The Rees, Queenstown
Quiet, private and sophisticated, The Rees Hotel Queenstown epitomises southern hospitality at its finest and an authentic New Zealand ex... Read more
Cycle, hike and jetboat over some of the most spectacular landscapes on New Zealand’s South Island on this adventurous escape. Embark on the renowned Hollyford Track over a 4-day discovery, led by a local expert as you spend your days exploring thriving rainforest, majestic mountains and serene lake scenes, and evenings indulging in flavourful local fare. Spot local wildlife, enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride on Lake McKerrow and soar over majestic Milford Sound on an unforgettable helicopter flight. Bookend your adventure with stays in lakeside luxury, and enjoy an active finale ticking off one of the country’s Great Walks, The Routeburn Track.
Journey Highlights
Arrive into the adventurer’s playground of Queenstown to a warm A&K welcome and transfer privately to your luxury lakeside hotel.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Today your adventure begins, meeting your passionate guide and leader for your shared discovery of the Hollyford Valley, a remarkable region that encompasses forest, mountains and lakeside wonders from the Southern Alps all the way to the Tasman Sea. Transfer to your accommodation in Te Anau for the evening, with a pre-hike briefing to prepare you for the journey ahead, and a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau | Meals: BD
Today your adventure starts in earnest, on the first leg of the renowned Hollyford Track. Encompassing almost 20 kilometres, it’s a day well worth the effort as you are immersed in breathtaking rainforest scenes and a kaleidoscope of dappled greens, drink in ethereal alpine views and are left spellbound by crystal-clear rivers and sparkling waterfalls. As you walk, your guide will impart their knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and share stories of those who trekked before you.
At the end of an invigorating day exploring this beautiful valley, you'll arrive at your warm, cosy, dry lodge to a hearty welcome. Pyke Lodge, nestled beneath Mt. Madeline, and amongst native forest at the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Purpose designed and built to provide you with a level of comfort and indulgence in a place you would least expect it, Pyke Lodge is comfortably appointed with spacious dining and lounge areas, indulgent open fires, everything you need to refresh and relax. Built to complement the natural setting, the lodge is conscious of energy use and environmental impact, really immersing visitors in the surrounding wonders.
Celebrate the day’s achievements over a glass of Central Otago wine or a locally produced craft beer and enjoy fine cuisine prepared by your friendly and professional hosts.
Pyke Lodge (private track accommodation with shared facilities) | Meals: BLD
A shorter day today, start your 15-kilometre journey with a short walk to Wāwāhi Waka (Lake Alabaster), and appreciate the serene lakeside beauty. On your return, stop at the infamous Pyke bridge – the longest swing bridge in Fiordland National Park.
Then it’s time to give your boots a rest, skimming by jet boat down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the podocarp forest, home to thousand-year old native giants. Continuing your journey on foot, ancient forests will give way to coastal havens as you seek out the local Fiordland crested penguin and New Zealand fur seal.
The last leg of your hike will deliver you to Martin’s Bay Lodge. Blending into the natural panoramas, Martins Bay Lodge rests on the lowland flats close to the picturesque mouth of the Hollyford River. Rest and recharge in rustic comfort, with everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay from expansive living and dining spaces to chef-prepared meals and a roaring fire. Cheeky kea, a large alpine parrot, often play in the cabbage trees outside the lodge at dusk and the sound of the surf on nearby Martins Bay Spit is a soothing evening soundtrack.
Settle in for a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep. Indulge in a feast of local fare, from artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood to truly memorable venison and blue cod, paired with regional wines.
Martins Bay Lodge (track accommodation with shared facilities) | Meals: BLD
Your final day takes you to the stunning and rugged West coast exploring Martins Bay Spit which separates the Hollyford Valley from the Tasman Sea.
Explore the sand dunes and wander along the isolated beach at your own pace, taking in the landscape and a number of historic Maori sites along the way, learning the cultural significance and storied history from your guide before returning to the lodge. Embark on a scenic helicopter flight through dramatic Milford Sound, marvelling at the grandeur of the vertical granite cliff faces and breathtaking views. Afterwards, return to Queenstown and back to your luxury hotel with the evening at leisure.
The Rees Hotel | Meals: BL
Spend the morning at leisure before a guided cycling tour this afternoon. Led by a local expert, set off from the gold rush village of Arrowtown, cycling the beautiful Arrow River Trail downstream to a historic miner’s track, crossing the famous Kawarau suspension bridge on the way. Finishing at a local winery in the Gibbston Valley, be rewarded with a delightful tasting of local wines before returning by private transfer to Queenstown.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown | Meals: B
Today you lace up your boots again for a full day guided hike along a section of the renowned Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. A route originally used by the Maori for hunting and gathering expeditions, you’ll follow the Routeburn River through to the mountain amphitheatre of the Routeburn Flats, immersed in mature beech forest as you walk. Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand's rare native birds like Mohua (Yellowhead), Whio (Blue Duck) and the Kakariki (native NZ Parrot).
Enjoy a picturesque lunch in alpine meadows with those feeling adventurous able to trek up to the Routeburn waterfalls for truly rewarding views before making the return journey. At the end of your walk, transfer privately to your hotel with the evening at leisure.
The Rees Hotel Queenstown | Meals: BL
After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: B
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Quiet, private and sophisticated, The Rees Hotel Queenstown epitomises southern hospitality at its finest and an authentic New Zealand ex... Read more
As this suggested itinerary can be personalised to your specific requirements, it is not available for online booking.
Depending on your preferred dates and arrangements, final pricing will vary from low season to peak season travel.
Please call A&K on 1300 851 800, send us a booking enquiry to book this journey or contact your travel agent.
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