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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 Hurunui River, cycle on scenic trails, and hike mountains familiar from the “Lord of the Rings.”

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

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 recognize 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.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
I enjoy getting my heart going on my bike or on trails. Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb or ride on varied terrain with inclines. Let’s keep moving — occasional stops only, please.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy an exhilarating day of expert-led rafting on the pristine Hurunui River.
  • Bike the 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 by vessel.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Esther Sassenburg
Esther Sassenburg is Dutch-born, married to Eric, and lives in Nelson. Her main career has been in urban planning, and she has worked in countries around the world. After settling in New Zealand, she became a teacher, specializing in social sciences. This has given her a broad general knowledge of the country. In her free time, Esther loves the outdoors, particularly tramping (hiking), cycling, and water sports. Esther also has an interest in European languages and currently works as a French language teacher.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Esther Sassenburg
Esther Sassenburg View biography
Esther Sassenburg is Dutch-born, married to Eric, and lives in Nelson. Her main career has been in urban planning, and she has worked in countries around the world. After settling in New Zealand, she became a teacher, specializing in social sciences. This has given her a broad general knowledge of the country. In her free time, Esther loves the outdoors, particularly tramping (hiking), cycling, and water sports. Esther also has an interest in European languages and currently works as a French language teacher.
Profile Image of Eric McPherson
Eric McPherson View biography
Eric McPherson is a retired cabinetmaker and wood machinist who ran his own furniture-joinery business. Now in his free time, he is doing community volunteering, mainly environmental and predator control work, and is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Eric also enjoys tramping (hiking), recreational cycling, kayaking, and jogging. He has a passion for classic motorcycles and DIY in his garage. Eric is married to his wife, Esther.
Profile Image of Russell Davie
Russell Davie View biography
Russell Davie is a former dairy farmer with a background in geology, geography, soil mineralogy, and volcanology, with a particular interest in the Fiordland area in and around Te Anau, where he now lives, and the lake which bears the same name.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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