7-Day Te Araroa Trail Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Te Araroa Trail tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaTe Araroa Trail travel expert at TourRadar
- Day 1
Queenstown Arrival & Setup
Arrive in Queenstown and get your rental gear from Small Planet in the town center. They have better-maintained equipment than what you'll find on the mountains. Most shops close by 6 PM, so plan accordingly. Spend your evening having dinner in town, with an optional stop at Atlas Beer Café to meet fellow travelers. Book your gear ahead of time if you're visiting during peak season (July-August) to ensure you get your size.
- Days 2-3
Cardrona & The Remarkables
Start early at Cardrona Alpine Resort, about 60 minutes from Queenstown. Leave by 7:30 AM to avoid traffic on Crown Range Road. Cardrona is perfect for beginners and intermediates. Check out Captain's Basin for wide runs that will boost your confidence. The next day, visit The Remarkables (45 minutes away). The Curvey Basin chair offers great morning sun and well-groomed runs. Pack your own food since mountain cafes charge high prices, often $15+ for a basic lunch.
- Day 4
Adventure Day in Queenstown
Give your legs a break and explore Queenstown. Take the Skyline Gondola for amazing views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Go early to avoid the crowds. Looking for thrills? Try the Nevis Bungy ($280) or book a tandem paragliding flight from Bob's Peak ($220) to see the ski fields from above.
- Day 5
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is just 25 minutes from town and ideal for intermediate skiers. If there's fresh powder, head to the Back Bowls first before they get busy. You can ski at night on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9 PM. Bring extra layers as it can get very cold, below -10°C. Local tip: Check out the M1 run in the afternoon when other slopes turn icy.
- Day 6
Final Mountain Day or Explore
Choose between one last ski day or exploring Queenstown. The Tiki Trail takes 2-3 hours round trip and offers great views without paying for the gondola. Want a great burger? Use the Fergburger app to avoid the long lines. For dinner, try Stratosfare Restaurant on Bob's Peak. Book for 7:30 PM to catch the sunset over the Southern Alps.
- Day 7
Departure
As one traveler said: "The morning sun hitting the Remarkables from town is incredible - grab a coffee at Vudu Café on Beach Street and soak in that final mountain view." Leave extra time to return rental gear and book an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic.
4 Days in New Zealand, incl. Queenstown and Wanaka
The festivities unfold over four days with two full days at Rhythm & Alps. Your adventure starts in Queenstown, peaks with New Year's Eve celebrations, and wraps up with optional bungy jumping.
- Day 1
Queenstown
Start your adventure in Queenstown the adventure capital of New Zealand. The city offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Remember to pack layers since December temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F) in the evening despite it being summer. Explore the local restaurants around The Mall area which gets quite busy during holiday season. If jet lag hits you can grab an early morning coffee at Vudu Cafe on Beach Street from 7AM.
- Day 2
Queenstown to Wanaka
Make your way to Wanaka on the scenic Crown Range Road which takes about an hour. This route is New Zealand's highest main road with spectacular photo opportunities. Consider taking motion sickness tablets if you need them as the road has many switchbacks. Once in Wanaka stop for lunch at Big Fig or Fedeli before heading to the Cardrona Valley for the festival. The festival grounds are a 40-minute drive from central Wanaka. Pack a warm jacket and rain boots since the valley can get cool and muddy even in summer.
- Day 3
New Year's Eve at Rhythm & Alps
The festival takes center stage today in Cardrona Valley. You'll be celebrating in a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountains. The altitude is 500m so stay hydrated as the summer sun can be deceiving. Make sure your phone is charged to capture the midnight fireworks. Book your shuttle back to the camping area early since they get full quickly after midnight.
- Day 4
Return to Queenstown
Take the Kawarau Gorge route back to Queenstown which is less winding than Crown Range. Take a break at Kawarau Bridge the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping. If you're feeling adventurous try the 43m jump for around $140. You'll reach Queenstown by early afternoon with enough time to enjoy a famous Fergburger. Download their app to order and skip the long lines.
Te Araroa Trail 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
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New Zealand South IslandNew Zealand North IslandMilford SoundWellingtonNew Zealand Northland