Day 2

Fuel up for a day of adventuring with an early breakfast at your hotel before making your way on foot to meet your group at the departure point at 7am, just a ten-minute stroll away. Your adventure begins with a coach ride from Queenstown to the Divide near Milford Sound on the scenic Milford Road. Including a stop at Te Anau for morning tea, this is a four-hour transfer, so settle in and enjoy the views. From the trailhead at The Divide, climb the wide and well-formed track to Key Summit. Here you can sit among the alpine plants and gaze down three valleys from which water flows to three different coasts. Next, you'll descend to Lake Howden hut for a hot drink and picnic lunch, before gradually climbing through the silver beech forest to Earland Falls. This is followed by a steep and rocky descent to Mackenzie Lodge where refreshments, a hot shower, a three-course meal and comfortable beds await.

Daily walk distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Included: L - D

Day 3

Wake up to the sound of birdsong and enjoy a hearty continental and cooked breakfast selection at the lodge this morning. You will also have time to prepare your packed lunch in the dining/lounge area using the plentiful provisions laid out by the lodge hosts. Today's walk starts with an ascent through ancient forest and alpine zig zags to Ocean Peak Corner, where you have a full vista of the Darran Mountains. Crossing the Hollyford Face, you will stop for lunch at the Harris Saddle. Walk up to Conical Hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. From Lake Harris, descend into the upper basins of the Routeburn Valley, with the towering mountains above. Spend your final night at the beautifully located Routeburn Falls Lodge, joining new friends for a cosy fireside drink and another wonderful dinner.

Daily walk distance: 11 km (6.9 miles)

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

After breakfast you'll have time to prepare your lunch for the trail and lace up your boots one last time. Enjoy views of the pristine Routeburn Valley's snow-capped mountains, lakes, waterfalls and ancient beech forest on today's hike. Take time to enjoy the dramatic landscape around the Routeburn Falls, before descending to the alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats. The track shadows the river as it roars through a magnificent gorge. Gorge Flat is a great place to stop for lunch. From here it is a gentle walk through the beech forest to the Road End. Join the coach for the return journey, disembarking in the beautiful small town of Glenorchy. Your driver will meet you for your transfer to Blanket Bay Lodge where you'll enjoy a luxurious stay for the next two nights. This evening, meet fellow guests over pre-dinner drinks and canapes in the lounge, followed by a five-course degustation menu that showcases fresh, local produce.

Daily walk distance: 9 km (5.7 miles)

Included: B - L - D

Day 5

Enjoy a leisurely lie-in this morning before making your way to the dining room for breakfast with views across the lake. Today is a free day at Blanket Bay Lodge to do as much or as little as you like. Soothe and refresh tired muscles with a soak in the hot tub or a gentle swim in the heated pool, complete with lake and alpine views. Other on-site activities include Petanque (bocce ball), garden chess and molkky, or head indoors to the Den which features a pool table and lounge bar. If you're still feeling active, use the complimentary bikes or enjoy a self-guided walk on one of the nearby nature trails. Tonight you'll be treated to another gourmet dinner, best enjoyed on the terrace if it's a fine evening.

Daily walk distance: no walking today.

Included: B - D

Day 6

After a sleep-in and breakfast overlooking the lake, your private driver will transfer you back to Queenstown or to the next stop on your journey. Please enquire about extended South Island itinerary options or additional nights and experiences in Queenstown. We'd be delighted to customise your journey to suit.

Included: B