New Zealand South Island Trail Running
Nov 13 to Nov 20, 2022
Explore some of New Zealand’s best trail runs in this 8 day guided tour. Explore the Queen Charlotte Track, see views of towering mountain ranges in Kahurangi National park and marvel at the stunning bays along the Abel Tasman Walkway. The trip is led by a running guide who has first-hand knowledge of all the trails and over 25 years experience in trail running
Trip highlights
Warm up on the beautiful Queen Charlotte track with a 26km run from Ship Cove.
Discover the remote Nydia Bay trail with two beautiful passes and hidden inlets.
Two days running in the Nelson Lakes National Park on lakeside tracks, through native bush and along open ridges.
Experience the rarely run traverse from Flora Saddle to Golden bay in Kahurangi National Park.
Enjoy the finale run through the beautiful Abel Tasman walkway from Awaroa to Marahau with its beaches and golden sands.
Seasoned kiwi trail runner Mal Law will guide and inspire you through some of the best tracks in New Zealand.
Itinerary
Day 1 Picton - Meet and greet
Today is the meet and greet so get yourself to Picton and chill out as you get to know your fellow runners. We will get together at 7.00pm at the motel for our briefing followed by a meal together at a nearby restaurant. If you are travelling from Wellington ferry tickets to Picton can be purchased at www.interislander.co.nz.
Meals: D
Day 2 Picton - Queen Charlotte Track - Picton
Today the rubber hits the trail and what better way to start than the beautiful northern end of the Queen Charlotte Track. To get there we take a scenic water taxi ride down the Sound to historic Ship Cove. From there we run approx 26kms through lush coastal forest, skirting the bays and enjoying great views. Our ascent during the run is around 600m, with mostly gentle gradients. From Camp Bay we rejoin our water taxi and return to Picton and our accommodation for the next night. Running distance: up to 26km
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3 Picton - Nydia Bay - St Arnaud
We kick off with a short but twisty drive to the start of our Nydia Bay run. This beautiful 24km long trail is pretty much single track all the way with a couple of decent 300m+ climbs that are rewarded with some awesome downhill running. More beautiful and varied native bush and glittering bays keep the spirits high. After reaching Tennyson Inlet we drive inland to St Arnaud on the edge of the awe-inspiring Nelson Lakes National Park and make ourselves comfortable for a 3-night stay. Running distance: up to 24km
Meals: B,L
Day 4-5 Nelson Lakes National Park
The Nelson Lakes National Park is one of our very favourite places on the planet to go running. The alpine setting is stunning, the trails are world-class and the views are to die for. But best of all it’s pretty much all accessible from the back door of our comfortable accommodation! The itinerary for these two days will be a moving feast depending on the weather and how energetic everybody is feeling. We’ll most likely be able to offer a couple of options each day to keep everybody happy. But whatever happens you can be assured of superb trail running along undulating native beech forest, up and down some meaty climbs, along incredible open ridge tops and around high alpine tarns. Heaven on earth! Running distance: mix of trails to choose from depending on desired run
Meals: B,L
Day 6 Nelson Lakes - Kahurangi National Park - Takaka
We’ll make an early start for our drive to the unique environs of the Kahurangi National Park. Parking at Flora Saddle (1,000m altitude) the sweep of the Tasman Bay provides a great backdrop for the start of the 25 km run that first heads down a gorgeous river valley before climbing to open tussock. Progressing on to the Tablelands the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and the views keep opening up as we traverse this wonderful limestone landscape and sidle around the incomparable ice-sculpted Lake Peel. A final short climb leads to a breathtaking 500m descent through native forest to finish at the Cobb Reservoir. But the fun is not yet done as we still have the memorable drive down the Cobb Valley to take us to our accommodation in Takaka. Running distance: up to 25km
Meals: B,L
Day 7 Takaka - Abel Tasman - Motueka
The finale of the trip is a run through the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park on the world-famous Coastal Track. Just a short drive will deliver us to Totaranui where we catch a water taxi just along the coast to Awaroa before embarking on 33 kms of single-track through some of the most heavenly coastal scenery you’ll ever wish to see. For anyone looking for a shorter day there are options to start further along the trail by taking the water taxi further down the coast. The small settlement of Marahau marks the end of the day and our tour runs. We then make the short journey back to Motueka for a celebratory meal. Running distance: up to 33km
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8 End of trip
All good things come to an end and after breakfast we head off back to Christchurch dropping tired but happy trail runners en route at Nelson, Blenheim or Picton to meet flights and ferries. Those seeking a ride to Christchurch can accompany our driver guide all the way to the Garden City.
Meals: B
Inclusions
What's included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
4 nights hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
3 nights alpine lodge accommodation on a twin share basis
Professional qualified driver/guide - Two running guides where numbers are applicable
Private vehicle transport
Water taxi transfer to Ship Cove on Day 2
Water taxi transfer to Awaroa on Day 7
Informal workshops and discussion groups
Option to be driven from and back to Christchurch pre and post tour
Airport transfer to Nelson at the end of trip
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)
What's not included
International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers - other than return to Nelson Airport
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Any additional water taxi transfers as decided by runners
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping, specialist running snacks such as gels etc.)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
Tips
Accommodation
St Arnaud Alpine Lodge and comfortable motels
Price
From $3270 NZD (New Zealand Dollars) per person
Questions? Contact Us