Milford, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails

Discover the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, Hollyford Valley and unspoiled natural beauty of the wildlife-rich Stewart Island on foot

Aerial view over Long Reef and Martin's bay on the Fiordland, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trek | Hollyford Track

Tranquil beauty of Milford Sound | Alain Goerens

Top of Ben Lomond Saddle looking out over Lake Wakatipu | Colin Monteath

Predator-free Ulva Island off Stewart Island | Janet Oldham

View of Hollyford Valley from Key Summit | Douglas McKay

Incredible ocean views from helicopter to Martins Bay | Hollyford Track

Delicious dinners served at Martins Bay Lodge | Hollyford Track

Walking through native forest on the Kepler Track along the Waiau River | Douglas McKay

Aerial view over Long Reef and Martin's bay on the Fiordland, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trek | Hollyford Track

Tranquil beauty of Milford Sound | Alain Goerens

Top of Ben Lomond Saddle looking out over Lake Wakatipu | Colin Monteath

Predator-free Ulva Island off Stewart Island | Janet Oldham

View of Hollyford Valley from Key Summit | Douglas McKay

Incredible ocean views from helicopter to Martins Bay | Hollyford Track

Delicious dinners served at Martins Bay Lodge | Hollyford Track

Walking through native forest on the Kepler Track along the Waiau River | Douglas McKay

Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

7 day walks

Accommodation

5 nights hotel/motel
1 night remote luxury lodge

Meals

5 Dinners
6 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

7 Days$5695NZD

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View Inclusions

Trip Code: MSI

Trip highlights

Hike to magical viewpoints on Ben Lomond, above Queenstown
Visit Stewart Island to see the bird life and maybe spot a Kiwi
Trek in Fiordland with spectacular viewpoints and towering rocky walls
Enjoy a magical helicopter ride over Milford Sound to the secluded Martins Bay
Indulge in a luxury lodge in a serene remote environment
Experience the magnificence of the remote Hollyford wilderness
Hike small sections of the iconic Routeburn, Kepler and Rakiura Tracks

The deep south of New Zealand is home to some of the country's most pristine and spectacular landscapes with an exceptional array of day hikes, which we feature on this superb week of walking. This trip begins in the 'adventure capital' Queenstown where we hike the lower slopes of Ben Lomond for extensive panoramic views over Lake Wakitipu before travelling to Invercargill. Crossing over to Stewart Island you will enjoy some short walks as well as a free day to explore this remote island on foot, kayak or even try to sight New Zealand's iconic flightless bird - the Kiwi. Returning to the mainland, travel to Te Anau for walks in Fiordland National Park before boarding a breathtaking helicopter flight over Milford Sound and dramatic peaks into uninhabited Martins Bay, the heart of the Hollyford region. We enjoy an afternoon walk along the rugged coastline, which is frequented by penguins and seals in season, before settling into our cosy lodge for the night. The trip continues with a walk along the Hollyford Valley and a section of the Routeburn Track before heading back to Queenstown.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Ben Lomond Hike above Queenstown, to Invercargill

This morning we collect you from a central location in Queenstown and start our adventure with a nearby mountain hike. We take the gondola above the township and then access the walking track to Ben Lomond, slowly meandering our way to a highpoint lookout. With the amazing views over Lake Wakitipu and the Queenstown basin this is an inspiring start to this fantastic walking trip. After descending, we head south along the scenic shoreline of Lake Wakatipu to New Zealand's southernmost city, Invercargill, a good base to start our journey to remote Stewart Island the following day. Overnight Invercargill.

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Transfer to Stewart Island, guided walks

This morning we drive a short distance to the windswept coastal town of Bluff. Here, we meet the morning ferry for the one hour (approx) crossing to Stewart Island, off the southern coast. Home to New Zealand's newest national park and the remote community of Oban, we arrive on Stewart Island ready for some walking activity. After a casual lunch we walk for about 10km (4hrs) on part of the Rakiura Track with lovely coastal views and prominent bird life. We will take a water taxi one way and the availability of this will influence the direction and location of our walk. Arriving back into Oban village late in the afternoon, we have time to check into our accommodation, freshen up and explore the various options on offer for tomorrow. It’s then time to regroup for dinner, the fresh local Blue Cod, or the famous Bluff Oysters are a must try.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Free day on Stewart Island

Stewart Island is very diverse environment and today is a free day to allow you to wander as you please. The activity options range from a visit to the unique predator-free Ulva Island, to sea kayaking the interior coastline around Patterson Inlet, or even a hike on the many coastal walkways, such as the one to Ackers Point lighthouse. Whatever you choose, this will be a magical day in a magnificent location.

