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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
This spectacular walking adventure provides an ideal opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Fiordland and the enchanting Milford Sound. Nowhere else in New Zealand will you discover mountains rising from the sea, rich rain forests clinging to sheer rock faces or waterfalls crashing hundreds of meters to the sea below than in Fiordland. Your journey begins in Queenstown, where you will meet your transport to travel south along the breathtaking shores of Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau, the gateway town to Fiordland. You will have the opportunity to settle into your accommodation for the next four nights and rest up for three fantastic days on three iconic Great Walks. Heli-hiking on the Kepler Track, exploring Milford Sound by cruise boat, and walking on the infamous Milford and Routeburn Tracks are all done with an expert local guide. This sensational journey will leave you filled with awe and an experience of a lifetime. The trip concludes after a final night in Te Anau before being transported back to Queenstown on the final morning.
55kg of CO2-e PP per day
(219kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Queenstown, transfer to Te Anau
Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital, where you will be collected from a central city location this morning to be transferred to Te Anau. This 2-hour scenic drive south along the stunning shores of Lake Wakitipu and the countryside of Southland will bring you to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland National Park. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of the South Island's largest lake, Lake Te Anau and perhaps visit the local Bird Sanctuary along the lake shore. There are many cafes, restaurants and shops all within a short walking distance from your accommodation. And don't miss the Fiordland Cinema, a local gem specially constructed for exclusive daily screenings of the locally filmed, Ata Whenua - Shadowland.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Heli-hike on the Kepler Track - Luxmore Hut to Brod Bay (8-16km, 4-6hrs)
Your guide will collect you at 8.45 am from your tour accommodation for a briefing before your first day’s walk. Here they will give you an opportunity to meet everyone and ask any questions. We will cover in detail the itinerary for each day and any extra information you may need to know. At around 9:30am we will begin with our first day’s hiking on the Kepler Track! We first set off on an exhilarating helicopter flight to the alpine area, high above the bushline. Soaring over Lake Te Anau and onwards to the remote Kepler Mountains and hidden lakes, you will be dropped off at the Luxmore Hut, the start of our walk. Weather permitting there is the option to walk to or partway to the summit of Mt Luxmore allowing us to soak up even more of the expansive mountain views. We then make our way down the well-formed track winding through alpine tussocks, native silver beech forest, and beneath striking limestone bluffs. Along the way your guide will share about the local conservation efforts towards predator control and the protection of our native bird populations. Once reaching the sandy shores of Brod Bay we will meet our water taxi for a short ride back to Te Anau. You will be transferred back to your accommodation around 5:00pm before an early start the next morning. NOTE: Mt Luxmore summit is weather dependent and also dependent on the overall speed and capabilities of the group.
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Walk on the Milford Track & scenic boat cruise into Milford Sound (11km, 4hrs)
An earlier start will be necessary today to make the most of every moment as we venture into the heart of Fiordland National Park. A 6:30am pick up will allow us plenty of time to take in the incredibly scenic journey into Milford Sound. Upon arrival, we begin with a short water taxi to Sandfly Point, the start of our guided walk along the world famous Milford Track. The walk winds along the picturesque Arthur River amidst lush rainforest towards Lake Ada where views of idyllic waterfalls begin to appear. The foliage then begins to open up, revealing the spectacular Giant Gate Waterfall and a welcomed rest spot. After making our way back along the track we then have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Milford Sound from the comfort of a small boat cruise. With both indoor and outdoor viewing spaces, you can rest assured you will experience the grandeur of Mitre Peak and the stunning Sterling Falls. Take in the informative commentary from the skipper but don't forget to keep a close eye out for basking seals or playful pods of dolphins. Following the cruise we make our way back to Te Anau along the scenic road, arriving at our accommodation by about 5:45pm.
Day 4
Walk to the Key Summit on the Routeburn Track (7km, 5hrs, 400m elevation)
An 8:30am pick up time this morning will have you on your way to what is arguably the best day walk in Fiordland. We make our way back along the Milford Road before turning off at the top of the Divide and the start of the renowned Routeburn Track. Today's walk takes us from lush, temperate rainforest into the expansive alpine environment of the Key Summit. The steady climb up is paced beautifully with engaging human heritage stories and natural history from your guide. On a fine day you are met with 360 degree views of snow capped peaks, alpine lakes and glacial carved valleys. We take this opportunity on top to enjoy our lunch or in a nearby shelter alongside Lake Howden in more inclement conditions. After soaking in our final alpine vistas in Fiordland we retrace our steps back to the Divide shelter. We arrive back into Te Anau around 4:30pm where we farewell our guide and prepare for a last evening in town.
Day 5
Depart Te Anau, transfer to Queenstown
This morning you will be transferred back to Queenstown. On arrival into Queenstown you can either be dropped off at the airport or the CBD, where trip arrangements end.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
New Zealand Great Walks tracks are regularly maintained by the Department of Conservation. They are well formed and easy to follow, with clear signposting. Track surfaces are mostly even, compacted earth or fine gravel. They can also include sandy beaches, stone or wooden steps, rock slabs, boardwalk, swing bridges, wooden bridges, moderately uneven terrain with tree roots and some loose pebble surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.
Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Guests can enjoy FREE unlimited WiFi during their stay. Complimentary car parking is available as well as complimentary luggage storage if needed. The comfortable hotel rooms have a garden or lake outlook. Shower over bath. Tea/coffee making facilities plus much more.
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Walks will involve carrying a small daypack, 25L in size is good. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walking each day is over hilly and occasionally steep terrain. Care needs to be taken as there are some steep sections negotiated by steps or zigzags and can be slippery when wet. A very good level of fitness is required and your preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three to four times a week for three months prior to your journey. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
4Days
Moderate
Introductory
6Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate to Challenging