Great Walks of New Zealand

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5 Days From

~~$4599~~

$4369

Great Walks of New Zealand

5 Days Starting and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand

Visiting: Queenstown, Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Old Doubtful Sound Track, Kepler Track, Milford Track, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Routeburn Track, Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (Takahe sanctuary), Ben Lomond Saddle

Tour operator:

Active Adventures

Tour code:

GreatWalk

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 14

Physical rating:

Medium, 2: On the Move

Age range:

16-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$4599

$4369 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$230

Tour Overview

In just five days, explore the Kepler, Routeburn and Milford Tracks on our Great Walks of New Zealand hiking tour. Bask in your creature comforts and experience best-in-the-world hikes on our 5-day Great Walks of New Zealand hiking tour exploring the highlights and hidden gems of Fiordland. There's no doubt you'll be amazed by the vast landscapes you'll experience in a short amount of time while still enjoying comfortable accommodations and incredible food each evening. Starting and finishing in Queenstown, you'll hike three of New Zealand's Great Walks (Kepler Track, Routeburn Track, and Milford Track), and stay the night on the Fiordland Navigator in Doubtful Sound, enjoying top-notch service every step of the way. If you're short on time but keen to see the best of the South Island, our Great Walks of New Zealand hiking tour is for you.

Highlights

Hike through explore The Kepler Track and sandfly Point to the Giant Gates waterfall.
Spend your night on the waters of picturesque Doubtful Sound and opportunity to see Fiordland crested penguin.
Hike Routeburn Track and opportunity to see some of our rarest birds in Takahe Bird Park.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Overnight Cruise In Doubtful Sound

Location: Queenstown, Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Old Doubtful Sound Track

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

For the first day of your trip, we’ll meet you in Queenstown and head to Lake Manapouri where our journey into Doubtful Sound begins. We’ll board a boat for the cruise across Lake Manapouri, before a drive over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where we’ll board the Fiordland Navigator for our overnight cruise. Doubtful Sound is a large and remote wilderness area, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a kayak out on the water or hop aboard the tender craft for a guided exploration of the fiord, and in the right season, you may catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Tonight, you’ll sleep in a quad share room aboard the Fiordland Navigator, though there is the option to upgrade to a private ensuite room, if you prefer.

Day 2 : Cruise In Doubtful Sound, Hike Kepler Track

Location: Old Doubtful Sound Track, Kepler Track

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

You’ll wake in the middle of Doubtful Sound and after breakfast we’ll retrace our journey back to Manapouri. From there we’ll tick off the Kepler Track. Interestingly, the Kepler Track differs from the Routeburn and Milford Tracks in that it didn’t actually evolve from a necessary Maori greenstone trail, but was custom-built for hiking. The section we’ll hike today passes over the control gates at the outlet of Lake Te Anau and meanders through ancient beech and podocarp forest. Hiking:9.5 kilometers (6 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 50 meters (165 feet)

Day 3 : Hike Milford Track, Cruise Milford Sound

Location: Milford Track, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

It’s worth getting up early to take a photo of Mitre Peak, quite possibly the most photographed mountain in New Zealand, but your challenge is to find a unique angle! We’ll take a short boat ride across Milford Sound to hike from Sandfly Point to the Giant Gates waterfall, a spectacular section of the famed Milford Track. The forest here is lush and rich with mosses and ferns as we follow the Arthur River past Lake Ada. By hiking from the Milford Sound trailhead, we’ll enjoy the track to ourselves, which is a luxury others seldom get. Once we return to the Milford wharf, we’ll board a boat for a two-hour nature cruise to the head of this spectacular fiord. We’ll then leave Milford Sound behind to hike some lesser-known tracks in eastern Fiordland before returning to Te Anau.Hiking:10 kilometers (6 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 300 meters (985 feet)

Day 4 : Hike Routeburn Track, Takahe Bird Park

Location: Routeburn Track, Te Anau Bird Sanctuary (Takahe sanctuary)

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel & Villas, Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning we’ll drive to the Divide, where we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track, the third of the Great Walks you’ll experience. We hike through beech forest, subalpine shrub land and picturesque alpine tarns, before reaching Key Summit. Here you’ll be standing at the head of three different valleys (the Hollyford, Eglinton and Greenstone), with stunning views over the Great Divide, which separates west and east flowing rivers. Afterwards we’ll head back to Te Anau and head for the Department of Conservation birdlife park. The center takes care of injured or aging birds which would struggle to survive in the wild - it’s a great opportunity to see some of our rarest birds up close, so don’t forget your camera!Hiking:3.4 kilometers (2 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 380 meters (1,246 feet)

