Milford Track Adventure

  • 14 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 3-4
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    • Activity Level 4

      Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Christchurch
  • Trip End: Christchurch
new zealand tour 5

Hike the iconic Milford Track and discover lesser-known trails on our Milford Track Adventure

Love hiking and love your creature comforts come nighttime? You've come to the right place. On this 14-day Milford Hiking Adventure, you'll experience the very best of New Zealand's South Island, one trail at a time. Choosing between hiking the entire length of the Milford Track or sticking to day hikes along the equally stunning Routeburn, Milford, and Kepler Tracks is no easy task. Especially when you add in an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound and a cruise on Milford Sound. You'll fall in love with Fiordland's diverse landscapes and learn about the fascinating culture, flora and fauna of the region with two knowledgeable local guides leading the way. We don't stop there, though. You'll also hike trails known only to the locals as you explore Mt Aspiring National Park, Fox Glacier and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Our Milford Track Adventure is one of those experiences you'll be talking about for years to come.

Trip Highlights

Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Great Walks

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Rocky Mountain

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Visit Queenstown

Plus...

West Coast

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Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

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Castle Hill

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Franz Josef Glacier

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Paparoa National Park

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Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Milford Track Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Christchurch Trip End: Christchurch

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive, hike Castle Hill

  • Day 2Rainforest and beach hikes in Punakaiki

  • Day 3Hike Point Elizabeth, visit Hokitika and hike Okarito walkway

  • Day 4Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

  • Day 5Hike Rocky Mountain, explore Wanaka

  • Day 6Free day in Queenstown

  • Day 7Start Of Multi-Day Options

  • Day 8Multi-Day Options Continued

  • Day 9Multi-Day Options Continued

  • Day 10Multi-Day Options Continued

  • Day 11Multi-Day Options Continued

  • Day 12Hike Sam Summers Track, visit local winery

  • Day 13Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

  • Day 14Depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive, hike Castle Hill

    #81231

    Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Saturday evening, arriving in Auckland early Monday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch in the South Island where we’ll meet you. We’ll then head west to Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area in the heart of the Southern Alps. We’ll take a gentle one-hour walk among the imposing limestone tors of Castle Hill, which were once a meeting place for moa hunters of the Ngai Tahu tribe. The Dalai Lama visited this area and described it as a ‘spiritual center of the universe’.

    This afternoon, we’ll continue on to the West Coast and the seaside village of Punakaiki, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or walk along the beach. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll probably find jetlag is no big deal – for instance, it’s a 12 to 13-hour direct overnight flight from Los Angeles to Auckland so you’ll appreciate the gentle start to your New Zealand adventure.
    Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 0.6 mile (1 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

  • Day 2

    Rainforest and beach hikes in Punakaiki

    #81232

    We’ll spend most of today hiking the Inland Pack Track through temperate rainforest and limestone canyons in the footsteps of the gold miners who established this trail over a century ago. We’ll also follow the Truman Track to a rocky cove and check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes – aptly named limestone formations that have been sculpted through relentless pounding by the Tasman Sea. The Punakaiki coastline is a magnet to marine wildlife, including little blue penguins and Hector’s dolphin (the world’s smallest) that can sometimes be seen close to shore.
    Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 4 miles (6 kilometers), 2-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 425 feet (130 meters) ascent, 425 feet (130 meters) descent

     

  • Day 3

    Hike Point Elizabeth, visit Hokitika and hike Okarito walkway

    #81233

    We’ll travel down the coast to hike the Point Elizabeth track through native coastal forest and flax. The fibers of the flax plant are a traditional resource for Maori, used for weaving a variety of baskets, mats and clothing. Then it’s on to Hokitika where we’ll stretch our legs and check out local art galleries and pounamu-carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade). We’ll continue south and stop off in Okarito, a little-known beach community on the coast, for a relaxing hike through lush coastal forest or along the black sand beach.

    We’ll then carry on down the windswept coast to Franz Josef. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, Franz Josef is the heart of New Zealand's glacier country.

    After dark, we can head out to look for the eerie lights of Arachnocampa luminosa – the native glowworm – and listen for some of New Zealand’s nocturnal birdlife such as the distinctive hoot of the morepork owl.
    Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 394 feet (120 meters) ascent, 394 feet (120 meters) descent

  • Day 4

    Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

    #81234

    With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of this giant frozen river (Franz Josef Glacier) imperceptibly grinding its way down through the temperate rainforest to just 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level. We’ll take a morning walk to the historic Tartare Tunnels, and then continue on to Franz Josef Glacier where we’ll walk to an incredible view of the terminal face.