Meals: B

Day 4
To Te Anau, walks in Fiordland National Park

Departing on the early ferry from Stewart Island back to the mainland, we then travel through small towns and rural landscapes to Te Anau, on the edge of World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Here you can enjoy a fine walk on one of the lower reaches of the Kepler track, passing through wetlands and mosses and ancient native forests. There are a couple of options for return hikes to remote and secluded bush-clad bays on either Lake Manapouri or Lake Te Anau, the choice will depend on the weather. This evening we have a briefing on the upcoming Hollyford adventure and enjoy dinner with an air of anticipation for the next couple of days.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Walks in Milford Sound, helicopter to Hollyford region

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 and prepare to board a helicopter for the truly spectacular flight over the peaks and rugged west coast to Martin's Bay in the Hollyford region. On arrival we meet our hosts and are treated to a picnic lunch. 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 Martin's Bay Lodge by jet boat we enjoy a gourmet meal and relax in cosy accommodation in this very special uninhabited wilderness location.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Hollyford Valley hike (20km), transfer to Te Anau

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 to commence our 20km hike along the Hollyford Valley, following the footsteps of early explorers through native beech forest speckled with elegantly flowing waterfalls. The undulating track brings us to the trail head, with a lunch stop and interesting interpretation of our surrounds along the way. We then drive to our accommodation back in Te Anau, and meet again in the evening for our final dinner.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Hike along Routeburn Track to Key Summits, return to Queenstown

On our final morning we enjoy one more iconic walk, this time along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit, where we can take in sweeping views over the beautiful Hollyford Valley. Along the trail we will have the chance to reflect on a week of exceptional walking experiences with our new found friends before boarding the vehicle for a late afternoon drive back to Queenstown. Trip arrangements conclude with a drop off in central Queenstown. We advise not to book any departure flights this evening in case our drive home is delayed for any reason.

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x6), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
5 nights hand picked hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
1 night exclusive use of Martin's Bay private lodge (shared bathroom)
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
Private vehicle transport including trailer for luggage
Skyline Gondola ride from Queenstown
Helicopter over Milford Sound into Martin's Bay (Hollyford)
Wilderness jet boat along Lake McKerrow to Pyke River confluence
Ferry to and from Stewart Island
Water taxi and transfer to and from walk on Stewart Island
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Packs and walking poles (on request if required) - please let our staff know in advance
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

What's not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Water bottle (help us save the environment by bringing your own drink bottle or hydration system)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.

Accommodation

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Martins Bay Lodge

You'll get your first glimpse of the exclusive wilderness Martins Bay Lodge as you arrive by helicopter from Milford Sound. The lodge is well appointed with warm dining and lounge areas, an open fire and drying room. Bedrooms are all ensuite with bedding, towels, hot water bottles, soap, shampoo, conditioner and hair dryers also provided. A delicious 3 course evening meal and cooked or continental breakfast will be provided by your lodge hosts.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
2

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. Trails on this itinerary are largely formed paths and tracks which can involve hiking for 4-5 hours at a time. This tour is ideal for those looking to explore a region without engaging in too much trekking at one time. For you to be able to really enjoy this trip we recommend that you are to walk comfortably for a few hours at a time (with breaks included) and some hills. You will need to be able to walk an 18km section of the Hollyford Track, in one go, where there is no support vehicle, this section is generally flat and will take around 4-6 hours. We recommend 90 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling, jogging or power walking) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip.

Departure dates

Notes

Holiday Season

NB:

For groups less than 6 people, a surcharge applies for the Hollyford section

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

$5695NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementNZD$895

*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Milford, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails 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.