News |
Insider Journeys: Fiordland Winter Walk with Milford Sound Cruise
Learn more about Fiordland's best day walks from our Journey Designer who hiked some of the South Island's most celebrated trails in the cooler months
By Walk into Luxury
Walk overview
The shoulder season - Autumn and Winter - is a beautiful time to travel to Fiordland. Combining guided hikes on the renowned Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, a Milford Sound cruise and luxury accommodation at one of New Zealand's most sought-after lodges, our Fiordland Winter Walk is ideal for those looking for a South Island adventure away from the summer crowds.
The journey starts in Queenstown with a scenic two-hour drive to Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau. After settling into your luxury room, the afternoon is yours to explore the lodge and its beautiful grounds which overlook Lake Te Anau and the peaks of Fiordland National Park.
The sequence of your walks may vary depending on weather conditions on the day, but your journey includes a heli-hike on the Kepler Track, a walk to the Key Summit on the Routeburn Track and a day at Milford Sound that includes a two-hour cruise where you'll get up close to its sheer vertical cliffs and thundering waterfalls.
What we loved
The incredible Fiordland Lodge at Te Anau is the perfect gateway for couples and families to discover Fiordland National Park. It was - by far - the most amazing property I have ever stayed at and experienced. The lodge's entertainment area upstairs is perfect for cosy inside activities. It includes a pool table and an incredible hand-crafted wooden table, ideal for playing board or card games, drawing or reading. There is also a darts board and an old-school arcade game machine - great fun for kids big and small.
The Lodge staff are incredible - you feel right at home as soon as you arrive, and nothing is too much trouble. They also make THE BEST hot chocolates I’ve ever had! In the evening, there is no rush. After a pre-dinner drink and canapes, you can dine at your convenience alone, or with other guests you meet and chat with. The food was truly unbelievable, whether you opt for the three-course menu, or a five-course tasting menu.
The Routeburn Track hike and the other two walks were all amazing. The surroundings, the greenery, and the views were all just so beautiful. We drank from the flowing waterfalls, made Hapuka tea, and tried different wild berries (chosen carefully by the guide) - what an experience! Our local guides were exceptional. They spoke to us about everything and anything and shared their knowledge and passion for Fiordland and Te Anau, highlighting the tight-knit community's care for its surroundings and nature.
What surprised us
I want to take a moment to mention our sensational Milford Sound experience. Although the Milford Track is inaccessible at this time of year, the cruise on the Sound is still available and should not be missed. We were extremely fortunate to experience Milford after it had been raining and the rain continued during our visit. The drive along Milford Sound Highway where waterfalls form naturally on the side of the road is just stunning and like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
The cruise was amazing, too - the emotion of being out on the Sound surrounded by all that natural beauty is indescribable.
We only saw one family and one solo hiker on our Routeburn Track day hike - we hiked to Key Summit and enjoyed morning tea and a cuppa at the top while taking in the views with no one else in sight! This is one of many reasons I highly recommend travelling during the shoulder season.
Recommended Experiences
Fiordland Lodge has two outdoor hot tubs overlooking the lake and an outdoor sauna. You can book one-hour slots at your preferred time when you arrive.
I highly recommend upgrading to private guided walks for better flexibility and a more personalised experience. As we had a private guide on our Routeburn day, we had the option for two additional short walks, both of which were well worth doing. The Lake Marian Falls Track was stunning and a nice easy walk after the Key Summit.
We also enjoyed the Lake Gunn Nature Trail, which was fully covered in moss (the photos don’t do it justice).
The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks based in the Fiordland National Park and another hike I would highly recommend. While I didn't fit it into my trip this time around, heli-hiking the Kepler Track has been voted by the locals and many of our clients as the best day walk that we offer. It features in our Fiordland Winter Walk and our 4 Day Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Track Walk (available from October to April).
Words are not enough to describe just how incredible my Fiordland experience was!
