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Southern Highlights and Milford Track Guided Walk
Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
Welcome to Christchurch City
Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour
A half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild which is currently in progress, together with the surviving beauty of the city and the historical landmarks. Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic viewpoints on a half-day city tour of Christchurch.
The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. Then you will travel to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.
Your accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction
Quest Cathedral Junction serviced apartment style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Christchurch accommodation experience. Quest Cathedral Junction is located within the Christchurch CBD, only a short walk to Cathedral Square, New Regent Street Entertainment Precinct, Isaac Royal Theatre, Botanic Gardens.
Collect your rental car
This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV's.
Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.
Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue colour. Continue along the lake to your final destination Mt Cook Village.
Please note: There are no food shops at Mt Cook, and dinner options are limited to one restaurant. If you wish to self-cater, you must stock up before arriving in Mt Cook, or make dinner reservations in advance.
Your accommodation: Mt Cook Motel
Mt Cook Motel is located in the centre of Mt. Cook village. The self-contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 350 kms / 217 miles : 4.1 hours
Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park
At 3754 metres Aoraki-Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, located deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. From the Visitor Centre at the southern end of Lake Pukaki, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of this immense peak. As well as its impressive beauty, Mt Cook National Park is also home to a huge range of awe-inspiring sights and activities. Take to the air with Mt Cook Ski Planes for a scenic flight that includes a glacier landing. At around 27 kilometres long the Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest and a Glacier Explorers tour will give you the opportunity to see its unique features.
There are many short hikes in and around the park and these are well signposted. Those with an interest in the night sky should take a stargazing tour with the Hermitage Hotel. The region is considered to have one of the clearest night skies in the world and is one of the few gold-rated dark sky reserves worldwide.
The Hermitage Hotel complex offers fine dining, multiple cafes and a bar. Due to the remote location of the property, there are no shops and limited supplies at Mt Cook Village. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for insight into this region's mountain climbing history. You'll also learn of Sir Ed's incredible achievements and his dedication to helping others around the world.
Walking tracks in and around Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park
There are many short scenic walks beginning in and around the Mt Cook Village, suitable for all ages and abilities. Located within the Mount Cook Village is the Department of Conservation information centre, where updates on the track conditions and suitability is available as well as information on the history of the area and its wildlife.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook
Experience 500 year old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier The Tasman.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Highlights - Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing
Take in the spectacular Southern Alps, including New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook and the constantly changing glacial landscape. See the Hochstetter Icefall as you fly beneath the face of Mount Cook then along the length of the Tasman glacier before landing on the glacier itself. Experience the silence of the mountains, broken only by the rumbling of an avalanche and creaking of the snow and ice beneath your feet. You'll take off again for another incredible flight over peaks, ice falls, alpine lakes and climbing huts. This flight offers fantastic close up views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and the Southern Alps from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Your accommodation: Mt Cook Motel
Mt Cook Motel is located in the centre of Mt. Cook village. The self-contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown
Leaving the alpine region of Aoraki Mt Cook, you'll travel through the lakeside town of Twizel, then a little further to Omarama the gliding capital of New Zealand. Continue on over the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads with a summit of 971 metres. Arrive in the quaint village of Tarras, then continue on a short way to the historic Bendigo Reserve, one of Otago's original gold mining settlements.
Follow the road to Cromwell, and keep going through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge towards Gibbston, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. See the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can bungy jump or relax and watch others take the plunge. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view as you arrive into the adventure capital of New Zealand.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
Enjoy the ambience of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea and coffee.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 257 kms / 159 miles : 3.0 hours
Explore Queenstown
Well-known as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-ski.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure
Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls. This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - KJet Queenstown Wine Sampler
Begin your day with an exhilarating jet boat ride on two of New Zealand's most scenic rivers. Leaving Queenstown's main pier you'll cross Lake Wakatipu surrounded by mountains, then enter the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, before the jet boat speeds into the shallow, fast-moving braids of the Shotover River. The 43-kilometre, 60 minute adventure introduces you to the pristine waterways of the Queenstown region. On returning to Queenstown it's a short walk to the pick-up location for part two of your day. You'll journey out to the boutique vineyards of the Gibbston Valley. First stop is the Gibbston Valley Winery, where you will tour the wine cave and enjoy wine tasting with informative tasting notes. You'll then relax in the vineyard courtyard with lunch before enjoying an on-site tour with tastings at the adjoining cheese factory. The tour then continues on to a second winery for another wine presentation and tasting.
Milford Track Guided Walk Briefing
Please check in at 2:45pm on the day prior to your walk for a group pre-track briefing. The briefing is held at the Ultimate Hikes Centre, Ground Floor, The Station Building, Duke Street Entrance, Queenstown. At the briefing, you will have the opportunity to confirm your dietary, medical information, and emergency contact details. You will be able to pick up any gear you need or purchase any last-minute items. The customer service staff will also give you an overview of what to expect while you are on track. If you cannot make the pre-track briefing, please contact Reservations on +64 3 450 1940 or info@ultimatehikes.co.nz as soon as possible.
Leave your vehicle at your Queenstown accommodation
This evening leave your rental car keys with the reception at your accommodation. Make sure you take any items with you and that the car fuel tank is full. The next morning Europcar staff will collect the rental car from your accommodation.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
Milford Track 5 Day/4 Night Guided Walk
Traversing the heart of New Zealand's wild fjord country, the Milford Track has long been described as "the finest walk in the world". Since Quintin Mackinnon pioneered the route in 1888, everyone from hardened trekkers to novices sporting their first pair of boots has taken up the challenge of the Milford Track.
The Fiordland National Park is the cornerstone of the Te Wahipounamu Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Enjoy close encounters with the native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Weka; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; even Kiwi have been spotted! Walkers on the track to Milford Sound encounter Fiordland at its most spectacular: deep lakes; silent fjords; luxuriant forest and sheer canyons carved out of imposing granite define this landscape. On fine days there is a postcard shot around every corner, but only when it rains and torrents of water cascade down the mountainsides have you truly experienced the magic of the Milford Track.
The Milford Track Guided Walk is a 5 day / 4 nights Queenstown to Queenstown all-inclusive guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. The package includes all transport, accommodation, meals, snacks, backpacks and rain jackets. Accommodation is in lodges and you will be led by expert Ultimate Hikes guides.
Milford Track Guided Walk - Day 1 - Queenstown to Glade House
The coach departs from the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown. Please arrive by 9.15am to meet your guides and board the coach for the two hour drive to Te Anau. We will have lunch in Te Anau before travelling on to Te Anau Downs, where a boat will take you up to the start of the track at the northern end of Lake Te Anau. It’s a short walk to the historic Glade House, where you will be greeted with afternoon tea and shown to your room. Your guides will take you on a nature walk in the afternoon to give you an idea of the terrain and the environment you will be walking. In the evening, you’ll have time to get to know your group over dinner.
Your accommodation: Milford Track Lodges
Milford Track Lodges have been purpose designed and built, with everything right down to the last nail flown in by helicopter! The result is sheer indulgence in the last place you would expect it. All lodges have drying rooms, flush toilets and hot showers complete with soap, shampoo, conditioner and even hairdryers. A full kitchen treats you with a three course dinner and cooked breakfast or enjoy a drink from the bar before dinnerMeals included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - Glade House to Pompolona
Your first full day of walking begins by crossing the Clinton River bridge. The smooth track follows the river up the valley to the Hirere Falls lunch shelter. Take a side walk to the wetlands, a complex eco-system unique to this section of track. After lunch look out for your first glimpse of Omanui/McKinnon Pass in the distance. You’ll stay in the beech forest, until you come out onto the Prairie – detour down to soak your feet in Prairie Lake. From this meadow you can capture the true nature of the ice-carved Clinton Canyon. From here, it’s a short climb to Pompolona Lodge. Today's walk is 16 km (10 miles) and takes 5-7 hours.
Your accommodation: Milford Track Lodges
Milford Track Lodges have been purpose designed and built, with everything right down to the last nail flown in by helicopter! The result is sheer indulgence in the last place you would expect it. All lodges have drying rooms, flush toilets and hot showers complete with soap, shampoo, conditioner and even hairdryers. A full kitchen treats you with a three course dinner and cooked breakfast or enjoy a drink from the bar before dinnerMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Milford Track Guided Walk Day 3 - Pompolona Lodge to QuintinLodge
From Pompolona Lodge the track leads up to Lake Mintaro at the head of the Clinton Valley, before climbing the Omanui/McKinnon Pass in a series of zig-zags. Take your time and enjoy the views. At the top you can rest at McKinnon memorial before passing the highest point and stopping for lunch in Pass Hut overlooking the Clinton Valley. The descent into the Arthur Valley is steep and uneven so take care and use poles. Viewing platforms give you a great view of the Cascades waterfalls. Quintin Lodge is a welcome sight at the bottom of the Pass. Take a short break to revive with a drink and a snack then we highly recommend doing the optional 90-minute round trip to Sutherland Falls, at 580m/1904ft it is one of the highest in the world and well worth seeing. Today's hike is 15 km (9 miles) and takes 6-8 hours.
