14 Day Southern Highlights & Milford Track Great Walk

Your South Island self drive adventure begins in Christchurch, a city known for its gardens and creative energy. After your flight, enjoy a relaxed arrival and settle into your luxury accommodation.

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Accommodation

On arrival, a private driver will meet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. This seamless start allows you to unwind and ease into your New Zealand holiday.

Welcome to Christchurch

Christchurch blends historic character with innovative architecture and expansive green spaces. Take time to explore Hagley Park, stroll beside the Avon River or discover the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and begin your South Island self drive journey. Today’s scenic route takes you deep into the heart of the Southern Alps.

Collect Rental Car

Choose the vehicle that best suits your travel style and enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace. The open roads ahead promise spectacular scenery and ever changing landscapes.

Drive to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Travel across the Canterbury Plains before reaching the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. As you approach Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand’s highest peak dominates the skyline.

Today is dedicated to discovering the alpine beauty of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Choose from scenic walks, glacier experiences or simply relax and admire the extraordinary surroundings.

Walking Tracks in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

A network of well formed tracks provides options for all fitness levels. From gentle valley strolls to higher alpine viewpoints, each walk reveals glaciers, braided rivers and sweeping mountain vistas.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Explorers

Cruise across the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to view towering icebergs up close. Expert guides share insights into the glacier’s history and the powerful forces shaping this landscape.

Suggested Activity – Glacier Highlights Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing

Take to the skies for a breathtaking flight over snow covered peaks and icefalls. Landing on the glacier itself offers a rare chance to stand among ancient ice in complete alpine silence.

Depart the high country and journey south through classic Central Otago landscapes. Vineyards, historic gold mining sites and dramatic gorges line the route to Queenstown.

Pass through Twizel and over the Lindis Pass before reaching the Kawarau Gorge and Gibbston wine region. The Remarkables mountain range signals your arrival into lively Queenstown. On arrival, return your rental car before attending your Milford Track briefing. This session prepares you for the days ahead with important information and final checks.

Set beside Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown combines natural beauty with world class adventure. Enjoy lakeside dining, scenic gondola rides or simply soak up the alpine atmosphere.

Today is free to experience Queenstown your way before your guided walk begins. Whether you prefer relaxation or adrenaline, there are countless options to suit your style.

Stroll along the waterfront, browse boutique stores and enjoy the vibrant café culture. Scenic viewpoints and lake cruises offer a more leisurely way to appreciate the surroundings.

Milford Track Guided Walk Briefing

Attend the pre walk briefing to confirm details and collect any required gear. This informative session ensures you are fully prepared for your upcoming adventure.

Suggested Activity – Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Experience high speed thrills as you navigate narrow river canyons in a purpose built jet boat. The famous 360 degree spins add an exhilarating highlight to your day.

This morning marks the start of your guided Milford Track experience. Travel by coach and boat into the heart of Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Queenstown to Glade House

Journey to Te Anau before crossing Lake Te Anau by boat to the track’s starting point. A short forest walk leads to Glade House, where your guides introduce the days ahead.

Hike: 1.6km (1 mile)

About: 30 minutes walking

Once you’ve settled in at the lodge, your guides will take you on a 2km (roughly 1.5 hours) nature walk up the Glade Burn.

Your first full day on the Milford Track follows the Clinton Valley through lush beech forest. Towering peaks and cascading waterfalls accompany you along the gently ascending trail.

Walk from Glade House to Pompolona

Cross swing bridges and pause at wetlands and river viewpoints along the way. As you approach Pompolona Lodge, the valley opens to reveal impressive alpine scenery.

Hike: 16km (10 miles)

About: 6-8 hours walking

Track: Mostly flat graded track with some rocky and uneven sections. Some areas prone to flood and a steep incline to the lodge over a dry rocky riverbed.

Today is the most dramatic stage of your Milford Track journey, crossing the highest point of the trail. Expect sweeping alpine views, powerful waterfalls and a true sense of achievement as you move through changing landscapes.

Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge

Climb steadily toward Lake Mintaro before zig zagging up to McKinnon Pass, where expansive views stretch across Fiordland’s rugged peaks. Descend carefully into the Arthur Valley, with the option to visit the spectacular Sutherland Falls before reaching Quintin Lodge.

Hike: 15km (9 miles)

About: 7-11 hours walking

Track: Steep uphill following zigzags to Pass Hut on rocky uneven track. Steep downhill (including steps) to Quintin Lodge. This is a very challenging day and can be affected by weather.

Your final day on the track is the longest, guiding you through lush forest and alongside cascading rivers. Anticipation builds as you near the shores of Milford Sound.

Quintin Lodge to Sandfly Point and Milford Sound

Follow the Arthur River past Mackay Falls and through tranquil beech forest to Lake Ada. A short boat transfer across Milford Sound delivers you beneath the towering presence of Mitre Peak.

Hike: 21km (13.5 miles)

About: 6-9 hours walking

Track: Mostly flat, well graded, however it is uneven track with rocky sections and prone to flooding.

Wake to the stillness of Fiordland before enjoying a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine wildlife provide a fitting finale to your Great Walk experience.

Milford Sound Cruise

Cruise the length of the fiord, keeping watch for dolphins and fur seals as waterfalls tumble from above. The ever changing light on the granite peaks makes every moment on deck unforgettable.

Coach Transfer to Queenstown

Travel back along the Milford Road, passing through the Homer Tunnel and alongside mirror like lakes. A stop in Te Anau breaks the journey before returning to Queenstown.

Collect your rental car once more and set off toward the West Coast. Today’s drive is one of the South Island’s most scenic, crossing alpine passes and ancient rainforest.

Collect Rental Car

Regain the freedom of self drive travel as you continue your journey north. Choose your preferred vehicle and enjoy the flexibility of stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.

Drive via Wanaka and Haast Pass

Travel over the Crown Range and skirt the shores of Lake Wanaka before entering Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue through Haast Pass and along the wild West Coast to reach Franz Josef.

Surrounded by rainforest and snow capped peaks, Franz Josef offers a striking contrast of landscapes. Today is yours to discover the glacier environment and natural wonders of the West Coast.

Walk through native forest to glacier viewpoints or relax in the soothing hot pools. The dramatic meeting of ice and rainforest creates a uniquely New Zealand setting.

Suggested Activity – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar above both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for a breathtaking aerial perspective. A snow landing allows you to step out and experience the alpine environment firsthand.

Head north along the West Coast before crossing the Southern Alps by rail. Today combines rainforest, rugged coastline and one of the world’s great train journeys.

Drive to Greymouth and Return Rental Car

Travel through Hokitika and coastal forest landscapes before arriving in Greymouth. Return your rental vehicle at the station depot in preparation for your rail journey.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch

Board the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train and travel from Greymouth through Arthur’s Pass National Park to Christchurch. Expansive mountain views, deep river valleys and the Canterbury Plains unfold from the comfort of your carriage.

Private Transfer to Accommodation

On arrival in Christchurch, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. This seamless connection ensures a relaxed conclusion to your rail experience.

Your South Island self drive and guided walk journey concludes today. Enjoy a final breakfast before preparing for your onward flight.

Private Transfer to Christchurch Airport

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and deliver you comfortably to the airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of mountains, glaciers and the legendary Milford Track.