PACKAGES ... explorer

Day One: Milford Track Day Walk
Internationally acclaimed for it's spectacular scenery, this one day guided walk takes you along the beautiful first section of the Milford Track, as far as the Clinton Hut. You will join your group at Fiordland Lodge and take a short coach trip to Te Anau Downs, followed by a one hour scenic lake cruise to the start of the Milford Track. Lunch is served at historic Glade House. Then cross a swing bridge into ancient beech forest. Your nature guide will explain the track's history and point out native birds and plants. Walking time 4-5hrs.

Day Two: : Lake Marion
We begin this journey with a spectacular scenic drive along the Milford Road to the Lower Hollyford Valley. The hike starts with a gentle walk alongside a spectacular series of waterfalls, then steepens and becomes quite rocky underfoot as we ascend through a lush forest of fuchsia, ribbon wood and beech trees. With a maximum of 6 walkers the guide will share information and stories about the natural and human history of Fiordland. After 2-3hrs Lake Marion, our stunning destination, is reached. This beautiful alpine lake is situated in a hanging valley surrounded by steep, snow clad mountains. As weather allows we enjoy a picnic lunch and relax in this magnificent alpine amphitheatre. Walking time 4-5hrs.

Day Three: Kepler Track
Built as a Te Anau Centenary Project, with the assistance of Operation Raleigh, the 60km Kepler Track opened in 1988. The forest is predominantly silver and red beech, but you will see good examples of podocarps such as rimu, miro, kahikatea, and totora. There are many native birds resident in the forest, including bellbirds, fantails, tomtits, grey warblers, robins, and the yellow-crowned parakeets. You may also see the rare yellowheads. The local tramping club has a stoat trapping programme alongside the track, which is enhancing the local birdlife. There are several alpine peat bogs, some many thousands of years old, being formed after the glaciers retreated. We walk only a few kilometers, but on the first weekend in December every year runners run the entire 65kms of track, the winners in just under five hours. Return to Te Anau by Luxmore Jet up the Waiau River, with opportunity to view brown and rainbow trout swimming in the crystal clear water. Walking time 5-6hrs.

Day Four: Free Day.
Suggested Options:

• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise.
• Scenic flight over Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.
• Fishing or Golf
• Relax!

Day Six: :Mavora Lakes Scenic Reserve
A magic place, these lakes are gems, nestled beneath mountains, forest and tussock grassland. This is the spot in Lord of the Rings where Frodo and Sam were filmed crossing to the eastern shore to Mordor. Closer to home, it is the first wilderness experience for many young Te Anau folk, where they learn to light fires and stay in the bush overnight. We may even spot them! Walking time-as much or little as you wish today.

Day Seven:Milford Sound Cruise & Walkabout to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track.
This is the premier trip to Milford Sound combining walking, magical scenery, and a leisurely boat cruise on Milford Sound. Explore spectacular alpine scenery from the comfort of your small coach, max 12 passengers, and enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the fiord. On your return journey walk the beginning of the Routeburn Track, through lush beech forest up to the Key Summit, an alpine environment with panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley, the Darren Mountains, and the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks. Walking time approx. 3 hrs.

Season:
October-April inclusive

Fitness Required:
A reasonable standard of fitness is required for 3-6hrs walking/climbing each day.

 



Photo: www.steenlarsen.net