3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 day cycle trails, hikes and half day kayak
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel/motel
  • 1 night boat cruise
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days$3795NZD

Trip Code: MIS

Trip highlights


  • Combine the Around the Mountains trail with a visit to the majestic Milford Sound
  • Kayak to Pigeon Island on the shimmering Lake Wakatipu
  • Hike part of the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, two of New Zealand's great walks.
  • Hike to Key Summit and take in the impressive scenery and huge mountains of Fiordland National Park
  • Overnight on an expedition style small ship amidst spectacular Milford Sound, a once in a lifetime experience!
  • Cycle to the Mavora Lakes and Von Valley on remote backcountry roads
  • Return to Queenstown by bike and historic steamship

This spectacular cycling and hiking adventure provides an ideal opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Fiordland and the enchanting Milford Sound. Nowhere else in New Zealand do the mountains rise up out of the water, rich rain-forests cling to sheer rock faces or waterfalls crash hundreds of metres to the sea below than in our gorgeous Sound. Your journey begins in Queenstown, where you will embark on this amazing journey towards Milford Sound with a morning kayak on the crystal blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoy walking along the famous Kepler and Routeburn tracks and cycle through Fiordland National Parks' iconic beech forests and superb mountain scenery along the way. In Milford Sound you will board your comfortable floating hotel to explore the magic of this area, with options to swim or kayak, before pedalling around Te Anau and the hidden Mavora Lakes site featured in the Lord of the Rings. This sensational journey concludes with a scenic boat transfer across Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown.


Your guide will collect the group from a central city location around 8:00am and we will have a tour briefing and then a bike fitting. Then it’s time to drive to Glenorchy where we 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 we enjoy lunch on the shore. We then head back to Queenstown where we will explore the nearby Queenstown Trails by bike. After time to refresh we then head out to our first group dinner to talk over plans for the next few days. Cycling Distance: Up to 20km

Meals:  L,D

From Queenstown we drive the narrow lakeside road alongside Lake Wakitipu to the old steam railway town of Kingston. From here we 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. We stop for lunch at the remote Five Rivers station cafe, and then load up the bikes to drive to Te Anau, the gateway to our coming adventures exploring Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. This afternoon we enjoy a walk along the lower section of the Kepler Track, one of NZ's Great Walks. We walk from Rainbow Reach and follow the Waiau River through beautiful beech forest to the Lake Te Anau outlet. We transfer to our hotel in Te Anau and are then free to explore the town and make our 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.

Meals:  B

This morning we 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 we stop to enjoy some of the short walks and views on the way, before arriving at The Divide. From here we 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. We drive through the Homer Tunnel and onto Milford Sound, stopping en-route to explore the famous Chasm walkway before arriving at our 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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

Meals:  B,L,D

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 have a celebratory drink before boarding the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and crossing Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown which brings our journey to an end. Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 3 nights in hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a double or twin share basis
  • 1 night in a double or twin cabin on a Milford cruise boat with shared bathroom facilities
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 more more)
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Overnight cruise on Milford Sound
  • Kayak trip on Lake Wakatipu
  • Boat return on the TSS Earnslaw Steamer across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
  • Celebratory end of ride refreshments
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Transport from Queenstown (return)
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Grading

moderate  
3

The Milford and Fiordland Hike, Bike and Kayak is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 4 hours of cycling and hiking per week for three months leading up to your trip. You will need to be able to walk for 3-4 hours at a time on undulating paths. Most of the cycle trail is hard packed gravel, we recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle. You do not need to have any previous experience of kayaking before you join this tour, it is an introductory kayak excursion. You will receive instructions and a full briefing by your experienced kayak guide before you set off on the water.


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3795NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike RentalNZD$150
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure (excludes Milford cruise)NZD$495
  • Ebike RentalNZD$500
  • Single Supplement - single cabin on Milford Cruise onlyNZD$550
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Milford and Fiordland Hike Bike and Kayak trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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