Next departure: 15–27 February 2027 (13 days, 12 nights) – 2 places left

13 days · 12 nights camping · approx. 2,250 km · Picton to Arrowtown · max 6 vehicles

$5,000 per vehicle, not per person. Two people sharing a vehicle works out at $2,500 each. No previous 4WD experience needed. We guide you every step of the way, from river crossings to picking your line on the tracks, with a full briefing before we set off.

13 days exploring the length of the South Island through remote mountain country, classic 4WD routes, river valleys, historic backcountry and unforgettable wilderness camps. 13-day guided expedition

Maximum 6 vehicles

Questions welcomed before booking

Price is per vehicle, not per person

Overview This 13-day expedition is our flagship South Island camping journey, travelling from Picton to Arrowtown through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular and remote backcountry. It brings together classic 4WD touring, remote mountain landscapes, river valleys, high country stations, gold mining history and true wilderness travel into one unforgettable overland adventure. From Marlborough’s remote valleys to the high country of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Basin, Central Otago and beyond, this trip is designed for those who want to experience the scale, variety and character of the South Island properly. It is a long-distance journey through some of the very best overland terrain in New Zealand. Why this trip stands out This trip stands out because it is a genuine full-length South Island overland expedition, linking together a remarkable range of remote routes, landscapes and backcountry experiences over 13 days. It combines wild camping, small convoy travel, classic 4WD tracks, historic routes and constantly changing scenery in a way that very few trips can. With a small group, a flexible expedition format and a route that covers a huge variety of terrain, it offers a proper wilderness journey rather than just a series of day trips. For those wanting the full camping-based New Zealand overland experience, this is the trip. Trip highlights • Picton to Arrowtown over 13 unforgettable days • Small convoy expedition with a relaxed, capable and like-minded group • Remote South Island mountain country, river valleys and open high country • Wairau Valley • Molesworth Station • Hanmer Springs • Lake Coleridge • Hopkins Valley • Macaulay Valley • Oteake Conservation Area • Nevis Valley • Macetown • Wild camping in remote and memorable backcountry locations • Gold mining history, farming heritage and classic South Island overland travel Day by day Day 1 – Picton to Mill Flat. Meet in Picton around midday for introductions and a safety briefing, then down the coast past old whaling stations to camp at Mill Flat. A short first day with a BBQ and campfire. Day 2 – The Leatham. Through the Wairau and into the Leatham Valley: the Branches track, Boulder Forks Hut and camp at Bottom Gordons Hut, with a swimming hole close by. Day 3 – Into the Molesworth. Up the Awatere Valley and, on a clear day, Mt Altimarloch (1,680 m). Camp at Molesworth Cobb Cottage. Day 4 – Rainbow Road and the Edwards. Through the Molesworth towards Hanmer, up the Rainbow Road to Lake Tennyson, a soak in the natural hot pools and a plateau camp in the Edwards Valley. Day 5 – Harper and Avoca. Through Hanmer towards Sheffield, over Porters Pass and up the Harper and Avoca Valleys. Camp at Bassins Hut. Day 6 – Lake Tekapo and the Macaulay. Up Lilybank Road to the Macaulay River crossing and Macaulay Hut, or a remote lakeside camp near Tekapo if the river is up. Day 7 – Lake Pukaki and the Hopkins. Views of Aoraki / Mt Cook, then up the Hopkins Valley to camp near the huts and the Monument Hut swimming hole. Day 8 – Into the goldfields. Over the Omarama Saddle and down the Manuherikia to Homestead Campsite, below the Hawkdun Range. Day 9 – Oteake Conservation Area. Gold-rush tracks, Mt Buster diggings and Naseby, ending at the historic Vulcan Hotel. Day 10 – The Old Man Range. The Obelisk, Hyde Rock and Potters Hut, then a remote camp by a stream with old mining relics. Day 11 – The Nevis to Mavora Lakes. Down the Nevis Valley with a riverside lunch, out at Garston and on to camp at the Mavora Lakes or Boundary Hut. Day 12 – Macetown. Via Queenstown to Arrowtown, then up the river with its many crossings for the final night's camp at Macetown. Day 13 – Finish. Drive out of Macetown and finish in Arrowtown late morning. Weather, river levels and time can change the plan, and we always have a back-up. Accommodation This is a fully camping-based expedition, with nights spent in remote wilderness locations throughout the journey. Camping is a central part of what makes this trip special and allows us to stay close to the country we are exploring. Because this is a genuine backcountry expedition, flexibility is important. Weather, track conditions and access can sometimes require a change of plan, so alternative overnight options are always kept in reserve. We also stop regularly in towns for fuel, supplies and showers, with plenty of opportunities along the way to freshen up in lakes and rivers. Vehicle requirements Participants join in their own suitable 4WD vehicle. Your vehicle should be well-maintained and properly equipped for remote gravel roads, river crossings and backcountry tracks. A preparation guide and kit list will be provided before departure. For more information on vehicle suitability, trip preparation and what to bring, please see our FAQs page. What’s included Guided expedition leadership, route planning, pre-trip information, support throughout the journey, DOC access fees and private land access fees. What’s not included Travel to the trip start point and from the finish point, fuel, food and drinks, camping equipment unless stated, personal travel insurance, and any vehicle-related costs including recovery, repairs or damage. Please see our FAQs page for more information on bookings, payments and trip logistics. Your guide Every trip is led by Rich. He plans the routes, runs the convoy and looks after the group, all under our Department of Conservation guiding concession. Our job is to make sure you get the most out of the country and your vehicle, safely, whatever your experience. What past guests say “Every trip begins with a couple of relatively easy trails and the challenges increase slowly, so by the end of the week even a beginner can handle the more challenging tracks. None are dangerous but all are spectacular and every one is different. I’m about to head off on my 4th trip with Richard to get my annual dose of adventure!” – Martin B, three trips with us since Jan 2025 and about to start his 4th “We had an amazing trip!! We both loved every moment of it.” – Dave B, NZ Wilderness Overlander, Jan 2025 “Highly recommended, great guide, amazing part of the country and awesome company.” – Colin T, South Wilderness Camping Trip, Jan 2025 Cost The cost of the NZ Wilderness Expedition – 13 Day Camping is $5,000 per vehicle. Please note that this trip is limited to 6 vehicles. Ready to join the adventure? Choose your departure date above to book your place, or get in touch if you would like help deciding whether this is the right trip for you. If you are looking for a true South Island overland journey through some of the best remote country in New Zealand, this is the trip.

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