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Fishing, Whale Watching, Bear Viewing, Kayaking & Multisport Tours

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Not satisfied with just witnessing the spectacular beauty of Alaska and want to experience it on an active outdoor adventure? The Alaska adventure vacations below take you beyond the ordinary, allowing you to feel the wind in your face, the crunch of ancient glacier ice underfoot, or the tug of a feisty salmon on your line.

Alaska outdoor adventure trips include activities you’d expect to find in the 49th state ( salmon and sport fishing , dog sledding , and kayaking ) and others you may not have even dreamed of, such as a guided trek across the surface of a glacier or a bird watching expedition in the Pribilof Islands . Many adventure tours in Alaska also include quiet time, too. Glacier and wildlife-viewing day cruises , a bus trip to the heart of Denali National Park’s 6-million-acre wilderness, scenic rail travel , and flightseeing over hundreds of miles of Alaska’s undeveloped wilderness will give you plenty of time to relax between outdoor adventures.

Alaska tours range from a couple of hours to 11 days and can be added to an existing itinerary or stand alone as an unforgettable way to experience the Last Frontier. Many adventure tours combine a rental car with rail or air legs and even transportation on Alaska’s state ferry system. We’ve combined popular destinations like Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula with less-visited spots like the largest national park in the country, Wrangell-St. Elias , and the historic gold-rush town of Nome.

These outdoor adventure trips are the perfect combination of stimulation and rejuvenation – read on to learn more and reserve your Alaska vacation !

Choose from 115 vacations in Alaska related to Outdoor Adventures

“Active Alaska” Rail Package

Duration: 8 days

Starting at: $2959 / pp

Experience Alaska’s must do outdoor activities: raft, hike, kayak, even take a zipline tour! You start your trip in Fairbanks and travel to Denali where you raft and hike. Then continue south to Seward via Anchorage for a... Browse itinerary

Matanuska Glacier Hiking Out of Anchorage

Length: 9 hours

Starting at: $299 / pp

Depart Anchorage by van for an Alaska glacier adventure beginning with a narrated 100-mile drive north through the scenic Matanuska Susitna Valley on your way to Matanuska Glacier. Photo stops will be made along the way to capture... Browse itinerary

Iditarod Starting Line Event

Length: 8-10 hours

Starting at: $199 / pp

On this day tour from Anchorage, experience the official start of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Every year hundreds of people line the streets of Willow Lake just north of Anchorage for the start of this iconic... Browse itinerary

Family Fun Vacation by Car

Duration: 9 days

Starting at: $2459 / pp

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

Canyon Run Whitewater River Rafting from Denali

Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $130 / pp

Hang on – there’s Denali National Park whitewater ahead at Canyon Run! Choose to paddle as a river rafting team or let your rafting guide do all the work on this exciting Class III-IV whitewater rafting day trip... Browse itinerary

Chinitna Bay Bear Viewing

Length: 6 hours

Starting at: $1127 / pp

Depart from Anchorage by wheeled plane for a 90-minute scenic flight southwest over Cook Inlet toward the Chigmit Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska and Aleutian Mountain Ranges and two active volcanoes – Mt. Redoubt and Mt.... Browse itinerary

Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Hike

Length: 5.5 hours

Starting at: $373-394 / pp

This Juneau day trip begins paddling across Mendenhall Lake in 8 or 12-person canoes.  Take in the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier ahead and the blue icebergs of all shapes and sizes.  Upon reaching the beach near the glacier’s edge,... Browse itinerary

Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour and Glacier Hike

Length: 3.25 hours

Starting at: $465 / pp

On this fun and low-stress Juneau day tour, find out why glacier hiking is the most enjoyable way to explore the scenic wonders of the glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield.  After a scenic 15-20 minute helicopter flight,... Browse itinerary

Bear Glacier Kayaking Tour (Half-Day)

Starting at: $343 / pp

On this Alaska kayaking tour from Seward, you begin your adventure with a 45-60-minute jet boat journey to Bear Glacier. Keep your eyes open along the way for wildlife! After arriving at the remote, low-footprint cache at the... Browse itinerary

Borealis Basecamp and Northern Lights Tour

Duration: 5 days

Starting at: $1459 / pp

Just outside of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp offers a new and unique way to see the Northern Lights. The fiberglass domes at Borealis Basecamp have clear, curved windows that stretch 16 feet across each dome roof, allowing you to... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Duration: 2 days

Starting at: $1159 / pp

Transfers to the lodge are from Seward via a cruise tour. The sailing route offers many of the same highlights as the popular Kenai Fjords National Park day cruises. Along the way, learn about the region's natural history... Browse itinerary

Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour

Length: 2 hours

Starting at: $89 / pp

This day tour from Talkeetna treats you to a scenic journey aboard a 15- to 52-passenger jetboat on the Susitna River. It will allow you to experience wildlife, folklore, and historical artifacts. Conditions permitting, enjoy the panoramic view... Browse itinerary

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Discover The REAL Alaska

Alaska’s most authentic adventure tours – since 1998 .   Award-winning , fully-guided , and all-inclusive small group adventures immersed well beyond the crowds .

