Tuesday 1st December 2026

Arrive into Nelson, New Zealand.

Make your way to Nelson and check in — this sunny city at the top of New Zealand’s South Island is the perfect place to start.

Most women arrive through the afternoon and early evening. Once you’re settled, we gather for a hike briefing and welcome drinks — your first chance to meet the group in person and put faces to names you may already know.

Tonight we sit down together for our welcome dinner. Eight days starts here.

Accommodation: Hotel: Twin share

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Wednesday 2nd December 2026

Marlborough – Pelorus River Track

After breakfast we meet our guide and head into Marlborough for our first full day on the trail.

Today we hike a section of Te Araroa – New Zealand’s own through-trail — along the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River Track. The track follows the river through lush native bush to Emerald Pool, an irresistible spot for an optional swim and a rest. Beyond the pool the trail climbs a ridge and the views open up. This is an out-and-back hike, so we decide on the day how far we go and there’s always more trail if we want. We can decide on the day.

If time allows on the way back, a stop in the coastal town of Havelock, fresh mussels, good coffee – the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer.

Accommodation: Private Lodge – Twin Share, Nelson

Meals: Breakfast |  Lunch | Dinner

Hiking Time: TBC. We are out all day.

Thursday 3rd December 2026

Nelson Lakes National Park

A short drive brings us to Nelson Lakes National Park for a full day in the hills.

Open ridgelines, ancient beech forest, and sweeping views over Lake Rotoiti. Depending on weather and conditions on the day, we’ll choose the best trail for the group, from the Mt Robert Circuit, or the St Arnaud Range Track, or Whisky Falls. All are around five hours return. All views are worth it.

Lunch on the trail, then back down through the forest and the drive home to Nelson.

Accommodation: Private  Lodge Twin Share, Nelson

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Hiking Time:  approx 5 hours. Note we are out all day.

Friday 4th December 2026

Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and Cable Bay

This morning we visit the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, New Zealand’s largest fenced mainland predator-free sanctuary, just outside Nelson.

This is old-growth native forest at its finest. Most of New Zealand’s mainland lost its birdsong a long time ago. Here it hasn’t. The canopy is alive with species that have been quietly thriving behind the fence, and the forest itself – diverse, beautifully preserved, and rich with history as Nelson’s original water supply reserve, It is worth every quiet minute you spend in it.

After the sanctuary we head to Cable Bay for an afternoon coastal hike. Clifftop trail, sea views, and a very different landscape to this morning.

Two landscapes, one great day.

Accommodation: Private Lodge, Nelson, Twin share.

Saturday 5th December 2026

Abel Tasman National Park

This morning we farewell Nelson and head for the coast.

From Marahau we gear up and paddle double sea kayaks across the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park, making our way to beautiful Observation Beach.

Our private kayak tour includes a qualified instructor and all safety equipment,  twin kayaks, so you’ll share the paddling with a fellow adventurer. Weather permitting, this is one of those times on the water you’ll talk about long after you’re home.

We regroup for lunch before continuing on foot through coastal forest to meet the water taxi.

Then the water taxi takes us in, past golden beaches, rocky headlands, and inlets most people will never reach,  to our private lodge for the next two nights. Accessible only by foot or boat, this is as remote as comfortable gets.

Accommodation: Private lodge, Abel Tasman National Park. Twin Share.

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Note if the weather is unsuitable for kayaking, we hike this section instead.

Sunday 6th December 2026

Abel Tasman National Park 

Today is yours.

For those who want more trail, we head into the quieter northern reaches of Abel Tasman, secluded beaches, lush coastal forest, and fewer footprints than anywhere else in the park. Water taxis run both directions so we can go as far as we like.

For those who want to simply be here, the lodge offers everything you need from a peaceful stretch of beach, birdlife, a good book, and an unhurried day.

Tonight we regroup for dinner,  relaxed, informal, and the perfect way to spend an evening this deep in the park.

Accommodation: Private Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park- Twin share

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Monday 7th December 2026

Abel Tasman Coast Track & return to Nelson

This morning we lace up for the last time and hike south along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, golden beaches, swing bridges, and lush coastal bush all the way to Bark Bay.

From Bark Bay we board the water taxi back to Marahau, soaking up the last views of the coast as we go. Then it’s a relaxed drive back to Nelson for our final night together.

Tonight we sit down for our finale dinner – sharing the stories, laughter, and joy of a group of women who went out and did something worth talking about.

Accommodation: Hotel, Nelson, Twin Share.

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch| Awards & Celebration Dinner

Tuesday 8th December 2026

Depart Nelson

After breakfast, it’s time to head home.

Make your way to Nelson Airport and onwards to home.

Carry with you the amazing adventure, friendships and memories.

Meals: Breakfast

This adventure provides you with lodge and hotel style accommodation in twin share rooms.

