Milford Quest (14 days)
The Milford Quest is an active hiking trip at a relaxed pace. It’s designed for people who enjoy the off-the-beaten-track, Kiwi style trips, but who also like their creature comforts and want to take things a little easier than the folks on more physically challenging trips. This trip has a strong focus on New Zealand’s natural history.
The hiking tour offers you the opportunity to choose between doing a variety of hikes in Fiordland and visit Milford Sound or complete a guided walk of the famous Milford Track. The Milford Quest is an active hiking trip at a relaxed pace with an emphasis on discovering the natural history of New Zealand. You'll be hiking most days, from lush rainforests on the West Coast to the snow-capped mountains of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. This guided hiking tour allows you to have an active holiday at a relaxed pace and enjoy the creature comforts that are on offer in these remote locations.
Christchurch / West Coast Punakaiki / Franz Josef / Queenstown / Milford / Mt Cook / Christchurch
2019 - Nov 11th / Nov 25th / Dec 09th / Dec 23rd
2020 - Jan 06th / Jan 20th / Feb 03rd / Feb 17th / Mar 02nd / Mar 16th
Tour Cost NZ $10,990 (twin share) pp
Tour Cost NZ $13,625 (single)
Milford Track Addition NZ$2,287 (twin share) pp
NZ$2,770 (single)
The hiking tour offers you the opportunity to choose between doing a variety of hikes in Fiordland and visit Milford Sound or complete a guided walk of the famous Milford Track. The Milford Quest is an active hiking trip at a relaxed pace with an emphasis on discovering the natural history of New Zealand. You'll be hiking most days, from lush rainforests on the West Coast to the snow-capped mountains of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. This guided hiking tour allows you to have an active holiday at a relaxed pace and enjoy the creature comforts that are on offer in these remote locations.
Christchurch / West Coast Punakaiki / Franz Josef / Queenstown / Milford / Mt Cook / Christchurch
2019 - Nov 11th / Nov 25th / Dec 09th / Dec 23rd
2020 - Jan 06th / Jan 20th / Feb 03rd / Feb 17th / Mar 02nd / Mar 16th
Tour Cost NZ $10,990 (twin share) pp
Tour Cost NZ $13,625 (single)
Milford Track Addition NZ$2,287 (twin share) pp
NZ$2,770 (single)
Day 1 – Castle Hill Basin
Most people leave the northern hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving into Auckland early Monday morning. You'll lose a day crossing the dateline but you get it back on the way home!
It's a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch in the South Island where your guide will meet you. You'll then head west to Kuru Tawhiti Conservation Area in the heart of the Southern Alps.
You'll take a gentle one-hour walk among the imposing limestone tors of Castle Hill, which were once a meeting place for moa hunters of the Ngai Tahu tribe. The Dalai Lama visited this area and described it as a spiritual centre of the universe. This afternoon you'll continue on to the West Coast and the seaside village of Punakaiki, where you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or walk along the beach.
Depending on where you're coming from, you'll probably find jetlag is no big deal, for instance, it's a 12-hour direct overnight flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, and there's only a 3-hour time difference between New Zealand and US Pacific time. If you're coming from further afield, you'll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.
Accommodation: West Coast lodgings, Punakaiki. Includes lunch and dinner.
1km/30mins walking
Most people leave the northern hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving into Auckland early Monday morning. You'll lose a day crossing the dateline but you get it back on the way home!
It's a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch in the South Island where your guide will meet you. You'll then head west to Kuru Tawhiti Conservation Area in the heart of the Southern Alps.
You'll take a gentle one-hour walk among the imposing limestone tors of Castle Hill, which were once a meeting place for moa hunters of the Ngai Tahu tribe. The Dalai Lama visited this area and described it as a spiritual centre of the universe. This afternoon you'll continue on to the West Coast and the seaside village of Punakaiki, where you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or walk along the beach.
Depending on where you're coming from, you'll probably find jetlag is no big deal, for instance, it's a 12-hour direct overnight flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, and there's only a 3-hour time difference between New Zealand and US Pacific time. If you're coming from further afield, you'll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.
Accommodation: West Coast lodgings, Punakaiki. Includes lunch and dinner.
1km/30mins walking
Day 2 – Punakaiki
You'll spend most of today hiking the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons in the footsteps of the gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. You'll also follow the Truman Track to a rocky cove and check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea.
The Punakaiki coastline is a magnet to marine wildlife, including little blue penguins and Hector’s dolphin (the worlds smallest) that can sometimes be seen close to shore.