    From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through lush rainforest and inland to Makarora, a small village bordering Mt. Aspiring National Park, with incredible views of the snow-capped mountains.
    Accommodation: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Tatare Tunnels Hike: 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 395 feet (120 meters) ascent, 395 feet (120 meters) descent

    Franz Josef Glacier Terminal Face Hike: 1 miles (1.7 kilometers), 30mins
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent

  • Day 5

    Hike Rocky Mountain, explore Wanaka

    #81235

    This morning we’ll hike the Rocky Mountain track, a spectacular circuit through an area carved out by ice-age glaciers, with stands of native forest and shrub land. We’ll enjoy lunch after our hike in Wanaka, then it’s a short but dramatic drive over the Cardrona Saddle to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, our base for the next couple of nights. You’ll have time to explore and plan your free day tomorrow before dinner. You'll sleep in this beautiful alpine town.
    Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 4.5 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours OR 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers), 1 hour
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,230 feet (375 meters)  ascent, 1,230 feet (375 meters) descent

  • Day 6

    Free day in Queenstown

    #81236

    Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You’ll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, fishing, winery tours, a historic steamship, bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafés.

    Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.

    This afternoon, there’s a pre-departure briefing for the Milford Track Guided Walk if you’ve chosen that option.
    Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown
    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 7

    Start Of Multi-Day Options

    #81237

    DAY 7 OPTION A
    Great Walks of New Zealand: Overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound
    Variety is the spice of life and that’s exactly what this option is all about - hike three of New Zealand’s Great Walks and take an overnight cruise, all in five days - it’s unheard of! We kick things off with a relaxed breakfast, and a drive to the lakeside town of Manapouri, where our journey into Doubtful Sound begins.

    We’ll board a boat for the cruise across Lake Manapouri, before a drive over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where we’ll board the Fiordland Navigator for our overnight cruise. Doubtful Sound is a large and remote wilderness area, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a kayak out on the water or hop aboard the tender craft for a guided exploration of the fiord, and in the right season, you may catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

    Tonight, you’ll sleep in a private room with ensuite aboard the Fiordland Navigator.
    Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7 OPTION B
    Milford Track: Boat ride and hike Milford Track (extra fee applies)
    The 5-day/4-night Milford Track is one of the first-established and best-known walking tracks in the country. It takes in glacial peaks, a mountain pass, New Zealand’s highest waterfall, and the dense rainforest of Fiordland. You’ll have four days of exercise, good food and great scenery as you walk 53 kilometers (33 miles) from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Because you’re doing the guided walk, you’ll just be carrying a few essentials and a packed lunch each day, so your pack won’t be much heavier than what you’d bring on a regular day hike. Everything else is provided, including excellent meals at the lodges and on the trail, hot showers, bedding, specialist Milford Track guides, and even hairdryers in the rooms!

    For the first three nights, you’ll stay in comfortable mountain lodges, in four and six-bed bunk rooms with shared bathroom facilities. If you prefer your own bedroom and bathroom, contact us for the latest private room rates. On the fourth night, you’ll stay at Mitre Peak Lodge, a hotel exclusively for Milford Track Guided Walk hikers.

    From Queenstown, we’ll head to Lake Te Anau, stopping for lunch along the way. We take a boat to the head of the lake to the start of the Milford Track. It’s a short, easy walk to Glade House, where we stay our first night. (Note: The Milford Track option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.)
    Accommodation: Glade House, Milford Track
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), 0.5-1 hour

  • Day 8

    Multi-Day Options Continued

    #81238

    DAY 8 OPTION A
    Great Walks of New Zealand: Cruise in Doubtful Sound, hike Kepler Track
    You’ll wake in the middle of Doubtful Sound and after breakfast we’ll retrace our journey back to Manapouri. From there we’ll tick off a section of the Kepler Track. Interestingly, the Kepler Track differs from the Routeburn and Milford Tracks in that it didn’t actually evolve from a necessary Maori greenstone trail, but was custom-built for hiking. The section we’ll hike today passes over the control gates at the outlet of Lake Te Anau and meanders through ancient beech and podocarp forest.
    Accommodation: Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 6 miles (9.5 kilometers), 2-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 165 feet (50 meters) ascent, 165 feet (50 meters) descent

    DAY 8 OPTION B
    Milford Track: Hike in beech forest
    We start the day by crossing Clinton River and hiking through lush beech forest to Hirere Falls, where we’ll have lunch. After crossing the prairie, the track gets a little steeper as we climb up to Pompolona Lodge. Today’s highlights include spectacular flora and stunning views up the ice-carved Clinton Canyon toward McKinnon Pass.
    Accommodation: Pompolona Lodge, Milford Track
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 10 miles (16 kilometers), 5-7 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 665 feet (200 meters) ascent 
    (Note: The Milford Track option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.)

