Fiordland, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Ben Lomond Hike above Queenstown, to Invercargill

   This morning you will be collected from a central location in Queenstown and start your adventure with a nearby mountain hike. You will take the gondola above the township and then access the walking track to Ben Lomond, slowly meandering your way to a highpoint lookout. With the amazing views over Lake Wakitipu and the Queenstown basin, this is an inspiring start to this fantastic walking trip.

   After descending, you will depart via the rugged Kawarau Gorge, the birthplace of the Bungy jump, to New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill, a good base to start your journey to remote Stewart Island the following day.
   

   • Accommodation in Invercargill
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Ben Lomond

     Start off on the right foot with a scenic hike to Ben Lomond

2. Day 2Transfer to Stewart Island - guided walks

   This morning you will drive a short distance to the windswept coastal town of Bluff. Here, you will meet the morning ferry for the one hour (approx) crossing to Stewart Island, off the southern coast. Home to New Zealand's newest national park and the remote community of Oban, you will arrive on Stewart Island ready for some walking activity.

   After a casual lunch, you will walk for about 10km/6.2mi (4hrs) on part of the Rakiura Track with lovely coastal views and prominent birdlife. You will probably take a water taxi one way and the availability of this will influence the direction and location of the walk.

   Arriving back into Oban village late in the afternoon, you will have time to check into the accommodation, freshen up and explore the various options on offer for tomorrow. It’s then time to regroup for dinner, the fresh local Blue Cod or the famous Bluff Oysters are a must-try.
   

   • Accommodation in Oban, Stewart Island
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Free day on Stewart Island

   Stewart Island is a very diverse environment and today is a free day to allow you to wander as you please. The activity options range from a visit to the unique predator-free Ulva Island, to sea kayaking the interior coastline around Patterson Inlet, or even a hike on the many coastal walkways, such as the one to Ackers Point lighthouse. Whatever you choose, this will be a magical day in a magnificent location.
   

   • Accommodation on Stewart Island
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4To Te Anau, walks in Fiordland National Park

   Departing on the early ferry from Stewart Island back to the mainland, you will then travel through small towns and rural landscapes to Te Anau, on the edge of World Heritage Fjordland National Park. Here you can enjoy a fine walk on one of the lower reaches of the Kepler track, passing through wetlands and mosses and ancient native forests. There are a couple of options for return hikes to remote and secluded bush-clad bays on either Lake Manapouri or Lake Te Anau, the choice will depend on the weather.

   This evening you will have a briefing on the upcoming Hollyford adventure and enjoy dinner with an air of anticipation for the next couple of days.
   

   • Accommodation in Te Anau
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Walks in Milford Sound, helicopter to Hollyford region

   Today you will drive into the world-famous Milford Sound to enjoy a few short walks and stops at points of interest along this incredibly scenic journey. By late morning you will arrive at Milford Sound and prepare to board a helicopter for the truly spectacular flight over the peaks and rugged west coast to Martin's Bay in the Hollyford region.

   On arrival, you will meet your hosts and are treated to a picnic lunch. It’s then time to begin exploring this amazing landscape on foot with a walk through lush forest and coastal heath to a rocky bay. If you are lucky you may spot fur seals and the rare Fjordland Crested Penguin (in season) that inhabit these shores.

   Returning to Martin's Bay Lodge by jet boat you will enjoy a gourmet meal and relax in cosy accommodation in this very special uninhabited wilderness location.
   

   • Martin's Bay Lodge, Hollyford
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Milford Sound

     Visit the exceptionally beautiful Milford Sound, enjoy walks here and then an exhilarating helicopter flight

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     Rugged Isolation

     Enjoy the silence and pristine nature all around

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     Martin's Bay

     Fly by helicopter to this remotely stunning region where you'll feel on the edge of the world

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     Martin's Bay Lodge

     Stay in this delightful location for one night of the tour

6. Day 6Hollyford Valley hike (20km), transfer to Te Anau

   After a hearty breakfast, you will journey by jet boat up Lake McKerrow to the Hollyford River, the dramatic mountainscapes leaving you in awe of the beauty of this region. A little further along you will leave the boat to commence a 20km (12.4mi) hike along the Hollyford Valley, following the footsteps of early explorers through native beech forest speckled with elegantly flowing waterfalls. The undulating track brings you to the trailhead, with a lunch stop and interesting interpretation of the surrounds along the way.

   You will then drive to the accommodation back in Te Anau, and meet again in the evening for a final dinner.
   

   • Accommodation in Te Anau
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Walk part of the Hollyford Track

     Sample one of the greatest NZ walks and be amazed by the views

7. Day 7Hike along Routeburn Track to Key Summits, return to Queenstown

   On your final morning, you will enjoy one more iconic walk, this time along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit, where you can take in sweeping views over the beautiful Hollyford Valley. Along the trail, you will have the chance to reflect on a week of exceptional walking experiences with your new-found friends before boarding the vehicle for a late afternoon drive back to Queenstown.

   Trip arrangements conclude with a drop off in central Queenstown. The tour operator advises not to book any departure flights this evening in case the drive home is delayed for any reason.
   

   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Hike on the Routeburn Track

     One of the last walks on tour will be the famed Routeburn Track