Accommodation: West Coast lodgings, Punakaiki. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
6km/3-4 hours hiking
You'll spend most of today hiking the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons in the footsteps of the gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. You'll also follow the Truman Track to a rocky cove and check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea.
The Punakaiki coastline is a magnet to marine wildlife, including little blue penguins and Hector’s dolphin (the worlds smallest) that can sometimes be seen close to shore.
Accommodation: West Coast lodgings, Punakaiki. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
6km/3-4 hours hiking
Day 3 – West Coast Treetop Walk
You'll travel down the coast to hike the Point Elizabeth track through native coastal forest and flax. The fibres of the flax plant are a traditional resource for Maori, used for weaving a variety of baskets, mats and clothing. Then it's on to Hokitika where you'll stretch your legs and check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade).
Next you'll visit West Coast Treetop Walk, an exhilarating treetop adventure among giants. This walk will take you up above the forest floor, allowing you to pass through an ancient canopy of Rimu and Kamahi trees.
From here, you'll carry on down the wind-swept coast to Franz Josef. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country. After dark, you can head out to look for the eerie lights of Arachnocampa luminosa - the native glowworm - and listen for some of New Zealand's nocturnal birdlife such as the distinctive hoot of the morepork owl.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4km/2-3 hour hiking
You'll travel down the coast to hike the Point Elizabeth track through native coastal forest and flax. The fibres of the flax plant are a traditional resource for Maori, used for weaving a variety of baskets, mats and clothing. Then it's on to Hokitika where you'll stretch your legs and check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade).
Next you'll visit West Coast Treetop Walk, an exhilarating treetop adventure among giants. This walk will take you up above the forest floor, allowing you to pass through an ancient canopy of Rimu and Kamahi trees.
From here, you'll carry on down the wind-swept coast to Franz Josef. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand glacier country. After dark, you can head out to look for the eerie lights of Arachnocampa luminosa - the native glowworm - and listen for some of New Zealand's nocturnal birdlife such as the distinctive hoot of the morepork owl.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4km/2-3 hour hiking
Day 4 - Franz Josef Glacier
With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of this giant frozen river (Franz Josef Glacier) imperceptibly grinding its way down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres (820 feet) above sea level.
You'll take a morning walk to the historic Tatare Tunnels, and then continue on to Franz Josef Glacier where you'll walk to an incredible view of the terminal face.
You may also choose a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier and a 3-hour hike on the ice (see costs below).
A less strenuous, but outrageously scenic alternative to today's hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you'll board a turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4000 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you'll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels; no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions.
At the end of your hike on the ice, you'll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation. The heli-hike is extremely popular, so advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company can be made when booking your trip. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip a space can be reserved for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot if it's available.
From Franz Josef, we'll travel down the coast through lush rainforest and inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.
Accommodation: Makarora Lodgings, Makarora. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4.6km/2 hours hiking & 4.8km/2 hours hiking
With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of this giant frozen river (Franz Josef Glacier) imperceptibly grinding its way down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres (820 feet) above sea level.
You'll take a morning walk to the historic Tatare Tunnels, and then continue on to Franz Josef Glacier where you'll walk to an incredible view of the terminal face.
You may also choose a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier and a 3-hour hike on the ice (see costs below).
A less strenuous, but outrageously scenic alternative to today's hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you'll board a turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4000 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you'll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels; no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice to make the most of the conditions.
At the end of your hike on the ice, you'll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation. The heli-hike is extremely popular, so advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company can be made when booking your trip. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip a space can be reserved for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot if it's available.
From Franz Josef, we'll travel down the coast through lush rainforest and inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.
Accommodation: Makarora Lodgings, Makarora. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4.6km/2 hours hiking & 4.8km/2 hours hiking
Day 5 - Diamond Lake Queenstown
This morning you'll hike the Diamond Lake track, a spectacular circuit through an area carved out by ice-age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrubland. From Wanaka, it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Arrowtown, a picturesque village nestled into the hills, and a perfect spot for lunch. From there it’s only a ten minute journey to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, your base for the next couple of nights. You’ll have time to explore and plan your free day tomorrow, before dinner. You’ll sleep sweetly at this lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. Includes breakfast and lunch.
