Fiordland’s Great Walks: Milford, Routeburn & Kepler - 6 Days

Fly direct into Queenstown from most major Australian cities, or connect through Air New Zealand's domestic network if you're coming from elsewhere in New Zealand. Queenstown Airport is a short taxi ride from town, and if you'd rather travel overland, the drive up from Christchurch is excellent and full of its own detours. The walk wraps up in Queenstown too, with a stroll along Lake Wakatipu to stretch your legs before you head home or on to your next stop.

Across the six days you're mostly on even, well-formed track, with the Kepler, Routeburn and Milford all rating moderate going. The one day that asks more of you is the Kepler's climb toward Mt Luxmore, where you'll gain 800 metres on the way up. Elsewhere the terrain is gentle enough that even easy is a fair description, from the flat beech forest of the Kepler's lower reaches to the well-graded path out to Giant Gate Falls on the Milford.

Fiordland's weather turns on a dime, so pack for everything no matter when you go. January and February are the warmest months, right in the New Zealand summer, while July brings the cold of winter. The frequent rain is exactly what feeds the waterfalls and rainforest that make this walk special, so even a wet day has its own reward.

See the New Zealand Meteorological Service for information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

For over 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you'll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure, outlining all the fine details and much more.

The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau has a small natural and human history museum with displays on the geology, wildlife and Maori cultural significance of the surrounding landscape. Queenstown has Kura Gallery in the town centre, dedicated to Maori and New Zealand pounamu (greenstone), fine art and jewellery.