Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital, where you will be collected from a central city location at 2.30pm to be transferred to Te Anau. This 2-hour scenic drive south along the stunning shores of Lake Wakitipu and the countryside of Southland will bring you to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland National Park. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of the South Island's largest lake, Lake Te Anau. There are many cafes, restaurants and shops all within a short walking distance from your accommodation. A pre-trip briefing will be held in the evening and dinner at the hotel is included once the briefing is complete.

Meals:  D

The day will start at 7.00am this morning with a hearty breakfast, before a 7.30am departure from Te Anau towards the majestic Hollyford Valley. Upon reaching the start of the track, we pop our packs onto our backs, and start our 19.5km walk through the stunning valley and famous Hollyford Track. Following the swift, crystal-clear waters of the Hollyford River, you'll walk beneath the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, including Fiordland National Park’s highest summits—Mt Tutoko (2,746m) and Mt Madeline (2,537m). We trace the footsteps of early Maori and pioneer explorers along the winding track through lush native beech forest and past cascading waterfalls. Along the way, we’ll pause for breaks as our guides share the rich history of the valley, introduce its unique flora and fauna, and transport you back to a time when this land was first traversed. Midway through the day, we’ll stop for lunch—a chance to rest, refuel, and take in the stunning surroundings before continuing our walk. The end of our long first day sees us arrive at our lodge accommodation where our friendly hosts welcome us with hot showers, 3 course cuisine and the opportunity to relax with a post dinner drink.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and hot cup of tea or coffee to ease you into the day ahead. We start the day with a short 4kms walk through to Lake Alabastar and have the option of crossing one of Fiordland's longest swing bridges. On return back to the lodge, we enjoy a quick morning tea, before setting off to the jetty. Here we board a jet boat for a thrilling scenic ride along the Hollyford River and down to Lake McKerrow. We make a short stop at the ill-fated Jamestown to hear the tales and tragedies of this early New Zealand settlement and learn more about the history and it's settlers. Following a delicious lunch, we explore the Martins Bay sand dunes. These sand dunes separate the powerful Tasman Sea and the pristine Hollyford Valley. Here we visit historical sites where Chief Tutoko (Ngai Tahu) and his people guarded entry to the Hollyford Valley. Our guides will also explain the unique environmental diversity of this remote region. On arrival at our lodge, take off your boots, relax with a glass of wine perhaps, and enjoy the sun setting over the Hollyford River.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day on the Hollyford Track, begins with a walk through the amazing podocarp forest. The walk is a short one at 3.5kms, but awe-inspiring as you gaze up and marvel at the ancient forest that surrounds us with thousand-year-old giants of nature such as native Rimu and Kahikatea. We return to the lodge for our final group lunch, before boarding our helicopter for a scenic flight along the rugged coastline into the stunning and world famous, Milford Sound. Once in Milford Sound, board the transfer for the return through to Queenstown (via a quick stop in Te Anau). You will arrive back into Queenstown in the evening, allowing you to enjoy some of the many restaurant options for dinner and a reflection on the past few days.

Meals:  B,L

Trip arrangements end on check out of your hotel in Queenstown. Please ask us if you are wanting to extend your stay with extra nights in Queenstown.

Meals:  Nil