At a Glance
Discover one of the world's best adventure town on this thrilling 4-day adventure in style, packed with bests hikes in Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National Park. With three nights spent at the luxurious Mahu Whenua, you'll wake up with some of the most iconic and dramatic natural alpine scenery in New Zealand and will surely agree this is the Ultimate Luxury Wanaka Adventure!
You'll be picked up from Queenstown, then wind your way up and over the Crown Range, which is the highest main road in New Zealand and reaches an altitude of 1,121 metres. Venture into Rob Roy Valley, the jewel of Mt Aspiring National Park and take on this graded 'moderate' 10 km return hike, to be rewarded with swing bridge, waterfalls, rainforest, crystal clear mountain streams and glaciers. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Expert guided 3 day walks
- Experienced local guide with warm Kiwi hospitality and personal attention with local connections
- 3 nights’ accommodation at the luxury The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua.
- 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners plus afternoon tea or afternoon tea.
- Pre-dinner canapés as well as a premium selection of wine and beverages served with canapés at Mahu Whenua
- Return transfers from/to Queenstown
Itinerary
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Walking distance: Approx. 10 km, 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade). Pickup from Queenstown and you'll enjoy a two-hour car journey to Mt Aspiring National Park. The road to Mt Aspiring National Park is an adventure on its own. Drive up and over the Grown Range road - the highest main road in New Zealand with an altitude of 1121 metres. Then a scenic drive past Lake Wanaka, and into the Matukituki valley. From here, your guided hike begins through farmland with sheep and cattle, and then across a swing bridge into the alpine rainforest to emerge above the treeline into the alpine herb fields opposite four glacier faces - a perfect lunch spot and a base for further exploration of this magical valley. Rob Roy Glacier itself remains hidden for most of the trail, but now and then the veil of native Beech forest slips to reveal teasing glimpses of white contrasted against the blue sky. After about an hour and a half, there's a gradual transition to more sparse alpine vegetation, signalling you're close to the head of the valley. Then up on a rocky clearing, the vista suddenly opens up dramatically and we're rewarded with unobstructed views of the glacier hanging thousands of feet above us. Then a return downhill walk on the same track to the car park. You'll be transferred back to the luxury The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua for pre-dinner canapés as well as a premium selection of wine and beverages at sunset, and an exquisite dinner |
The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua
Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 7 km, 3.5 hours walking (Moderate Grade). This is a 3.5 hour return walk to the top of Rocky Mountain adjacent to Diamond Lake near Lake Wanaka, with stunning scenery along the way. In places, the track is steep but easy enough if you take your time. (Please Note: Due to track condition the second half of this walk may now only be suitable for fit and experienced walkers. Therefore in some cases we may now walk to the Lake Wanaka Viewpoint only and not to the top of Rocky Mountain - 2.5 hours walking instead of 3.5 hours). Walk up to then around Diamond Lake and then steadily climb up a good track overlooking Diamond Lake. Soon you enter the weeping forest, then take a right-angled turn in search of the light. You then come to the wailing wall where during the wetter months of the year water drops fall from the over-hanging cliff. Enjoy an overview of Diamond Lake from the viewing platform. From here you walk to the top of Rocky Mountain (if you are suitably fit and experienced), or to the Lake Wanaka Viewing Point. Enjoy wonderful panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and the Matukituki River. After relaxing here for lunch and refreshments you head back down and go on a different loop track around Diamond Lake. You'll be transferred back to the luxury The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua for pre-dinner canapés as well as a premium selection of wine and beverages at sunset, and an exquisite dinner. |
The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu WhenuaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 5 km, 2 hours walking (Easy to Moderate Grade). This combination of walks is definitely a highlight of the Haast Pass. From Davis Flat, you follow the Bridle Track on the original and horse-only access to the West Coast. The walk passes through beech forest, and follows the upper reaches of the Makarora River, with stunning river and valley views. The two river crossings we encounter are both bridged. You meet the vehicle at the top end at Haast Pass so there is no need to back track. Then you have lunch at Cameron Flat, with commanding views over the Makarora River to the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. After lunch, you walk down the gravel path through the Silver Beech to the Blue Pools, to spot feeding Rainbow and Brown trout from the swing bridge over the Makarora River and the viewing platform overlooking the crystal clear blue pools. Departing the Blue Pools you make way back to our vehicle and return to Wanaka with wonderful views of both Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and many photo opportunities along the way. You’ll be transferred back to the luxury The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu Whenua for pre-dinner canapés as well as a premium selection of wine and beverages at sunset, and an exquisite dinner. |
The Ridgeline Homestead at Mahu WhenuaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
At your doorstep, it's over 55,000 hectares of majestic beauty - towering mountains, lush green valleys, native bush, forests and meandering rivers. The property consists of four adjoining high country sheep stations - Motatapu, Mt Soho, Glencoe and Coronet Peak - which, combined, stretch from Glendhu Bay in Wanaka all the way through to Arrowtown in Queenstown and host some of the most iconic and dramatic natural alpine scenery in New Zealand. What makes the land even more very special is its magical story. From the start, the owner's vision is start an extensive plant regeneration and native bird breeding programme in addition to introducing sustainable farming practices. To ensure that the owner's conservation initiatives continue, more than 90% of the land has been protected by covenants (Queen Elizabeth II National Trust), making it the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand's history. So today you can set up your goal for a walk/hike on the property. You will be provided with chef prepared morning tea, refreshments and a picnic lunch to enjoy. Your guide will then pick you up and transfer you to Queenstown. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Peak season surcharge applies for the period of 20th December to 5th January. Single supplement is available. Please contact us for quote.
More Info
- The departure point is Queenstown, New Zealand.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Queenstown.
We provide private car or helicopter transfer service. Please contact us to quote and arrange private transfer. E: travel@onlyluxe.com.au
Day 1: Approximately 10 km, 4 hours
Day 2: Approximately 7 km, 3.5 hours
Day 3: Approximately 5 km, 2 hours
Day 4: Self guided walk on 55,000 hectares of private land from your accommodation doorstep, so you can set your own goal!
In New Zealand, January and February are the warmest months of the year (Summer). The temperature is in the 75F/25C range. February is generally regarded as the best weather month which means it's also popular on the trail.
March temperatures average at 70F/21C and is the most stable time of year to visit weather-wise, with little rain and low wind. April and May start to get a little cooler in the South, but it offers crisp clear evenings for stargazing.
June to August is Winter. Temperatures in the far south experiences an average of 47F/8C.
September to November start to warm up with flowers dotting the green forests. The average temperature is 58F/15C in the South.
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.
