This private journey features walks on the Milford & Routeburn Tracks and heli experiences to Milford Sound and Mount Earnslaw Glacier with accommodation at world-renowned Blanket Bay Lodge

South Island, New Zealand

From $7,577 pp

4 Day Private Walk

Milford Track & Routeburn Track

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1 Overview

2 Rates & Inclusions

3 Location & Access

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

7 Featured experience

1Overview

Overview

Our newest private walk is based at the exclusive Blanket Bay Lodge, near Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island. Highlights on this four-day experience include an optional short scenic cruise on Dart River, a helicopter flight over Milford Sound, and a guided Milford Track walk to Giant's Gate Waterfall. You'll also walk our favourite section of the Routeburn Track and round out your experience with a heli-hike to Mount Earnslaw Glacier on day four. After exploring the best of New Zealand by day, return to Blanket Bay Lodge each night to enjoy a daily changing five-course degustation dinner overlooking the lake with a stunning outlook to the surrounding Southern Alps. This is the ultimate bucket list luxury adventure in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Walk Into Luxury Routeburn swing bridge 16

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2Rates & Inclusions

Rates & Inclusions

Three nights at Blanket Bay Lodge - voted one of the world's best lodges - staying in a Lodge Room
Guided Milford Track walk, Routeburn Track hike and Mount Earnslaw Glacier walk
Helicopter experience to Milford Sound and boat transfer across the Sound to Sandfly Point
Helicopter transfers to Mount Earnslaw for your heli-hike to the glacier
All meals including breakfast, lunch, five-course dinner and trail provisions
Daily pre-dinner drinks and feature destination dining experience at the lodge one evening
Four days discovering the best of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Park with local Queenstown guides
Return ground transfers from Queenstown to Glenorchy
National Park fees and all trail permits/concessions

Optional (additional cost applies)

Scenic Dart River boat cruise

3Location & Access

Location & Access

This journey starts and finishes in Queenstown, on New Zealand's South Island. Blanket Bay Lodge is 45 minutes by road from Queenstown; private return transfers are included.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Island, New Zealand

Blanket Bay Lodge, Glenorchy

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5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

You'll be collected from Queenstown after lunch for your transfer to Blanket Bay Lodge, one of New Zealand's premier luxury lodges. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the lodge is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and features striking architecture and five-star facilities. If time permits, you may wish to join a scenic Dart River boat cruise into Mount Aspiring National Park commencing at 2 pm - a perfect introduction to this beautiful landscape, spotting Mount Earnslaw and the Routeburn Valley from the water (additional cost applies). This evening, enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapes before sitting down to a wonderful five-course dinner.

Included: D

Day 2

Today you'll fly to Milford Sound by helicopter and discover the valleys, rivers and mountains of this World Heritage area from the air. Upon landing, you'll enjoy views of Mitre Peak before boarding a short boat transfer to Sandfly Point, the start of your luxury Milford Track walk. This 9km return hike to Giant's Gate Waterfall is one of the Milford Track's best day walks. Led by our experienced local guides, you will hike through the lush rainforest alongside the cascading Arthur River and past Lake Ada, with glimpses of Milford Sound along the way. You'll hear Giant's Gate Waterfall before you see it! With front-row seats from the swing bridge spanning the river, you will enjoy an alpine picnic by the waterfall before returning to your helicopter.

Your flight back to Blanket Bay will feature spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. Back at the lodge, enjoy the hot tub or spa before meeting your host for sundowner drinks. End this day with a special dinner in the wine cave (subject to availability).

Included: B - L - D

Day 3

Led by local guides, today's hike is considered one of New Zealand's best day walks. This full-day journey to the Routeburn Flats will offer views of snow-capped mountains, ancient beech forests, waterfalls and river gorges. You'll have the chance to cross swing bridges and walk alongside the crystal clear waters of the Routeburn River before enjoying a picnic lunch in an idyllic alpine meadow (weather permitting). For the very fit, you may walk ahead to gain views over the Routeburn Valley from the steep trail up to Routeburn Falls. As always, your guides will ensure you have a spectacular day on this Great Walks of NZ trail and return you to Blanket Bay Lodge in time for pre-dinner drinks and dinner.

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

Earnslaw Burn is one of New Zealand's best-kept secrets. Accessed from Glenorchy and Queenstown, this spectacular alpine hike takes in glacier-fed tussock-covered rivers, multiple waterfalls and tussock covered landscape before reaching the striking Mount Earnslaw glacier. Your day starts with a 15-minute helicopter experience offering views of Dart River and the mountain ranges before landing in Mount Earnslaw basin. From here, your experienced guide will lead you on a two-hour walk along the valley past cascading waterfalls concluding at the glacier's base. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this beautiful setting before your helicopter whisks you back to Blanket Bay via a 1,000-metre ascent towards the blue ice of the glacier. Back at the lodge, your driver will have your bags loaded and ready for your transfer back to Queenstown or your onward journey.

B - L