Day 1 : Queenstown
- Milford Track
Your adventure begins at the Queenstown, where you board a coach to Te Anau
arriving in time for a light lunch and a group photo. After lunch you drive
to Te Anau Downs boat harbour, where a boat waits to take you up to the
spectacular northern end of Lake Te Anau. From the wharf it is a short 20
minute walk to historic Glade House, your first lodge, for a hot shower, a
filling meal and a comfortable bed.
Day 2 : Milford Track
After crossing the emerald green Clinton River you follow it up the valley
to the Hirere Falls lunch shelter. The beech forest gets more luxurient the
further you go, until it releases you on to the Prairie. From this meadow
you can capture the true nature of the ice carved Clinton Canyon. It is a
short climb to Pompolona Lodge from here.
Day 3 : Milford Track
This is the most demanding day, especially in incelment weather. The track
leads to Lake Mintaro at the head of the Clinton Valley, before climbing the
Mackinnon Pass in a series of zig-zags. Take your time. At the top you will
be rewarded with endless views and lunch in Pass Hut. After the rocky
descent into Arthur Valley you will welcome a hot cup of tea at Quintin
Lodge. It should be enough to refresh you for the 90 minute round trip to
the Sutherland Falls, the world's fifth highest cascade.
Day 4 : Milford Track
Your final day on the track. You walk down the Arthur Valley to Boatshed
for a cup of tea; on past MacKay Falls and Bell Rock, which was turned out
of the river during a particularly violent flood, to the lunch spot at
Giant's Gate waterfall. The final stretch of the track follows tranquil Lake
Ada to Sandfly Point, where according to Maori legend the goddess Te
Hine-nui-te-po released the sandfly to stop men lingering too long in the
beauty of Fiordland. From here it is a short launch trip to Mitre Peak Lodge
where you will enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Day 5 : Milford
Sound - Queenstown
After breakfast you will board one of the famous Red Boats for a cruise on
Milford Sound. Watch for dolphins and fur seals and pray for rain. (No-one
believes us, but the waterfalls are absolutely incredible!) Following the
cruise you start your spectacular journey through the heart of Fiordland
National Park to the Homer Tunnel and on to Te Anau. After a light lunch we
continue to Queenstown, via Queenstown Airport, arriving at approximately
3.30pm.
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New Zealand Tour Packages...
