Dreaming of adventure? Then travel to New Zealand may just be the answer.

This fabulous itinerary was created by our competition winner, the divine Jan Peek from New Zealand.  Passionate hiker (or tramper if you’re from NZ), this suggested itinerary is a true luxury outdoor adventure and we absolutely love it.  If it wasn’t for Co-vid we would be offering this as a tour – and in the future we will.  But right now, it is a great option for private travel with your favourite exploration partner or solo if you really want some serious ‘you-time’.

Sometimes the travel you crave is about disconnecting from everyday life and reconnecting with the natural world in all its dramatic glory – whilst savouring the trappings in  glorious Travelling Diva style.

You start in Fiordland National Park, the largest of NZ’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site recognised for its’ superlative natural phenomena and outstanding natural beauty.

You will experience pristine bush, picturesque towns, mountains-meet-the-sea coastline, wildlife including kea, dolphins and glow-worms. You will hike 3 Great Walks (The Kepler, Routeburn and Milford tracks) over 3 days returning each night to your luxurious accommodation on the shores of a glacial lake.

And you indulge in some of the finest wine, food and spa treatments New Zealand has to offer. An outdoor adventure to revive, energise and reconnect you.

Ask us how to make this a reality for you, and embrace your adventurous side now!

This is a suggested itinerary only – price and inclusions will be determined by time of travel and your final itinerary.

Suggested accommodation and activities are detailed in the itinerary.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand. There are several flight options each day giving you the freedom to book to suit.

Enjoy the grandeur of the scenery during your transfer by road from the airport to our luxury lodge on the shores of Lake Te Anau.

On arrival you will be met by your private transfer. Settle in, take a walk if you choose. The local cinema screens a movie showcasing the best the region has to offer if you want a glimpse of what is to come over the next few days. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in front of the fire and then enjoy a delicious meal at leisure.

Suggested Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge

Day 2

Today you are heli-hiking. Enjoy a breath-taking helicopter flight across hidden lakes and alpine scenery to arrive at the top of Mount Luxmore. Your walk, hike or ‘tramp’ as its known in New Zealand begins in the alpine tops and descends through beech forest before you finish the day at Brod Bay on the shores of Lake Te Anau connecting with your water taxi back to Te Anau.

Suggested Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge

Day 3

Soak up the grandeur of a guided walk to Giant’s Gate Falls on the world-famous Milford Track. Departing from Milford Sound, you begin with a short boat ride to Sandfly Point. The walk meanders alongside the cascading Arthur River through lush rainforest to Giant’s Gate Falls. This spectacular waterfall is best viewed from the large swing bridge spanning the river. There is much to see, from the ancient trees towering above, to the vibrant ferns and mosses, plus the array of birdlife inhabiting this lush environment.

Suggested Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge

Day 4

You  visit a local café en-route to your walk this morning. Your track ascends through lush, temperate rain forest on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit for spectacular views of the mountain lakes and bush clad valleys. Be met by your transfer at the Divide and enjoy a scenic trip to Queenstown stopping at a vineyard in Cromwell for wine tasting enroute.

Dinner suggestion:   Millbrook or Blue Kanu

Suggested Accommodation: Millbrook Resort or St Moritz Hotel. Dinner @ Millbrook or Blue Kanu

Day 5

A lovely leisurely start this morning. Time for coffee, a spa treatment, massage, shopping, reading, golf if that’s your thing…. Don your warm jacket for our thrilling, afternoon jetboat ride on the Shotover River. Follow this with a visit to an upscale day spa offering private cedar-lined hot tub spas over looking the Shotover River Canyon and spectacular vistas of the area. Relax, soak, luxuriate.

Dinner suggestion:  Rata

Suggested Accommodation: Millbrook  Resort or St Moritz Hotel

Day 6

Hire an E-bike  for a picturesque, flat, ride around Kelvin Heights Peninsula and Golf Course to view the art and sculptures. Then to Gibbston Valley Wines for a wine cave and cellar tour and tasting. Spend the afternoon in Arrowtown exploring the boutiques, cafes, history and area.

Suggested Accommodation Millbrook or St Moritz Hotel

Day 7

Subject to your flight departure time you may have time to visit Lake Hayes, the setting for your final outdoor activity. The flat 8 km track is breath taking with views of the lake and surrounding mountains to soak up before a farewell lunch and wine at Akarua Vineyard.

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your scheduled departure.

Bon Voyage!

Fiordland Lodge

Set in a World Heritage Area, Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau offers the discerning traveller style, comfort and privacy, and is the perfect base from where to explore Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and the surrounding Fiordland National Park.

The Lodge sits on a superb rural site with rolling grasslands and has commanding views out across Lake Te Anau. Inside the open architecture of the Lodge reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Park and echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction. In the lounge, a latticework of huge log trusses soar to over thirty-six feet above and surround a large open fire, clad with local river stone.

Fiordland Lodge will be your exclusive retreat while you get the opportunity to discover one of the world’s most beautiful areas. It is an area where snow-capped mountains, rivers of ice, deep lakes, unbroken forests and tussock grasslands produce a landscape of exceptional beauty.

Millbrook Estate

Millbrook’s iconic, inspirational and peaceful setting is unrivalled in the Queenstown area. Framed by the aptly named Remarkables Mountain Range and set on 650 acres of lush green fairways, rolling hills and gentle streams. Here is a quick overview of how Millbrook came to be the incredible golf & lifestyle resort it is today.

Millbrook Resort provides first class Queenstown accommodation and is the ultimate in five-star luxury. Our beautifully designed Deluxe Studios, One and Two Bedroom Suites, Resort Homes and Luxury Retreats all complement the history and character of the Central Otago region. Enjoy spacious rooms, large windows and balconies that take advantage of the stunning views that surround the entire resort. With over 160 rooms we have a style of luxury accommodation to suit everyone.

Hotel St Moritz

Idyllically situated in the heart of Queenstown and with wonderful views overlooking Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range, Hotel St Moritz embodies the spirit of its location. Blending understated luxury with warmth, and genuine hospitality, Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of rooms and suites, each handsomely appointed to cleverly blend timeless classics with modern essentials. Hotel St Moritz features Lombardi Restaurant, Bar and Library, a gymnasium, and hot tub garden.

Offering unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain ranges, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown is perfectly positioned for sightseeing and adventure. Take a stroll down the Esplanade for spectacular waterfront views, and into the town centre for wine, dining and a spot of shopping. You’ll be just a short drive to all four of Queenstown’s ski fields and popular attractions including the Shotover Jet.