2.5km/3 hours hiking
This morning you'll hike the Diamond Lake track, a spectacular circuit through an area carved out by ice-age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrubland. From Wanaka, it’s a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Arrowtown, a picturesque village nestled into the hills, and a perfect spot for lunch. From there it’s only a ten minute journey to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, your base for the next couple of nights. You’ll have time to explore and plan your free day tomorrow, before dinner. You’ll sleep sweetly at this lakefront hotel located in the heart of Queenstown.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. Includes breakfast and lunch.
2.5km/3 hours hiking
Day 6 - Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques.
You'll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, an historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafés.
Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today. This afternoon, there's a pre-departure briefing for the Milford Track Guided Walk if you've chosen that option.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. No meals included.
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilisation are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques.
You'll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, an historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafés.
Your guides will happily share their favourite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today. This afternoon, there's a pre-departure briefing for the Milford Track Guided Walk if you've chosen that option.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. No meals included.
Day 7 - Multi Day Options
Option 1: Gondola ride, hike Ben Lomond (13km/5-7 hours hiking)
After a relaxed breakfast, you'll ride up the gondola to the top of a tree-covered rocky crag, known as Bob's Peak, to start your alpine hike. You pass through open alpine tussock-land to the Ben Lomond saddle and will be rewarded with panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the often snow-covered Southern Alps.
For those keen to press on to the top, Ben Lomond's summit reveals views of Mt Earnslaw and Mt Aspiring, two of New Zealand's highest peaks, and even a glimpse of Aoraki Mt Cook on a clear day. Once back at lake level, you'll give your legs a break and travel to Lake Te Anau, on the fringe of Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Boat ride, hike Milford Track (1.6km/1 hour hiking with overnight backpack)
The 5-day/4-night Milford Track is one of the first-established and best-known walking tracks in the country. It takes in glacial peaks, a mountain pass, New Zealand's highest waterfall and the dense rainforest of Fiordland. You'll have four days of exercise, good food and great scenery as you walk 53 kilometres (33 miles) from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Because you're doing the guided walk, you'll just be carrying a few essentials and a packed lunch each day, so your pack won't be much heavier than what you'd bring on a regular day hike.
Everything else is provided, including excellent meals at the lodges and on the trail, hot showers, bedding, specialist Milford Track guides, and even hairdryers in the rooms! For the first three nights, you'll stay in a private room in comfortable mountain lodges. On the fourth night, you'll stay at Mitre Peak Lodge, a hotel exclusively for Milford Track Guided Walk hikers.
From Queenstown, you'll head to Lake Te Anau, stopping for lunch along the way. You take a boat to the head of the lake to the start of the Milford Track. It's a short, easy walk to Glade House, where you stay your first night.
Accommodation: Glade House, Milford Track. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 1: Gondola ride, hike Ben Lomond (13km/5-7 hours hiking)
After a relaxed breakfast, you'll ride up the gondola to the top of a tree-covered rocky crag, known as Bob's Peak, to start your alpine hike. You pass through open alpine tussock-land to the Ben Lomond saddle and will be rewarded with panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the often snow-covered Southern Alps.
For those keen to press on to the top, Ben Lomond's summit reveals views of Mt Earnslaw and Mt Aspiring, two of New Zealand's highest peaks, and even a glimpse of Aoraki Mt Cook on a clear day. Once back at lake level, you'll give your legs a break and travel to Lake Te Anau, on the fringe of Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Boat ride, hike Milford Track (1.6km/1 hour hiking with overnight backpack)
The 5-day/4-night Milford Track is one of the first-established and best-known walking tracks in the country. It takes in glacial peaks, a mountain pass, New Zealand's highest waterfall and the dense rainforest of Fiordland. You'll have four days of exercise, good food and great scenery as you walk 53 kilometres (33 miles) from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Because you're doing the guided walk, you'll just be carrying a few essentials and a packed lunch each day, so your pack won't be much heavier than what you'd bring on a regular day hike.
Everything else is provided, including excellent meals at the lodges and on the trail, hot showers, bedding, specialist Milford Track guides, and even hairdryers in the rooms! For the first three nights, you'll stay in a private room in comfortable mountain lodges. On the fourth night, you'll stay at Mitre Peak Lodge, a hotel exclusively for Milford Track Guided Walk hikers.
From Queenstown, you'll head to Lake Te Anau, stopping for lunch along the way. You take a boat to the head of the lake to the start of the Milford Track. It's a short, easy walk to Glade House, where you stay your first night.
