I’m so excited for my 2026 Dolomites group hiking holiday, but I’ve had a lot of requests for a similar trip held in Aotearoa. I get it, travelling anywhere at the moment is super expensive! So I’m organising a group tramping trip in New Zealand next year too. I hope you can join 🙂
I’m Southland born and bred, so there’s nowhere else I’d organise a tramping trip than Fiordland! This trip will be more than just a group tramp – I’m hiring a guide so we can focus on gaining new skills, building confidence and creating relationships with like-minded people. It’ll be a fantastic time (sandflies aside) and I can’t wait to share some of my amazing backyard (all of the photos included in this blog post are where I plan on taking you!).
WHERE?
Based out of Borland Lodge on the edge of Fiordland National Park, with an overnight hut stay.
Borland Lodge is 1.5-2 hours from Invercargill airport, or 1 hour from Te Anau. You will need to organise your own transport to / from Borland Lodge – you can drive yourself and / or we may organise carpooling depending on the participants’ preferences.
WHEN?
Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th April 2026 (first week of school holidays)
WHAT?
I’m hoping to tailor this experience towards the group’s needs. But a potential itinerary might be:
Day 1: arrive at Borland Lodge and get settled. River crossing course next to the lodge in the afternoon. Evening meal and getting to know everyone. Potential for evening education session depending on people’s preferences (e.g. nutrition and tramping, gear hacks, etc). Sleep at Borland Lodge.
Day 2: navigation training with compass and topomaps. Day hike to see beautiful tarns and gain some elevation, with the chance to practice new navigation skills. Sleep at Borland Lodge.
Day 3: off track overnight tramp to a nearby hut, opportunity to tent if desired. Sleep at the hut.
Day 4: walk back out from the hut along the track and final farewells after lunch.
WHO?
Spots are limited to 10 people aged over 18, plus myself, a helper friend and a guide.
This trip would suit people with a beginner-medium experience level for tramping, who want to build on their skills in beautiful Fiordland with a great group of people! If you’re more experienced then I’d still love to have you along – you might not gain as much new learning, but it will still be a fun trip.
HOW MUCH?
Included in the trip:
- 3x nights accomodation (shared bunk rooms)
- All meals (starting dinner first day – lunch last day)
- Certified guide with DOC concession for area
- Chocolate
- River crossing course
- Navigation training
- Great vibes
- Transport for course activities
A full packing list will be included in the booking information, but you’ll need to bring:
- Your own gear for an overnight tramp (e.g. pack, sleeping bag, cooker, clothes, tent if you want to use one, etc). If you don’t have your own gear, contact me as there is potential to borrow or rent gear as needed.
- Your preferred snacks
- Duvet and top sheet for Borland Lodge (unless you’re happy using your sleeping bag for these two nights)
- Any card/board games you like to play
- Willingness to learn and meet new people
$999 per person, $400 deposit required when booking to secure your spot, and final payment required by 31 March 2026.
Terms and Conditions
It is important that you fully read the terms and conditions below which include the cancellation policy, privacy policy and acknowledgement of risk. By booking a spot on this trip, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions. Please click the below link to read.
How do I book?
I anticipate that this trip will sell out quickly based on the interest I’m already getting for such a small group size. To go on the waitlist, please email me at hi.aliceadventuring@gmail.com. If the trip still has empty spots, you will be emailed an intake questionnaire and deposit details to secure your place. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
