Great Walks and Tracks
Introduction to Great Walks and Track Packages
There are many fantastic opportunities for walking and hiking in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Kiwi Discovery offer affordable independant track packages and transport only options to three of the "Great Walks" in Fiordland, New Zealand: The Milford Track, The Routeburn Track, The Kepler Track, and a fully guided Haast to Paringa Cattle Track option.
These "Great Walks" are maintained tracks with a higher standard of accommodation than some of the other back country huts in New Zealand and are managed on a booking system by the Department of Conservation and therefore must be booked in advance.
What does Kiwi Discovery Offer?
- Hassle free booking.
- Accommodation in Queenstown before and after your track.
- Pre-trip briefing (chance to ask those last minute questions).
- All track transport (boat transport if required e.g. Milford Track and Kepler Track).
- Hut accommodation with the Department of Conservation.
- Souvenir book of your walk/hike.
- Menu suggestions (what to take and eat as food is not included).
- New Zealand Mountain Safety Council approved pack liner.
- Luggage storage facilities.
- Rental equipment.
- Secure vehicle storage.
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff happy to answer your queries 7 days a week.
Which Track?
Although the Milford Track is world famous, the Routeburn Track and Kepler Track are equally as stunning and often have better availability.
| Milford Track | Routeburn Track | Kepler Track | Paringa Track | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 53.5 km or 33.2 miles | 32 km or 19.8 miles | 60 km or 37.3 miles | 24 km or 15 miles |
| Days | 4 days/3 nights | 3 days/2 nights* | 4 days/3 nights | 3 days/2 nights |
| Highest Point | 1069m Mackinnonn Pass (3507 ft) |
1255m Harris Saddle (4117 ft) |
1472m Mt Luxmore (4829 ft) |
600m Maori Saddle (1968.5 ft) |
| Approx hours walk (total) | Between 18.5 hours and 20.5 hours |
Between 11 hours and 15.5 hours |
Between 17.5 hours and 22 hours |
Between 15.5 hours and 19 hours |
| Dates Open* (* subject to weather) |
25th Oct 11 - 25th Apr 12 23rd Oct 12 - 27th Apr 13 |
25th Oct 11 - 25th Apr 12 23rd Oct 12 - 27th Apr 13 |
25th Oct 11 - 25th Apr 12 23rd Oct 12 - 27th Apr 13 |
25th Oct 11 - 25th Apr 12 23rd Oct 12 - 27th Apr 13 |
| Detailed Information | Maps and Further Information | Maps and Further Information | Maps and Further Information | Maps and Further Information |
| Package price (Based on 2 people sharing) |
From $750pp | From $585 pp | From $610 pp | $999 pp - Fully guided and catered |
| Level of walk | Easy to Medium | Easy to Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Availability | LIMITED | AVAILABLE | AVAILABLE | AVAILABLE |
*Also available: A 4 day/3 night Routeburn Track package to include a Milford Sound Cruise.
Hut Accommodation information
Accommodation on the tracks is in Department of Conservation accommodation. These are large purpose built huts in stunning locations providing bunk beds, separate bathrooms (flush toilets) and cold running water. There is a communal kitchen/living room which is heated by a coal burner/fireplace. The kitchen area has running water and gas rings are supplied for cooking. Each hut is staffed by a Department of Conservation hut warden who will be on hand in the evenings to answer any queries. Wardens usually provide information on the flora and fauna, weather forecasts and issue safety advice about the track.