There are 8 National Parks in Alaska which encompass over 54-million acres of federally protected land – an area larger than the state of Idaho. Bush flights, included with each & every trip, are required to access these remote destinations.

Be Challenged

Explore life.  Find adventure.   Experience REAL Alaska!   We have designed our menu of trips with options to suit most adventure travelers.  Our groups are capped at 8-guests, and the experience has been described as, “transformational!”

Our hand-selected team of expert Alaska guides (2 lead-guides accompany most trips), are experienced outdoor professionals.  Add 24-hour support from our front-office, and every expedition departs with unparalleled attention to risk management.

Choose Your Activity

Fully-guided & outfitted adventure tours through Alaska’s spectacular national parks, state parks, and wildlife refuges.

• Backpacking Trips
• Hiking Trips
• Kayaking Trips

Family Trips

Multisport trips.

• Rafting Trips

Explore Alaska's Parks

From Denali to Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and BEYOND!

• Denali National Park

• Lake Clark National Park

• Gates of the Arctic National Park

• Katmai National Park

• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

• Kobuk Valley National Park

• Aniakchak National Monument

• Northwest Arctic Parks

Expedition locations as spectacular and diverse as the Great Land itself!

Featured Alaska Adventures

All of our Alaska adventures have been specifically curated and hand crafted, but below is a sampling of some all-time favorites.  From 4-day basecamp hiking in adventures to 12-day backpacking expeditions, our shortlist of favorites is a great place to start exploring the REAL Alaska!

Backpacking Katmai – Katmai & Lake Clark National Parks

Twin Lakes Paddle – Lake Clark National Park

Backpacking Denali National Park – 7 Day

Turquoise to Twin Traverse – Lake Clark National Park

Turquoise Glacier High Route – Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark Unexplored – Lake Clark National Park

Turquoise Kayak and Hike – Lake Clark National Park

Basecamp Bears – Katmai National Park

Noatak River & Great Kobuk Sand Dunes Combination

We’ve got more remarkable adventure trips throughout Alaska. View all our trips.

How BIG and WILD is Alaska?

It’s really big and wild.

Get this — If you were cut Alaska in half, Texas would still be the third largest state. In fact, Alaska is much larger than California, Montana, and Texas combined!!! To say Alaska is BIG just doesn’t quite match the reality of truly experiencing it, and even when totally immersed deep within the backcountry, those attempting to grasp the incomprehensible scale of the place are often left utterly speechless.

It’s one of those places on our planet where the moments spent trying to find the right words to describe what’s being witnessed are often replaced with a simple, “WOW!”

Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, encompassing 586,000 acres of pristine Alaska wilderness, offers amazing hiking, and some of the wildest weather in Alaska, in one of the least visited and most remote units of the National Park System. A vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active “Ring of Fire,” Aniakchak is home to an impressive six-mile wide, 2,500 ft. deep caldera formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago.

Established in 1917 with the mission of conserving wildlife, Denali National Park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness, and is often referred to as the crown jewel of the National Park System. Flaunting complete unaltered ecosystems, countless rivers, glaciers, expanses of tundra, and the tallest peak in North America, Denali is not to be missed. Since it’s creation, Denali National Park has been the laboratory of a phenomenal group of scientists who have been able to study the magic of an intact subarctic ecosystem.

Hiking and backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is simply a trip of a lifetime. ANWR is one of the least visited and remote areas left in North America, and, despite the media attention it receives, it offers the opportunity for unparalleled exploratory adventure. Though the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that the 19 million acre Arctic refuge – an area the size of South Carolina – receives approximately 1500 recreational visitors a year.

At over 3.5 Million acres, Katmai National Park is home to the largest brown bear population in the world, holds the spawning grounds of literally millions of sockeye salmon, and contains within its wild borders the unaltered evidence of one of the world’s most powerful volcanic eruptions ever recorded. Katmai National park is most known for it’s majestic Brown Bears, most notably those at Brooks Falls.

