Arrive Queenstown – Transfer to Hotel and then briefing and dinner in the evening. (D)

It’s a stunning drive south towards Te Anau. We begin our first hike of the trip as a day walk on the first section of the Kepler Track. Passing beneath towering limestone bluffs and through mountain and silver beech forests. From the tree line you will get tremendous views of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Return via the same track back down to the lake and our night’s accommodation at Distinction Hotel and Villas. (B,L)

It is an early start from our accommodation, after a short drive we travel across the beautiful Lake Manapouri by boat before climbing aboard a bus to drive over Wilmot Pass and into Deep Cove at the head of Doubtful Sound. Here we get into double sea kayaks and set off for 4 incredible hours of exploring this pristine, peaceful and hidden corner of the South Island. Three times longer than Milford Sound and with its with twisting arms and hidden coves, it has a surface area ten times larger. Along the way, we may see dolphins, NZ fur seals and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins. We return by the same route to Te Anau and spend a second night at our accommodation. (B,L)

We prepare for our first overnight hike at the cabins this morning, before driving through to Lake Monowai and up to Borland Saddle. This road takes us deep into Fiordland National park. Beech forest aligns the track before we ascend onto the gentle tussock peaks of the Hunter Range, where we gradually climb to a pass near Mt Burns. From here we navigate along the tops, enjoying striking views of the granite peaks of Southern Fiordland across the dark colours of Green Lake. Tarns (small mountain lakes) are dotted along the route. Eventually, we drop down into beech forest from the tops and link up with the southern shore of Green Lake, which leads us to a cosy mountain hut. Feel free to take a dip in the frigid waters of the lake before settling down in front of the hut fire for the night. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. (B,L,D)

We wake up early this morning and enjoy the remote setting while having breakfast before we hike along the lake through beech forest and alpine meadows before arriving back at the road. If you still have some energy join the guide for a bush bash back up to the saddle to get the bus! After lunch, sit back this afternoon and enjoy the drive to Wanaka. (B,L)

This morning we re-pack our bags for our next hike into Mt Aspiring National park. We begin with a beautiful drive up the glacially carved Matukituki Valley. Our hike begins from Raspberry flat and it’s a relatively gentle hike into the large stone Aspiring Hut. After reaching the hut we can drop our packs and continue on our hike up towards the Cascade Saddle. This is a moderately challenging hike that will get the heart pumping and well worth the effort with super rewarding views! We push out through the bush line to get commanding views of Mt Aspiring. Tonight’s accommodation is at the Aspiring Hut which has 360-degree views of the stunning valley. (B,L,D)

Today’s hike, if there is still energy in the legs, takes us further up the Matukituki Valley to Peal Flat. From Pearl flat we start climbing the track to Liverpool Hut (1,100 m). It is a steep and often slippery climb to the bush line. Above the bush, the track initially leads across steep exposed shingle, rock and tussock terrain before bearing left up an easier tussock slope to reach a knoll overlooking the hut. Liverpool Hut is beautifully located in a small alpine basin on the north side of the hanging valley of Liverpool Stream. High above the Matukituki River West Branch, it has great views of Mount Aspiring, Mount Avalanche and Rob Roy Peak. We soak up the views here before carefully descending the way we came and returning for a second night in Aspiring Hut. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we head back out the valley to the bus at Raspberry Flat. We stop for a celebratory drink and some lunch at the historic and charming Cardrona Hotel before continuing to Queenstown. (B)

It’s off to our next destination or home from here. (B)