Legend Itineraries
Excited for your upcoming holiday? Make the most of it by using your time well.
3-day Wilderness Experience
Day 1 – Moke Lake
Only a 30min drive from Queenstown, you can find yourself in the relaxing Moke Lake campsite, parked up close to the beautiful Moke Lake.
Apart from the stunning scenery, you have activities abound to keep you occupied. Moke Lake is warm in summer and beautiful to swim in. Confident swimmers can easily swim over to the peninsula, or if you have hired a SUP from us, the water is normally calm and paddling is easy. It’s a 6km walk to circumnavigate Moke Lake, which is easy undulating walking and moderate fitness is needed.
For the more adventurous mountain bikers (or walkers) there is a 21km loop track, locally known as the Four Lakes. This loop entails single track, gravel roads and some sealed roads. A very good level of fitness is required and very good bike handling skills. Definitely not for the faint hearted.
Day 2 – Glenorchy / Kinloch
The drive from Moke Lake to Gleorchy is spectacular. Take your time to stop and take in the magical scenery of the Southern Alps. Glenorchy is a small town with a few shops and the last place to get any small supplies.
The Glenorchy Walkway close to town is spectacular and very easy. Take a walk down to the GY Wharf and enjoy the view. We don’t recommend going in the water in this area as the lake has some unusual currents in this location and swimmers have been caught out. From Glenorchy you have lots of options to explore. For the more adventurous, one of our favourites is to take a 45 min drive around to Kinloch and through to the start of the Greenstone Valley. (This stretch of road is a dirt track with fords to cross, caution is advised in adverse weather conditions) From here you can do the 14km (4 hours) Lake Rere Loop Track.
It’s only a short drive back to Kinloch Camping Ground to set up camp and rest. The camping ground is also conveniently located close to Kinloch Lodge that has been locally owned for many years and provides beautiful dinners and some great tasting beer.
Day 3 – The Invincibles / Lake Diamond
Head back over the Dart River looking for the Rees Valley Road to walk the Invincible Mines Track – 4.5km return track.
From here head back again but this time it’s all the way to Paradise. This is a beautiful drive on a gravel and narrow dirt road, through ancient beech forest, squashed between the mountains.
After a few easy ford crossings (in adverse weather we recommend not crossing) you eventually run out of road at Chinamans Bluff. This is the start of the Dart Rees Tramping Track. If you have time…explore, otherwise we recommend the Diamond Lake Campsite to kick back and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
3-day Mavora Lake Experience
We recommend booking Milford Road campsites before travelling.
Day 1 & 2 - Queenstown to Mavora Lakes
It’s a 170km drive through to Mavora Lakes from Queenstown and you won’t be disappointed. The drive takes you from Frankton along the southern arm of Lake Whakatipu. Take your time and stop at some of the impressive Lake Whakatipu view points. After 43km and you’ll reach the small community of Kingston. A great place to sit on the beach and check out the Kingston Flyer.
From State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau, turn off at either Centre Hill or Burwood Station and follow the unsealed road for 39km. You will pass the South Lake before reaching North Lake where you will find the Mavora Lakes Campsite.
You’ll find the Mavora Lakes area is an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes and tussocks. Recognised as part of the Te Wahipounamu / South West New Zealand Heritage Area.
We hope you have your SUP or mountain bike? If not, the water is delightful to swim in.
Don’t take the 4WD track any further as the road is dangerous and you are not covered by the insurance. Instead jump on your bikes or put your walking boots on and get going. The track follows the lake, through beach forest with stunning views of the Livingston Mountain Range and takes approximately 2 hours to reach Careys Hut.
Click here for some more epic walks at Mavora Lakes
Day 3 – Gertrude Saddle Tramp or Lake Marion
A 3hr scenic drive will take you through the small township of Te Anau which leads you onto the Milford Road. The Milford Road is stunning with waterfalls and mountains at every turn. Just before the entrance of the Homer Tunnel you will find the start of the Gertrude Saddle Track, which we highly recommend, but only for strong hikers and those who aren’t put off by heights. This is a challenging 7km return trip hike and is not recommended in winter or in the rain. This route will take you through spectacular alpine vegetation with incredible views as you climb. The track goes up steep rock slabs and is treacherous in the wet or frost – there are steel cables to assist you. Please check the above link and read the DoC website before attempting this hike.
A more placid recommendation but still as beautiful would be the Lake Marion Track. This is a less treacherous adventure but still a good level of fitness is required. The ascent takes approximately 90mins, past a series of waterfalls and eventually to Alpine Lake Marian. The lake is above the bushline and is surrounded by mountains with magnificent reflections…if the weather is calm.
You have some beautiful spots to spend the night nearby once you return. Our recommendation would the, hopefully, quiet Cascade Creek Campsite.
3-day Fiordland Experience
Day 1 – Te Anau
Depending on your timelines you can skip Mavora Lakes and had straight to Te Anau and the Milford Road. The Milford Road and its attractions can be busy most times of the year, unless you want to visit deep in winter. Even with the people its a magical place and there are many treasures to unveil.
We highly recommend Gertrude Saddle or Lake Marion as described above. Please take any warnings for Gertude Saddle seriously.
