New Zealand Hiking Adventure

On arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be met by a local guide who will transfer you by private vehicle to the domestic airport prior to your onward flight to Queenstown.

On arrival at Queenstown Airport, you will be joined by a representative of Hollyford Track and transferred to your accommodation in Te Anau, approximately two and a half hours away. Your driver will take you on a scenic route, highlighting sights along the way.

On arrival at Te Anau, you will settle into your accommodation for the night before receiving a briefing on your Hollyford Track adventure.

After an early but hearty breakfast, you will depart Te Anau and make your way by coach to the majestic Hollyford Valley, where you will officially begin your walk.

The first day of your hike will transport you along 12 miles (19.5km) of the Hollyford Track, through stunning vistas and forests. You will follow the swift, clear waters of the Hollyford River, beneath the gaze of the mighty Southern Alps, including Fiordland National Park’s two highest peaks, Mount Tutoko (9,009 feet / 2,746m) and Mt Madeline (8,323 feet / 2,537m).

Walk in the footsteps of original Māori and early pioneer explorers as the track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside impressive, tumbling waterfalls.

At the end of your first day of walking, you’ll be welcomed at Pyke Lodge by your friendly lodge hosts. Here you’ll enjoy a hot shower, impressive three-course dinner, and the opportunity to relax with a post-dinner drink while reflecting on a great first day of your guided walk experience.

As the morning sun illuminates the surrounding mountains, enjoy a delicious breakfast before a short walk to the glistening Lake Alabaster and the optional crossing of one of Fiordland’s longest swing bridges. Today’s walk will cover a little over nine miles (15km).

After a short walk to the jetty, a jet boat will transport you on an exciting scenic ride along the Hollyford River and down to Lake McKerrow, where the glassy waters whisk past and the mountains rise dramatically skywards. Make a short stop at the ill-fated Jamestown to hear the tales and tragedies of this early settlement.

From Jamestown you will make your way into an awe-inspiring podocarp forest, passing weaving between thousand-year-old giants such as native Rimu, Totara, and Kahikatea.

After a picnic lunch, you will reach the thunderous surf on the rugged West Coast, where the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin is a seasonal visitor. Continue on to Long Reef – host to a rookery of native New Zealand fur seals – and spend time watching them play in the surf, and laze on the rocks.

The final leg of your Hollyford trail spans just three miles (5km), exploring Martin’s Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the powerful Tasman Sea from the Hollyford Valley.

Here you will view historical sites, where Chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley, controlling access into and out of highly valued pounamu (greenstone/jade) gathering areas.

Your guide will also highlight the plant and wildlife of this unique environment helping you to discover the diversity of this remote area. You will have the opportunity to explore the sand dunes and wander along the isolated beach at your own pace, with the Tasman Sea as your companion. Return to Martin’s Bay Lodge for lunch, before boarding a helicopter for a scenic flight along the rugged coastline and into the dramatic Milford Sound. Marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite walls rising from the sea. Once in Milford you’ll be met by a private coach and will travel along the impressive Milford Road on your way to Queenstown, rising through the famous Homer Tunnel carving a divide of sheer granite rock.

View the Shotover River as it rushes hundreds of feet below you through the fabulous alpine surrounds of Queenstown. Continue to Queenstown Hill Viewpoint and picturesque Lake Hayes, a favorite location for photographers and artists for its mirror-like reflections.

Take a visit to Arrowtown, which has become an attraction as an example of a living historic gold-mining town, and the excellent Lakes District Museum has many displays pertaining to the district’s pioneering past. Enjoy lunch at one of the many local cafés before continuing to Kawarau Bridge to watch the action at the world’s first bungy jump, plunging almost 150 feet (45m).View the Shotover River as it rushes hundreds of feet below you through the fabulous alpine surrounds of Queenstown. Continue to Queenstown Hill Viewpoint and picturesque Lake Hayes, a favorite location for photographers and artists for its mirror-like reflections.

In preparation for your next hike, today you will have the opportunity to take time to unwind and enjoy spa treatments, relaxation, and a day at leisure.

Collected from your accommodation, you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for the short flight to Rotorua. Upon landing, you will be met by your driver and transported to Turangi and the awaiting River Birches Lodge.

This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and vehicle and transferred to Tongariro National Park for your full-day Tongariro Crossing hike.

Your trek begins in Mangatepopo Valley, with its eroded volcanic terrain and lava flows from nearby Mount Ngauruhoe.

This gradual climb takes about one to one and a half hours. From the head of the valley, you will head up to the saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, with stunning views over the valley below.

Continuing on to South Crater, you will once more gain breathtaking views, before heading higher up to the thermally active Red Crater area. At 6,224 feet (1,886m), the volcanic activity of Red Crater is so tangible that not only can you see it, but you can feel it and smell it too. From these lofty heights, the stunning Emerald Lakes lie below, with impressive views north to Lake Taupo.

Descending to Central Crater, a short climb brings you to Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Blue Lake), before beginning your descent of the northern side of Tongariro, all the time remaining only a half-mile away from the steaming, active Te Maari Crater.

A change of altitude and landscape takes you toward Ketetahi Hut, continuing through the swaying tussock grass to the native forest at the foot of the mountain.

*Please note that this is an alpine hike and requires a suitable fitness level to complete the 12-mile (19.4km) walk (approximately 7 hours).

Joined by your private guide and vehicle, today you will embark on a guided five-hour hike at Lake Rotopounamu, also known as Greenstone Lake. Nestled on the side of Mount Pihanga to the south of Taupo, this lake is of particular appeal to tree lovers and birdwatchers. Rotopounamu was formed by a giant landslide 10,000 years ago and the walk takes you through stunning native bush of treeferns and giant rimus, with views of the lake between the trees. There are also a couple of secluded pebble beaches if you wish to take a dip.

While enjoying a leisure day in the Turangi area, optional local experiences are available. You may wish to go fly fishing on the surrounding rivers or Lake Taupo, take a round of golf at one of several nearby championship courses, or mountain bike along the trails of southern Lake Taupo. For a little more adrenalin, whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River is a thrilling way to view the surrounding mountainscapes from an alternative perspective.

Bidding farewell to these stunning vistas, you will be transported by private vehicle to Aukland International Airport for your return home.