So at the end of a day’s hike you can have a hot shower and a comfy bed and relax so you are refreshed and ready to hike again the following day.

*Note picture is for illustrative purposes and may differ to the image shown

From your Welcome Dinner in Nelson to our final Awards Celebration Dinner, you will be impressed and more than adequately filled with the food.

On our hikes we provide meals designed to satisfy and nourish even the hungriest of hikers.

Includes – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners and all delicious snacks on the trail

Airport transfers are included if arriving around the same time as your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader.

All other transfers form part of your adventure and are included.

All vehicles we travel in are Commercially Approved vehicles that comply with all NZ Safety regulations.

From the moment you land in Nelson (or on the plane if you decide to travel together), until the time of your return, your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader is with you every step of the way.

Assisting your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader is One Professional Outdoor Guide with comprehensive knowledge of the local history, flora and fauna. Our guides have many years of experience in the region and in trekking.

Our guiding partners and our adventure are NZ Department of Conservation approved to operate in public conservation areas, having  passed environmental and safety standards set by DOC.

Our goal is to deliver you a world class adventure in the picturesque South Island of New Zealand.

Within a few weeks of your booking being confirmed, you will have access to your Gear and Packing list.

By sticking to the list, you will be well prepared for the NZ Top of the South Fitness Adventure.

If you are new to adventures and do not have the gear, we recommend you watch the Masterclasses on topics such as boots, backpacks and raincoats.

Additionally, make contact with us via the Facebook Group or by contacting the office.

Your membership gives you access to a discount with our Adventure Store partner based in Brisbane. This generous discount is available for use in store, online or over the phone – so can be accessed wherever you live.

Your C.R.E.W Leaders are carrying Emergency Communications Equipment and a group first aid kit.

The Top of the South Fitness Adventure 1st-8th December 2026 comes complete with its very own private Facebook Group.

This is designed specifically for maximum interaction and communication, to ensure you never miss a moment in the lead up.

Additionally there is an online C.R.E.W Member meeting, designed to bring the group together and check in on training updates.

Safety is our number one priority.

Your Women’s Fitness Adventures Host is fully trained in Remote Area First Aid and holds current CPR Qualifications

Our New Zealand Guide is fully qualified in Mountain Safety First Aid.

In addition, we carry a group first aid kit and emergency communications equipment.

We have partnered with local New Zealand Guides to ensure that your adventure has the right mix of local flavour. Our Professional guides knowledge of the area is second to none, with a comprehensive understanding of the local history, flora and fauna.

Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry.

Combined with our local professional guide is your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader who has extensive experience in trekking and hiking, knowledge of gear and equipment and a passion for women’s fitness and health.

From the moment you book on to the NZ Top of the South Fitness Adventure, you will begin to make new friends.

Once your payment is confirmed, there is a Closed Facebook Group Page that you have access to, whereby you can converse with your fellow hikers.

Our multi day hikes are transformational. Some kind of “magic” happens with the group.

The adventures are the opportunity to create priceless memories and forge lasting friendships in one of the most beautiful countries in the world – New Zealand

Here is what Janet had to say when asked what she liked best about Women’s Fitness Adventures

“The wonderful C.R.E.W members, so supportive, caring and interesting”

The days in New Zealand are outstanding with such a variety of landscapes on offer.

We have graded the adventure moderate – moderate plus due to:

• Consecutive days hiking with a minimum of 5-7 kg in your day pack
• Hiking trails that may have obstacles such as trees or rocks across the path & you need to scramble over.
• Variable weather conditions on our hiking days.
• Ascents and descents.

A MODERATE or above level of fitness is required.

What this means is:

• There are consecutive days hiking where we are out “all day”, so having a good level of endurance (the ability to be out hiking all day) is necessary
• The hiking consists of hills, and paths that are  uneven underfoot. You need good balance & stability.
• A good level of cardio fitness is required – so being able to recover your breath after hiking hills; hiking up hills/stairs without stopping.
• Strength in your legs is required so that you can handle the distance over time.
• You will need to keep an average pace of 4km/hour over each and every day for the duration of the hikes.

The NZ Top of the South Fitness Adventure is graded MODERATE and above.

One of the most common asked questions is “Will I be fit enough?”

As soon as you book into the NZ Top of the South Fitness Adventure you can get started with training.

Through booking into the adventure early and allowing time to train, those with a current introductory plus level of fitness will find this an achievable goal – provided you put in the training.

Here’s what you get:

• A THREE MONTH hike training plan relevant to your adventure.
• A structured ONLINE Adventure Meeting that covers fitness motivation, gear & equipment, logistics and more. AND introduces you to the rest of the group.
• Access to the closed NZ Top of the South Hiking Adventure Facebook Group – which provides your fitness accountability.

