The Wanderer's Paradise
 Lake Alabaster on the Hollyford Walking Track |
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6 days / 5 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Queenstown | 3 |
| Hollyford Walking Track | 2 |
Day 01 Queenstown
Arrive at Queenstown airport where your A&K guide welcomes you to New Zealand. Commence local sightseeing en route to Azur Lodge and the sensational views over Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and Queenstown. Stop at Gibbston Valley Winery, producers of a diverse range of internationally recognised wines. Hear about their creation with a wine expert in The Cave – a special underground cellar. Enjoy a tasting with your appreciation enhanced by the knowledge of the process behind the making each of the wines. This afternoon meet your driver in the lobby for a transfer to your predeparture briefing of the Hollyford Track. This is a chance for you to meet your guide and fellow walkers and gain an understanding of the incredible experiences the next three days will bring. Backpacks will be provided at this briefing if required. On conclusion of the briefing you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
Azur Lodge
Day 02 Hollyford Track
Walking distance: Approx 17km. This morning you will be met and transferred to the departure point of the track. Depart Queenstown by 7am. Travel along the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. After a brief stop, venture through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Hollyford Track, visiting Gunn's Camp museum enroute. Re-trace the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River to Pyke River Lodge. As the track undulates gently through native beech forest and past tumbling waterfalls, enjoy interesting historical tales and interpretation of the forest and bird life. In the evening, visit a nearby glow-worm colony and enjoy dinner served in the lodge (B,L,D).
Pyke River Lodge
Day 03 Hollyford Track
Walking Distance: Approx 12kms. Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn of the history and geology of the area. Cross Fiordland's longest swing bridge and enjoy a captivating jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in large Rata vines. Visit the fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast with the chance to see Fiordland Crested Penguins. Spend the night relaxing over dinner at Martins Bay Lodge (B,L,D).
Martins Bay Lodge
Day 04 Hollyford Track – Queenstown
Walking Distance: Approx 8 kms. Travel by jet boat to the beach and explore the seven kilometre Martins Bay Beach, sand dunes and lagoon. Learn about its history and its plant, sea and bird life. Return to Martins Bay Lodge and enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound with views of the track route, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak. Board your coach for the return journey to Queenstown with stops of interest along the way. Arrive back in Queenstown this evening where you will be transferred to your accommodation for a well earned rest (B,L).
Azur Lodge
Day 05 Design Your Day Queenstown
Today is at leisure to discover the beautiful area of Queenstown. Choose from the following optional activities: a round of golf at Millbrook Resort; a private tour of Skippers Canyon by 4WD; parapenting; a private artist and vineyard tour; an exhilarating ride on the Shotover Jet; or for the thrill seeker - Bungy Jumping (B).
Azur Lodge
Day 06 Depart Queenstown
Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight (B).
(Flight not included)
Tasting & Tour with Gibbston Valley Wine Expert
Experience a private wine tasting & tour with a Gibbston Valley wine expert. Located in the world's southernmost wine producing region, the small, sophisticated Gibbston Valley winery has earned an international reputation for Pinot Noir as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Blanc. Their 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir was named the Champion Pinot Noir of the World. Special cellar wines will be selected for tasting on availability.
