Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in the Great Outdoors with Australia and New Zealand’s scenic short walks and expertly-guided and accommodated multi-day hiking adventures.
Walking, hiking and ‘tramping’ (as it’s known in New Zealand) are national past-times in these parts. Small wonder why: awe-inspiring natural landscapes invite you to get outdoors and stretch your legs with a stunning collection of spectacular coastal walks and breath-taking alpine hikes.
Trek Tasmania’s untamed wilderness and hike Fiordland’s majestic peaks; wander among Queensland’s ancient Gondwana rainforests, over glistening glaciers or across ancient outback landscapes. Many of Australia and New Zealand’s luxury lodges also provide exclusive access to a collection of stunning short walks and hiking adventures.
Experience one of Australia or New Zealand’s iconic Great Walks to explore the great outdoors without leaving life’s modern comforts too far behind. Sleeping in well-appointed private hiking lodges, deluxe swags and beautiful glamping tents, hikers also enjoy hearty home-style meals shared in spectacular settings.
Alternatively, journey with us to enjoy even more off-the-beaten path adventures with tailored walking tours to suit your interests and fitness level including some spectacular private guided walks and heli-hikes that you won’t find on any maps or in any well-thumbed guidebooks; shared only with the local flora and fauna.
Some Of Our Favourite Hiking Experiences
Itinerary inspirations
These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures and hiking experiences to be had in this beautiful region. Once you have a feel for the destinations and hiking experiences that best resonate with you, we will tailor every element of your perfect luxury travel hiking holiday, exclusively for you.
Stretch Your Legs And Feed Your Soul.
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Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (1 night Spicers Balfour Hotel, 5 nights Spicers by Scenic Rim Trail, 3 nights Byron at Byron) inclusive of breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners per person. Full-day private hosted foodie tour of Byron Bay, Rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres, insurance and GPS.
Waves, walks & waterways
Feel the wind in your hair and the sand under your feet.
Begin your nature escape at the contemporary Lon Retreat, a seven-suite lodge and mineral spa set on a 200-acre private estate, on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Explore the area’s natural surrounds with a 3.5-hour dolphin and seal swim or a surfing experience (the choice is yours!).
Continue along the iconic Great Ocean Road to join a guided three day/two night Twelve Apostles Lodge walk. Hike through beautiful forests and sandy pathways, enjoy stunning vistas of the Southern Ocean and iconic shipwrecks, and take to the skies on a 15-minute helicopter scenic flight over the Twelve Apostles.
Conclude with a two-night stay in the cosy, coastal town of Port Fairy, staying at Drift House, relax and unwind after the walk and enjoy the “most liveable community in the world”.
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Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Lon Retreat, 2 nights 12 Apostles Lodge, 2 nights Drift House). Daily breakfast (provided as a gourmet hamper at Lon Retreat), 3 lunches, and 2 dinners per person. Choice of either a 3.5 hr Dolphin and Seal Swim cruise or a surfing experience (shared basis). 3 day shared small group walking tour of the Great Ocean Road, 15 min. scenic helicopter flight, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Broaden your horizons, stretch your legs and refresh your mind. Alice Springs, Larapinta Trail and Kings Canyon
After spending a night in Alice Springs, get off the beaten track and embark on one of the country’s most rewarding multi-day hikes. Enjoying the most scenic sections of the iconic Larapinta desert trail, explore ancient landscapes and Red Centre hidden gems.
Traversing the ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges with just a day pack on your back, enjoy gourmet campfire dinners and sleep under spectacular star-studded skies at exclusive award-winning camps (complete with hot showers and comfortable swags). See the sun rise from the summit of Mt Sonder, dip your toes in Ormiston Gorge and marvel at the sheer walls of Standley Chasm as you take in the wild beauty of the country’s interior and take away a connection to these lands that will last a lifetime.
Returning to Alice Springs, collect your rental vehicle and hit the open road to explore Kings Canyon. Staying at the new Kings Canyon Resort glamping tents, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy another one of Australia’s. most breathtaking outback walks, a sunrise Kings Canyon Rim Walk.
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Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, 5 nights Larapinta Trail, 2 nights Kings Canyon Resort) inclusive of breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 5 dinners per person. Private car transfer on arrival in Alice Springs. 6 day fully supported Larapinta walk on a twin share basis. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
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Note
The Larapinta Walking season operates on set dates between early April and late September annually.
