Explore Fiordland: Hike & Cruise

Begin your adventure by travelling from Queenstown to the lakeside town of Te Anau on our private coach to attend a comprehensive pre-departure briefing. Your knowledgeable guides will talk you through all you need to know before setting off, what to include in your hiking pack and the chance to answer any questions you may have.

Visitors located in Queenstown are invited to board our private coach which departs for Te Anau as follows:
2:30pm - Central Queenstown Hotels
3:00pm - The Station Building, Duke Street
3:30pm - Queenstown Airport

The journey will take approximately 2 hours. You will be taken straight to your accommodation at the Distinction Hotel & Villas, located in Te Anau. Mix and mingle over dinner with your fellow walkers before settling into your hotel room for the evening.

Overnight Distinction Hotel & Villas, with ensuite and breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking our private coach into the remote Hollyford Valley to begin your Wilderness Experience. For this part of the journey, it will be a small group of 16 travellers.

On this first day within the valley you will walk 19.5km exploring hidden waterfalls, wandering through ancient native bush in awe of the plethora of green shades around you. Learn about the unique flora and fauna and hear tales of those who roamed the paths of the Hollyford before you.

Finish the day at Ka Tuku Lodge, nestled beneath Mt. Madeline, where our welcoming lodge hosts and an impressive three-course meal awaits. Celebrate the days achievements over a glass of Central Otago wine or a locally produced craft beer.

Start your day with a plentiful breakfast at Ka Tuku Lodge before heading out on a short walk to Wāwāhi Waka (Lake Alabaster), on your way back stop at the infamous Pyke bridge – the longest swing bridge in Fiordland National park.

Embark by jet boat down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the podocarp forest where you’ll encounter thousand year old rimu, kahikatea and totara giants. As you edge closer to the rugged West Coast, ancient forests will transform into coastal gardens.

Total duration of hiking today: 15km

Arrive at your home for the night at Waitai lodge where your three course meal and toast in celebration of the vast array of vistas encountered today awaits.

After another hearty cooked breakfast you will be ready to embark on your final walking leg of the Hollyford journey, exploring Martins Bay Spit which separates the Hollyford Valley from the Tasman Sea.

Explore the sand dunes and wander along the isolated beach at your own pace, taking in the rugged beauty of the wild West Coast. Return to Martins Bay Lodge to embark on your scenic helicopter flight back through the iconic and dramatic Milford Sound. Marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite cliff faces and breathtaking waterfalls hidden away in the lush native forest.

Upon arrival into Milford Sound, your friendly coach driver will be awaiting to drive you back to Te Anau via the impressive Milford Road.

Evening at leisure to relax, overnight at Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and some time at leisure this morning to relax and prepare for the next stage of your adventure - A Doubtful Sound overnight cruise experience.

Transfer to Manapouri, by vehicle approx. 20 -30 minutes Take a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Mariner vessel.

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Mariner blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or to simply relax on board. For the adventurous (or very brave), there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather dependent.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by our on-board chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.

Overnight in a private cabin with ensuite onboard the Fiordland Mariner

Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast menu and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fjord. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, the trip back to Manapouri and many, many conversations telling friends just how amazing your trip was. Arrival into Manapuri at 12 noon and transfer by road to Queenstown