The Grand Traverse Walk

2010 Dates: Departs Monday and Wednesday - November through April

The Grand Traverse takes you right into the heart of New Zealand's most isolated and rugged country, the Greenstone and Routeburn Valleys. The walk passes through two national parks in the South Island’s high country: Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, both of which are part of Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Day 1 : Greenstone Car Park to Steele Creek, 11 mi, 5-7hrs
Your morning coach trip from Queenstown follows the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu to the hamlet of Glenorchy, before a 15 minute boat ride delivers you to the mouth of the fabled Greenstone River. Here you don your pack and follow the Greenstone track into the stately red beech forest.

In time you will return to the river, rushing through rock gorges in one spot, before idling in the silent pools at the next bend. Robins and tomtits accompany you through the forest, and the views of Mt Christina reward you as you stroll up the final river flats to Steele Creek lodge. (L, D)

Day 2 : Steele Creek to Lake McKellar, 10mi, 4-5hrs
After a hearty breakfast you walk through a sea of red tussock on the river flats. Ancient bog pines and sweet scented cottonwoods cling to sheer mountainsides, which come alive with falling water on rainy days. You may sight fallow deer at the forest edge and see trout in the river. As you approach Lake McKellar the luxuriant forest envelopes you. (B, L, D)

Day 3 : Exploration & Rest at Lake McKellar
Your chance to explore the area on foot, row on the lake or just relax and read a novel; there is a activity for everyone. Take a stroll to the waterfall, or hike to the lookout for a view down the river flats and your first glimpse of the Routeburn. If you are ready for a challenge you can climb higher to the untracked tops and marvel at Fiordland's mountain scenery. (B, L, D)

Day 4 : Lake McKellar to Lake Mackenzie, 10mi, 5-6hrs
Today you cross the main divide via the Greenstone Saddle (77m) stealing a glimpse of mountains and lakes through lush forest. A diversion to Key Summit allows you to investigate the unique flora growing among alpine bogs or contemplate the surrounding peaks.

After lunch at Lake Howden you join the Routeburn track as it climbs to the magnificent Earland Falls, where you look over the glaciated Darren Mountains. After descending through a fairytale forest you arrive at Lake Mackenzie. Relax by the lake, serene and still in its cradle of statuesque peaks, or gather around the antique pianola for the sing-a-long. (B, L, D)

Day 5 : Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls, 9mi, 5-7hrs
You leave the enchanted forest and climb high above Lake Mackenzie into the Alpine world overlooking the Hollyford Valley. Let your eye follow the icy peaks of the Darren Mountains until they drop into the distant Tasman Sea, and enjoy the flowers in one of the world's greatest natural gardens as you trek to the Harris Saddle (1277m) where you cross the main divide again. Conical Hill (1515m) with its endless vistas waits on the adventurous, while below the more intimate surrounds of the upper Routeburn basins lead to the Routeburn Falls. (B, L, D)

Day 6 : Routeburn Falls to Routeburn Road End, 6mi, 4-5hrs
After the last look at the alpine environment above the Falls you drop down to the grassy flats at the foot of Mt Somnus. The track follows the river as it tumbles through a deep gorge, before emerging into a forested terrace. After crossing a final swing bridge, the coach will take you back to Queenstown, stopping at Glenorchy for a group photograph, which will be presented to you at the celebration dinner party back in town. (B, L)

Included:

• 6 day guided walk
• 5 nights accommodation in fully serviced lodges
• Meals and Snacks as listed in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Backpacks and rain jackets
• Land transfers

*Price subject to change based on exchange rate at time of booking.