Your accommodation: Milford Track Lodges
Milford Track Lodges have been purpose designed and built, with everything right down to the last nail flown in by helicopter! The result is sheer indulgence in the last place you would expect it. All lodges have drying rooms, flush toilets and hot showers complete with soap, shampoo, conditioner and even hairdryers. A full kitchen treats you with a three course dinner and cooked breakfast or enjoy a drink from the bar before dinnerMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Quintin to Mitre Peak Lodge via Sandfly Point
Your final day on the track is the longest section at 21km. You’ll walk down the Arthur Valley to the historic Boatshed. After a short break and a hot drink, the track continues on past MacKay Falls through lush beech forest to the lunch spot at Giants Gate waterfall. The final stretch of the track follows tranquil Lake Ada to Sandfly Point. From Sandfly Point it is a short boat trip across the renowned Milford Sound; the fjord often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Mitre Peak, the famously photographed pinnacle rises almost sheer from the Sound to a height of 1692m (5551ft). At Mitre Peak Lodge, relax in the bar enjoying the view, before sitting down to a celebratory dinner. Today enjoy 21km (13 miles) 6-8 hours of walking.
Your accommodation: Milford Track Lodges
Milford Track Lodges have been purpose designed and built, with everything right down to the last nail flown in by helicopter! The result is sheer indulgence in the last place you would expect it. All lodges have drying rooms, flush toilets and hot showers complete with soap, shampoo, conditioner and even hairdryers. A full kitchen treats you with a three course dinner and cooked breakfast or enjoy a drink from the bar before dinnerMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Mitre Peak Lodge to Te Anau and Queenstown
This morning after breakfast we’ll take you on a cruise on Milford Sound. Watch for dolphins and fur seals and, if the waterfalls are in full flow, you’ll have seen Fiordland at its very best! Following the cruise it’s time to head back to Queenstown. The coach trip follows the scenic Milford Road through Homer Tunnel and on to Te Anau, where there will be a short break before the last leg of the journey to Queenstown. Lunch will be eaten along the way.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Collect your rental car
This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV's.
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wanaka
From Queenstown you'll cross the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Skirting the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a 1-hour return walk through the native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Continue on through the remote seaside settlement of Haast before heading up the wild West Coast highway you pass through ancient temperate rainforests while getting sneak peeks of the wild coast beaches occasionally. Paringa Salmon Farm is worth a stop to stretch your legs, feed the fish, and stop for lunch and refreshments. Keep heading North and be sure to enjoy the view of the ever-changing towering snowcapped Southern Alps Mountain Range. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination for the night Franz Josef township.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 350 kms / 217 miles : 4.6 hours
Explore Franz Josef
Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with The Helicopter Line
Take a scenic flight over all three Franz Josef glacier icefalls. Landing high on the glacier take a two hour guided trip through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Your guide will choose the route as you go through a wonderland of blue ice and frozen pinnacles. You'll have endless views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest as well as plenty of opportunities to take photographs. Sure to be one of the most memorable experiences you have while you are in New Zealand. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station
Today head north along the mighty West Coast highway you pass through ancient temperate rainforests while getting sneak peeks of the wild coast beach occasionally. Whataroa is the next town where you can see one of the world's rarest birds, the New Zealand white heron or Kotuku nest at the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve, and guided tours from October to March will take you there.
Ross is the site of an old gold mining town and some of the old buildings and workings remain. In fact, Ross is still home to one of the few working gold mines left in New Zealand and the local information center offers you the chance to pan for gold.
Hokitika is a great place to explore craft and gift stores and head to the coast and take in the endless sea views. The Jade or Greenstone on offer in Hokitika is probably some of the best you will see in the country. The Hokitika Gorge is located 45 minutes inland and offers turquoise waters flowing through a narrow gorge. A great short walk will deliver you to this piece of paradise.
Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Drop your rental car at the Greymouth Train Station depot located at the train station building before boarding your train to Christchurch.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
Shared Transfer from the Railway Station to a City Hotel with Christchurch Touring
On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
Your accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction
Quest Cathedral Junction serviced apartment style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Christchurch accommodation experience. Quest Cathedral Junction is located within the Christchurch CBD, only a short walk to Cathedral Square, New Regent Street Entertainment Precinct, Isaac Royal Theatre, Botanic Gardens.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this driving leg is: 170 kms / 106 miles : 2.1 hours
Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.