To this day, Lake Clark National Park represents the roots of our enterprise. Not only is it where we guided our first trip and the base of summertime operations, it is also the backdrop for most of our itineraries and, quite simply, our favorite place on earth to explore. From white summits of glacier-clad volcanoes, laced ribbons of wild and scenic rivers, endless expanses of verdant tundra, to salmon choked waters of azure lakes, Lake Clark is without equal. Since its creation in 1980 to protect the amazing scenery, abundant wildlife and traditional lifestyles of its residents, it has been hailed as Alaska’s epitome, and for Alaska Alpine Adventures it remains home.

Gates of the Arctic National Park, despite being the recipient of frequent media attention over the past 45 years, remains one of the most remote and unspoiled places on earth. Its 8.4 million acres cover an area twice the size of Connecticut and only slightly smaller than Switzerland. The park is essentially a road-less wilderness area and, except for limited and difficult access along the Dalton highway, most recreational visitors choose to enter the park via chartered airplane.

Bering Land Bridge & Cape Krusenstern National Monuments – two of the most remote and certainly the least visited park units in the entire system. With world class birding, abundant wildlife, and remote access, these areas offer ample solitude, fantastic camping, and a window into 5000 + years of human history layered within the landscape. Bering Land Bridge offers an amazing hot springs at Serpentine and fantastic hiking through a landscape of rolling tundra hills and granite tors. Cape Krusenstern National Monument also has spectacular hiking, remote camping, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Entirely above the arctic circle, Kobuk Valley National Park is distinct in a multitude of ways. As one of the least visited national parks it the system, it is certainly one of the most difficult to get to, and perhaps the park’s hallmark, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes represent the largest active arctic dune field in North America.

In addition to being America’s largest national park (larger than Rhode Island and Vermont combined), Wrangell-St. Elias is home to the continent’s most impressive list of superlatives. The Alaska, Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias ranges converge in what is referred to as the “mountain kingdom of North America.”

This spectacular wilderness includes the continent’s largest assemblage of glaciers, and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount St. Elias (18,008′), the second highest peak in the United States, the largest non-polar icefield in the world, and a boundary that when combined with Kluane Tatshenshini/Alsek National Park in Canada and Glacier Bay National Park, encompasses the world’s largest internationally protected area at 24 million acres.

Celebrating 25 Years of Award Winning Alaska Adventures

Expertly crafted adventures.

Alaska Alpine Adventures has been slowly and methodically handcrafting our selection of the finest and most inclusive adventure itineraries across the Great Land for more than two decades.

Our posted trips represent the best of the best — adventures that have been cultivated by combining our passion for exploration, our deep love and respect for Alaska and its people, and the profound humility that comes with the privilege of sharing Alaska’s national parks and wildlife refuges with amazing people just like you.

Why Travel With Us?

Leaders & Advocates of Alaska Wilderness Travel

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading authentic small-group adventure vacations and remote expeditions throughout Alaska’s spectacular national parks, wildlife refuges, and state parks.  With multiple national awards and widely recognized as a longtime leader in Alaska’s adventure travel industry, Alaska Alpine Adventures is committed to providing the highest level of customer service and the absolute best adventure trips that Alaska has to offer.

• Alaska logistics experts
• Global partnerships
• Commitment to sustainability & conservation
• Travel awards & accolades

A Talented and Passionate Team

We specialize in multi-day and  multi-sport Alaska hiking tours ,  rafting trips ,  Alaska backpacking trips , and  kayaking adventures  throughout the Last Frontier, and our guided Alaska adventure tours include itineraries to  Lake Clark National Park ,  Denali ,  Wrangell-St. Elias ,  Kenai Fjords , the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ,  Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond .

• Exceptional guides
• Delicious backcountry food
• Total wilderness immersion
• Uniquely spectacular destinations

A test of will and determination and a spectacular adventure shared with two incomparable guides. A reaffirmation of my life’s dream of stepping into the wild.

Entrepreneur & Corporate Chef

Recent Trip Reviews

We value our guests feedback and take every review to heart.  In fact, it’s the reviews from our guests (both the good and the not-so-good) that continually drive progress around here.

I flew to Alaska a few times during my time in the Marine Corps. I instantly fell in love with everything Alaska. It took longer that I would’ve hoped, but I finally got to take my trip this summer. I have to say, it did not disappoint. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Visiting one of the most remote places on earth with a group of people was an experience of a lifetime. We took over 1000 pictures between the 7 of us and I can say that none of them do this landscape justice. It was boggy, wet, mosquito ridden, rocky, cold, hot…you get the idea. However, it was the most wonderful experience of my life. The folks at AAA know how to treat their guests and I can only hope to go back one day on another trip.

Josh Strother

I took the big trip, 12 days in Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, from Aug 8 to Aug 19, 2023. You might be wondering if you can do it. I’m 62 and in reasonable shape–I walk 20 miles a week–but I’m also about 20 pounds overweight. I had not slept on the ground in a while. But it was fine. Don’t kid yourself, it gets hot and cold out there, there are bugs, you have to paddle fair distances, and your sleeping mat is not your memory foam bed at home. BUT, if you are in generally good shape and can roll with the circumstances as they change, you can do this.

The trip organization and the guides are 100% top notch. I mean, every detail is accounted for and safety is #1 by a long, long distance. Our guides were 24 and 26 years old, but they were both seasoned professionals. They were friendly and helpful the whole time. They took extra care of one member of our party who was having a pretty tough time with some of it.

That part in the description about “the Alaska factor” is real. When we got to Bettles, it was too smoky from wildfires to travel til the next day. When we finished the river portion, it took 24 hours for the clouds to clear and get a plane in. So, yes, it went from 85 and smoky to 50 and raining with wind in about 7 days. But you know what? We got to canoe 83 miles as promised and we spent the night at both national parks. But there are factors beyond anyone’s control and they will come into play.

We saw 6 grizzlies which, oddly, we saw on the same day. 2 musk ox. 2 caribou. A fox. The scenery is stunning. You will never think of another area as “wilderness” again. Canoes, paddles, tents, etc. are top notch. And the food is, of course, a little heavy on noodles, but it was all tasty. It is not the freeze dried stuff from the store. They have their own kitchen and bring real food, vacuum-sealed. Snacks are great. Coffee and tea every morning.

I strongly recommend this trip. It’s not “easy,” but you don’t have to be in any special condition to do it if you are willing to sleep on the ground (on a mat), paddle a canoe, and be hot/cold/dry/wet in the same day. The guides do an amazing amount of the work, so be prepared to tip lavishly. Believe me, by the end, you’ll recognize what they were worth.

Finally, the price. It’s not cheap. But think about it a minute. 12 days. A night in a nice hotel. FIVE internal flights. Full-service guides the whole time. Every meal. Canoes. Hiking poles. Quality tents. Try to price out what it would cost to do it yourself. Then pay AAA the money.

Arthur Farnsley

Both Brian and Dan were phenomenal guides and took the experience to another level. They were extremely helpful and engaged throughout the week, and they ensured our safety while maximizing fun.

Andrew Alcorta

Could not be improved by much. Both guides were wonderful. The activities were just right as were  the accommodations.  Weather was perfect, activities were fine and both guides were willing to go out of their were to make sure we all had the best time.

Jeff Goldman

Great trekking, great guides and great food… just a really spectacular experience from start to finish. You’ve got a repeat customer in me for sure.

Ryan Drescher

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. If anything, I would have planned for a longer stay! Thanks to all of you who made it easy for me to enjoy the Alaskan wild!  The trip exceeded all of my over the top expectations!

Dave Lockhart

Our guests get to experience some of the most remote corners of Alaska. View all our trip reviews.

Push Your Boundaries Find Your Adventure

The Alaska Experience

"When I find myself within the vast landscapes of Alaska's wilderness, I undergo a physical and emotional transformation; as if the experience of being immersed in the wilds is the catalyst that reunites my body with my soul.”

Dan Oberlatz, Founder

Each member of team at Alaska Alpine Adventures is hand-selected, thoroughly trained, extraordinarily competent, super thoughtful, and really nice too!

Dan Oberlatz

Aaron Fetter

Michael Kleinman

Sean Johnson

Sara Olbright

We’ve got a great team of talented & professional Alaska guides. View all our guides.

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• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Find Your Trip
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• Safety & Responsibility
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• [email protected]
• Direct: 907-351-4193
• Toll-Free: 877-525-2577

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL ALASKA OUTDOORS HAS SUSPENDED ALL RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2024 TOUR SEASON.

We apologize for the inconvenience. It is unclear at this time if this will change and encourage you to look for other Alaska travel options. We have been serving our guests continuously since 2001 and are very disappointed. We look forward to resuming operations as soon as we are able.

Alaska Outdoors Adventure Tours

Award Winning Tours since 2001

Alaska Outdoors’ award-winning, small group adventure tours combine travel to Alaska’s world-famous National Parks and protected areas with active outdoor exploration and adventure. Our smartly designed, activity-oriented adventure travel packages feature the perfect blend of comfortable camping at established campgrounds (all equipment included) and occasional indoor accommodations at hotels/ lodges. The best of both worlds.

