Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital! After all your preparation and fundraising the adventure begins. This morning you will be collected from a central city location for the scenic 2-hour drive to Te Anau. Travelling along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the Southland countryside, we arrive at the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This afternoon, following a pre-trip briefing and gear check, we'll take an easy walk on the Kepler Track from Rainbow Reach to the Control Gates (approximately 9km) - a beautiful section of trail winding through native beech forest alongside the Waiau River. Later you are free to stroll along the lakefront, visit the local Bird Sanctuary, or relax at one of the Te Anau’s cafés. If time permits, the Fiordland Cinema is also well worth a visit for its acclaimed screening of Ata Whenua – Shadowland, showcasing the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau Hotel

Meals:  L

Today begins with a spectacular helicopter flight into the alpine reaches of the Kepler Track, soaring above Lake Te Anau, the remote Kepler Mountains and hidden alpine lakes before landing near Luxmore Hut, high above the bushline. From here, we commence our walk through breathtaking Fiordland scenery. Weather and group conditions permitting, there is the option to walk towards the summit of Mt Luxmore for even more expansive mountain views. The trail then descends along a well-formed track through alpine tussock landscapes, beneath dramatic limestone bluffs and into beautiful native silver beech forest. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the region’s unique ecology and important conservation initiatives focused on predator control and protecting native birdlife. Reaching the sandy shores of Brod Bay, we board a water taxi for the short journey back across Lake Te Anau before returning to our accommodation at approximately 5:00pm. Please note: Access to the Mt Luxmore summit is weather dependent and subject to the overall pace and capabilities of the group.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we travel along the spectacular Milford Road before leaving the main highway and venturing deep into the remote Hollyford Valley, one of Fiordland’s hidden treasures. Passing historic sites and dramatic mountain scenery, we continue along a scenic 17km valley road to the start of the Hollyford Track. Today’s walk follows the beautiful Hollyford River through lush native rainforest, with magnificent views of the surrounding Southern Alps, including Fiordland’s highest peaks, Mt Tutoko and Mt Madeline. The trail leads to the impressive Hidden Falls, cascading through pristine wilderness in a truly breathtaking setting. The return walk is approximately 7.5km and takes around 2.5–3 hours at a relaxed pace. A scenic lunch stop is included before retracing our steps and returning to Te Anau later in the afternoon.

Meals:  B,L

An earlier start will be necessary today to make the most of every moment as we venture into the heart of Fiordland National Park. A 6:30am pick up will allow us plenty of time to take in the incredibly scenic journey into Milford Sound. Upon arrival, we begin with a short water taxi to Sandfly Point, the start of our guided walk along the world famous Milford Track. The walk winds along the picturesque Arthur River amidst lush rainforest towards Lake Ada where views of idyllic waterfalls begin to appear. The foliage then begins to open up, revealing the spectacular Giant Gate Waterfall and a welcomed rest spot. After making our way back along the track we then have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Milford Sound from the comfort of a small boat cruise. With both indoor and outdoor viewing spaces, you can rest assured you will experience the grandeur of Mitre Peak and the stunning Sterling Falls. Take in the informative commentary from the skipper but don't forget to keep a close eye out for basking seals or playful pods of dolphins. Following the cruise we make our way back to Te Anau along the scenic road, arriving at our accommodation by about 5:45pm.

Meals:  B,L

An 8:30am pick up time this morning will have you on your way to what is arguably the best day walk in Fiordland. We make our way back along the Milford Road before turning off at the top of the Divide and the start of the renowned Routeburn Track. Today’s walk takes us from lush, temperate rainforest into the expansive alpine environment of the Key Summit. The steady climb up is paced beautifully with engaging human heritage stories and natural history from your guide. On a fine day you are met with 360 degree views of snow capped peaks, alpine lakes and glacial carved valleys. We take this opportunity on top to enjoy our lunch or in a nearby shelter alongside Lake Howden in more inclement conditions. After soaking in our final alpine vistas in Fiordland we retrace our steps back to the Divide shelter. We arrive back into Queenstown (at the airport or the CBD) at around 4:30pm, where we farewell our guide and arrangements conclude.

Meals:  B,L