Witness the natural wonders of Queenstown and nearby Wanaka on this active five-day escape. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the renowned Routeburn Track and hike magnificent Mount Iron, taking in the region’s breathtaking beauty from a myriad of angles. Paired with an artistic appreciation of the quaint town of Cromwell, known for its local art and handicrafts, all while staying in a luxurious lakeside haven – this is a truly unforgettable adventure.
Journey Highlights
Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by rolling farmland and mountains. As well as being a base for countless outdoor activities, the city is well known for its gourmet dining, boutique shops and surrounding vineyards. On arrival, meet your A&K driver/guide and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation at beautiful Lake Hayes in the Wakatipu basin.
ReflectioNZ on Lake Hayes
Today you’ll experience the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, on a privately guided, full-day hiking adventure. Steeped in history the route was originally used by the early Maori as access for hunting expeditions.
Following the Routeburn River and wandering through impressive beech forest, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular plant life and local fauna, with the opportunity to spot many native birds including Mohua (Yellowhead), Whio (Blue Duck) and the Kakariki (native NZ Parrot). You’ll make your way to Routeburn Flats, a beautiful mountain amphitheatre, an ideal lunch stop in alpine meadows. If you’re feeling adventurous, the 300 metre climb, over three kilometres to the Routeburn Falls promises outstanding views of the falls and surrounding natural wonders. Returning via the same track, rejoin your vehicle and return to your lodge.
ReflectioNZ on Lake Hayes | BL
Today you’ll discover the many wonders of nearby Wanaka on a full day guided tour. Travelling by the Crown Range you’ll admire magnificent views of the region, known as the gateway to the Mount Aspiring National Park. Stretch your legs with a guided hike of Mt Iron, an impressive glacier-carved rocky knoll that rises nearly 250 metres above the surrounding countryside. The summit offers 360-degree views of the Pisa mountain range, the Upper Clutha Basin, Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Enjoy a hearty local lunch before an afternoon exploring the powerful landscapes of Central Otago. Walk the Bannockburn Sluicings track, and witness the extraordinary, scarred landscape of a bygone mining era. This afternoon, explore quaint ‘Old Cromwell Town’, famous for its eclectic range of arts, crafts and stone fruits. Visit Mrs Jones Fruit Stall, tasting local fruits, honey and fruit ports, before driving through the Kawarau Gorge back to your accommodation.
ReflectioNZ on Lake Hayes | BL
Today Queenstown and its surrounds are yours to explore as you like. Take a self-guided walk along the Lake Hayes track, or enjoy a bike ride to explore the Queenstown Trail, or simply relax at the lodge.
ReflectioNZ on Lake Hayes | B
Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your departure flight.
B
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
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.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Over 10 days, journey from charming Nelson to the adventurer’s paradise of Queenstown, immersing yourself in breathtaking lakeside landscapes and magn...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Cycle, hike and jetboat over some of the most spectacular landscapes on New Zealand’s South Island on this adventurous escape.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Discover New Zealand’s North Island where world-famous vineyards vie with extraordinary volcanic terrain, on this self-drive journey to Rotorua.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Marlborough, New Zealand’s premier wine region and an adventurer’s dream, with the intricate waterways and breathtaking mountain landscapes of the Mar...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Fishing, wine and gourmet food – this exclusive self-drive journey through New Zealand’s North Island has it all.
Tailor-Made Journeys
New Zealand’s South Island is home to wild and sweeping landscapes of gushing rivers and epic rainforests, glaciers, fjords and extraordinary volcanic...
Tailor-Made Journeys
The alpine scenes of New Zealand are truly breathtaking, the magnificent mountain peaks and rolling valleys beckoning travellers to explore from the w...
Tailor-Made Journeys
This journey is a golf enthusiast’s dream travelling from the North Island to the South playing four of the country’s finest courses.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Experience Abel Tasman National Park from every angle as you hike, bike, kayak and cruise.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Embark on this self-drive discovery of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island, road tripping with the family from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Tailor-Made Journeys
With spectacular glaciers, coastlines and a mountain railway, New Zealand’s South Island promises adventures at every turn.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Escape to cosmopolitan Wellington on this self-drive epicurean adventure.
It looks like you are located in Australia, New Zealand
or South East Asia.
Proceed to A&K Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia Proceed to website