Kidd & Friends Fiordland Bike and Hike

We will meet our guides in the reception of the Kamana Lakehouse at 9:00am for a tour briefing and a bike fitting. Then it’s time to drive along the narrow lakeside road around Lake Wakitipu to 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, passing through rich farm lands by the banks of the Oreti River, to the railway town of Lumsden. Here we load up and drive through to Te Anau, our stop for the night and the gateway to our coming adventures exploring Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Cycling Distance: Up to 65km Note: Tonight you will need to pack an overnight bag for the next night of the tour. When staying in Martins Bay Lodge you will need a small backpack just large enough for overnight gear (which you will carry the following day) and the rest of your luggage will be secured in the luggage trailer.

Meals:  L,D

Today we drive into the world famous Milford Sound to enjoy a few short walks and stops at points of interest along this incredibly scenic journey. By late morning we arrive at Milford Sound where we meet our Hollyford guides. Here we board a helicopter for the truly spectacular flight over the dramatic Milford Sound and rugged west coast to Martins Bay. On arrival we meet our hosts and are treated to a picnic lunch in a safari style tent. It’s then time to begin exploring this amazing landscape on foot with a walk through lush forest and coastal heath to a rocky bay. If we are lucky we may spot fur seals and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (in season) that inhabit these shores. Returning to Martins Bay Lodge by jet boat we enjoy a gourmet meal and relax in cosy accommodation in this very special uninhabited wilderness location. Walking Distance: approx 7-10km

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast we journey once again by jet boat up Lake McKerrow to the Hollyford River, the dramatic mountainscapes leaving us in awe of the beauty of this region. A little further along we leave the boat at the Pyke River confluence to commence our hike along the Hollyford Valley. Once over the Little Homer Saddle we'll make a brief stop at the Hidden Falls before arriving at our lunch spot. We retrace the footsteps of early explorers underneath the peaks of the Southern Alps, the track gently undulates through native beech forest speckled with elegantly flowing waterfalls. Enjoy interesting interpretation of forest and bird life on the way to the Hollyford Road End where we will meet our Adventure South guide once again. We drive back to Te Anau in the late afternoon and meet again in the evening for dinner. Walking Distance: Hollyford Valley - 18km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have a choice to cycle or to walk depending on how our legs are feeling from yesterdays walk. We can ride the Lake to Lake trail from Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri or walk on part of the Kepler Track. The walk option leaves from the lake outlet and follows the Waiau River through beautiful beech forest to Rainbow Reach. After lunch in Manapouri we can ride back to Te Anau or return by vehicle for a free afternoon. The optional afternoon ride follows back roads, along the Whitestone River and then up The Ramparts escarpment which affords panoramic views to Te Anau and the lake. We descend to Te Anau to join the Upukerora River Track which follows Te Anau's lakefront to the 'UPark' offering more beautiful views across to the Murchison Mountains and Fiordland National Park. In the early evening we meet to go to a performance at the Fiordland Cinema to see "ata whenua" a beautiful short movie showcasing Fiordland landscapes from the air. We enjoy a third night in Te Anau. Cycling Distance: approx 26km or Walking Distance: 9km taking 2.5 hours Optional Cycling Distance: Manapouri to Te Anau - 39km

Meals:  B,L,D

Todays epic cycle ride takes us deep into remote Fiordland as we follow the Boreland Road to Lake Manapouri. The Boreland Road was built in the 1960's to service the power line to Manapouri Power Station producing a third of NZ's hydro power. After breakfast we drive to Boreland Lodge, the old workers camp which has been converted into accommodation and set off on our bikes. The first 15km climbs gently uphill to the Boreland Saddle at 990m rewarding us with spectacular views into the Grebe Valley, surrounded by beach forest and Fiordland Mountains. We then descend steeply via a series of sharp zigzags taking us to the valley bottom and follow the Grebe River as the road undulates to reach the South Arm of Manapouri after 38km. This is a dramatic ride on a sometimes rutted gravel 4WD road, offering a complete sense of isolation and wilderness, however there will be a support vehicle near by. There will be opportunities for side walks to view points and we will have a picnic lunch on the way. When we will arrive at Lake Manapouri, we will take a boat transfer across to Manapouri and return to Te Anau for our last night. We will meet for our final evening meal together celebrating our week's cycling and hiking achievements. Cycling Distance: Boreland Lodge to Lake Manapouri - 38km (4-6 hours)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we leave Te Anau and after a short drive we cycle towards the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. We ride 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 downhill to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Mount Nicholas station. Here we are greeted with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and snow covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. We follow the lakeshore trail to Walter Peak Station where we board the historic Earnslaw Steamer and cross the shimmering waters to Queenstown. It's time to say a sad farewell as we pick you up from the wharf and drop you off at the Kamana Lakehouse. Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 50 to 70km

Meals:  B,L