Idyllic waterways, coastal walks and world-class wines in the wonderful Margaret River region
Follow the coast south from Perth to relax and unwind by the beach at Smiths Beach resort. Your stay here also includes a full day gentle kayaking and wine tasting guided tour of the Margaret River waterways and wineries.
Then set off on one of Australia’s Great Walks, following some of the most scenic stretches of the Cape to Cape coastal track on a guided small-group multi-day walking experience. Over the following four days you will enjoy luxury accommodation with ocean views, fabulous food and wine in breathtaking settings and outdoor adventures in the company of new friends. From Cape Naturaliste’s limestone coastline and Yallingup’s famous surf breaks to towering Karri forests, dramatic sea cliffs and rolling vineyards; take in the spectacular scenery at every turn.
On completion of your walk, enjoy the tranquil surrounds of Olio Bello, a glamping experience surrounded by nature on an organic olive farm in the heart of the Margaret River. Wander through the olive groves or explore the nearby wineries, enjoy long vineyard lunches or relaxing afternoons on the deck, before returning your rental vehicle to Perth.
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Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Smiths Beach Resort, 3 nights Cape to Cape walk and 2 nights Olio Bello) inclusive of 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners per person. Small group shared full day tour of Margaret River including wine tasting and lunch, 4 day Cape to Cape small group guided walk. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Wine and wilderness, art and animals; from the city to the coast.
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Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (3 nights MACq01, 3 nights Maria Island Walk, 2 nights Saffire Freycinet) inclusive of daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 6 dinners per person. Full day private Mt Field National Park hosted excursion, Moorilla & MONA posh day including return ferry transfers in the Posh Pit ex Hobart, MONA entry, guided vineyard tour, tasting and a bottle of wine, 4-Day small group Maria island guided walk including ferry transfers, Selected activities at Saffire Freycinet, National Park Fees and entry permits, Private luxury car transfers.
Traversing Tasmania from North to South.
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Inclusions
12 nights’ accommodation (1 night The Sebel Launceston, 3 nights Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, 2 nights Peppers Silo Hotel, 2 nights Cradle Mountain Lodge, 2 nights Wheelhouse Apartments, 2 nights Villa Howden) inclusive of 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners per person. 4 day/3 night Bay of Fires guided walk including accommodation, meals, transfers and National Park fees, Private Fragrance masterclass, Private Quoll Patrol tour with dinner, Half day shared group Gordon River Cruise including premium seating and lunch, Small group Bruny Island cruise with lunch. Private transfer Launceston. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
New Zealand's premier multi-day hiking experience, including majestic Milford Sound
Avoid the crowds of the Milford Track by hiking one of our best kept secrets, the spectacular Hollyford Track. This luxury multi-day hike takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park over four days/three nights. Starting in Te Anau, you’ll hike through pristine native rainforests, alongside crystal clear rivers and lakes, and across vast sand dunes. Along the way your guides will recite history from when Maori walked these paths to find priceless pounamu, to the more modern and tragic tales of the European settlers. Learn about New Zealand’s incredibly unique flora as you go, and keep an eye out for rare native birds. On your final day, complete the experience with a jaw-dropping helicopter flight along the length of Milford Sound. Enjoy the most luxurious accommodations available on a multi-day hike in New Zealand! Your private room has an ensuite with hot running water and continuous power. After each day hiking, relax and chat with your new friends over a cool beer or bottle of wine as the lodge chefs prepare your three course dinner and your hot cooked breakfast each morning.
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Inclusions
5 nights’ accommodation (1 night Eichardt's, 3 nights Hollyford Track, 1 night Eichardt's, including breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners) and private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations.
A selection of New Zealand's best one day hikes
This journey is for those who want to experience New Zealand’s best one day hikes, and then retire to New Zealand’s very best luxury lodges each evening. Starting in Auckland, you’ll head out to the iconic black sand beaches of the west coast for stunning clifftop views from Te Henga. Then travel to the centre of the North Island for the other-worldly Tongariro Crossing, often named the best one day hike in the world. At the top of the South Island, visit Nelson for the famed golden sand beaches of the Abel Tasman Coast Track , and heli over to the West Coast for a day on the Heaphy Track. In the deep south there’s endless tracks to choose from, most making their way through the ancient rainforests of Fiordland National Park, one of the most pristine corners of the Earth. Choose from the Routeburn Track, the Kepler Track, the Milford Track, Rob Roy Peak, or dozens of other off the beaten path locations.