Accommodation: Glade House, Milford Track. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8 - Multi Day Options
Option 1: Hike Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park
This morning we set off for New Zealand's largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. You'll hike part of the Routeburn Track, the first of the Great Walks you'll experience. You hike through beech forest, sub-alpine shrublands and picturesque alpine tarns, before reaching Key Summit.
Here you'll be standing at the head of three different valleys (the Hollyford, Eglinton and Greenstone), with stunning views over the Great Divide, which separates west and east flowing rivers.
You'll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound (actually its a fiord!). Rudyard Kipling rated Milford as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand metres to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water.
Accommodation: Milford Lodge, Milford Sound. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Option 2: Hike in beech forest
You start the day by crossing Clinton River and hiking through lush beech forest to Hirere Falls, where you'll have lunch. After crossing the prairie, the track gets a little steeper as you climb up to Pompolona Lodge. Today's highlights include spectacular flora and stunning views up the ice-carved Clinton Canyon toward McKinnon Pass.
Accommodation: Pompolona Lodge, Milford Track. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 1: Hike Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park
This morning we set off for New Zealand's largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. You'll hike part of the Routeburn Track, the first of the Great Walks you'll experience. You hike through beech forest, sub-alpine shrublands and picturesque alpine tarns, before reaching Key Summit.
Here you'll be standing at the head of three different valleys (the Hollyford, Eglinton and Greenstone), with stunning views over the Great Divide, which separates west and east flowing rivers.
You'll take a short drive through the Homer Tunnel and emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound (actually its a fiord!). Rudyard Kipling rated Milford as the eighth natural wonder of the world and it is truly breathtaking, with steep granite walls plunging over a thousand metres to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascading into deep inky water.
Accommodation: Milford Lodge, Milford Sound. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
.
Option 2: Hike in beech forest
You start the day by crossing Clinton River and hiking through lush beech forest to Hirere Falls, where you'll have lunch. After crossing the prairie, the track gets a little steeper as you climb up to Pompolona Lodge. Today's highlights include spectacular flora and stunning views up the ice-carved Clinton Canyon toward McKinnon Pass.
Accommodation: Pompolona Lodge, Milford Track. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9 - Multi Day Options
Option1: Cruise Milford Sound (2 hours), hike Milford Track (10km/3-4 hours)
It's worth getting up early to take a photo of Mitre Peak, quite possibly the most photographed mountain in New Zealand, but your challenge is to find a unique angle! After breakfast, we'll take a short boat ride across Milford Sound to hike from Sandfly Point to the Giant Gates waterfall, a spectacular section of the famed Milford Track. The forest here is lush and rich with mosses and ferns as we follow the Arthur River past Lake Ada.
By hiking from the Milford Sound trailhead, we'll enjoy the track to ourselves, which is a luxury others seldom get. Once you return to the Milford wharf, you'll board a boat for a two hour nature cruise to the head of this spectacular fiord. You'll then leave Milford Sound behind to hike some lesser-known tracks in eastern Fiordland before returning to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Hike Mackinnon Pass (15km/5-8 hours hiking with an overnight backpack)
Today is the most spectacular day of the Milford Track! We climb a series of switchbacks to cross Mackinnon Pass and from the top the views of the Arthur Valley and the surrounding peaks are just magnificent. You'll lunch at Pass Hut, then head down to Quintin Lodge. After some refreshments, a 90-minute round trip hike will lead us to Sutherland Falls, the fifth highest waterfall in the world.
Accommodation: Quintin Lodge, Milford Track. Includes breakfast, lunch
Option1: Cruise Milford Sound (2 hours), hike Milford Track (10km/3-4 hours)
It's worth getting up early to take a photo of Mitre Peak, quite possibly the most photographed mountain in New Zealand, but your challenge is to find a unique angle! After breakfast, we'll take a short boat ride across Milford Sound to hike from Sandfly Point to the Giant Gates waterfall, a spectacular section of the famed Milford Track. The forest here is lush and rich with mosses and ferns as we follow the Arthur River past Lake Ada.
By hiking from the Milford Sound trailhead, we'll enjoy the track to ourselves, which is a luxury others seldom get. Once you return to the Milford wharf, you'll board a boat for a two hour nature cruise to the head of this spectacular fiord. You'll then leave Milford Sound behind to hike some lesser-known tracks in eastern Fiordland before returning to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Matai Lodge, Te Anau. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Hike Mackinnon Pass (15km/5-8 hours hiking with an overnight backpack)
Today is the most spectacular day of the Milford Track! We climb a series of switchbacks to cross Mackinnon Pass and from the top the views of the Arthur Valley and the surrounding peaks are just magnificent. You'll lunch at Pass Hut, then head down to Quintin Lodge. After some refreshments, a 90-minute round trip hike will lead us to Sutherland Falls, the fifth highest waterfall in the world.
