50 Shades of Green - Fiordlands Great Walks Itinerary

Welcome to New Zealand

After landing in Queenstown collect your car and head for the lakeside tranquility of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau is another area of breathtaking natural beauty, and several key Lord of The Rings movie scenes were filmed amid the unspoiled forests and lakes of this region.

Immerse yourselves in the gorgeous surroundings: flight-seeing, fly fishing, kayaking, sailing and horse riding are all on offer and are great ways to get up close to nature. 

Soak up the serenity of these gorgeous surroundings, and if you're wondering where the fiords are, you will love what tomorrow has in store!

Approximate Distance: 173 km | 107 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Accommodation: Te Anau - 5 Nights

Prepare to be awed by some of the most dramatic scenery New Zealand has to offer as the Milford Track carries you towards the splendor of Milford Sound.

Milford Track Guided Walk and Cruise 
Begin with a short boat ride to Sandfly point, where you'll enter a realm of ancient forests filled with countless species of ferns and springy mosses. As you and your guide walk alongside the cascading Arthur river, you are treated to impressive views of the powerful Giants Gate falls.

After exploring on foot to your heart's content, you'll board your cruise vessel and sail the full length of the Milford Sound, dwarfed by towering cliffs all around you. The onboard nature guide will tell you all about the seals, penguins, and dolphins who frequently visit this mesmerizing location.

Milford Track Guided Hike: 3.5 Hours Walking, Distance 11 km (6.8 mi)
 

Fly to Mount Luxmore today for your second New Zealand Great Walk adventure: the Kepler Track.

Kepler Track Guided Full Day Heli-Hike 
Your day will start with a wonderful scenic helicopter flight over Lake Manapouri and the Fiordland Mountains. Landing at Mount Luxmore you will have glorious panoramic views for a picnic lunch before beginning the hike down the Kepler track to Lake Te Anau.

Keep a lookout for our cheeky alpine parrot, the Kea. These super-intelligent and mischievous birds are a delight to see in the wild. Panoramic views of the Te Anau Basin, Takitimu Mountains, and the Snowdon and Earl Mountains will refresh your energy as you hike along. Finish by walking back to Te Anau township via the lakeside walking track, or rest your legs and take a water taxi ride back to town.

We can organise for you to walk this track guided or independently.

Kepler Track Guided Hike: 5 hours Walking, Distance 14km (9 Miles). 2000ft descent (with switchbacks)

Lush green rainforest and spectacular valley views await you today on your third New Zealand Great Walk: the Routeburn Track.

Guided Routeburn Track and Key Summit Great Walk Adventure 
This magnificent trail ascends through the rainforest canopy onto a unique alpine herb field. It's an uphill trek that you won't regret: on reaching Key Summit you are rewarded with 360-degree views of the Darran Mountains and glacier-carved, bush-clad valleys in all their glory.

Walking in a small group, you'll love learning about this stunning natural environment from your friendly guide.

Once at the top, take the Alpine Nature Trail through sub-alpine shrublands, passing by alpine tarns and squelchy bogs. It's heaven for bird-lovers, with tiny tomtits & robins, plump New Zealand wood pigeons, and chatty bellbirds to keep you company.

Drink in those views of Lake Marian from the top: you'll be heading there tomorrow!

Routeburn Track Guided Hike: 3 to 5 hours Walking, Distance approx 7-10 km ( 4-6 Miles).
 

How often do you get to visit a lake suspended in a valley above the tree-line? Today's journey to Lake Marian promises to be unforgettable.

Lake Marian Guided Walk 
Discover a beautiful, lesser-known Fiordland track with a knowledgeable local guide by your side. Venturing deep into the heart of the South Island's mountain divide, a magical hanging valley awaits you.

The hike starts with a gentle walk alongside a spectacular series of waterfalls before climbing upward through a lush forest of fuchsia, ribbonwood and beech trees. There's no need to rush the ascent: regular stops for photos and bird-watching ensure a pleasurable, easy-going climb.

After 2-3 hours you'll reach a stunning valley-within-a-valley, carved from the surrounding peaks by years of glacial activity. Lake Marian is nestled within; feast on a picnic lunch and relax in this incredible alpine amphitheater before returning to tranquil Te Anau.

Lake Marian Guided Hike: 4-5 Hours Walking, Distance 4.8km (3 Miles), steep in places.
 

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy our Fiordland hiking Itinerary and our promise to you is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Return your rental car back at the airport, have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Approximate Distance: 173 km | 107 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

• A reasonable level of fitness is required due to the 400-metre (1,312 feet) ascent and descent on the Routeburn and Lake Marian Tracks.)  The track is rocky underfoot and uneven in sections of some of the tracks so care is required, walking time is up to 3 to 5 hours per day.
• These walks are suitable for children 10 years and over.
• On occasion, wet weather and cold conditions in the alpine area may make conditions more challenging.
• Up to 4-5 hours of physical activity per day
• Tracks generally in good condition
• No hiking experience necessary

This tour operates any day between the 1st of September to the 30th of May