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Inclusions
12 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Park Hyatt Auckland, 3 nights Huka Lodge, 3 nights Split Apple Retreat, 4 nights Blanket Bay including breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 10 dinners), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, private guided hike on Te Henga, admission to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, private guided hike on the Tongariro Crossing, private guided hike and cruise through Abel Tasman National Park, private guided helihike on the Heaphy Track, private helicopter excursion to Milford Sound, your choice of private guided hiking in the Queenstown/Fiordland National Park region.
Hike and mountain-bike your way around the South Island
Travel the length of the South Island and combine some of our best one day hikes with exploration on two wheels. Start in Queenstown where you’ll hike through the moss-laden forests of UNESCO World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park, which contrasts greatly with your next day when you’ll explore the lunar-like Arrowtown back-country by bike. Drive north through the spectacular Mackenzie Country for the famed Hooker Valley Track, surrounded by the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook. Continue to Christchurch where you’ll walk the crater of a flooded volcano for incredible coastal views. In Marlborough you’ll enjoy more coastal scenery, this time by bike, as you trace your way along Queen Charlotte Track. The next day, have the opportunity for a far more leisurely day on the bike, exploring the Marlborough vineyards. Finish in Nelson where you’ll walk the golden sand beaches of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and have another opportunity to explore the vineyards or beaches by bike.
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Inclusions
14 nights’ accommodation (4 nights Hulbert House, 2 nights Lakestone Lodge, 2 nights The Observatory, 3 nights The Marlborough and 3 nights Pihopa Retreat including breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners), rental vehicle with full insurance, Milford Sound excursion with return scenic flights and shared cruise on the fiord, private guided hike on the Routeburn Track, private guided biking on the Arrowtown Trail, self guided hike on the Hooker Valley Track, private guided Path of the Gods hike on Banks Peninsula, private guided biking on Queen Charlotte Track, private guided Marlborough vineyards cycling tour, private guided hike and cruise in Abel Tasman National Park and private guided biking in the Nelson region.
Hiking New Zealand's glaciers
There’s almost an incredible 3000 glaciers to be found throughout New Zealand, mainly on the majestic Southern Alps of the South Island. They carve their way down the mountainsides and in some places, even cut their way through the rainforests below, the only place in the world where this happens. On this journey, circumnavigate the lower South Island and have the opportunity to hike across not one, but two of these priceless glaciers. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, travel aboard the famous TranzAlpine train to the West Coast where you’ll hike the equally as famous Franz Josef Glacier. Continue to Queenstown for visits to Milford Sound and the Mount Aspiring National Park (on the Routeburn Track of course), before heading north through the wonderfully barren Mackenzie Country for another glacier helihike at Aoraki Mount Cook.
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Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (1 night The George, 2 nights Rainforest Retreat, 3 nights QT Queenstown, 2 nights The Hermitage, 1 night The George, all including breakfast daily), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, rental vehicle with full insurance, shared helihike on Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound excursion with return scenic flights and shared cruise on the fiord, private guided hike on the Routeburn Track, and shared helihike on the Tasman Glacier.
Enjoy two of New Zealand's best multi-day hikes
If you love hiking from hut to hut over several days, this is the journey for you. Start in the northwestern corner of the South Island for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a wonderful three day walk along the golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park. The coastline at the next stop of Kaikoura couldn’t be more different, but the rugged and rocky panoramas are just as beautiful. Turn south for Banks Peninsula, where extensive farms cover the clifftops before falling away to the ocean below. Finish in Queenstown for the Hollyford Track where you’ll find views of soaring mountains, rich green rainforests, and the fiords of Fiordland.
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Inclusions
14 nights’ accommodation (1 night at Pihopa Retreat, 2 nights on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, 1 night Pihopa Retreat, 2 nights Hapuku Lodge, 2 nights Seascape at Annandale, 3 nights on the Hollyford Track, 3 nights Blanket Bay, including breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 12 dinners), private car and driver transfers to and from airports and accommodations, three day shared guided hike on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Kaikoura whale watching flight by helicopter, private guided farm tour of Annandale, four day shared guided hike on the Hollyford Track, private helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Blanket Bay, and a shared Dart River jetboating excursion.
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