Accommodation: Quintin Lodge, Milford Track. Includes breakfast, lunch
Day 10 - Multi Day Options
Option 1: Hike Kepler Track (7.5km/2-3 hours hiking), overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound.
Three Great Walks in three days ... unheard of! Today, it's the Kepler Track and you'll begin by following the lakeshore through native beech and podocarp forest. Interestingly, the Kepler Track differs from the Routeburn and Milford in that it didn't actually evolve from a necessary Maori greenstone trail, but was custom-built for hiking.
After lunch, you'll travel over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where you'll board the Fiordland Navigator for your overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound.
Far larger than its northern neighbour Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is an even more remote wilderness area. You'll have the opportunity to take a kayak out on the water or hop aboard the tender craft for a guided exploration of the fiord, and in the right season you may catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Tonight you'll sleep in a quad share room aboard the Fiordland Navigator, but there is the option to upgrade to a private ensuite room, if you'd prefer.
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator ship, Doubtful Sound. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Hike to Milford Sound (21km/6 hours hiking with overnight backpack)
This is your last day on the Milford Track. It's 21 kilometres (13 miles) of varied terrain, slightly downhill, with no significant climbs. The small waterfalls to be found alongside the track make for a delightful hike today. At the trailhead at Sandfly Point, you'll be picked up for a short cruise across Milford Sound to the marina, and arrive at Mitre Peak Lodge for a night. You'll be staying at the only hotel in the area (Milford Track hikers have exclusive use of it), but with the memories of the last few days you'll almost regret being back near civilisation!
Accommodation: Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 1: Hike Kepler Track (7.5km/2-3 hours hiking), overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound.
Three Great Walks in three days ... unheard of! Today, it's the Kepler Track and you'll begin by following the lakeshore through native beech and podocarp forest. Interestingly, the Kepler Track differs from the Routeburn and Milford in that it didn't actually evolve from a necessary Maori greenstone trail, but was custom-built for hiking.
After lunch, you'll travel over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where you'll board the Fiordland Navigator for your overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound.
Far larger than its northern neighbour Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is an even more remote wilderness area. You'll have the opportunity to take a kayak out on the water or hop aboard the tender craft for a guided exploration of the fiord, and in the right season you may catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Tonight you'll sleep in a quad share room aboard the Fiordland Navigator, but there is the option to upgrade to a private ensuite room, if you'd prefer.
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator ship, Doubtful Sound. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Hike to Milford Sound (21km/6 hours hiking with overnight backpack)
This is your last day on the Milford Track. It's 21 kilometres (13 miles) of varied terrain, slightly downhill, with no significant climbs. The small waterfalls to be found alongside the track make for a delightful hike today. At the trailhead at Sandfly Point, you'll be picked up for a short cruise across Milford Sound to the marina, and arrive at Mitre Peak Lodge for a night. You'll be staying at the only hotel in the area (Milford Track hikers have exclusive use of it), but with the memories of the last few days you'll almost regret being back near civilisation!
Accommodation: Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 11 - Multi Day Options
Option 1: Cruise Doubtful Sound
Waking up on a boat in misty, mysterious Doubtful Sound is something you have to experience to believe. This morning you'’ll cruise back to Deep Cove and you may be lucky enough to spot bottlenose dolphins that inhabit this area, before making your way back to civilisation.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Cruise Milford Sound (2 hours)
This morning you’'ll enjoy a cruise to explore the full length of Milford Sound and the ship’s captain will nose the boat right up to some magnificent waterfalls that plunge into the fiord. Keep your eyes open for native New Zealand fur seals relaxing on the rocks and the chance to spot dolphins swimming alongside you. Take the scenic journey back to Queenstown via Te Anau and this evening you’'ll meet up with those who chose the Active Great Walks Discovery to catch up on our Fiordland experiences over dinner.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 1: Cruise Doubtful Sound
Waking up on a boat in misty, mysterious Doubtful Sound is something you have to experience to believe. This morning you'’ll cruise back to Deep Cove and you may be lucky enough to spot bottlenose dolphins that inhabit this area, before making your way back to civilisation.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2: Cruise Milford Sound (2 hours)
This morning you’'ll enjoy a cruise to explore the full length of Milford Sound and the ship’s captain will nose the boat right up to some magnificent waterfalls that plunge into the fiord. Keep your eyes open for native New Zealand fur seals relaxing on the rocks and the chance to spot dolphins swimming alongside you. Take the scenic journey back to Queenstown via Te Anau and this evening you’'ll meet up with those who chose the Active Great Walks Discovery to catch up on our Fiordland experiences over dinner.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Queenstown. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 12 - Sam Summers Track
After breakfast, you head out round Lake Wakatipu to the Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve, where you'll hike the Sam Summers Track. This area was mined for gold until the 1930s and there are still many relics to be seen along the way. After hiking you'll continue on to a local winery.
