
challenging
10 days
You should be in good cardiovascular shape with experience in multi-day activity; a baseline of regular hiking or cycling is recommended.
Ten days of concentrated South Island adrenaline: skydive over Lake Wakatipu, niche heli-MTB descents, Grade 5 rafting and sea kayaking in Milford Sound. This guided loop stitches iconic adventure with remote trails and expert logistics—ideal for fit travelers who want everything in one bold package.
You step off the van in Christchurch and the air tastes of ocean and distant mountains — cold, sharp and always in motion. Over ten days that same wind will push at your jacket and at your choices: to jump from a plane over Lake Wakatipu, to threadedly drop off the Kawarau Bridge, to let a heli place you on a ridge where the singletrack falls away under your tires. This is not a list of isolated thrills, it’s a stitched route across the South Island where rivers dare you downstream and glaciers keep their slow counsel.

Long days of rafting, biking, and climbing demand steady hydration and early nights—carry a 2–3L hydration pack and plan for active recovery.
Bring sturdy, quick-drying trail shoes with good grip for wet rocks and river crossings; neoprene booties are useful for Milford paddling days.
Temperatures swing rapidly in the mountains—pack a waterproof breathable shell plus a warm midlayer and gloves for alpine and heli drop zones.
Many activities (skydiving, Grade 5 rafting, bungy) have strict health and age rules—obey equipment checks and don’t skip briefings.
The South Island’s corridors were traditional Maori travel routes and later became routes for shepherds and gold prospectors; many trails follow those older tracks.
Much of this tour passes through protected land (Fiordland NP is UNESCO). Stick to marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife and use biodegradable products to reduce impact.
Protects against alpine sleet and spray during kayaking and high-country days.
Provides grip on wet rocks, riverbanks and technical hiking sections.
Keeps you hydrated during long bike descents, hikes and rafting transfers.
Necessary for heli-MTB and cross-country days—some providers will provide helmets but bring your own for best fit.