Day 5 : Gondola Ride, Hike Ben Lomond

Location: Ben Lomond Saddle, Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we’ll drive back along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, and take a ride on the gondola to the top of a tree-covered rocky crag, known as Bob’s Peak, to start our alpine hike. We pass through open alpine tussockland to the Ben Lomond saddle and will be rewarded with panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the often snow-covered Southern Alps. For those keen to press on to the top, Ben Lomond’s summit reveals views of Mt. Earnslaw and Mt. Aspiring, two of New Zealand’s highest peaks, and even a glimpse of Aoraki/Mt. Cook on a clear day. We’ll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand! If you're keen to extend your trip and see what the North Island has to offer (Maori culture, pristine beaches and geothermal areas) check out our 11-day Ultimate North Island Adventure (5-day options also available).Hiking:8 kilometers (5 miles), 4-5 hours, elevation +/- 978 meters (3,208 feet)

What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodations for the duration of your trip
Fully Guided

Our own highly experienced guides, driver, and cook, with you from start to finish.
Meals

All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
Transport

Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
All activities outlined in the itinerary
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
All park and other entry fees

What's Not Included

Additional Services

Gratuities for your guides at the end of your fabulous trip
Insurance

Travel insurance
International Travel

International flights are not included.
Optional

Optional extra activities
15% NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Alcoholic beverages
Gear on packing list (optional to rent some equipment)

Trip Notes

Click here to read the trip notes

Check out our Q&As

What is the minimum group size?

The min group size is 5 peoples.
What is the tipping policy?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide.
Are flights included in this tour?

International/Domestic Flights are not included.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Activity Level 2: On the Move, Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go. Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes. Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats. Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
What is the maximum group size?

The max group size is 14 peoples.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, All park and other entry fees are included.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

As detailed in itinerary.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You are covered by our Active Adventures Assurance policy.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1996
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Our trips attract a wide range of people from all different backgrounds, countries and ages, which makes our small group adventures all the more interesting and fun. All our people tend to enjoy active lifestyles, great food, good company and new experiences. If this sounds like you, then you’ll be in good company
What documents will I receive before I travel?

We send online booking information via our club page you’ll gain access to your trip notes, destination information, a detailed gear list and all the information you need for your trip. There are a few things to fill in – medical and dietary information, extra accommodation requests, gear hire requests etc. – to ensure you are well prepared for your adventure vacation.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Travellers Against Plastic
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Yes,
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

When it comes to the safety of our guests, it has always been our number one priority. We’ve introduced strict protocols to adhere to current Covid safety guidelines that are relative to the destination, country and location of your adventure – these are dependent on the current rules and restrictions that are in place at the time of your trip.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Health and safety are just as important as the amazing places in the most stunning parts of the world we travel. Another focus of ours is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure we are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

No

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Trudi

Trip Of A Lifetime

15-Feb-2023

Trip of a lifetime! Did my homework and made all the right choices! Our guides took the best care of us and went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met! DK and Natasha are very special and enjoyed DK’s stories along the way! The hotels were very accommodating and the food was delicious! We had some special moments with the Dusky dolphins and we couldn’t have asked for better weather! I am so grateful to have done this all inclusive hike, thank you so much!?

Penelope

Amazing week Trip

16-Feb-2023

This was an amazing week for us. The guided walks were the best. My favourite was the Beech Forest Trail on the Kepler Track. The most challenging for me was the climb to the saddle on Ben Lomond, the views from Key Summit on the Routeburn track spectacular and the sand flies on the Milford Track just plain annoying but didn't stop us enjoying our 10k walk. Our guides Koru and Brownie were outstanding. So knowledgeable, kind and patient as we were mostly a group of 8 of reasonably fit over 65yrs - let's say we all had walking boots that had been used before! The accommodation and meals were lovely in a variety of setting my favourites were the cruise on Doubtful Sound and Milford Lodge real luxury with such great staff teams. Cruising round Secretary Island, seeing dolphins and seals and variety bird life were all up there. The time went so quickly. We have returned home enriched and well exercised! Thank you, Koru and Brownie, for your exceptional hard work and kindness.

Adrian

Great Experience

21-Apr-2022

Well organised trip

Christine

Amazing Trip

16-Mar-2023

I usually do my own itinerary, I am my own travel agent, however, I felt that this hiking tour along the West Coast of New Zealand had created a plan I couldn't beat. I wasn't sure I would like being on a tour with a group of strangers, however, things just clicked. It was a small group and we just seemed to click. The guides were awesome setting the tone that made the trip so thrilling.

Dates & Availability

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Oct
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2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
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2025 Jan
2026

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Thursday

Oct 27, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024

~~$4599~~ $4369 (USD)