This region's dry and sunny climate is ideal for grape growing and is becoming well known for producing world-class pinot noir and other quality wines. You'll enjoy a glass or two and then head to Lake Ohau Lodge. Here you're staying beside a beautiful alpine lake, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps - an ideal spot to soak in the hot tub!
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5.5km/3-4 hours hiking
After breakfast, you head out round Lake Wakatipu to the Mt Crichton Scenic Reserve, where you'll hike the Sam Summers Track. This area was mined for gold until the 1930s and there are still many relics to be seen along the way. After hiking you'll continue on to a local winery.
This region's dry and sunny climate is ideal for grape growing and is becoming well known for producing world-class pinot noir and other quality wines. You'll enjoy a glass or two and then head to Lake Ohau Lodge. Here you're staying beside a beautiful alpine lake, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps - an ideal spot to soak in the hot tub!
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5.5km/3-4 hours hiking
Day 13 - Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
A short distance away is Mt Cook, named Aoraki or cloud piercer by South Island Maori, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite Aoraki Mt Cook, you have a stunning and little known day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. This area has a unique alpine environment and includes endemic flora such as the Mt Cook Lily (Ranunculus lyallii), the world's largest buttercup.
Many of our clients have said this is the best hike they've ever done and it's a fine way to finish off a great trip. It's a bit of a hike, but you'll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever!
The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it's a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If you aren't able to do the Mueller Glacier hike, or you'd like to take it a little easier, there's an impressive hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier. After hiking, you'll relax at your lodge nestled right in the heart of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Accommodation: Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Aoraki Mt Cook Village. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A short distance away is Mt Cook, named Aoraki or cloud piercer by South Island Maori, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite Aoraki Mt Cook, you have a stunning and little known day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. This area has a unique alpine environment and includes endemic flora such as the Mt Cook Lily (Ranunculus lyallii), the world's largest buttercup.
Many of our clients have said this is the best hike they've ever done and it's a fine way to finish off a great trip. It's a bit of a hike, but you'll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever!
The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it's a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If you aren't able to do the Mueller Glacier hike, or you'd like to take it a little easier, there's an impressive hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier. After hiking, you'll relax at your lodge nestled right in the heart of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Accommodation: Aoraki Alpine Lodge, Aoraki Mt Cook Village. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 14 - Departure Day
This is the last day of your Milford Quest trip and you'll leave refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you'll have had in New Zealand! If you are flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm. If you’re considering alternative flight times, please check with us.
Includes breakfast and lunch.
This is the last day of your Milford Quest trip and you'll leave refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you'll have had in New Zealand! If you are flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm. If you’re considering alternative flight times, please check with us.
Includes breakfast and lunch.
Grading & Fitness:
Grade: C
* Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
* At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
* Tracks generally in good condition.
* Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
* No hiking experience necessary.
* Reasonable standard of fitness required.
* You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on this trip. You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important, but this trip is not a passive scenic tour of New Zealand. For example, a person in their 50's who hikes every couple of weeks will be happier than a 22-year-old couch potato. If you're concerned about your fitness level please contact us for more information.
The focus is on getting you out of the vehicle, out of stress-mode and into the scenery.
Highlights:
* Explore imposing limestone tors of the Kuru Tawhiti Conservation area
* Hike temperate rainforest and limestone canyons
* Enjoy an exhilarating treetop walk
* Guided Milford Track option or Fiordland day hikes with overnight Doubtful Sound cruise
* Visit New Zealand’s glacier country
* Free day in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital
* Embrace the unique alpine environment of Aoraki/Mt Cook
Additional Costs
Activities in Queenstown
Meals in Queenstown
Heli-hike at Franz Josef glacier (from NZ$564)
Milford Track option (from NZ$1,322)
Price includes:
guides (2 per group of 14 clients), transport, accommodation