John Pickering & Friends Fiordland Hike, Bike & Kayak

Your guide will collect the group from a central city location around 8:00am and we will have a tour briefing before driving 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. This afternoon we test out our bikes on a delightful ride around the top of the lake to the small settlement of Kinloch on the Western shore. As with the kayaking, views of the mountains and lake dominate and we'll also cross bridges over both the Rees and Dart Rivers so stunning scenery is all around. In the late afternoon there could be an opportunity to do a jetboat ride up the Dart River before we check into our accommodation at the remote Wilderness Retreat and enjoy our first dinner together. Riding Distance : Upto 35km, +392m Kayaking : 45 mins

Meals:  L,D

Heading back to Queenstown we continue to drive the narrow lakeside road alongside Lake Wakatipu to the old steam railway town of Kingston, a total drive of around 90 minutes. From here we connect with one of New Zealand's Great Rides, 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'll ride upto 63k through to the rural town of Lumsden, lunching along the way and loading up at the end for a short drive to our accommodation in Mossburn. Cycling Distance: Up to 63km

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast at a local cafe, we rejoin the Around the Mountains cycle trail for a delightful ride through a peaceful rural setting alongside the Oreti River. It's then a 45 minute drive to Te Anau, the gateway to our upcoming adventures exploring Fiordland National Park. We'll spend the afternoon enjoying a walk along the lower section of the Kepler Track, one of NZ's Great Walks. For those keen on a longer walk, we walk from Rainbow Reach and follow the Waiau River through beautiful beech forest to the Lake Te Anau outlet. Those wanting a shorter walk can walk in from the Control Gates for as long as it suits and return back the same way. We transfer to our hotel in Te Anau and are then free to explore the town and make own dinner arrangements. Cycling Distance: Up to 24km Walking Distance: Upto 9km / 3hrs

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 travels 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 a section of another Great Walk, the Routeburn Track, climbing upto Key Summit, a 3 hour return hike with spectacular views of the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt and Earl mountain ranges. For those who would prefer a shorter walking distance, the return nature of the walk means you can choose your own turn-around point. Back at The Divide, we hop on our bikes for an exhilirating downhill cycle along the very quiet and scenic Hollyford road, finishing with a short walk to the lookout of the impressive Humboldt Falls. Returning to Te Anau for a second night, we'll have time to get organised for our Doubtful Sound excursion before enjoying dinner together. Hiking Distance : upto 8km/3hr return Cycling Distance : 19k or 28k, depending on time and energy levels! Note: Tonight you will need to pack an overnight bag for the next night of the tour. When staying overnight in Doubtful Sound you will be able to take a small bag with the majority of your luggage left secured in the vehicle.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning there'll be time to enjoy the township of Te Anau, where the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is a 'must visit'. Here are some of Fiordland’s special birds that are difficult to see in the wild, including the Takahe, Kaka, blue duck, Parakeets and many more. It's then a short drive to Manapouri, where we join the Doubtful Sound experience at noon for a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, a drive over Wilmot Pass to Deep cove where we will meet the "Navigator", a luxurious boat that will be our home for the night. We cruise out into the beautiful Doubtful Sound, formed by glaciers and far less-visited than the more well known and more accessible Milford Sound. We have opportunities to go kayaking or on a nature tour to meet dolphins and fur seals. Then relax into an evening of entertainment, fine food and comfortable sleep in our private cabins. In the heart of the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park we are constantly surrounded by magnificent views of the mountains, the sunset is superb and we feel quite insignificant amongst this grandeur. Accommodation: Real Journeys "Navigator" - www.realjourneys.co.nz

Meals:  B,L,D

After a great on-board breakfast and more cruising through the fiord, we return to Deep Cove and back to Manapouri arriving back at Midday. This afternoon, we enjoy a delightful ride on the well maintained, gravelled Lake to Lake trail from Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, enjoying spectacular scenery in the heart of Fiordland with lake, mountain and riverside views as well as native bush, wetlands and farmland scenery. Early evening, we'll head to the Fiordland Cinema to see "Ata Whenua" (Shadowland) a beautiful short movie showcasing Fiordland landscapes from the air. Today finishes with our final group dinner and overnight stay. Cycle Distance: approx. 28km

Meals:  B,L,D

From Te Anau we journey into the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings, for our final ride back on the Around the Mountains trail. 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 board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and cross Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. A celebratory drink and platters at a local restaurant brings an end to our journey. Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km

Meals:  B,L