21 October, 2024
4, 18 November, 2024
2, 16, 30 December, 2024
13, 27 January, 2025
10, 24 February, 2025
10 March, 2025
20 October, 2025
3, 17 November, 2025
1, 15, 29 December, 2025
12, 26 January, 2026
9, 23 February, 2026
9 March, 2026
Period 1 Jul 2024
- 30 Jun 2025
Adult NZD $15,599.00
Adult with Single Supplement NZD $19,799.00
Period 1 Jul 2025
- 30 Jun 2026
Adult NZD $16,399.00
Adult with Single Supplement NZD $20,599.00
New Zealand is a small country - about 1000 miles from top to bottom, and only about 150 miles wide. This trip focuses on spending as little time as possible sitting in vehicles so that you can spend your time on outdoors-oriented adventure. The average driving time over the period of this trip is just over two hours a day, and as much time as possible is spent in the outdoors. Modern, comfortable minibuses are used. Make no mistake - this trip is not a typical bus tour! Vehicles are fitted with good stereo systems, and you will hear plenty of New Zealand music.
Activities in Queenstown
Meals in Queenstown
Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.
You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on this trip. You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important, but this trip is not a passive scenic tour of New Zealand. For example, a person in their 50's who hikes every couple of weeks will be happier than a 22-year-old couch potato. If you're concerned about your fitness level please contact us for more information.
The focus is on getting you out of the vehicle, out of stress-mode and into the scenery.
The accommodation is interesting and comfortable. Some places are quite civilised, but many of the other locations you visit are off-the-beaten-track and don't have many accommodation options but they are really, really spectacular. We think you'll love the places you stay in! The preference is to stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single room upgrades are available on request. As there's such a variety of accommodation on this trip, some places will have ensuite bathrooms and some will have shared bathrooms. At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.
Milford Track Section: Rooming is in 4 and 6-bed bunk rooms with shared bathroom facilities. A great option, if you prefer your own space, is to request a private twin, queen or single room with private bathroom facilities.
Excellent meals at the lodges and on the trail, hot showers, bedding and even hairdryers in the rooms are all provided!
Recommended clothing is quick-drying, wicking fabrics such as Patagonia capilene, Icebreaker merino, or other specially designed fabrics for this trip. While you can bring some cotton, denim & other non-wicking fabrics on this trip, be aware that they won’t be easy to wash or dry. We suggest 2-3 sets of quick-dry gear per person.
Essential Items:
Optional Items:
Almost all meals are included on the Milford Quest. A wide variety of cuisine is used - sometimes you will dine out, and sometimes dine in. Breakfasts when there is an early start will generally consist of cereal, yoghurt, fruit, toast, coffee and juice. When there is more time, your guide will make pancakes and full cooked breakfasts. Lunches are usually picnic style - sandwiches, salad and fruit, or maybe a barbecue - in some beautiful spot. Dinners are usually two- or three-course meals, covering a range of styles. Vegetarians and people with particular dietary needs or preferences are easily catered for.
You will enjoy the skills of your second guides, whose primary responsibility when they are not guiding is cooking up great meals. Their cooking skills will astound you, as you enjoy a traditional kiwi roast dinner at the shearer's quarters, or french toast and sugared bananas at Punakaiki, or one of a score of awesome meals on the road! When the group eats out, there is no budget or restrictions on what to order. You may find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!
Experienced Kiwi guides are used who are well-versed in the local culture, flora and fauna, and history. They are trained in Outdoor First Aid. You will have two guides on this trip to take good care of you - a Lead Guide who is in charge of your trip and does the driving and a Second Guide to assist the Lead Guide and make sure you're well fed.
Payment:
You can pay in NZ dollars by credit card, or by direct transfer into our NZ dollar account.
Pay in full - non-refundable rates (10% off)
You may choose to pay your full tour price at the time of booking. Non-refundable rate discounts require full payment at the time of booking, and your booking is non-refundable. This discount only applies to bookings that are scheduled to depart no later than 180 days from the date of payment and the 'cancellation and Refund (By You) and Change of Trip or Departure' terms and conditions do not apply, If you change or cancel your trip, no refunds will apply. This discount cannot be combines with any other offers. We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance.
Deposits:
For bookings made 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 130 days prior to your trip.
The Milford Track Hike and Doubtful Sound Cruise are required to be paid in full at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.
For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
This deposit is non-transferable and non-refundable. However, provided you cancel your booking 121 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date, your deposit (less any applicable cancellation fee) will be held as a credit for you for up to 24 months.
Cancellations:
121 days or more: 100% of payments already made by you, less your deposit will be refunded. A cancellation fee of 10% of the full booking value will be deducted from your deposit and the balance of your deposit will be held as a credit for you.
120-91 days: 50% of tour price forfeited.
90-0 days: 100% of tour price forfeited.
On booking request, you will be sent the full terms and conditions which you must review and acknowledge that you have reviewed the booking conditions associated with this and understand and accept this agreement.
