At a Glance
This spectacular Milford Sound cycling adventure from Queenstown provides an unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Fiordland and the enchanting Milford Sound on wheels. Enjoy two of NZ's the best rides - Queenstown Trail and Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. Kayak to Pidgeon Island on the majestic Lake Wakatipu, walk along the famous Routeburn Track. Spend a night on a Milford Sound overnight cruise before pedalling around Te Anau and the hidden Mavora Lakes site featured in the Lord of the Rings. This active tour truly offers the very best of cycling and walking in Fiordland and iconic Milford Sound experience in a 5-day itinerary.
Your journey begins in Queenstown, where you will embark on this amazing journey towards Milford Sound. You will cycle from Queenstown to Milford Sound ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
- Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
- Bike & helmet hire. E-bike upgrade is an additional cost
- Opportunity to kayak in Milford Sound
- 3 nights accommodation with ensuite on a twin share basis (4 star)
- 1 night in a double or twin cabin on a Milford cruise boat with shared bathroom facilities
- Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
- Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 more more)
- Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
- Kayak trip on Lake Wakatipu
- Boat return on the TSS Earnslaw Steamer across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
- Celebratory end of ride refreshments
- Transport from Queenstown (return)
Itinerary
Cycling distance: Up to 20km / 12miles. Kayaking 5km Your guide will collect you from a central city location around 8:00am and you will have a tour briefing and then a bike fitting. Then it’s time to drive to Glenorchy where you take an easy 5km kayak on Lake Wakatipu to Pidgeon Island, a wildlife paradise. The scenic mountain landscapes towering over the lake make this a highlight of the trip. After paddling back from the island, you then head back to Queenstown where you have the chance to explore the nearby Queenstown Trail by bike. After some time to refresh you then head out to dinner to talk over plans for the next few days. |
Cycling Distance: Up to 50km / Up to 32miles; Walking Distance: 9km / 6 miles taking 3 hours From Queenstown we drive the narrow lakeside road alongside Lake Wakitipu to Kingston. From here you can connect with the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail, a dedicated cycle path that allows you to enjoy the scenery of sheep & cattle country surrounded by spectacular mountains free from traffic. You stop for lunch at the remote Five Rivers station cafe, passing through rich farm lands by the banks of the Oreti River, to the town of Mossburn. Here we load up and drive through to Te Anau, the gateway to your coming adventures exploring Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. This afternoon we enjoy a walk along the lower section of the Kepler Track, one of NZ's Great Walks. We walk from Rainbow Reach and follow the Waiau River through beautiful beech forest to the Lake Te Anau outlet. We transfer to our hotel in Te Anau and are then free to explore the town and make our own dinner arrangements. Note: Tonight you will need to pack an overnight bag for the next night of the tour. When staying overnight in Milford Sound you will be able to take a small bag and the majority of your luggage will be secured in the vehicle. |
Walking distance: 7 km, 3 hours walking This morning we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful Milford road tracks through the wilderness and we stop to enjoy some of the short walks and views on the way, before arriving at The Divide. From here you walk to Routeburn Track Key Summit, a 3 hour return hike that gives spectacular views of the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt and Earl mountain ranges. Transfer through the Homer Tunnel and onto Milford Sound, stopping en-route to explore the famous Chasm walkway before arriving at your accommodation for the night - Milford Sound overnight cruise. An overnight cruise here goes far beyond the ordinary visitor experience, rewarding with sights and sounds that will linger through the years to come. This boat takes you out of the Milford Sound and into the open seas beyond before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. You can explore the shoreline by small boat with our nature guide and learn about the area and its flora and fauna. Keep a lookout here for some interesting wildlife. You can also kayak or go swimming in the fiord's extremely pure (but oh so cold) waters. Enjoy three-course dinner on the cruise. Back on deck after dinner, check out the brightness of the stars in the incredible inky blackness of the remote Fiordland night sky. Then, when you're ready, retire to a comfortable cabin and dream of tall cliffs and still waters. Note to solo travellers: All cabins on the Milford Sound Cruise are shared. |
Cycling distance: Hollyford Road 27km / 17miles Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast the next morning before we head out to the Tasman Sea (if conditions are favourable) and explore even more more of this incredible fiord. Return to shore and farewell to the majestic Milford Sound. If weather conditions allow, we hop on the bikes here and enjoy the wonderful cycle down the Milford Sound Highway and along the very quiet and scenic Hollyford road. From here there is chance to walk to see the 275m high Humboldt Falls (30 mins return) which are particularly spectacular after rain. We have lunch and transfer by bus back to Te Anau, stopping at more view points along the way to admire the wonderful Fiordland scenery and rain forest vegetation. We spend a second night in Te Anau and meet in the early evening for our final group dinner together. |
Cycling distance: Up to 55km / 34miles Out of Te Anau, journey into the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. You cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest before continuing on to the isolated Von Valley for lunch. You farewell your supporting coach as you cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Mount Nicholas station. Here we are greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and snow covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we have a celebratory drink before boarding the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and crossing Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown which brings our journey to an end. |
Dates & Prices
Private departure is available if you have a group of 6 or more people. Please contact us to discuss.
More Info
- The departure point is Queenstown
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Queenstown
We provide private car transfer service. Please contact us to quote and arrange private transfer. E: travel@onlyluxe.com.au
As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for travelling in New Zealand's stunning outdoors. One of the most important things travellers need to know about the New Zealand climate is that it's a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of larger landmasses.
Thanks to its position in the path of the 'Roaring 40s' and mountainous terrain, New Zealand’s weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the weather can change so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and some warm clothing. You don't need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper and good thermals are a must.
The temperature during the South Island summers range from 10‐30°C, with a pleasant 40‐50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and snowfall is not uncommon even in summer. The Southern Alps act as a barrier to the moisture laden winds coming west across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the west side of the mountains and a drier climate on the east side. The geography also creates a wind pattern, which can in summer be very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30°C. Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around ‐5°C. Weather is an integral facet of any mountain range and getting to understand and work with this major environmental factor is what will make you more prepared for your tour.
Day 1: Approximately 35km / 21miles cycling
Day 2: Approximately 35 to 65km / 15 to 40miles cycling
Day 3: Approximately 7 km, 3 hours walking
Day 4: Approximately 51km / 31miles cycling
Day 5: Approximately 46km / 28miles cycling
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 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 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 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 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.