Fiordland National Park Itineraries

This trip takes all the hard work out of visiting the two islands that make up New Zealand. The major tourist areas are covered, but if you're looking for time in the big cities, then you need to make extra time at either end of the trip. There's a lot of driving involved, but that would be the case whichever way you decide to travel around New Zealand. The van is comfortable and the roads are good. There are some activities included, but more are optional which is really the only way it could be. There's so much to do, but remember that NZ is quite an expensive country and most activities don't come cheaply!

Very good trip and I had an excellent time with great travel companions. Major highlights were the heli-hike on Franz Josef glacier, jet boating on Dart River, swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura and the Tongariro Crossing hike. One major improvement item is that the subhuman pod accommodation at Breakfree on Cashel needs to be changed ASAP.

This was an excellent trip to genuinely experience a great variety of tracks
in NZ. We were able to tick off 4 of 9 of the Great Walks. Two of them,
Tongariro Northern Circuit & Abel Tasman, we had a longer closer look at.
Those & the Siberia Valley at Mt Aspiring NP will be enduring memories. So
many activities everyday with very little down time. A fair amount of time
spent in the van getting from place to place but unavoidable. Flights from
Wellington to Nelson by a small Cessna, helicopter ride into the Siberia
Valley & numerous water taxis helped conserve our time. All in all a great
trip!
Many but probably completing tracks when absolutely exhausted or perilously
returning down tracks in pelting rain & realizing I could conquer that fear.


We actually had 3 on this trip. All were good & had so very different
personalities/styles.


Don’t take a lot of clothes as there are opportunities to wash them a few
times along the way. They are dead serious about the weight limit on the
flight from Wellington to Nelson. Take a break from the internet because wifi
coverage is spotty & poor. The hotel in Queenstown is your best opportunity
to download a few pics. Go with an open mind & try to complete the entire
itinerary even if the weather is not the best.


Glad that the trip notes are now updated. The ones I worked off were copied
just before the trip & were inaccurate. Not so sure that the single
supplement is worth the money as there are only 6 nights where you actually
have your room ensuite. Didn’t expect it in the huts or camping but was
told I was to have it for 15 nights. I see in the the new trip notes that
ensuite isn’t likely on nights 2,3,8,10 & 11.

NZ is an amazing place, full of adventure, breathtaking hikes, awesome water activities and lovely laid back people. You don't have to drive too far to discover all the amazing places.

A truly brilliant 3 week trip highlighting the best of North and South Island
Too many to choose one. Highlights for me included the beautiful coast paths and beaches of Abel Tasman, helicopter to Siberia hut. The challenge of hiking to lake Crucible. Fantastic cruise on Milford Sound seeing dolphins swimming around the boat. The amazing Mount Cook National Park and everything in between

Kath on North Island is an experienced, professional guide with an easygoing style. She was ably assisted by Anne who was an intern.
Chai on South Island is younger with a very different leadership style. To begin with felt he was at a slight disadvantage as we had all bonded well as a group and he had to get to know us. I definitely warmed to Chai as time went by. He is extremely passionate about New Zealand, its history and flora and fauna. Especially enjoyed his stories and his legendary "Hakka"

As previously documented this is a full on trip and you have to be organised with packing. Using several sizes of dry bags within your luggage helps. Get yourself fit as possible, preferably with plenty of hill climbing and descending practice. Breaking the outward journey in Dubai and extra night in Auckland helped with jet lag.

A fantastic trip with so much packed into 3 weeks. Go for it, you won't regret it

Excellent trip with varied iteniary with amazing landscapes
lots...trek in Tongariro national park, Milford Sounds, Mt Cook trek, Helicopter and jet boat rides , etc

Both island leaders were good. But Justine in south Island was exceptional . As an Ex Ranger who had also trekked extensively in his young age , he was full of knowledge as well as being very practical.

JUST DO IT as they say in the advert ! Dont take excess clothes as opportunity to dress smart for evenings is limited since itenary is packed so most of us just wore our clean trekking gear.
Also will need larger backpack for the couple of camping days because will need to carry spare clothes,sleeping bag and tent, and some food for cooking.

A long way away for us Brits but well worth it.