If you're interested in extending your time in New Zealand with a visit to the Milford Track, we have a great opportunity for you. Normally, the Milford Track can only be experienced by undertaking a rigorous five- day hike. We've been able to arrange for you to experience the scenic first section of the track in one day in the company of an expert local Milford guide. It's an addition to your New Zealand experience that you won't soon forget!
Picture yourself...
Boating across Lake Te Anau
Walking through an ancient beech forest to Hiere Falls
Taking in the scenery on the "Finest Walk in the World"
Itinerary at a glance
DAY 1 – TE ANAU Continued from the end of the main tour. For any guests continuing on the Milford Track extension, you are already in Queenstown. You will be transferred by coach bus to Te Anau. Te Anau is the nearest town to Milford Sound, the gateway to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, and the starting point of the world famous Milford Track.
This is a day at leisure, on your own to enjoy as you like. Options include a walk to Lake Te Anau where you can try your hand at fly-fishing or opt for a guided tour through the Glowworm Caves. You may prefer a walk along the lakeshore to the Wildlife Park to view the rare, endangered Takahe, a colorful green and blue bird with a red beak and short stout legs.
DAY 2 – TE ANAU This morning you'll embark on a walk through the Milford Track. Often described as the "Finest Walk in the World", this 33 mile trek is New Zealand's most famous (we'll cover 6.6 miles of the Track). Set in Fiordland National Park, the area features dramatic glacier cut fjords, deep U-shaped valleys, spectacular waterfalls, beech-podocarp forests, extensive temperate rainforest and endangered species of plants, birds and animals. The area also includes the rare endemic blue duck, red deer, wild chamois, and alpine kea.
On this wonderful walk, you boat across Lake Te Anau, and then follow a valley trail with the Clinton River at your side as you pass through ancient beech forest on your way to your destination at Hiere Falls. On your return back down the valley, your guided walk follows a different trail for expansive views across Lake Te Anau.
DAY 3 – TE ANAU / QUEENSTOWN After breakfast, you will transfer back to Queenstown at 11:00 am where we part company at approximately 1:45 pm.
Milford Track
Extension
3 Days / 2 Nights
Starting Point: Queenstown - morning transfer to Te Anau.
For the trek the following day - meet at 9:30am at the Te Anau Real Journeys Visitor Center
Ending Point: Queenstown - afternoon arrival, approximately 1:45pm
Let us create a special departure or itinerary just for you.
Guest Reviews
“Traveling with Classic Journeys is the ideal way to see and immerse oneself in the local atmosphere.”
Nancy R.
“Classic Journeys excels in providing exceptional guides familiar with the local area.”
Bert and Jo Ann E.
“I have never been disappointed with the Classic Journeys guides. I continue to be impressed.”
Susan L., Mystic, CT
“That phone call to Classic Journeys provided me with a great vacation, new friends, good food, fantastic memories and many possibilities of future travel.”
Melinda S.
Milford Track
Extension
3 Days / 2 Nights
We are running this trip privately for individual groups this year. If you would like us to organize a private trip for you, your family or friends, please call or email us to discuss your details.
New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. The South Island normally has a temperate climate. The temperature is generally very comfortable. In the summer (our winter) during our trips, the region does not have very significant temperature extremes. However it can be cool in the morning as well as the evening. Rain is always a possibility. It is a good idea to prepare for the chance of chilly weather by packing some warm layers.
Hotels
Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
A minutes' walk from the Te Anau lake shore, this modern lodge in a low-rise, wood-sided building is equipped with relaxed suites, studios with kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