At each of our destinations, we participate in guided outdoor multi-sport adventure tours that showcase the best adventures Alaska has to offer. And, unlike many tours with rigid itineraries, our trips provide choice. Each of our tours include unscheduled days for you to choose activities that best suit your interests, desires, and budget. Customize your trip experience and fulfill your dreams!

Some of the Adventure Tours available on our trips: hiking, wildlife/glacier cruises, river rafting, glacier trekking, ice climbing, sea kayaking, flight seeing, dog sledding, horseback riding, historic tours, ziplining, ATV tours and more!

Travel with a small group, avoid the crowds, view wildlife, challenge yourself, and travel worry free. You choose your adventure; we’ll take care of all the details! Learn more about our small group tours . Our trips offer an enriching and economical adventure tour option in Alaska and are outstanding value!

Give us a call 907-357-4020 or Contact Us today.

We’d be happy to answer all your questions.

Classic Alaska Tour

Denali State Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Anchorage and more!

Glaciers Mountains Fjords

Matanuska Glacier, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Valdez, Prince William Sound and more!

Alaska Family Adventure

Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali State Park, Anchorage and more!

Wildlife Tour

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound, Valdez, Tangle Lakes, Denali National Park, Anchorage and more!

Grand Alaska Tour Combo

The Grand Tour Combo is a combination of the Classic Alaska Tour and the Glaciers Mountains Fjords Tour and explores a broad cross section of Alaska’s biotic regions!

Custom Tours

Our unique method of travel allows a great deal of customization with respect to location, activities, and interests of trip participants!

Each Trip Features

• Small groups
• Full time guide
• Comfortable transportation
• Healthy, hearty meals
• Top of the line equipment
• National Parks and protected areas
• Worry free travel

Conscientious/ Sustainable Alaska Travel

Our tour group sizes are small and our hearts are big. Learn more about our commitment to low impact sustainable travel .

Alaska Outdoors is a certified Green/ Sustainable business by Adventure Green Alaska. Adventure Green Alaska recognizes and promotes model Alaska tourism businesses who practice economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainability.

Since 2001, thousands of happy campers

★★★★★ Keep up the good work. I will definitely recommend you if next year’s class wants to go to Alaska. -Chris Elliott

★★★★★ I am glad I chose Alaska Outdoors, definitely a key factor in making my time up in Alaska very memorable. -Maya Puliyanda

★★★★★ All equipment provided was very satisfactory. There was nothing I felt I needed that I didn’t get.

Alaska Outdoors, LLC is a member of the following organizations

Alaska Outdoors, LLC operates under permit from the following land management agencies:

National Park Service, Alaska State Parks, Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Bureau of Land Management

U.S Department of Agriculture poster (AD-475C)

Whether your Alaska vacation dreams involve a luxury cruise, an independent highway adventure, or a combination of land and sea travel, Alaska Travel Adventures can help you make your time in Alaska truly unforgettable. Founded in 1978, we are one of Alaska’s most experienced and most diversified vacation companies. With operations in 5 of the most popular Alaska travel destinations, we offer a time-tested selection of expertly guided day tours, attractions, and travel packages.

For fans of “choose your own adventure” stories and lovers of the open road, there’s no better way to explore Alaska’s interior than from the comfort and convenience of an RV. Sitting up high to better enjoy the scenery; you have total freedom to stop when and where you want, for however long you wish. Most of our Motorhome Rentals customers tell us that they wouldn’t do it any other way. For those seeking a best of both worlds combination of adventure and luxury, our Cruise & RV Packages can’t be beat. This complete land and sea vacation package combines a 3, 4 or 7-day Holland America Line cruise together with 1 to 3 weeks exploring Alaska in your own private, easy-to-drive Class C motorhome. Packages include reserved private campgrounds, easy-to-follow maps and directions, and the freedom to set your own pace.

Whether traveling on land or by sea, our Day Tours & Attractions can help you make the most of your vacation with unique Alaskan experiences. We offer a variety of guided tours designed to suit a wide range of ages and abilities. Drive your own 4-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler® on mountain roads through Ketchikan’s lush rainforest or commune with nature on a whale watching cruise with guaranteed whales or on a nature hike through a temperate rainforest. Experience whitewater rafting on a glacier-fed river, sea kayaking in a peaceful bay, or paddle an authentic Alaska Native style canoe among icebergs at a glacier face. Many tours and attractions can even be combined; for example, try your luck at gold panning and then taste wild Alaska salmon at one of our real outdoor salmon bakes. All of these activities and more are available throughout Alaska; view our brochure for a complete list of our Day Tours & Attractions. Thank you for your interest in Alaska Travel Adventures. Please call us, and let us help make your Alaska dreams come true.

