Fiordland’s Classic Walks: Milford, Routeburn, Kepler & Hollyford

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 14km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a  consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills,  replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

TERRAIN

There is some uneven terrain

Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.

The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. We would recommend that all the hikes can be done in hiking shoes or light hiking boots that have been worn in.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat, hard terrain focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

START AND FINISH

Please note, you will need to arrive in Queenstown the night prior to the tour to ensure that we are able to start our tour without delay.

Pre and post tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Queenstown, however we pick up and drop off at one central point. The tour starts at 9:30am at Steamers Wharf coach park (opposite Crowne Plaza) https://maps.app.goo.gl/DL9UDaptuHSU4ugd6.  Please ensure you are at the meeting spot at least 20 mins prior to our 9:30 departure so that we are not delayed getting you into the wilderness.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

EXTRA INFO ON WALKING DAYS

Day 4 and 5 on the Hollyford track have multiple options which will be chosen from depending on weather, tides and groups interest and abilities. Options include

1. Long Reef exploration – the team will take you on a short jetboat ride further down the Hollyford River.  After disembarking you’ll find yourself on the Hollyford Track and hiking past a classic DOC hiking hut and towards Long Reef, home to a native fur-seal colony.  Depending on conditions on the day the hiking distance is approx. 6-7km and hiking time approx. 2hours although this may be longer on the day depending on where the jetboat can land.  
2. Sandspit exploration– Waitai Martins Bay has rich early Maori and European history, and the sand dunes have been home to many isolated residents over the centuries.  A quick jetboat ride will have you across the river and then walking along the beach amongst the sand dunes.  Your guides will bring the stories of yesteryear to life.  Walk distance is 4-6km, 1-2 hours before being picked up by the jetboat and returning to Waitai Lodge.
3. Jamestown Podocarp Forest – The jetboat will take you inland up the Hollyford River and out onto the expansive Lake McKerrow.  In the 1860s a settlement called Jamestown was proposed on the shores of Lake McKerrow.  European settlers were enticed with promises of opportunity and easy-living – only to find life at Jamestown to be anything but.  The inhospitable environment and complete isolation from civilization doomed Jamestown to become a ghost town.  You will spend some time visiting this area before walking back along the shore of Lake McKerrow and into the ancient and awe-inspiring podocarp forest back towards Waitai Lodge.  Walk time 2+ hours, 7km.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

Direct flights to Queenstown are available from most major Australian cities. If you are arriving from further afield Queenstown is an International airport so some International flights may fly here. Air New Zealand operates many domestic flights and you will be able to transfer to Queenstown easily from other centres. It is a short taxi ride from the airport into Queenstown.

If you are already in New Zealand you can opt to reach Queenstown either by self drive or by bus. If you choose to self-drive, the roads from Christchurch or further north are excellent and offer ample opportunities to explore on the way.

WEATHER

Fiordland weather is highly changeable, so when you visit prepare for all conditions. In New Zealand, January and February are the warmest months of the year (summer), and July is the coldest (winter).  Thanks to the amount of rain here the Fiordland area has amazing waterfalls and forest for you to enjoy.

The rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns are due the famous ‘Roaring Forties’ westerly air streams. These winds pick up moisture as they cross the Tasman Sea, are pushed up by the mountains then release it as heavy rain in the west and snow at higher levels.

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

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

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 detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.