About this trip

Join us for an unforgettable 7-day adventure in the South Westland World Heritage Area of the South Island. Over the course of this incredible week, you'll immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of this pristine region. From hiking the renowned Routeburn Track to cruising the majestic Milford Sound and exploring the alpine wonders of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, each day offers a new opportunity for amazing hikes and adventures. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as you delve into the natural wonders of New Zealand's South Westland.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Make the most of being in

this spectacular destination and head out for one of the local hiking trails that offer

great views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Meet with the guide in the evening

for a pre-trip chat and hear about the plan for tomorrow.

Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Queenstown.

Day 2 -Routeburn Track

Queenstown -Routeburn Track

We meet at hotel and drive around Lake Wakatipu, LOTR fans may recognise some of the landscapes here! Our drive takes us through the charming village of Glenorchy at the head of the lake and through the aptly named ‘Paradise’ and on to northern end of one of New Zealands most famous Great Walks the Routeburn track. The hike takes us to the Routeburn Flats Hut, passing through pristine beech forests, multiple waterfalls and swing bridge crossings. Take a rest and enjoy lunch on the river flats looking over the Routeburn River, before hiking out the same track to the vehicle. We return to Queenstown after the hike and our accommodation on Fernside hill overlooking the lake. The evening is free for you to dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Queenstown.

Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hike: Moderate, 15 kms, 4- 5 Hours, +/- 300 metres

Day 3

Queenstown – Kepler Track - TeAnau

Departing Queenstown, drive to the Kepler Track, another of the famed Great Walks.

This awe-inspiring track was designed to show off the best features of Fiordland, from the vast Te Anau Lake to muscular mountains, glacier-carved valleys and tall waterfalls.

The trail explores the fragile wetlands along the shoreline of Lake Manapouri to reach Shallow Bay, along the way passing through moss-draped beech forests full of prolific bird life. After the hike we drive to our hotel in the lakeside town of Te Anau. We dine out together tonight in one of the great local restaurants.

Accommodation: The Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Hike: Moderate, 6kms, 3-4 Hours, +/- 60 metres

Day 4

TeAnau – Milford Sound – Key Summit (Routeburn track)

Today’s journey takes us through the stunning Fiordland mountains to Milford Sound. Hike on the southern end of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit, this hike is renowned for its panoramic views of the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. The option of exploring easier short walks in the Hollyford Valley adds flexibility, especially if cloud cover is a concern for the views at Key Summit. After the hike, we continue to Milford Sound and board a cruise vessel to sit back and marvel the views of glaciated mountains and sheer cliffs. The mile-high Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls adds to the grandeur of the landscape. The potential to spot marine wildlife, including dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin, adds to this exciting journey. We return to Te Anau in the afternoon. The evening is free for you to relax at your hotel, with restaurants and bars close by.

Accommodation: The Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Hike: Moderate, 7kms, 3Hours, +/- 493 metres

Day 5

Te Anau to Aoraki /Mt Cook

The legs get a rest from hiking today on the drive north to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. A stop in Cromwell is a good opportunity to sample some of the delicious fruit that is grown in this area as well as taking a stroll through the quaint and lovingly restored historical precinct of the town. Central Otago’s high-country landscape, contains some of New Zealand’s largest high-country sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares – Patagonian like in size and splendor. Crossing Lindis Pass we continue through the MacKenzie country to the shores of Lake Pukaki and then west to Aoraki/Mt Cook (3724m). Arriving late in the afternoon the remainder of the afternoon is yours to do as you please, either hike (unguided) the nearby Red Tarns track, visit the Aoraki Visitor centre or relax and enjoy the stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook

Accommodation: Aoraki Alpine Lodge/Hermitage Hotel/Mt Cook Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Today’s hike climbs steeply up a well-constructed trail to the Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. From here, choose to either carry on up to the Mueller Ridge, where the trail is less formed and steep, or make your way back down. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up the Hooker Valley (unguided), or alternatively take a stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Accommodation: Aoraki Alpine Lodge/Hermitage Hotel/Mt Cook Lodge

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Challenging: 8kms, 6 hours, +/- 900 metres

Day 7

Aoraki Mt Cook - Christchurch

In the morning, embark on a final hike in the Tasman Valley, soak up the alpine vistas, lakes, and glacial moraines. Leaving Aoraki/Mt Cook, continue north through the MacKenzie country. Take a break at Lake Tekapo, characterized by aqua blue waters framed by the Southern Alps. The lake's colour is a result of glacial flour, finely ground rock suspended in the water, refracting light. After crossing the Canterbury plains, arrive in Christchurch in the mid-afternoon to late afternoon.

Accommodation: NA

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch