7 Day Queenstown & Fiordland Hiking Tour 

Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital and collect your compact rental car on arrival.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables mountain range. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Today is yours to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Stroll along the vibrant lakefront, browse boutique shops and cafés, or wander through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens.

For those wanting to stretch their legs, choose from a variety of scenic walks including the Queenstown Hill Time Walk, the Lake Hayes Track, or the peaceful Moke Lake Loop, where a gentle trail circles one of the region’s most picturesque alpine lakes. For a more challenging hike, tackle the Ben Lomond Track for spectacular panoramic views, or take the Skyline Gondola and explore the Ben Lomond Saddle or Tiki Trail. If you’d prefer a guided adventure, speak with your consultant about adding one of our suggested optional tours.

Prepare yourself for 3 days with Trips and Tramps – located guides in the Fiordland National Park.

Starting with the Milford Track Giant Gate Guided Day Walk and Cruise today, you’ll experience combining a guided hike on the iconic Milford Track with a scenic cruise through spectacular Milford Sound. You’ll depart from Te Anau along the iconic Milford Road as your experienced guide shares their knowledge, stories and passion for Fiordland, bringing its rich natural and cultural history to life. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, take a short water taxi to Sandfly Point. From here, hike the world-famous Milford Track as it follows the Arthur River and Lake Ada. Cross an expansive swing bridge and walk through ancient temperate rainforest to the spectacular Giant Gate Waterfall. After your hike, board a two-hour Mitre Peak small boat cruise through Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to the Tasman Sea, admiring towering waterfalls, rainforest, dramatic peaks, and native wildlife. Travel back along the Milford Road to Te Anau, completing a personalised, immersive day of adventure. Picnic lunch is included.  Tour duration: 11.5 hours (approx.). Walking time/distance: 3.5 hours, 11 km/6.8 miles return.

Today you’ll experience the beauty of Lake Manapōuri and Fiordland National Park on a fun-filled day of jet boating and hiking with Trips and Tramps to the Kepler Track. Departing from Te Anau, enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Waiau River, bordered by ancient beech forest and immortalised in The Lord of the Rings. Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Manapōuri before going ashore for guided 6 km hike along a section of the Kepler Track to Rainbow Reach. Your friendly guide will share insights into Fiordland’s native flora, fauna, and heritage. The track takes you across beaches, wetlands, a swing bridge and offers a peek inside traditional Kiwi tramping hut, providing an opportunity to discover a piece of real New Zealand. Picnic lunch included. Tour duration: 6 hours (approx.). Walking time/distance: 2–2.5 hours, 6 km/3.7 miles – Easy level.

Spend one last day with Trips and Tramps in the Fiordland National Park. You’ll embark on a guided day hike to Key Summit, along the renowned Routeburn Track in the Southern Alps. Departing from Te Anau, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive with short stops before reaching Divide Shelter, where your hike begins. Led by your knowledgeable Trips and Tramps guide, ascend 400 metres (1,300 ft) through lush temperate rainforest to alpine landscapes with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and forested valleys. Enjoy lunch at the summit, after which options include venturing into the Greenstone Valley before returning to The Divide, or exploring short walks in the Hollyford Valley and its picturesque surroundings. Picnic lunch included. Tour duration: 8 hours (approx.), Walking time: 3–5 hours, 7–10 km/4.3–6.2 miles return.

Today you’ll leave Te Anau behind and journey back to Queenstown Airport.

Depending on your flight departure time, you may wish to enjoy one last walk before heading to Queenstown Airport. Just a five-minute drive from Arrowtown, the Lake Hayes Reserve Walk is an easy 8 km/5 mile loop (2–3 hours) that follows the lake’s tranquil shoreline, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful way to end your South Island adventure. If time is limited, simply walk a section of the track to soak up the scenery before continuing to the airport.