A Symphony Of Sounds

Your trip commences in Queenstown where you'll be whisked away to Te Anau - the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. You'll be departing at midday, so this morning why not take advantage of one of Queenstown's many ‘thrill-seeker' activities! Or opt for a wander along the lakefront to stretch your legs before the journey ahead. Leaving Queenstown at midday, you'll take the scenic route to Te Anau via Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw and the backroads with the TrackNet bus service. It's a long and stunning drive, so sit back and take in the scenery. You'll arrive in Te Anau mid-afternoon. Once you have checked into your hotel, have an explore around the town and lake front. The region is home to endangered, flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. The Te Anau Caves feature a limestone grotto of glow worms and an underground waterfall.

Inclusions:

• Public Bus transport from Queenstown to Te Anau - including TSS Earnslaw Cruise across Lake Wakatipu
• 1 nights accommodation in Te Anau

Local Tips:

• Once in Te Anau, why not take a peek at some of Fiordland's special birds that are difficult to see in the wild at Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. This is a great family friendly activity and a short walk from Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, on Te Anau's lakefront. Entry is free for self-guided visitors (but donations are much appreciated).

Depart Te Anau (at 7.55am from Kiwi Country/Hollyford Cafe) and enjoy a scenic drive to Milford Sound. Upon arrival you'll embark on a 2hr lunchtime cruise on Milford Sound's only glass roof luxury catamaran! With 3 viewing decks to choose from - they'll be no shortage of spots to marvel at one of the most stunning places on earth getting close-up viewing of waterfalls, wildlife and rainforest. After the cruise, you'll hop on the bus, arriving back in Te Anau at approximately 5pm. After a days' adventure, sample one of the local restaurants before hitting the hay for the night.

Inclusions:

• Bus transport from Te Anau to Milford Sounds (featuring fascinating commentary along the journey!)
• Cruise the beautiful Milford Sound (2hrs). A light lunch is included on the cruise as well as complimentary tea and hot water.
• 1 nights accommodation in Te Anau.

Local Tips:

• If you're a pizza fan, why not grab a bite at Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso (a firm favourite of ours!).

This morning is to be enjoyed at your leisure. You could have a morning in town or opt to take advantage of your surroundings and explore one of the local walks on offer. Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in town can help you out with suggestions or advice. This afternoon at 2.20pm, take the public coach to Manapouri and just sit back, relax and take in the scenery. After the journey you'll have time to explore the local area - Lake Manapouri is the second deepest lake in New Zealand and has a large hydro power station at the end of its west arm.

Inclusions:

• Bus transport from Te Anau to Manapouri
• 1 nights accommodation in Manapouri

Local Tips:

• Indulge in coffee and cake at the popular Sandfly Cafe, Te Anau.
• Explore the Frasers Beach Track - a short, easy 30min walk alongside Lake Manapouri. Great for families, with picnic and swimming opportunities and lovely lake views.
• If you want to stock up on food shopping, you're advised to do it in Te Anau (as Manapuouri has limited options).

Today you're set for a full day adventure to Doubtful Sound. Ask anyone who's ever undertaken the kayak experience at Doubtful Sound and they'll tell you it was one of the best days of their lives! A bold statement, but we're confident you'll feel the same. Meet at 7am at the Manapouri Visitor Centre to catch the boat across Lake Manapouri to West Arm. After a one-hour cruise you'll arrive at the Manapouri Power Station where you'll board a 45-minute spectacular ride over the Wilmot Pass. When you arrive, you'll get changed at the kayak base and after a safety briefing, head out into Doubtful Sound for your kayak adventure. Explore the small coves and islands around the area, all the while keeping an eye out for the Doubtful Sound dolphins or penguins. At the end of the kayak, you'll change before embarking on the return journey to Manapouri Visitor Centre (via bus and cruise). To really get into nature, why not add on the overnight cruise at Doubtful Sound. Otherwise when back in Manapouri, explore one of the local walks and make dinner back at your accommodation.

Inclusions:

• 3hr guided kayak trip at Doubtful Sound plus transfers from Manapouri
• 1 nights accommodation at Manapouri

Local Tips:

• Bring lunch, and sufficient snack and clothes for the kayak excursion.
• We recommend adding on the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise to fully immerse yourself in this stunning fiord.
• In Manapouri, why not stretch your legs on the Stockyard Cove Track - a pleasant, short (1.5k) walking track in Hope Arm on Lake Manapouri, leading to either West Beach or the waterfalls above the cove.

This morning, depart Manapouri at 10am on the public bus and enjoy the scenic journey back to Queenstown. You'll arrive back in Queenstown mid afternoon, so you have leisure time to enjoy the many eateries and activities on offer in NZ's adventure capital, before your departure home tomorrow.

Inclusions:

• Transport from Manapouri to Queenstown
• 1 night accommodation in Queenstown

Local Tips:

• For some fantastic views of the city of Queenstown, take the Skyline Gondola.
• If you're looking for a fancy meal out this evening here are a few ideas: Bunker Room (a hidden gem, literally!), Queenstown), or Fergberger if you want to try out the most famous burger joints in the country!

You're free to enjoy awesome Queenstown at your own leisure before heading home, unless you fancy extending your stay.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast