New Zealand Rafting & Milford Track Adventure
This New Zealand rafting trip combines remote Landsborough River rafting, sections of the iconic Milford Track, and time in Queenstown to create one of the most varied adventures in the South Island. With helicopter access into the Landsborough Valley, a journey through spectacular alpine landscapes, and the chance to experience both wilderness and comfort in one seamless trip, this is a rare and unforgettable Milford Track adventure.
Why This Trip is Different
Helicopter access into the remote Landsborough Valley
Rafting one of New Zealand’s most untouched rivers
Walking sections of the Milford Track
A seamless journey from mountains to coast
Small group, fully guided throughout
The Experience
The Landsborough River
The heart of the trip is several days of Landsborough River rafting through one of the wildest and most beautiful valleys in New Zealand. Surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers and untouched forest, it feels wonderfully remote and a long way from everyday life.
Milford Track
This journey also includes time on the famous Milford Track, adding a different pace and rhythm to the experience. Walking through Fiordland brings another side of the South Island into view, with rainforest, waterfalls and the unmistakable sense of being in one of the world’s great hiking landscapes.
Queenstown and the Journey
Queenstown provides a comfortable and lively contrast to the wilderness sections of the trip. Combined with spectacular transfers and the journey between each stage, it gives the whole experience a real sense of flow rather than feeling like separate pieces joined together.
Itinerary & Map
Arrival into Christchurch where your friendly guide will meet you and get you checked into your hotel. You’ll generally have time to explore this beautiful city before our dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
Included: Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a stunning drive across the Canterbury Plains to reach the foothills of the Southern Alps and the stunning lakes en route. We’ll stop at Lake Tekapo to take in the vistas and history before we make our way to our unique accommodation at Lake Pukaki overlooking Mt Cook, New Zealands highest mountain. Barbeque dinner in this stunning location.
Included: All meals
After a filling breakfast, we take the drive to Queenstown, past turquoise lakes and over beautiful passes. We take a ride on the exciting Shotover Jet, to get our thrill fix for the day! Back to the hotel and into town for a quick briefing on our hike, along with passing out some last minute gear such as backpacks. We’ll be on hand to help with any last minute questions.
Included: All meals
We’ll depart Queenstown for Te Anau where we have lunch. Early afternoon, we leave for Te Anau Downs where our boat departs for the start of the Milford Track at Glade Wharf. The 1 mile walk to Glade House is a perfect introduction to this gorgeous area and we sit down to a 3 course meal in stunning surroundings.
Included: All meals
After a sumptuous breakfast, it’s time to don our backpacks and walkthrough the spectacular ancient New Zealand woodlands. The track is wide and generally smooth today for the 10 mile hike to reach Pampolona Lodge.You can take the short deviation to Prairie Lake for a quick cool down before reaching the lodge.
Included: All meals
Today is the most challenging day of your hike. Our 9 mile trek takes us up over the spectacular McKinnon Pass where you can take in the amazing vistas. We descend into the Arthur Valley to our overnight stay at Quinton Lodge. We highly recommend taking the side hike to SutherlandFalls, the world’s fifth highest waterfall.
Included: All meals
After breakfast we’ll hike 13.5 miles to where we reach Milford Sound. It treats us to spectacular waterfalls along the way such as Mackay Falls and Giants Gate. We spend a wonderful night together at Mitre Peak Lodge, retelling tales from the past few days with our fellow hikers and guides.
Included: All meals
After breakfast at the lodge, we take to a small boat trip on Milford Sound. This spectacular fjord is full of surprises and there is no better way to explore than with a boat cruise. If the weather is kind, we will then take a spectacular flight back over the Southern Alps to Queenstown. The afternoon is yours to explore this town. Our evening sees us take the TSS Earnslaw over to Walter Peak Station where we enjoy a sumptuous buffet at the old homestead before returning back to Queenstown.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we drive through the historic village of Arrowtown. We depart to meet our helicopter, that will fly us into the Landsborough River and the next part of our adventure. Once at camp, you can take a short hike with your guide before sitting down for a sumptuous 3 course meal.
