About Us
Since 1982, Southern Wilderness has evolved to become the ‘Gourmet Guided Walks Specialists’. ‘Safety, Quality, Professionalism and Fun’ are the key words for Southern Wilderness’ core values. We understand that small personal groups are the key to lasting memories. That’s why, on a multi-day walk with Southern Wilderness, there is a ratio of one guide to four guests, with a maximum group size of eight. The guides are all passionate, friendly people, with a wealth of knowledge and life experience. They each know what it takes to orchestrate a truly unique journey, whether its on the well-established Heaphy Track or a custom alpine adventure.
Southern Wilderness is committed to being a world class guiding company. What does this mean? Well, we want to be the best that we possibly can be. We want to be positively involved in the lives of all we interact with and we won’t waste time with mediocrity. We continually ask ourselves the question: are we involved? Are we having a positive impact within the community, on our environment, on each other’s lives, and on our guests’ experience? Is this a company we would happily open up for the world to see our actions? The only acceptable answer is yes.
We believe in being gentle on the environment we play in; reducing, reusing and recycling wherever possible, so that we positively influence others around us. In addition, we are proud supporters of conservation projects in the National Parks that we operate in. Click here for more information…
Our team is made up of passionate people, who love the outdoors and, more importantly, love to share the outdoors with our guests.
So why not come and try hiking the gourmet way? Let Southern Wilderness look after you on a journey through New Zealand’s finest National Parks.
THE ‘GOURMET’ OF WHAT WE DO…
As the ‘Gourmet Guided Walks Specialists’, the ‘Gourmet’ of Southern Wilderness applies not only to the food that we prepare, but to the whole trip experience. We are proud of our menu, and offer an option to combine our fine food (locally sourced where possible) with equally fine local wine. Upgrade options are available for each of our trips.
Our most popular hike, The Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park, is classified as a Department of Conservation’s ‘Great Walk’ and is one of the most diverse trails in New Zealand. Our guides are filled with stories, anecdotes and fun facts that help bring the trail to life.
The Nelson Lakes National Park is a virtually untouched wonderland; towering mountains and vast valleys provide an amazing backdrop for unique adventures. Considered to be one of New Zealand’s hidden gems, why not contact us today to find out about our day walk packages and 3-day Mt Angelus Alpine Experience?
If you want something challenging, then the Travers Sabine Circuit in Nelson Lakes National Park, or the Wangapeka Backcountry Adventure in Kahurangi could be for you – 5 days of back country hiking through beech forest and spectacular river valleys. We hike up and over mountain passes and see some of the most stunning remote landscapes that the top of the South Island have to offer . If you have a good level of fitness and have experienced multiday walks before, then these are the trips for you!
We offer a range of other trip options, including Pack-Free journeys, and we will also customise adventures to suit your needs. Click on the Guided Walks tab at the top of the page to find out more.
Southern Wilderness look forward to helping you organise your outdoor Gourmet Experience soon!