You will be collected from a central Queenstown location first thing this morning to start your Best of the Southern Alps Challenge. The first day of this trip will be a highlight for many as we hike in the extraordinary sub-alpine environment of Ben Lomond (1748m). From here there are awe-inspiring panoramas of Lake Wakatipu, the distant Remarkable and Richardson Ranges. We descend until we reach the Skyline Gondola, which provides a quick ride down into Queenstown. Following our walk we head over the Crown Range from Queenstown to Wanaka and our overnight accommodation. Hiking 14km, 1000m ascent (5-6 hours). Optional Ben Lomond Summit Climb 3km, additional 380m ascent

Meals:  L,D

This morning there is time to explore Wanaka's lakeside township, or perhaps a short walk before we depart. We will head over the Lindis Pass with a lunch stop along the way. This afternoon there will be an opportunity for a short walk in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, to assist in preparing us for the days ahead. It could be a Hooker Valley walk or visit to the Tasman Glacier View point, before a relaxed evening enjoying your surrounds. Tonight’s accommodation is within Aoraki/Mt Cook Village itself with outstanding views of the sun setting on the peaks.

Meals:  B,L,D

The entire day awaits to explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and immerse ourselves in the awe inspiring landscapes and mighty peaks that surround. Today we climb up to the Sealy Tarns gaining 450m in the first hour. From here there are awesome views around the neighbouring valleys, the Mt Cook Range and Mt Sefton. Then the path becomes less defined, a little rocky in places, and as it gets higher and starts to leave the alpine scrub and tussock, it enters boulder fields. The final ascent to the ridge line is up a steep-ish scree slope. At around 1600m, the view opens up to an amazing vista of Mt Sefton and the Mueller Glacier far below. Mueller Hut is then about a kilometre away, at an altitude just short of 1800m. The route to the hut is marked by poles, across boulder fields, and requires some rock-hopping, but later on crosses a couple of small basins before reaching the hut. The hut is located at a unique vantage point with 360-degree views of uninterrupted alpine beauty. It makes a wonderful location for lunch before returning the same way. A second night in the village provides another opportunity to view these peaks at sundown and the incredible starry night sky that follows.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning before departing Aoraki/Mount Cook, we'll choose from a number of short walks in the area dependent upon weather conditions and fitness levels from the previous day. Mt Sebastopol and the mountain tarns are a favourite. Nearby Red Tarns with stunning views directly onto Mt Sefton involves the treadmill of the staircase that climbs quickly to this stunning view point. From here we get views directly up the Hooker Valley and back down the Tasman Valley. We will then drive through to Tekapo, where we will enjoy lunch, before our walk begins through to Rex Simpson Hut. As day turns to night we savour the sun setting behind mountain silhouettes and a star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere and enjoy a hearty meal prepared by your guides. Up to 4-5 hours walking. Note: Please remember we will be staying in an alpine hut for the next few nights. You will not need to take all your luggage with you and we suggest packing a small overnight bag with clothing suitable for staying in an alpine environment. If necessary we can provide small overnight packs and walking poles. The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping 12 participants and 2 guides in total. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional long-drop loo with a view! The hut is fully equipped with pot belly stove, firewood, gas, and solar lighting. Sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses are at the hut; liners and pillow cases are provided each trip. It provides a comfortable and unique place to call home for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we head out from the hut and climb onto a broad easy spur which gradually gains height showcasing breathtaking views back down the lake and across to the Southern Alps with the prominent east faces of Mt Cook and Tasman. For the strong trekker, the summit of Beuzenberg Peak at 2070m is a just reward. We return back to the hut for another hearty meal and spectacular sunset should the weather play ball (up to 6-8 hours walking).

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we leave the stunning vistas of Rex Simpson Hut and make our way down through the rolling tussock landscapes, through to Mt Gerald Station. We drive along the lakeside through to Tekapo and then drive out towards the coast from Fairlie and through the Canterbury Plains through to Christchurch where you will be dropped off at a central city location. (up to 3-4 hours walking).

Meals:  B,L