• Southern Walking Adventure

Southern Walking Adventure

This New Zealand Walking Tour includes the fabulous Hollyford Track with all the trimmings!

Not only will you have the chance to walk on the Hollyford Track but you will also enjoy the spectacular Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Milford Sound with an overnight cruise and a scenic flight to Queenstown.  Finish it off with a wine tour in the gorgeous Bannockburn Valley.

Highlights: Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Hollyford Guided Three Day Track, Milford Marnier Overnight Cruise, Scenic Milford Plane Flight and Boutique Wine Tour.

Day By Day

1

Welcome to Queenstown

Surrounded by mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is known for its breath taking scenery, vast experiences and friendly locals.

On your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Accommodation:
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Standard King Room with Full Breakfast

 Queenstown’s finest 4-star hotel, the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside enjoys one of the best locations in this alpine destination. Located on Lake Wakatipu waterfront and in the heart of the town centre, its easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and bars.

2

Queenstown to Te Anau

Transfer by scheduled coach through to Te Anau this morning and spend the afternoon visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Hidden beneath the mountains is an underground network of caves lit by thousands of glowworms, cruise across Lake Manapouri then transfer into small boats and drift silently along the river below a display of glittering glowworms. See the roaring whirlpools and waterfalls of the Tunnel Burn Stream.   Your guide will share stories about the natural history and early pioneers of the region.

Accommodation:
Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Deluxe Room with Full Breakfast

With their wide range of modern refurbished rooms along with two on-site restaurants and free WiFi, the Distinction Luxmore Hotel will make your stay in Te Anau enjoyable and comfortable. Centrally located, the hotel is within easy walking distance to shops, bars, restaurants and Lake Te Anau.

3

Te Anau - Hollyford Track, Day One

The Hollyford Track is the ultimate way to experience New Zealand’s wilderness as well as the country’s rich history and heritage.  This three day/two night guided hiking adventure takes you on a journey from the mountains to the sea by both foot, jetboat and helicopter! Your trip is fully inclusive with all your meals, accommodation and with a maximum of 16 people per group, you will enjoy a very personal experience.  With expert and passionate guides who bring to life the diversity of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, as well captivating stories of the original Māori’s and early pioneers.

Day one starts with a short coach ride to Gunns Camp and into the Hollyford Valley.   With your packs, follow the clear waters of the Hollyford River and walk beneath the gaze of the Southern Alps, including Mt Tutoko (2746m) and Mt Madeline (2537m), Fiordland National Park’s two highest peaks.   Retrace the footsteps of original Māori and early pioneers, as the track undulates through native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls. Today’s hike distance is 19.5km (12.1 miles).

On reaching Pyke Lodge nestled on the Pyke River, you will be welcomed by your lodge hosts to enjoy hot showers, an impressive three course dinner and the chance to reflect on today’s hike.

Accommodation is twin share bunk style accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.

4

Hollyford Track, Day Two

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a short walk to the magical Lake Alabaster and cross one of Fiordland’s longest swing bridges. You’ll board your jet boat for an exciting ride to Lake McKerrow where the clear waters whisk past and your surrounded by dramatic mountains. Cruise across the lake to Jamestown where you might encounter a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins.

Throughout your three-day adventure you’ll discover the triumphs and tragedies of ill-fated Jamestown and pass ancient forests with thousand year old giants such as native Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea. Arrive on the rugged West Coast to take in the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (seasonal visitors) and the native New Zealand Fur Seals.

Martins Bay Lodge completes your second unforgettable day.  Today’s hike distance is 15km (9.3 miles).

5

Hollyford Track, Day Three - Milford Sound

Following breakfast, board your jetboat for a short ride to Martins Bay Spit and explore the sand dunes. Your guide will highlight the plant and wildlife in this unique environment and discover the diversity of this remote area.  Today’s hike distance is 8.5km (5.3 miles).

Returning for lunch at Martins Bay Lodge, you will then board helicopters for a scenic flight along the rugged coastline and into the dramatic Milford Sound, where you’ll marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite walls rising from the sea. From Milford, farewell your fellow walkers and transfer the short distance with your guide to Milford Wharf and check in for your Milford Marnier Overnight Cruise.

An overnight cruise is the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound and the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and serenity that the fiord offers.

After boarding the Milford Mariner, enjoy a full length cruise of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. With an onboard Nature guide, learn about the history and natural environment of the fiord and look out for wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins.   Go for a paddle in a kayak, or hop on board a tender craft to explore the fiord up close. The boat will anchor in the shelter of Harrison Cove overnight.

Accommodation:
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise, Private Double/Twin Cabin with Three-Course Buffet Dinner & Breakfast

 

6

Milford Sound to Queenstown

Enjoy further cruising this morning before returning to Milford for your scenic plane flight to Queenstown.   During the 35 minute flight there are panoramic views of spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest.

In the event, weather does not permit flying – you will be transferred by coach to Queenstown.

Accommodation:
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Standard King Room with Full Breakfast

Queenstown’s finest 4-star hotel, the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside enjoys one of the best locations in this alpine destination. Located on Lake Wakatipu waterfront and in the heart of the town centre, its easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and bars.

7

Queenstown

Enjoy an afternoon amongst the boutique vineyards and splendid scenery of Central Otago. Taste wines at four boutique vineyards in the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell regions. Your wine tour also includes a gourmet platter lunch at the award winning Carrick Winery.

Accommodation:
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Standard King Room with Full Breakfast

8

Depart Queenstown

Grab your last minute shopping before transferring to Queenstown Airport. Connect with your onwards flight (flight not included)

Your New Zealand Walking Tour Itinerary concludes today.

Blog

tournew-zealand-walking-tour-southern-adventure
Mount Cook

Visit New Zealand's Aoraki Mt Cook, our highest peak. It stands at 3724 metres ... Read more

Contact Details

Phone Us
+64 3 3555 990
+64 21 461 971

Our Physical Address
21 Verona Place, Ohoka
Christchurch 7692
New Zealand

Our Postal Address
PO Box 36437, Merivale
Christchurch 8146
New Zealand

Facebook

Tour Inclusions

New Zealand Walking Adventure

Special Notes & Conditions:

This tour operates between the months of October and April and departs every second day.

A surcharge of $200.00 per person applies to travel between 26 December – 17 January and 8 February – 7 April.  An additional deposit of $500.00 per person is also required at time of booking.

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms & Conditions:

Currency

All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Pricing

Pricing is subject to availability and confirmation of the stated itinerary at time of booking.  If we are unable to confirm the stated hotels and services, we will endeavour to confirm substitutes at similar rates, however additional costs may apply.

Rental Car Terms & Conditions:

Inclusions: unlimited kilometres, airport/ferry collection fee, full insurance (subject to reduced excess), front windscreen cover, personal accident insurance, guaranteed replacement vehicle in case of accident.

Exclusions: insurance excess reduction of $345.00 including GST (note, standard insurance excess is $3,450.00 including GST), bond, petrol costs, one way fee ($57.50), optional extras, (all additional expenses to be paid direct)

Payment Policy

We do require a non-refundable deposit of NZD$250.00 per person before we go ahead with securing any reservations.

In addition, some of our suppliers may require further deposits to cover their strict cancellation policies, in this case we would advise you at the time of quoting and confirming your itinerary.

The balance of your booking would be required 45 days prior to your travel date.   If you book inside 45 days, full payment would be required at time of booking.

Payment can be made by electronic wire transfer and should include the additional NZD $25.00 bank fee.   We also accept Visa and Mastercard at an additional fee of 3.1%.

Bank Account Details

Bank Name & Address: Westpac Bank, Mid City Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Account Name: Inspired New Zealand Travel

BSB Number: 03-0296

Account Number: 0011146-000

Swift/Routing Code: WPACNZ2W 

Amendments

We are happy to amend your itinerary and dates, however please keep in mind that some of the original services may not be available for your new dates, which may incur additional costs for substituted services.   Amendment fees may apply with multiple changes.

Cancellation Fees

Once Confirmed               Non-refundable Deposit of NZD $250.00 per person

Inside 45 – 21 Days          A Cancellation fee of 30% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 20 – 8 days             A Cancellation fee of 50% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 7 Days                      Full Cancellations, 100% charge

We will however do our very best to recover and minimise these cancellation fees but recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to cover yourself.

TOP

We are using cookies on our website

We use cookies and information related to your use of this website to enhance your user experience. For details, please see our Privacy Policy.