Next departure: 8–19 March 2027 (12 days, 11 nights) – fully booked

12 days · 11 nights in town accommodation · approx. 2,300 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. You book your own accommodation in each overnight town to suit your budget. 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.

12 days exploring the very best of the South Island’s remote backcountry, classic 4WD routes, mountain passes, river valleys and unforgettable scenery, with the comfort of returning to accommodation each night. 12-day guided expedition

Maximum 6 vehicles

Questions welcomed before booking

Price is per vehicle, not per person

New to the calendar for those who want the full adventure without camping Overview This 12-day expedition is a new addition to our calendar, created for those who want to experience an unforgettable South Island overland journey without needing to camp. It follows some of the best remote 4WD routes in New Zealand, combining spectacular scenery, classic backcountry tracks, high country stations, gold mining history and memorable overnight stops along the way. Designed for travellers who want all the highlights of a major South Island expedition with more comfort at the end of each day, this trip offers the perfect balance of adventure and flexibility. You still get the scale, variety and sense of journey that make these trips so special, but with the option of a hot shower, a comfortable bed and a restaurant meal each night. Why this trip stands out This trip stands out because it is a true South Island overland adventure designed specifically for people who do not want to camp. It gives you access to the same remote mountain country, river valleys, historic routes and classic 4WD terrain that make our camping expeditions so rewarding, but in a more comfortable format. As a new trip on the calendar, it has been created to offer a longer comfort-based option for those who want a full expedition experience without the camping element. With a small group, a relaxed expedition style and carefully planned overnight stops, it is an ideal way to experience the South Island’s backcountry in comfort. Trip highlights • 12 unforgettable days exploring the South Island’s remote backcountry • Small convoy expedition • A new trip on the calendar for travellers who do not want to camp • Classic 4WD routes, mountain passes and river valleys • High country scenery and historic backcountry trails • Gold mining history and remote South Island landscapes • Comfortable overnight stops each evening • The perfect balance of adventure by day and comfort at night Day by day Day 1 – Picton to Blenheim. Meet in Picton late morning, then along the north bank of the Wairau to climb Mt Patriarch, with an optional swim at Mill Flat. Night in Blenheim/Renwick. Day 2 – The Leatham Valley. Along the south bank of the Wairau into the Leatham Valley, with the Branches track, Boulder Forks and Bottom Gordons huts and a great swimming hole. Night in Blenheim/Renwick. Day 3 – The Molesworth. Into the Awatere Valley and up Mt Altimarloch, then through the Molesworth past Cob Cottage and Acheron and down Jollies Pass. Night in Hanmer Springs. Day 4 – Lake Tennyson and the Edwards Valley. Over Jacks Pass and up the Rainbow Road to Lake Tennyson, then the natural hot pools in the Edwards Valley. Night in Hanmer Springs. Day 5 – The Harper and Avoca. Regroup at Sheffield, then via Lake Lyndon up the Harper and Avoca Valleys to Bassins Hut and the Pinnacles. Night in Methven. Day 6 – Lake Tekapo and the Macaulay. Up Lilybank Road to the Macaulay River crossing and Macaulay Hut, river permitting. Night in Tekapo. Day 7 – The Hopkins. Past Lake Pukaki to Lake Ohau and up the Hopkins Valley for lunch at Monument Hut. Night in Omarama. Day 8 – Into the goldfields. Over the Omarama Saddle and down the West Branch of the Manuherikia to the Vulcan Hotel and Blue Lake at St Bathans. Night in Ranfurly. Day 9 – Oteake Conservation Area. Ida Valley Railway Hut, Tailings Hut, the Mt Buster diggings and Naseby. Night in Omakau/Ophir. Day 10 – The Old Man Range. Up to the Obelisk, Hyde Rock and the Waikaia Bush Road, then across to the Old Woman Range. Night in Cromwell/Bannockburn. Day 11 – The Nevis Valley. Over Duffers Saddle and down the Nevis, with lunch by the river, out at Garston. Night in Arrowtown. Day 12 – Macetown and finish. Up to Macetown and the stamper battery, finishing early afternoon. Weather, river levels and time can change the route, but the overnight towns stay the same, so you can book your accommodation with confidence. Accommodation This trip is designed for those who want to enjoy the full overland experience during the day while returning to accommodation each evening. Rather than camping in the wilderness, we spend our days exploring remote country before finishing in towns or settlements where you can enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed and the option of a meal out. This format makes the trip especially appealing to those who want all the highlights of a major South Island expedition but prefer not to camp. Accommodation options can vary in style and budget, giving you flexibility to choose what suits you best. Vehicle requirements Participants join in their own suitable 4WD vehicle. Your vehicle should be well-maintained and properly equipped for gravel roads, backcountry tracks, river crossings and changing mountain conditions. 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 and support throughout the journey. What’s not included Travel to and from the trip start and finish points, accommodation, fuel, food and drinks, 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 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 rewarding South Island overland journey with remote wilderness by day and comfort each night, this is the trip.