Your ONLINE training program has been developed by Women’s Fitness Adventures, based on years of experience and qualifications in both the fitness industry and hiking in the outdoors.

By following (that is “doing”) our training programs and actively moving “toward” your adventure you will become AdventureReady.

If you are unsure as to your current fitness level please use this handy resource: How to find your fitness level

It is important to come along with an open mind ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. It is very important you bring the right gear for the conditions.  New Zealand weather can be unpredictable, storms can arise very quickly and heavy rain can fall at any time of the year. A comprehensive gear list will be provided once we have secured your booking.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the adventure may vary from the itinerary. Please be aware of this and accept this as part of the adventure.

Your personal safety is our highest priority.

The itinerary is also subject to change with any change in community regulations as well as governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

The following items are INCLUDED as part of the adventure

• All transfers that form part of the daily activities whilst on the adventure, including the water taxis.
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners and all delicious snacks on the trail including our Welcome Dinner and Traditional Celebration and Awards Dinner.
• Nightly accommodation – twin share in hotel/private lodge accommodation
• Your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader
• Qualified New Zealand Hiking Guide
• All necessary permits and Licenses
• Public Liability insurance
• Comprehensive First Aid Kit and emergency communications equipment.
• Hike Training Plan

The following items are NOT included as part of the adventure:

• Airfares
• Transfers other than specified
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcohol
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Meals and food not specified on the itinerary
• Entrance fees unless specified
• Items of a personal nature that you may wish to purchase
• Travel Insurance

NZ Top of the South Fitness Adventure1st-8th December 2026

A Quick Guide to Our Booking Terms and Conditions

We’re thrilled you’re considering joining us for the NZ Top of the South Fitness Adventure! Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect when you book:

1. Payments: Start your adventure with us by securing your spot with a 35% non-refundable payment. We’ll provide the specific payment deadlines below for your convenience. Prices below are the MEMBER pricing tables. Refer to the PDF at the end of this section for non member booking terms and conditions.

   Payment Due Date	Amount
   On Booking (35% non-refundable payment)	$2414 (35% non-refundable payment)
   August 15th 2026	$3450
   October 1st 2026	$1035

2. Cancellation Policy: Life happens, and we understand. If you need to cancel, just let us know in writing. Below you’ll find important dates and the associated cancellation fees.

   Notification Received by Women’s Fitness Adventures	Cancellation Charge
   Before August 15th 2026	Total loss of initial payment
   Between August 15th & October 1st 2026	85% of full adventure cost
   Between & Including October 1st 2026 & Departure Date	100% of full adventure cost
   After Scheduled Adventure	100% of full adventure cost

3. Travel Insurance: To ensure everyone has peace of mind, travel insurance is required shortly after your booking—within five days. Your policy should cover everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations.

4. Itinerary Changes: Adventures are full of surprises! Sometimes, external factors may necessitate itinerary changes. While we can’t offer refunds for these changes, we strive to ensure every adventure is as amazing as planned.

Once you make your first payment, we’ll send you a document with all the details of these terms. Please read it carefully, sign via JotForm, and return it to us to confirm your spot.

For all the details and to read our full terms, please read the PDF for this adventure.

We can’t wait to have you on this adventure!

Our fabulous adventures allow you to create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. At Women’s Fitness Adventures we are also committed to sustainable adventures so that the places and spaces we go will also last well beyond our lifetime and the many generations to follow. Sustainability starts when you join our community and never ends.

We are committed to the principles of minimal impact, leave no trace, tread lightly and give back to the local community. Here’s how we do that for all of our adventures (short and long)

Consumables

• We encourage “no plastics” so bringing refillable water bottles, reusable cups and cutlery where applicable and using lunchboxes where plastic can be minimised
• It’s a leave no trace principle, so all food scraps, toilet waste and rubbish items are carried out. (See our Masterclass on Toileting for the Trail)
• We are committed to reducing paper waste inside our organisation and have implemented a paperless booking system.

Transport

• We encourage the use of public transport or carpooling to minimise the use of motor vehicles.
• When flying, we encourage you to offset your emissions by purchasing carbon offsets.

Minimal impact

• We have a “tread lightly” policy where we stay on known tracks and paths, minimising our impact to bush, plants and wildlife.
• Before we embark on an adventure or trail, we brief you on the flora, fauna and any other considerations that form the uniqueness of the environment so that you understand and appreciate the minimal impact approach.

Accommodation & Adventure Partners

• Where possible we partner with fellow Eco Certified businesses who follow the same eco philosophies
• Our destinations are all pre-arranged and when we camp we do so in designated campsites.
• Our adventures have all the applicable National Park permits and licenses to operate.
• Our “give back” policy also applies to the locations we stay – choosing local operators, businesses and townships where funds spent go directly to small business owners – doing our part to create sustainable communities.