Sincerely, Chris Meier, President

New Zealand West Coast Adventure

7 days | cross the southern alps into rugged, untamed coastal territory.

Explore the narrow strip of South Island land sandwiched between the mountains and the Tasman Sea that’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Millions of years of natural history are right in front of you in wild limestone rock formations, powerful glaciers, rushing rivers and surf pounded coast, while the much more recent stories of the gold and coal rush can be found in the heritage settlements and in the resolute spirit of the coasters. Take in highlights from Christchurch to Queenstown, Pancake Rocks to craft gin, kayaking to spa soaking. This is a coastal road trip to rival any other.

Trip overview

• Get out and see a different side to the South Island, making the most of the wide-open spaces of the rugged and largely unexplored West Coast.
• Go deeper into the history of the area with stories of the goldrush days during visits to Reefton, Kumara and Arrowtown.
• Take in the magic of the spectacular Fox Glacier region weaving through rainforests and a walk along shimmering Lake Matheson.
• Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and the Hokitika Gorge, and spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• With seven days in the lesser visited regions of the South Island, you’ll have time to visit places others don’t.
• This trip involves some walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
• This trip is the first part of a combination of 2 trips. Some of your fellow travellers may continue on in Queenstown. Please see our 'New Zealand South Island Adventure' (trip code PHSQC) for details.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2023 - 30 April 2025

Welcome to your Intrepid exploration of the South Island! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, where a welcome meeting will take place at 8am for you to meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, it’s time to hit the road, first heading to Hanmer Springs in the Lewis Pass national reserve. Check out the natural hot pools surrounded by greenery as the snow dusted peaks of the Southern Alps look on. You can even opt to take a dip. Next up, travel to Reefton, a tiny town that punches above its size. Step back in time and meet a local story-teller, learning about the town's gold mining past, the miners' families, the storekeepers, and embrace the Cornish influence. You'll even have the opportunity to see the water powered gold stamping battery working. Head into the town centre proper where you'll meet the 'bearded miners' for a cup of manuka enhanced black billy tea and to watch the technique of gold panning. Finally, drive through the spectacular Buller Gorge to the town of Westport and perhaps round off the day with a group dinner.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Reefton - Historic Town Visit
• Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller
• Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'
• Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs - from - NZD38

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting this morning as we will be checking insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let an Intrepid representative or your travel agent know. Find details of the meeting point in your Essential Trip Information.

Start your day with a stop at the wild Cape Foulwind and admire incredible views of the mountains and rugged coastline. The headland is home to a fur seal breeding colony so keep your eyes peeled, they can easily blend in with the rocks! Continue to Charleston this morning to join a train ride in open carriages through primeval rain forest. ‘The Nile River Rainforest Train’ recreates a bygone era where bush trams once prevailed. Experience the spectacular wilderness of the Nile River Canyon in Paparoa National Park. Next up is Punakaiki, a town with less than 100 residents, but famed for its so-called Pancake Rocks. These layers of fossilised animals and plants, formed over 30 million years ago, were thrust above the surface by the moving earth and sculpted by wind and water. At high tide the sea is forced through blowholes in the limestone to burst metres into the air – it’s an entertaining sight! Continue to Kumara, a former goldrush town with an intriguing history (this little place was the home of New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister!). On arrival, settle into your hotel, then head out to meet the town’s brightest residents. Just behind your hotel, you’ll find dazzling glow worms lighting up old mineshafts. Once the sun has gone down, be sure to look up. With very little light pollution, the stargazing in Kumara is absolutely out of this world (literally!).

• Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
• Kumara - Glow Worm Cave Visit
• Charleston - Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train Ride
• Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
• Westport - Cape Foulwind Walkway & Lighthouse

Today begins with a visit to the Hokitika Gorge, one of the West Coast’s most stunning spots. Shimmering turquoise waters wreathed with lush native bush make a sight to remember. Then it’s on to the Okarito Lagoon, alive with the calls of over 70 unique species of birds. Head out on a nature walk culminating in a lookout point from which, on a clear day, you can enjoy an unbeatable view over Westland (Tai Poutini) National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps (Ka Tiritiri o te Moana) across extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast. Continue your journey south to the Fox Glacier township, your gateway to the dramatic and enormous Fox Glacier and your base for the evening.

• Hokitika - Gorge Visit
• Okarito - Okarito Lagoon Walk

Please note that the visit to the Okarito Lagoon is weather dependent. In case of inclement weather the trip to the lagoon doesn't make much sense and an alternative activity will be suggested by the leader.

