walking season is January – April and October – December.

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Hiking in New Zealand

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Tailor-made trips

If you don’t see the exact trip you’re looking for then consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line:

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