Discover the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park in winter, returning each day to cosy fireside dinners and luxury lodge accommodation

South Island, New Zealand

From $2,738 pp

4 Day Private Journey

Kepler Track, Routeburn Track & Milford Sound

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1 Overview

2 Inclusions

3 Getting here

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

7 Featured Experiences

1Overview

Overview

This South Island winter adventure combines guided hikes on two of New Zealand's Great Walks, a Milford Sound cruise and luxury lodge accommodation at Fiordland Lodge. Each day you'll immerse yourself in the snowy peaks, native forests and glacier-carved valleys of Fiordland National Park and the Southern Alps. Heli-hike the Kepler Track, enjoy short scenic walks and a cruise on Milford Sound and ascend the Key Summit section of the Routeburn Track. After a challenging day out in the elements, return to Fiordland Lodge for a relaxing soak in the outdoor cedar hot tub, fireside drinks and gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs. Private and shared guided walk options are available to suit your hiking style.

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2Inclusions

Inclusions

Your four-day itinerary featuring guided hikes on the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn tracks includes:

Three nights' luxury accommodation at Fiordland Lodge
Daily breakfasts and gourmet three-course dinners at Fiordland Lodge
Packed picnic lunches to enjoy on the trail
Two-hour Milford Sound cruise and guided short walks*^
Guided walk on the Routeburn Track (Key Summit)*
Guided hike on the Kepler Track*
Heli experience over Lake Te Anau landing at Mount Luxmore to start your Kepler hike
Private return chauffeur transfers between Queenstown and Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau
All ground transfers required to/from trails

* You may be joined by others on your guided day hikes as part of this itinerary. Please advise if you'd prefer a personal guide for a fully private experience.
^ Milford Track access is restricted during winter months

Upgrade options:

For the ultimate flexibility, add a private guide to your walk days
Add a Milford Sound heli-experience

3Getting here

Location & Access

This journey commences and concludes in Queenstown, and includes private return transfers to Te Anau (about two hours by road).

Please enquire about pre and post-accommodation options in Queenstown or additional nights at Fiordland Lodge, plus South Island extension options, including our 5 Day Queenstown Luxury Ski & Wine Journey.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Island, New Zealand

Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau

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5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Your driver will collect you on arrival at Queenstown Airport, or from your Queenstown accommodation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic two-hour journey to Fiordland Lodge, which overlooks Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland National Park. The afternoon is yours to explore the Lodge at your leisure. Enjoy a short walk through the rolling grasslands to the edge of Lake Te Anau and take in the majestic views across to the mountains of Fiordland National Park. If you prefer, admire the lake and alpine scenery from the comfort of your room or enjoy the fresh mountain air on the lawn. Tonight, enjoy evening canapes and a three-course gourmet dinner in the Lodge's dining room.

Included: D

Note: The sequence of your walks may vary based on the weather and your selected departure date. A detailed itinerary will be provided when you book, and updated by your guide as required on arrival.

Day 2 - Kepler Track Heli-Hike

This morning you'll be whisked away from the Lodge for a scenic 15-minute heli transfer to one of the highest points on the Kepler Track near Luxmore Hut. You'll immediately be taken in by the panoramic views of the Te Anau basin, Takitimu mountains and the Snowdon and Earl Mountains. From here, you'll descend on the Kepler, passing pretty Brod Bay and discovering forests of beech trees before reaching the sandy lake shores of Lake Te Anau. Then it's a mostly flat 6 km walk to the trail end where your transfer awaits. Enjoy lunch and morning tea on the trail and be sure to keep your eye out today for NZ's alpine parrot, the Kea, which is known to frequent the trail near Luxmore Hut and Cave. Upon your return to Fiordland Lodge, enjoy a post-hike soak in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the lake and mountains before another delicious fireside dinner.

Distance covered: 14 km (approx. 5 hours)

Included: B - L - D

Kepler Heli-hike from Fjordland Lodge, Te Anau

Day 3 - Milford Sound

This morning's drive to Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most scenic, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops. Upon arrival, board a small boat for a two-hour cruise where you'll experience the beauty of Milford Sound's stunning scenery. Get up close to its waterfalls, look out for wildlife (including seals and dolphins) and enjoy plenty of photo opportunities before returning to dry land. Following the cruise, re-join your guide to enjoy scenic walks in a range of different environments, including ancient forests, alpine valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Your expert guide will customise today's itinerary based on weather conditions and seasonal highlights to ensure a memorable day out in this World Heritage Area. A picnic lunch is included on the trail today. Arrive back at the lodge just in time for pre-dinner canapes and a welcome drink or cocktail.

Distance covered: A range of short walks (up to approx. 2.5 hours in total)

Included: B - L - D

Day 4 - Routeburn Track and return to Queenstown

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Te Anau before farewelling your Fiordland Lodge hosts. Today you will walk to one of the most scenic spots on the Routeburn Track. On the way to the summit, ascend through the lush, temperate rainforest until you reach a unique alpine herb field. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of mountains, alpine lakes, and deep, glacially carved bush-clad valleys. On a fine day, you’ll enjoy lunch on the summit; if the weather is less favourable, a nearby shelter will provide cover. Your journey concludes with a private transfer back to Queenstown this evening.

Walking distance: 7 km (approx. 5 hours)

Included: B - L

Note: The sequence of your walks may vary based on the weather and your selected departure date. Your detailed itinerary will be advised at the time of booking, and updated by your guide as required on arrival.

6Season & Departure Dates

Season & Departure Dates

This combined walk and cruise journey runs from May to October with any date departures in season to suit your plans. An alternative version of this itinerary is available during New Zealand's Great Walks season (October to April).

7Featured Experiences

Featured Experiences