Included: All meals
Awaken to the sound of New Zealand birdsong and the sound of the river, as we have hot freshly brewed coffee and a filling breakfast. After full and comprehensive safety and paddle instructions, we’ll paddle like a real team in time to tackle the fun Grade III and IV rapids on the Landsborough River.
Included: All meals
After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll get on the water for some fun rapids to conclude our river trip. We stop en route for some lunch before arriving back at our vehicle and driving up the scenic West Coast to Fox Glacier town. Here we’ll take a meal at the acclaimed Matheson Café.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we’ll have some options to fill your morning. A hike, a skydive, a glacier flight, this small town has some pretty special activities.We’ll meet up and drive up to Franz Josef for lunch before continuing on to Hokitika where we get settled in to our oceanfront accommodation. Take a walk on the beach or just explore this iconic New Zealand town. Dinner at Fat Pipis followed by a short walk to see some glowworms. (Skydive and glacier flight not included)
Included: All meals
After breakfast we head into town to see how Greenstone is carved and you’ll get to explore the many craft shops here. We take the short drive to Greymouth where you’ll board your Scenic Rail train to Christchurch. Upon arrival, you’ll be collected and transferred to our hotel and we’ll enjoy dinner together, recounting tales of our past days together.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we’ll run you back to the airport for your flight home.
Included: All meals
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Monday 1 February 2027 - Sunday 14 February 2027 Total Cost: $10950 | £8150 | €9395 | 14 days |
| Monday 22nd February 2027 - Sunday 7 March 2027 Total Cost: $10950 | £8150 | €9395 | 14 days |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for an adventure holiday. Bear in mind, your trip to New Zealand may involve many different types of weather from hot sunny days (expected) to cold rainy days and everything in between. Bear in mind as you will be flying internally in New Zealand, we recommend being under 20kg (32 lb) of check on baggage.
Download equipment file- Lightweight long trousers.
- Lightweight Long Sleeved shirts.
- Fleece jacket.
- Warm woollen hat
- Polypropylene or capilene thermal quick drying layers (top and bottoms)
- Light down jacket
- Comfortable cross trainers or light hiking boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
- Nice outfit or two for evening meals
- Flip flops or jandals (this is the kiwi word for flip flops)
- Good quality rainwear
- Underwear.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, personal items, biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Insect repellant (NZ sandflies LOVE tourists)
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Wide brimmed sunhat
- Factor 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses.
- Travel adaptor plug for New Zealand
- Walking boots or sturdy shoes. Broken in, preferably with ankle support. Please check your boot condition prior to coming to the pretrack briefing. Look especially at how well your sole is attached to the boot, to see if the glue is not drying out. Please also ensure that they are clean when coming through customs in New Zealand and adhere to all biosecurity notices at the airport. We do not sell walking boots/shoes in our retail outlet.
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom). Fundamental clothing that can be worn either as a base layer or as a single layer.
- Fleece or merino wool jacket. An ideal outer layer in cold weather.
Long—sleeved top. Lightweight, warm and quick drying, this is an ideal layer to be worn on top of thermal base layer.
T—shirt. Ideal for fine weather. Avoid cotton.
Sunhat, warm hat, gloves. Be prepared for sun and cold.
Shorts/walking trousers. Fast drying shorts, trousers or zip—off trousers (NOT JEANS),
Three pairs of merino wool or thermal socks. Main consideration is warmth and comfort. o Sunscreen, insect repellent
Water bottle or bladder (1 litre capacity)
Camera
- A pair of Chacos or Keens. Trainers are also okay. Wetsuits and booties will be provided
- A pair of river shorts or swimming costume.
- Polypropylene or capilene thermal quick drying layers (top and bottoms) This is in addition to the set stated above.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased from our Water Shop.
- Nalgene or similar water bottle – can be purchased from our Water Shop.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof case for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card and charging leads. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
- Waterproof GoPro for the “action” shots.
- The only money that you need to bring is for personal spending, souvenirs, personal items and alcoholic beverages if you drink. New Zealand offers widespread Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- Your trip leader will take care of gratuities for suppliers and guides throughout your trip, which can be settled with him at the end of your trip.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
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