Get an insider’s view of the South Island on this unique, action-packed wilderness adventure

From the 3,900-foot-high fjords of Milford Sound, to the snow-capped peaks and sapphire lakes of the Wakatipi Basin (made famous in the Lord of the Rings films), the South Island is blessed with an astonishing quantity of beautiful places. Rather than rushing from one site to another trying to see it all, we’ve specifically designed our itinerary to minimize driving, and maximize your opportunities to enjoy some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. Our MTS guide, Adrian Fogg, spent many years here as a heli-hiking and river rafting guide, and he will show you remote and very special places that other travelers pass right by. You’ll get from point to point in a variety of exhilarating ways.  When you travel by vehicle, you’ll head to exclusive lodges in secluded locations only accessible by 4x4. This relaxing but action-packed adventure is unique to MTS—and as full of variety as the South Island itself.

Activities

5 days of moderate hiking, sea kayaking, scenic plane ride (optional), 4WD safari

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the South Island’s mountains, rivers and fjords on kayaks trips, gondola rides and day hikes
• Our thoughtfully planned itinerary minimizes driving time while maximizing time spent in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular places
• Stay at an exclusive new lodge on Ben Lomond Station, accessible only by 4x4
• Sea kayak passing waterfalls, watching wildlife and soaking up the majestic wonderland that surrounds you in Milford Sound
• Hike towards the famous Mueller Hut for breathtaking views over the Hooker Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook

Duration: 7 days Start Location: Queenstown End Location: Queenstown

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Welcome to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown

  Meet in Queenstown and take a walk through the town famous for its adrenaline-pumping adventure activites.

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  Day 2 : Mount Cook, Hooker Glacier

  Leaving Queenstown, we’ll transfer north to Mount Cook Village, which provides access to Mount Cook National Park. We’ll take a hike up the Hooker Valley towards the Hooker Glacier, and the southwestern slopes of Aoraki/Mount Cook.  The glacier is approximately 6–7 miles in length. 

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  Day 3 : Mueller Hut Hike

  We’ll have a great, but challenging day planned for the group today!  We’ll also have options for those who prefer a less strenuous experience. Hike towards the famous Mueller Hut for breathtaking views over the Hooker Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook or take a Ice Explorer excursion, an up close amazing encounter with icebergs on a glacial terminal lake.

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  Day 4 : Ben Lomond Saddle

  Ben Lomond is one of the highest peaks in the Wakatipu Basin and is a popular day trip from Queenstown.

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  Day 5 : Fiordland National Park

  This morning we embark on a 4WD journey up to Moonlight Creek. We spend the afternoon driving down to Milford Sound, with various stops on the way to explore Fiordland National Park.

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  Day 6 : Sea kayak Milford Sound

  We'll begin the day by meeting our kayak guides at nice and early. This early morning start helps us get out in front of the day breeze, so that we can enjoy the majesty of Milford Sound by sea kayak.

  After lunch we head back to Te Anau and enjoy this idyllic little town beside Lake Te Anau.

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  Day 7 : Depart Queenstown

  Free day to expolore Queenstown, “ the adventure capital of the world”

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  Crowne Plaza Hotel

  Queenstown, New Zealand
  Lake view rooms enjoy stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range, as well as Queenstown township.
   
  Lake view rooms feature their own private balcony and a choice of 1 super king or 2 double beds. In room features include bathrobes, quality amenities, LCD TV, cordless telephone, in-room safe and WIFI access.
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  The Hermitage Hotel

  Mount Cook Village, New Zealand

  The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect 'base camp' to discover your Peak Experience.

  The Hermitage Hotel has ensuites, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, IDD telephones and fridges. Wireless internet is available in all hotel rooms.

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  Moonlight Lodge

  Ben Lomond Station, New Zealand

  Moonlight Lodge is a remote upmarket mountain lodge with modern luxuries situated in the back-country.  Relax on the lawn, enjoy the long summer evenings and starry skies.

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  Milford Lodge

  Milford Sound

  Nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Darran Mountains, the facilities include a large comfortable lounge, a communal kitchen and the indoor/ outdoor courtyard dining areas.

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  Distinction Luxmore

  Te Anau, New Zealand

  4 star accommodation in beautiful Te Anau, Distinction Luxmore Hotel now offers guests a wide range of brand new hotel accommodation.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

• Adrian Fogg

  Adrian grew up in New Zealand, where he began guiding river trips in 1986 while still in high school. Becoming a river guide was a natural progression for a kid who spent most of his spare time training for national and international competitions in whitewater slalom and downriver racing. His career guiding rafts and safety kayaking has taken him all around New Zealand, as well as to the US, Nepal, Canada, Chile and Ecuador, on trips ranging from the most challenging class V rivers to remote expedition-style trips. He first guided for MTS in 1997 on the Bio Bio River in Chile. In addition to river guiding, Adrian has worked as a heli-ski guide, a hiking guide, a glacier guide and a ski patroller. Adrian operated his own heli-rafting business, Rivers Wild, from 2000 to 2008. The company specialized in taking guests into New Zealand’s most remote and wild rivers. Adrian feels very fortunate to have shared so many amazing experiences with the people he has guided in wild and beautiful places. His favorite part of his job is seeing the look on guests’ faces when they’re having a wonderful experience, especially in the stunning settings of his native country. He is patiently waiting for his two young sons to grow up so they too can join him on fun adventures. Over the years Adrian has called many places home -- right now they are Queenstown, New Zealand and Truckee, California. He holds an undergraduate degree in Geography and a MBA in Sustainable Business Management.

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