Heli-hike the Kepler Track and enjoy guided walks on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, returning each day to luxury lodge accommodation

South Island, New Zealand

From $3,123 pp

4 Day Private Journey

Kepler Track, Milford Track, Routeburn Track

Enquire about this walk

1 Overview

2 Inclusions

3 Getting here

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

7 Featured Experiences

1Overview

Overview

Hike three of New Zealand's Great Walks on this special four-day experience based at a South Island Luxury Lodge, two hours from Queenstown. Based at Fiordland Lodge, you'll set off each day to discover another trail surrounded by the snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and glacier-carved valleys of Fiordland National Park and the Southern Alps. Discover the Milford Track on a guided walk to Giants Gate Waterfall, finishing the day with a cruise on Milford Sound. On another day, you'll explore the Routeburn Track on a guided Key Summit hike, one of the most scenic sections of the track. A highlight of this journey is your guided heli-hike on the Kepler Track, finishing with a boat ride across Lake Te Anau back to the lodge. Your experience includes the option of a hot tub soak post-walk each day, plus gourmet dining at Fiordland Lodge. Private and shared guided walk options are available to suit your hiking style.

Walk into Luxury Milford Track Giants Gate

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2Inclusions

Inclusions

Your four-day itinerary featuring guided hikes on the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn tracks includes:

Three nights' luxury accommodation at Fiordland Lodge
Daily breakfasts and gourmet three-course dinners at Fiordland Lodge
Packed picnic lunches to enjoy on the trail
Guided walk on the Milford Track (Giant's Gate) and two-hour Milford Sound cruise*^
Guided walk on the Routeburn Track (Key Summit)*
Guided hike on the Kepler Track*
Heli experience over Lake Te Anau landing at Mount Luxmore to start your Kepler hike
Private return chauffeur transfers between Queenstown and Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau
All ground and boat transfers required to/from trails

* You may be joined by others on your guided day hikes as part of this itinerary. Please advise if you'd prefer a personal guide for a fully private experience.
^ Alternative Milford Sound guided walks are provided during winter months when Milford Track access is restricted

Upgrade options:

For the ultimate flexibility, add a private guide to your walk days
Add a Milford Sound heli-experience

3Getting here

Location & Access

This journey commences and concludes in Queenstown, and includes private return transfers to Te Anau (about two hours by road).

Please enquire about pre and post-accommodation options in Queenstown or additional nights at Fiordland Lodge, plus South Island extension options.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Island, New Zealand

Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau

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5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Your driver will collect you from your Queenstown accommodation early in the morning. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic two-hour journey to Fiordland Lodge, which overlooks Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland National Park. You'll then be whisked away from the Lodge for a scenic 15-minute heli transfer to one of the highest points on the Kepler Track near Luxmore Hut. You'll immediately be taken in by the panoramic views of the Te Anau basin, Takitimu mountains and the Snowdon and Earl Mountains. From here, you'll descend on the Kepler Track, passing pretty Brod Bay and discovering forests of beech trees. Enjoy lunch and morning tea on the trail before completing your guided walk on the Kepler Track with a boat transfer back across the lake. Keep your eye out today for NZ's alpine parrot, the Kea, which is known to frequent the trail near Luxmore Hut.

Upon your return to Fiordland Lodge, you'll have time to settle into your luxury suite before enjoying evening canapes and a three-course gourmet dinner in the Lodge's dining room.

Daily walk distance: Minimum 8 km, up to 16km, pending conditions and logistics on the day

Included: L-D

Note: The sequence of your walks may vary based on the weather and your selected departure date. A detailed itinerary will be provided when you book and updated by your guide as required on arrival.

Kepler Heli-hike from Fjordland Lodge, Te Anau

Day 2 - Milford Track

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Milford Sound for a short boat cruise to Sandfly Point, the start of today's Milford Track hike. The 10 km return hike to Giant's Gate Waterfall is one of the best day walks on the Milford Track, taking in Lake Ada, classic swing bridges crossing the river and waterfalls. You'll be led by an experienced local guide and enjoy a packed lunch on the track. In the afternoon, experience the beauty of Milford Sound on a two-hour small boat cruise before returning to Fiordland Lodge in time for another gourmet dinner.

Daily walk distance: up to 10 km

NOTE: An alternative itinerary is provided during winter months when access to the Milford Track is restricted

Included: B - L - D

Day 3 - Routeburn Track

Enjoy breakfast in Fiordland Lodge’s dining room, while taking in the view across the lake. Today you will walk to one of the most scenic spots on the Routeburn Track. On the way to the summit, ascend through the lush, temperate rainforest until you reach a unique alpine herb field. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of mountains, alpine lakes, and deep, glacially carved bush-clad valleys. On a fine day, you’ll enjoy lunch on the summit; if the weather is less favourable, a nearby shelter will provide cover.

Return to Fiordland Lodge tonight in time for a relaxing soak in one of the outdoor cedar hot tubs (pre-booking recommended). Following pre-dinner canapes, enjoy a final three course-dinner featuring local produce.

Daily walk distance: up to 10 km

Included: B - L - D

Day 4 - Return to Queenstown

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Te Anau before farewelling your Fiordland Lodge hosts. Your journey concludes with a private transfer back to Queenstown.

Included: B

The Great Room at Fjordland Lodge, Te Anau

Note: The sequence of your walks may vary based on the weather and your selected departure date. Your detailed itinerary will be advised at the time of booking, and updated by your guide as required on arrival.

6Season & Departure Dates

Season & Departure Dates

This walk on the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Track runs from October to April, with any date departures in season to suit your plans. Refer to the alternate winter version of this itinerary available in the cooler months.

7Featured Experiences

Featured Experiences

South Island, New Zealand

Heli-hike the Kepler Track, Fiordland

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South Island, New Zealand

Milford Track Guided Walk to Giants Gate Waterfall

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South Island, New Zealand

Routeburn Track Key Summit Walk

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Stunning natural beauty... Best of the Great walks. World class.
Gary, March 2022

Frequently asked questions

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

Insider Journeys: Fiordland Lodge

Discover what our founder enjoyed the most about staying at Fiordland Lodge, one of New Zealand's best luxury lodges.

Ultimate walking season guide for Australia and New Zealand

Plan your next hike with our guide to the Australian and New Zealand walk seasons. Here we answer the common questions: "When is the best time to walk in Australia?", "When is the Great Walk season in New Zealand?", and more.

When is the best time to hike the Routeburn Track?

October to April is the best time to hike the Routeburn Track, during the Great Walk season when conditions are warmer with fewer rainy days.

When is the best time to hike the Milford Track?

November to April is the best time to hike the Milford Track for mild conditions, but pack for any season as the Milford Hike can feature rainfall at any time of year

What to pack for a luxury lodge-based walk in New Zealand

Your main luggage remains at the lodge and you will carry just a day pack weighing between 5-7 kg containing the items you need on the trail, including your lunch and snacks, water, waterproof and warm layers, and other personal items.

Get in touch

Start planning your Kepler, Milford and Routeburn hike with Walk Into Luxury

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a personalised trip, please get in touch

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4 Day Kepler, Milford & Routeburn Track Walk