At a Glance
Get a glimpse of the best of Fiordland in just 4 days on this thrilling adventure. Hike four world-famous tracks, including Milford, Routeburn, and Lake Marian, with a heli-hike on the Kepler Track. Cap it off with a Milford Sound scenic cruise, all while soaking in Fiordland’s awe-inspiring landscapes—lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, towering mountains, and vast fiords. This unforgettable journey combines the region’s finest sights into one perfect itinerary.
Your journey begins in Queenstown, where a helicopter sweeps you away to Luxmore Hut for a thrilling alpine adventure, with the option to summit nearby peaks. Next, hike the breathtaking Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, offering panoramic vistas of the Southern Alps. Continue your exploration on the Milford Track, wandering through lush rainforest to the stunning Giant Gate Waterfall, before a ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
- Helicopter flight for Kepler Track hiking
- Water taxis for all hikes
- Return transport to/from Queenstown
- Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off for day walks
- Guided walks each day with experienced local guides
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners plus hot drinks and trail snacks. 3 course dinner. Meal only, alcohol and drinks are not included
- 3 nights' accommodation on a twin share basis (single supplement available at an additional expense).
Itinerary
Walking distance: 8 km, approx. 3 - 6 hours walking (Easy Grade). Medium level of fitness required, 800m descent. Optional walk: additional 1-3 hours walking up and down. Pick up from your accommodation in Queenstown around 7:30am*. Drive to Te Anau. * We can also pick you up from your Queenstown accommodation a day prior to your walking trip if you stay at Te Anau a night before your walking trip. Today's walk includes a scenic helicopter flight to Mount Luxmore on the Kepler Track. Travel by helicopter from Te Anau over the hidden lakes, beech forest and alpine area to Luxmore Hut. From this Department of Conservation Hut explore the alpine tussock fields and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Fiordland mountains with the possibility of ascending to the summit of Mt Luxmore. After time in the alpine area, hike down the mountain on a well-formed track. The track descends through mountain and silver beech forest, and passes under towering limestone bluffs to the sandy beach of Brod Bay. The effects of different altitude and weather conditions experienced in Fiordland are clear to see, as the trees and undergrowth quickly change, creating a varied backdrop. The approach to Lake Te Anau is evident as the track meanders through native New Zealand ferns. The hike is finished at the pick-up point for the boat cruise back to Te Anau. It is a downhill walk (8 km) requiring a medium level of fitness. If you wish to explore further past the Hut toward the Summit there would be an additional 1-3 hours walking up and down. You'll learn about the natural and human heritage of Fiordland. There are plenty of stops for photographs, bird-watching and interpretation along the way. |
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Back to your accommodation at around 5:00 to 5:30pm. After a hot shower and relaxation, enjoy your gourmet dinner (three course). |
Walking distance: 7 - 10 km, approx. 5 hours walking (Easy to moderate grade). Enjoy a guided day hike to Key Summit to view glacial carved valleys, alpine gardens abundant with flora and fauna and expansive vistas of New Zealand's spectacular Southern Alps. Pickup from your accommodation at 7:30am. Begin the journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Milford Road with opportunities for short nature walks and photo stops. Arrive at the Divide Shelter, the starting point for the Routeburn Track and our guided walk to Key Summit. The walk ascends through lush, temperate rainforest on a well maintained track. The steady climb takes approximately 2 hours. Gaining an elevation of 400 metres, emerge from the forest into the alpine environment of Key Summit, with panoramic views of high snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and deep bush clad valleys. Your guide will find the best place for lunch on the day. Opportunity may allow to explore further along the Routeburn or Greenstone Tracks. After lunch steps are retraced to the Divide Shelter before returning to Te Anau. |
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Return to Te Anau at around 5:00pm. Unwind back at your hotel with a relaxing dip in the spa pool before indulging in another 3 course dining affair. |
Walking distance: 11 km, approx. 4 hours walking (Easy Grade). Some fitness required, 50 metre vertical gain. Pick up from your Te Anau accommodation around 6:30am. Experience a guided walk to Giant Gate Waterfall on the world famous Milford Track. Departing from Milford Sound begin with a short boat ride to Sandfly Point. An easy 5.5 km (11 km return) walk alongside the cascading Arthur River and moody Lake Ada, on a well maintained track through ancient temperate rainforest surrounded by an array of ferns, mosses and lichens in vibrant shades of green leads to Giant Gate Waterfall. An expansive swing bridge provides perfect photo opportunities. A forest of ancient trees, vibrant ferns and mosses, and diverse birdlife - unequalled anywhere. On conclusion of the walk complete the Milford Sound experience with an afternoon Scenic Boat Cruise 1 hour 40 minutes in length. With purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, clients will have excellent viewing opportunities including the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Return to Te Anau at around 5:45pm. After a hot shower and relaxation, enjoy your gourmet dinner (three course). |
Walking distance: 11 - 15 km, approx. 4 - 6 hours walking (Moderate Grade). Pick up from your Te Anau accommodation around 7:45am for your adventurous guided day excursion - Lake Marian hiking amongst forest and alpine scenery. Begin with a spectacular scenic drive along the Milford Road to the Lower Hollyford valley, the starting point for the guided walk to Lake Marian. The hike starts with a gentle walk alongside a series of waterfalls, then steepens and becomes rocky underfoot as clients ascend through a lush forest of fuchsia, ribbon wood and beech trees. Stops for photographs, bird-watching and enjoying the scenery are made along the way. Hot drinks and energy snacks are carried by the guide, and a wilderness tea break is available as required. After walking for 2 - 3 hours, arrive at Lake Marian. This stunning alpine lake is situated in a hanging valley surrounded by steep, snow clad mountains. As weather permits enjoy a picnic lunch at this inspirational location and relax in this magnificent alpine amphitheatre. Descend back down the track to the Hollyford Road and then travel back to Te Anau by coach. Return to Te Anau at around 4:00 to 4:30pm and transfer to Queenstown. You will arrive in Queenstown by approx. 6:30 to 7:00pm. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point is Queenstown
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Queenstown
Day 1: Approximately 8 km, 3 - 6 hours
Day 2: Approximately 7 - 10 km, 5 hours
Day 3: Approximately 11 km, 4 hours
Day 4: Approximately 11 - 15 km, 4 - 6 hours
Total: Approximately 37 - 44 km
In New Zealand, January and February are the warmest months of the year (summer), and July is the coldest (winter). Fiordland in the south is generally colder than the north, but weather varies throughout the region and can change rapidly within a day.
Summer in Fiordland offers the warmest days (e.g. between 10 - 18°C. Winter temperatures (between May and November) can be between 1 - 9°C (example from July), however cold weather can occur at any time of year.
Mintaro Hut, Milford Track, Fiordland
Mackenzie Hut, Routeburn Track, Fiordland
Luxmore Hut, Kepler Track, Fiordland
(Data sourced from climate-data.org , Units = °C)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.