     

  • Day 9

    Multi-Day Options Continued

    #81239

    DAY 9 OPTION A
    Great Walks of New Zealand: Hike Milford Track, cruise Milford Sound
    After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Milford Sound where you'll have breathtaking views of New Zealand's most photographed mountain, Mitre Peak. We'll take a short boat ride across Milford Sound to hike from Sandfly Point to the Giant Gates waterfall, a spectacular section of the famed Milford Track. The forest here is lush and rich with mosses and ferns as we follow the Arthur River past Lake Ada. By hiking from the Milford Sound trailhead, you'll enjoy the majestic backdrop of the surrounding peaks.

    Once we return to the Milford wharf, we’ll board a boat for a two-hour nature cruise to the head of this spectacular fiord. Later we'll head back to Te Anau enjoying the stunning native forest and mountain views along the way.
    Accommodation: Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers), 3-4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 985 feet (300 meters) ascent, 985 feet (300 meters) descent

    DAY 9 OPTION B
    Milford Track: Hike McKinnon Pass
    Today is the most spectacular day of the Milford Track! We climb a series of switchbacks to cross McKinnon Pass and from the top, the views of Arthur Valley and the surrounding peaks are just magnificent. We’ll lunch at Pass Hut, then head down to Quintin Lodge.

    After some refreshments, a 90-minute round-trip hike will lead us to Sutherland Falls, the fifth highest waterfall in the world.
    Accommodation: Quintin Lodge, Milford Track
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 9 miles (16 kilometers), 6-8 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss:  2,295 feet (700 meters) ascent, 2,820 feet (860 meters) descent
    (Note: The Milford Track option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.)

  • Day 10

    Multi-Day Options Continued

    #81240

    DAY 10 OPTION A
    Great Walks of New Zealand: Hike Routeburn Track, Takahe Bird Park
    This morning we’ll drive to the Divide, where we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track, the third of the Great Walks you’ll experience. We hike through beech forest, subalpine shrub land and picturesque alpine tarns, before reaching Key Summit. Here you’ll be standing at the head of three different valleys (the Hollyford, Eglinton and Greenstone), with stunning views over the Great Divide, which separates west and east flowing rivers.

    Afterwards we’ll head back to Te Anau and head for the Department of Conservation birdlife park. The centre takes care of injured or aging birds which would struggle to survive in the wild - it’s a great opportunity to see some of our rarest birds up close, so don’t forget your camera!
    Accommodation: Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1540 feet (470 meters) ascent, 1540 feet (470 meters) descent

    DAY 10 OPTION B
    Milford Track: Hike to Milford Sound
    This is your last day on the Milford Track. It’s 13 miles (21 kilometers) of varied terrain, slightly downhill, with no significant climbs. The small waterfalls to be found alongside the track make for a delightful hike today. At the trailhead at Sandfly Point, you’ll be picked up for a short cruise across Milford Sound to the marina, and arrive at Mitre Peak Lodge for a night.

    We’ll be staying at the only hotel in the area (Milford Track hikers have exclusive use of it), and with the memories of the last few days you’ll almost regret being back near civilization!
    Accommodation: Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Sound
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 13 miles (20 kilometers), 6-8 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 720 feet (220 meters) ascent, 720 feet (220 meters) descent
    (Note: The Milford Track option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.)

  • Day 11

    Multi-Day Options Continued

    #81241

    DAY 11 OPTION A
    Great Walks of New Zealand: Gondola ride, hike Ben Lomond Saddle
    Today we’ll drive back along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, and take a ride on the gondola to the top of a tree-covered rocky crag, known as Bob’s Peak, to start our alpine hike. We pass through open alpine tussockland to the Ben Lomond saddle and will be rewarded with panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the often snow-covered Southern Alps. 

    Tonight you’ll dine out on your own in Queenstown at one of the many excellent restaurants.
    Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 3-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,704 feet (530 meters) ascent, 1,704 feet (530 meters) descent

    DAY 11 OPTION B
    Milford Track: Cruise Milford Sound
    This morning, we’ll enjoy a cruise to explore the full length of Milford Sound and the ship’s captain will nose the boat right up to some magnificent waterfalls that plunge into the fiord. Keep your eyes open for native New Zealand fur seals relaxing on the rocks and the chance to spot dolphins swimming alongside us. An option when you return to Milford Sound village is to take a stunning scenic helicopter flight, which will have you back in Queenstown for a free afternoon to enjoy (scenic helicopter flight option approx. US$650 per person).

    The rest will take the scenic journey back via Te Anau to Queenstown, where you’ll dine out on your own at one of the many excellent restaurants.
    Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Queenstown
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 12

    Hike Sam Summers Track, visit local winery

    #81242

    After breakfast, we head out around Lake Wakatipu to the Mt. Crichton Scenic Reserve, where we’ll hike the Sam Summers Track. This area was mined for gold until the 1930s and there are still many relics to be seen along the way. After hiking, we’ll continue on to a local winery. This region’s dry and sunny climate is ideal for grape growing and is becoming well known for producing world-class pinot noir and other quality wines.

    We’ll enjoy a glass or two and then head to Lake Ohau Lodge. Here we’re staying beside a beautiful alpine lake, with stunning views stretching across to Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps - an ideal spot to soak in the hot tub!
    Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers), 3-4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,165 feet (355 meters) ascent, 1,165 feet (355 meters) descent

  • Day 13

    Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

    #81243

    A short distance away is Mt. Cook, named Aoraki or ‘cloud piercer’ by South Island Maori, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite Aoraki/Mt. Cook, we have a stunning day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. This area has a unique alpine environment and includes endemic flora such as the Mt. Cook lily (Ranunculus lyallii), the world’s largest buttercup. Many of our clients have said this is the best hike they’ve ever done and it’s a fine way to finish off a great trip. It’s a bit of a hike, but you’ll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever! The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it’s a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts.

    If we aren’t able to do the Sealy Tarns Hike, or you’d like to take it a little easier, there’s an impressive hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier.

    After hiking, we’ll relax at our lodge nestled right in the heart of Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park.
    Accommodation: Aoraki/ Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook Village
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Sealy Tarns Hike: 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers), 4-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,132 feet (650 meters) ascent, 2,132 feet (650 meters) descent

    Hooker Valley Hike: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent

  • Day 14

    Depart for home

    #81244

    This is the last day of your trip and we’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Note: If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available). 

Pick Your Multi-Day Option!

Option A: Great Walks of New Zealand

On the Great Walks of New Zealand option, you’ll be spending three days hiking in Fiordland National Park on three different Great Walks – the Milford Track, the Routeburn track and the Kepler track before heading back to Queenstown to hike Ben Lomond! You’ll also get to visit Milford Sound, and take an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. This is the perfect option for those who want to experience a variety of hiking tracks, spend more time with our lovely Active Adventures New Zealand guides and explore the lesser-known, though equally stunning Doubtful Sound – often referred to as Milford Sound on steroids!

Option B: Milford Track

On the Milford Track Guided Walk, you’ll be spending four days and four nights hiking in Fiordland National Park. The Milford Track is run by a local Queenstown operator, and is a popular route that starts near Te Anau and finishes with a cruise on Milford Sound. This trail is very popular so you will get to meet other travelers during this hike, though numbers are limited to 50 people a day. You’ll be hiking from lodge to lodge, carrying only wet weather gear, spare clothes and toiletries in your day pack, or a pack provided by us.

Milford Track Adventure Departure Dates

See below for pricing. Looking for a shorter trip? Check out our 8-Day Classic South Island Adventure.

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Included

  • 13 nights’ accommodation
  • 12 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners
  • Our own highly experienced guides, driver and cook, with you from start to finish
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!
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Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Merivale Manor at 10:30am or the Christchurch airport (CHC) in front of the Help Desk (near door 7) at 11am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at the Christchurch Airport (CHC) in time for flights below or anywhere in Central Christchurch around 3pm.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Christchurch by 10am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a good level of fitness for the trip as it’s one of our more adventurous trips. Typically, hikes range between two and five hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available depending on your multi-day option.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodations on your trip for their stunning setting, unique character or adventuresome feel – they’re not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in New Zealand. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, lodges and apartments.

While there are laundry facilities at most locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry once, maybe twice, during your trip. The best time will be during your 2-night stay in Queenstown (during your free day).

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

Will we encounter snow on this trip?

During bumper snow years the snow may stay on the mountains into October and November. If so, the New Zealand Department of Conservation (equivalent of the USA’s National Park Service) will not allow us to travel over heavily snowed terrain for safety reasons and we heed their warnings. As a result, we may not be able to access some higher elevation hikes such as Mueller Ridge in Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park at 1,500 metres (4500 feet) in our itinerary. Luckily, New Zealand is full of stunning hikes so we’ll select an alternative hike that allows you to enjoy the snow-capped peaks from a safe distance.

