Milford and Fiordland Hike, Bike and Kayak

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Queenstown

   Your guide will collect the group from a central city location around 8:00am and you will have a tour briefing and then a bike fitting. Then it’s time to drive to Glenorchy where you can take an easy 45 minute kayak on Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island, a wildlife paradise. The scenic mountain landscapes towering over the lake make this a highlight of the trip.

   After paddling back from the island, there could be a chance for a swim as you enjoy lunch on the shore. Afterwards, head back to Queenstown where you will explore the nearby Queenstown Trails by bike. After time to refresh, head out to the first group dinner and talk over plans for the next few days.
   
   Cycling Distance: Up to 20km (12mi)
   

   • 12.4 miles
   • Motel Accommodation
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Queenstown to Te Anau

   From Queenstown, the group will drive the narrow lakeside road alongside Lake Wakitipu to the old steam railway town of Kingston. From here, connect with the Around The Mountains cycle trail, a dedicated cycle path that allows you to enjoy the scenery of sheep and cattle country surrounded by spectacular mountains free from traffic. There'll be a stop for lunch at the remote Five Rivers station cafe, and then load up the bikes to drive to Te Anau, the gateway to your coming adventures exploring Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

   This afternoon enjoy a walk along the lower section of the Kepler Track, one of NZ's Great Walks. You'll walk from Rainbow Reach and follow the Waiau River through beautiful beech forest to the Lake Te Anau outlet. You'll be transferred to the hotel in Te Anau and are then free to explore the town and make your own dinner arrangements.

   Cycling Distance: Up to 50km / Up to 32miles

   Walking Distance: 9km / 6 miles taking 3hours

   Note: Tonight you will need to pack an overnight bag for the next night of the tour. When staying overnight in Milford Sound you will be able to take a small bag and the majority of your luggage will be secured in the vehicle.

   • 31.1 miles
   • Motel Accommodation
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Around The Mountains cycle trail

     Ride on dedicated cycle paths with interesting views of sheep and cattle country

3. Day 3Te Anau to Milford Sound

   This morning, drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful Milford road tracks through the wilderness and you can stop to enjoy some of the short walks and views on the way, before arriving at The Divide. From here, walk to Key Summit, a 3 hour return hike which forms part of the Routeburn Track, gives spectacular views of the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt and Earl mountain ranges. You’ll drive through the Homer Tunnel and onto Milford Sound, stopping en-route to explore the famous Chasm walkway before arriving at the accommodation for the night, our very own floating hotel! The boat takes us out into the Milford Sound, where there is the option to explore by kayak or tender boat. Once back onboard the boat, we enjoy a wholesome meal before sailing into the open seas beyond before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. Remember to take a walk on deck after dark to admire the amazing stars of the Southern Hemisphere.
   
   Note to solo travelers: All cabins on the Milford Sound Cruise are shared.
   
   

   • Milford Sound Cruise
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Milford Sound to Te Anau

   By 9am the next morning, after a hearty breakfast and further exploring of the fiord, we return to shore and we bid a sad farewell to the majestic Milford Sound. We climb back to the Homer Tunnel by bus, if weather conditions allow, we hop on the bikes here and enjoy the wonderful cycle down the Milford Sound Highway and along the very quiet and scenic Hollyford road.
   
   We have lunch and transfer by bus back to Te Anau, stopping at more view points along the way to admire the wonderful Fiordland scenery and rain forest vegetation. We spend a second night in Te Anau and meet in the early evening for our final group dinner together.
   
   Cycling Distance: Hollyford Road 27km / 17miles
   
   

   • 16.8 miles
   • Motel Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Te Anau to Queenstown

   From Te Anau we journey into the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. We cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest before continuing on to the isolated Von Valley for lunch. We farewell our supporting coach as we cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Mount Nicholas station. Here we are greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and snow covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and cross Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. A celebratory drink and platters at a local restaurant brings an end to our journey.
   
   Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km (34mi)
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch