4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel
Meals
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$2840NZD

Trip Code: GFW

Trip highlights


  • Lush rainforests, vast fiords, and expansive mountain views throughout Fiordland National Park
  • Heli-hiking on the Kepler Track
  • Water taxi and guided walk on the world famous Milford Track
  • Scenic boat cruise into Milford Sound
  • Guided walk to the Key Summit on the Routeburn Track
  • Four consecutive nights accommodation in Te Anau, the gateway town of Fiordland

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 Wakitipu 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.


Itinerary

Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital, where you will be collected from a central city location at 10:25am 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

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

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.

Meals:  B,L

Enjoy a sleep in or relaxed morning by the lake before being collected at 11.30am for your transfer 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

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.



Inclusions

  • Transport between Queenstown and Te Anau at the start and finish of the trip
  • 4 nights accommodation in Te Anau (based on twin share)
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches
  • Tea & Coffee on guided walks
  • 3 Guided Day Walks on each of the Kepler, Milford, and Routeburn Tracks
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Transfers to/from your accommodation and the walk start/end
  • Heli-hike and water taxi transfer on the Kepler Track
  • Water taxi transfers to and from the Milford Track
  • 2-hour scenic boat cruise on Milford Sound
  • Access and Concession fees paid to Department of Conservation

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks other than water
  • Additional hiking snacks throughout the day
  • Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

Trail Surface


Accommodation


Grading

Introductory to Moderate  
4

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.


Departure dates


Notes

1
Transfers from Queenstown to Te Anau until 29th October only run once per day (Monday to Friday), departing Te Anau 8:30am and Queenstown at 1:30pm
2
Single Travellers cannot be matched with other travellers in the motel accommodation and must pay the Solo Traveller Surcharge

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$2840NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement (own room)NZD$750
  • Solo Traveller SurchargeNZD$750
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Videos

Highlights on the Kepler, Milford & Routeburn Tracks | Great Walks of New Zealand

Trip reviews


Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

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.

Kaitiakitanga

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.

Supporting Local

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.

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