Tell me about the Great Walks of New Zealand?

You’ll be spending three days hiking in Fiordland National Park on three different Great Walks – the Milford Track, the Routeburn track and the Kepler track before heading back to Queenstown to hike Ben Lomond! You’ll also get to visit Milford Sound, and take an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. This is the perfect option for those who want to experience a variety of hiking tracks, spend more time with our lovely Active Adventures New Zealand guides and explore the lesser known, though equally stunning Doubtful Sound – often referred to as Milford Sound on steroids!

Tell me about the Milford Track?

You’ll be spending four days and four nights hiking in Fiordland National Park. The Milford Track is run by a local Queenstown operator, and is a popular route that starts near Te Anau and finishes with a cruise on Milford Sound. This trail is very popular so you will get to meet other travelers during this hike, though numbers are limited to 50 people a day. You’ll be hiking from lodge to lodge, carrying only wet weather gear, spare clothes and toiletries in your day pack, or a pack provided by us.

The night before your Milford Track option begins, you’re required to attend a pre-trip briefing. Here you’ll learn more about the track itself and meet some of your specialist Milford Track guides who look after you for this segment of your trip. The following morning you’ll be driven to Te Anau to catch a boat to the start of the track. Over the next four days you’ll hike 53 kilometers (33 miles) with the longest day being 21 kilometers (13 miles). You’ll be provided with a detailed itinerary at your pre-trip briefing. The final night on the track will be on the shores of Milford Sound. After cruising on Milford Sound the following morning you’ll get a bus back to Queenstown, arriving at about 4pm.

You’ll be given a medium-sized backpack (40 liters), a pack liner and a storage sack (20 liters) at your pre-trip briefing
in Queenstown. If you’ve chosen the dorm-share rooming option you’ll also be given a cotton sleep sheet. The evening
prior to departing you’ll divide your gear into three parts: Milford Track gear (for hiking), Milford Sound gear (for post-hike) and Queenstown gear (excess luggage). The next morning your Queenstown gear will be stored securely and you and your other two bags will go with you on the trip. You’ll take the backpack with you on the track, and the storage sack with your change of clean clothes will be transported to the end of the track to await your arrival in Milford Sound.

At the end of each day’s hiking you’ll arrive at the lodge for the evening. All the lodges are equipped with the comforts of home – towels, pillows and warm duvets, plus linen for those in private rooms. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, hand washing facilities and excellent drying rooms are provided at each lodge which allows you to keep your gear to a minimum. Electricity is generated at the lodges and at 10pm it’s turned off every night. Three-course meals, cooked breakfasts and picnic lunches are provided on the track. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase with dinner at the lodges and can be paid for on the last day at Mitre Peak Lodge with either cash or credit cards.

Rooming in the lodges is in 4-6 person dorms with bunk - style beds and shared bathroom facilities. There’s also the
option to upgrade to a private room (Min 2 people per room only) with ensuite bathroom for an additional charge. If you’d like a private room please let us know as soon as possible as there are limited rooms available and they’re allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Is tipping expected in New Zealand?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of New Zealand.

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Our Local Guides

Want to see more? Add on the North Island too!

New Zealand

Ultimate North Island Adventure

4.7

  • Duration 11 days
  • Activity Level Level 3-4 
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    • Activity Level 4

      Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.

    Read more about the Active Range

Discover your favorite part of the North Island as you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike through redwood forests in Rotorua, snorkel or kayak the Poor Knights Islands, and walk through the otherworldly Waitomo Caves.

Trip Start: Auckland Trip End: Auckland

New Zealand

Northland Adventure

4.6

  • Duration 5 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

Take five days to discover the charms of the North Island. Explore colossal kauri forests, dive or snorkel the Poor Knights Islands, and learn about the Maori culture as you make your way along some of the best coastline of New Zealand.

Trip Start: Auckland Trip End: Auckland

New Zealand

North Island Volcanic Adventure

4.5

  • Duration 5 days
  • Activity Level Level 3-4 
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    • Activity Level 4

      Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.

    Read more about the Active Range

Explore volcanic landscapes as you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Soak in hot pools, hike by geysers and boiling mud pools, and explore caves in search of mystical glowworms on this short, action-packed North Island adventure.

Trip Start: Auckland Trip End: Auckland

Why Travel With Us

11

Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the New Zealand way

We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

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Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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Over 10,000 5-star reviews - that’s pretty solid

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.