Trip Highlights:
- Hike to magical viewpoints on Ben Lomond, above Queenstown
- Visit Stewart Island to see the bird life and maybe spot a Kiwi
- Trek in Fiordland with spectacular viewpoints and towering rocky walls
- Enjoy a magical helicopter ride over Milford Sound to the secluded Martins Bay
- Indulge in a luxury lodge in a serene remote environment
- Experience the magnificence of the remote Hollyford wilderness
- Hike small sections of the iconic Routeburn, Kepler and Rakiura Tracks
The deep south of New Zealand is home to some of the country’s most pristine and spectacular landscapes with an exceptional array of day hikes, which we feature on this superb week of walking. This trip begins in the ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown where we hike the lower slopes of Ben Lomond for extensive panoramic views over Lake Wakitipu before travelling to Invercargill. Crossing over to Stewart Island you will enjoy some short walks as well as a free day to explore this remote island on foot, kayak or even try to sight New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird – the Kiwi. Returning to the mainland, travel to Te Anau for walks in Fiordland National Park before boarding a breathtaking helicopter flight over Milford Sound and dramatic peaks into uninhabited Martins Bay, the heart of the Hollyford region. We enjoy an afternoon walk along the rugged coastline, which is frequented by penguins and seals in season, before settling into our cosy lodge for the night. The trip continues with a walk along the Hollyford Valley and a section of the Routeburn Track before heading back to Queenstown.
Inclusions:
- Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x6), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
- 5 nights hand picked hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
- 1 night exclusive use of Martin’s Bay private lodge (shared bathroom)
- Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
- Private vehicle transport including trailer for luggage
- Skyline Gondola ride from Queenstown
- Helicopter over Milford Sound into Martin’s Bay (Hollyford)
- Wilderness jet boat along Lake McKerrow to Pyke River confluence
- Ferry to and from Stewart Island
- Water taxi and transfer to and from walk on Stewart Island
- Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
- Packs and walking poles (on request if required) – please let our staff know in advance
- Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
- Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
Whats not included:
- International or domestic flights and taxes
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- All beverages, other than breakfast
- Water bottle (help us save the environment by bringing your own drink bottle or hydration system)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if required)
About your guide:
Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.