Kick off the day with a gentle walk around the glittering Lake Matheson, dubbed the ‘mirror lake’ for its dark waters which perfectly reflect the towering Southern Alps – if you take one picture of your West Coast adventure, this should be it! The rest of the day is yours to make the most of what this amazing slice of the country has to offer. Perhaps take a shuttle back to Franz Joseph Glacier or you may want to visit a pounamu (greenstone) workshop and learn how to carve your own original piece. Alternatively you can book a helicopter ride up to the glaciers, with the potential to add on a hike through the spectacular landscape. There’s also no shortage of interesting walks and cosy pubs if you fancy a more low-key afternoon – have a chat to your leader about your options for the day.

• Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk
• Fox Glacier - Glacier Heli Hike - from - NZD655

Make tracks for Wanaka, making plenty of interesting stops along the way. First up is Ship Creek, where you’ll take a walk through quintessentially rugged West Coast scenery. You can either walk through shady swamp forest, or explore windswept sand dunes and coastal forest. Then it’s on to Mt Aspiring National Park. Make the short walk to the incredible Thunder Creek Falls, featuring an impressive 96-metre-tall cascade. Arrive in Wanaka and enjoy an evening at leisure.

With Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Today is completely free for you to enjoy the surroundings of Wanaka, and there's certainly no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Or simply find a cosy cafe to admire the view.

Depart Wanaka this morning and drive through the magnificent scenery of the Crown Range. Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, in the late morning (approximately 10:30am), at which point your West Coast adventure will come to an end.

Your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Queenstown at around 10:30am. Please take this into consideration when booking onward travel.

6 breakfasts

Private Vehicle

Hotel (5 nights), Motel (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

START & FINISH TIMES This trip starts at 8am in Christchurch on day 1 and finishes upon arrival in Queenstown on the last day at approximately 10:30am.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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• Premium National Parks Adventure - Tour 122

Delve deeper. Explore more. Experience the state’s remote wonders over eight incomparable days in Alaska.

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Trip Overview

Over eight days and nights, this Alaska travel package takes visitors from the depths of Denali National Park to the farthest inlets of Kenai Fjords National Park . The package features three nights and two full days to experience the Denali Park area. Modes of travel include deluxe dome train and Park Connection Motorcoach. Along the way, activities range from whitewater rafting and flightseeing to a guided hike and day cruise. The package begins and ends in Anchorage .

Trip Highlights

• Travel into Denali National Park on a guided wildlife tour.
• Hike with a guide in the Denali Park frontcountry and explore even more of the wider area's scenery on a Jeep excursion.
• Travel in style on a deluxe dome train with reserved upper-deck seating.
• Fly from Talkeetna into the Alaska Range aboard a ski plane for flightseeing and glacier landing amongst the tallest mountains in the state.
• Cruise deep blue coastal waters of the Northwestern Fjord on a day tour out of Seward.
• Hike with a local guide to an overlook of Exit Glacier.

Why Pick This Trip

With more time to spend in Denali National Park, this package provides a variety of ways to experience the remoteness and raw beauty of the park, its mountains, and wildlife. The same goes for the quality of excursions, transportation, and handpicked hotels throughout the itinerary. This is one's for the avid traveler ready to be wowed.

Here is everything that is included. Remember, we can easily add or remove services so this vacation package is the perfect fit for your party.

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Anchorage | 1 Night

Just minutes from the Anchorage airport, the Courtyard is a top choice for travelers arriving late or departing early from Anchorage. Learn More >

Depart 8:20 AM | Arrive Denali Park 3:40 PM

Enjoy a reserved seat on the upper deck of a private railcar on this specialty service along the Denali Star route between Anchorage and Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 6:30 PM | 3 Hours

Splash through wilder rapids in the Nenana River Gorge on this three-hour trip with Denali's longest-running rafting company. Learn More >

Denali Park | 3 Nights

Enjoy unparalleled hospitality minutes from the Denali National Park entrance. The hotel offers standard hillside and premium deluxe rooms as well as a restaurant serving up the area's best barbeque. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 7:40 AM | 3 Hours

Offering active exploration of the unique natural setting of the Denali Park area, guests return from this three-hour walking tour both energized and educated. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 1:30 PM | 5.5 Hours

Fully narrated bus tour with a turnaround point at the historic Murie Cabin deep inside Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 7:00 AM | 5 Hours

Take the whole family on this fun and fully guided five-hour Jeep Wrangler driving excursion on a scenic route east of Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 6:20 PM | 3 Hours

Spend three hours meeting sled dogs (puppies, too!) and learning about the adventurous life of a musher on this tour near Denali Park. Learn More >

Depart 12:30 PM | Arrive Talkeetna 5:05 PM

Settle in for a relaxing luxury train experience aboard this private railcar service. All passengers enjoy upper-level dome car seating on a southbound trip that takes just over four hours. Learn More >

Talkeetna | Depart 6:30 PM | 1.5 Hours

Land on a glacier deep within the Alaska Range on this unforgettable flightseeing trip out of Talkeetna. Learn More >

Talkeetna | 1 Night

When the mountain is "out" Denali is unmissable from this ridge-top property. The lodge comprises two full-service restaurants, a coffee shop, bar, and comfortable guest rooms with either forest or mountain views. Learn More >

Depart 11:00 AM | Arrive Seward 5:45 PM

Ride in comfort aboard a luxury Park Connection motorcoach offering same-day transfers from Talkeetna to Seward. Learn More >

Seward | 2 Nights

Centrally located within walking distance to Seward's major attractions and transfer points, this hotel offers mountain and harbor view rooms along with a complimentary continental breakfast. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 8:30 AM | 8.5 Hours

Explore the farther reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park on this full-day boat trip designed for birders, photographers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 11:15 AM | 3 Hours

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by foot on this two-hour guided hike with views of Exit Glacier. Learn More >

Depart 6:00 PM | Arrive Anchorage 10:15 PM

Relax aboard the northbound Coastal Classic on this scenic evening ride through mountain passes and glacial valleys on the way into Anchorage. Learn More >

Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of this tour package. Click on an item to get started, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

Fly into Ted Stevens International Airport and transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle. The rest of the day is yours to explore Anchorage at your leisure. Overnight Anchorage.

Settle into your reserved seats aboard a dome train bound for Denali National Park. This evening you'll take advantage of the long daylight hours on an evening Nenana River whitewater rafting trip. Overnight Denali.

Today immerses you in Denali National Park, starting with a morning guided walk through what's known as the park's frontcountry. In the afternoon you'll delve deeper into the park borders on a wildlife bus tour fully narrated by a driver-guide. It's a long but memorable day. Overnight Denali.

You're heading farther afield today. The day starts with a jeep tour down the Denali Highway, a remote gravel road that parallels the eastern Alaska Range. Later in the day you'll keep the classic Alaska adventure going with sled dog kennel tour. Overnight Denali.

This morning enjoy a leisurely ride aboard a deluxe dome train to Talkeetna. Once in Talkeetna, take a flightseeing trip with a glacier landing among the peaks in the south side of Denali National Park. Overnight Talkeetna.

Today is a travel day, with transportation to Seward provided by the Park Connection Motorcoach. The coach leaves late morning and stops for a break in Anchorage before proceeding along the Turnagain Arm, through the Kenai Mountains, and into Seward. Overnight Seward.

This morning you'll trade travel by land for a full-day boat tour out of Seward and into the far reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park. The day's destination is the isolated Northwestern Fjord and the colossal tidewater glaciers flowing into its otherwise calm water. Overnight Seward.

See a different side of Kenai Fjords National Park on a guided hike near the park's only road-accessible glacier. Afterward you'll catch the evening train back to Anchorage. The package concludes with a final overnight in Anchorage.

Check out the map below for a visual overview of this specific tour package. You can see a larger version of the map here , or try our an interactive tour map by using the link below.

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The prices below will give you an idea of approximately how much this trip will cost. Keep in mind your actual price will likely vary based on your departure date, availability, and any modifications you make. You can use one of the links below to request an exact quote for your party, or price the trip yourself if you prefer using our My Trip feature. You can often save money by traveling in the value season, typically May and September.

Options and Add-Ons

This is one of our most popular tour packages to Denali and Kenai Fjords, but you can make it even better! We can add or remove services to make it a perfect match for your party. The choices are endless, and just a few suggestions are listed below.

You can make these changes at check out and your final package price will be updated to reflect just the services you choose. Give us a call or request a quote for more specifics.

Find Alaskan history and impeccable service along with a restful stay at this high-end Anchorage hotel. Learn More >

Board a cheerful red trolley for a one-hour Anchorage tour featuring some of the city’s top historic and cultural sites. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 11:30 AM | 5 Hours

See Seward's highlights and visit Kenai Fjords National Park on this five-hour city tour. Learn More >

Package Detail

• Tour ID 122
• Price From $3,881 + Tax
• Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
• Start / End Anchorage / Anchorage
• Departure Dates Daily from 5/19/2024 to 9/2/2024
• Travel By Train, Motorcoach
• Tour Type Self Guided
• Destinations Anchorage, Denali Park, Talkeetna, Seward

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