Day 2 – Hidden Falls
There are many amazing short walks along the road which can easily be found in all the guides. One of our favourite longer walks is the Hidden Falls Track. Tighten up your walking boots and prepare for an amazing 18km valley walk. The track is part of the Hollyford Track which starts at the end of the Hollyford Road.
After crossing Humboldt Creek follow the old road to the start of the track, which initially sidles along bluffs, with swampland to the left. Sections of raised board walk cross areas prone to flooding.
Where Swamp Creek joins the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka the track follows the river bank with occasional views of the Darran Mountains.
At Hidden Falls Creek the track passes Sunshine Hut (private), and continues upstream to the swingbridge. You can view the falls two minutes on from the bridge. Hidden Falls Hut (12 bunks) is reached 10 minutes after crossing the bridge. You can see Mt Madeline from here.
Return the same way.
This is a good, valley-based day walk for families and for when bad weather prevents walking in exposed areas.
There are no camping spots beyond the Homer Tunnell so we recomend hitting one of these campsite for an evenings rest. Kiosk Creekside, Upper Eglington Campsite, Cascade Creek Campsite.
Day 3 – Milford Sound
You’ve got this far, so you may as well dive through the Homer Tunnel and through to Milford Sound. There are more sign posted short walks and attractions along the drive which are all worth a visit.
Once at Milford Sound, if you haven’t booked at boat trip then its really about enjoying one of New Zealand's most photographed views of Mitre Peak and the surrounding area.
We fully recommend a short walk to Bowen Falls to get up close and feel the power of the falls.
4-7 day Deep South Experience
We recommend booking Milford Road campsites before travelling.
Day 1 & 2 - Mavora Lakes
It’s a 170km drive through to Mavora Lakes from Queenstown and you won’t be disappointed. The drive takes you from Frankton along the southern arm of Lake Whakatipu. Take your time and stop at some of the impressive Lake Whakatipu viewpoints. After 43km and you’ll reach the small community of Kingston. A great place to sit on the beach and check out the Kingston Flyer.
From State Highway 94 between Mossburn and Te Anau, turn off at either Centre Hill or Burwood Station and follow the unsealed road for 39km. You will pass the South Lake before reaching North Lake where you will find the Mavora Lakes Campsite. You’ll find the Mavora Lakes area is an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes and tussocks. Recognised as part of the Te Wahipounamu / South West New Zealand Heritage Area.
We hope you have your SUP or mountain bike? If not, the water is delightful to swim in.
Don’t take the 4WD track any further as the road is dangerous and you are not covered by the insurance. Instead jump on your bikes or put your walking boots on and get going. The track follows the lake, through beach forest with stunning views of the Livingston Mountain Range and takes approximately 2 hours to reach Careys Hut.
Day 3 – Manapouri / Circle Track
A scenic 60min drive will take you to the small township of Manapouri. Manapouri is located on the edge of the Fiord National Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Manapouri, close to its outflow into the Waiu River. If the lake is calm, then stopping by at Fraser Beach is a great place for a dip to cool down There are some fantastic walks to explore from Pearl Harbour. These tracks are accessed with a 5 minute boat journey across the Waiu River from Pearl Harbour. There are water taxis available by contacting Adventure Manapouri. Once across there is a large network of long tracks. We recommend Circle Track. This track can take around 3hrs and give you good sense of adventure. Follow the Riverside track for 15mins to a track junction. Turn left and head up the hill to the viewpoint overlooking the lake. This part of the track is steep and slippery so take care. The track then descends the ridgeline to the Hope Arm Track. Turn right to Pearl Harbour which takes about 60 minutes.
There are a few places to stay in Manapouri but we recommend a 40min drive to the peaceful Monowai Campsite on the edge of Lake Monowai. A beautiful spot to set up camp and take it easy.
Day 4 – Lake Monowai / Lake Hauroko
Why rush off at Monwai camping ground? The area is beautiful and peaceful with some lovely walks from easy ambles to the more avid adventurer. You could easily stay here for a few nights.
Another great spot to visit is Lake Hauroko which is New Zealand’s deepest lake. Its approximately 1hr 45mins drive from Lake Monowai to Lake Hauroko including 40 kilometres of gravel road. We recommend the 3hr return Lake Hauroko Lookout Track. It's steep and rough, but well worth the effort. From the jetty follow the track along the lake edge before climbing steeply to the lookout. On a clear day there are stunning views of Lake Hauroko, Foveaux Straight to the south, the Takitimu Mountains to the east, and the princess and Kaherehoau Mountains to the west.
Its only a short drive back to the Thicket Burn Campsite. This is another quiet very basic campsite. Perfect for the FJ Cruiser.
Day 5 - Clifden caves / Blue Cliffs Beach / Colac Bay
Feeling adventurous? A 40 minute drive and you can explore the Clifden Caves on a self-guided trip. It takes approximately 2hrs to travel through the entire cave system and return to the carpark. A high level of fitness and agility is needed to navigate the system. Passages can be narrow and will require crawling on hands and knees. Really good fun though. Please look at the DOC website here for more details.
Before thinking about where to park up for the night. A stop and walk at Blue Cliffs Beach is a must do. Definitely off the beaten track. The shelly sandy beach has endless swimming opportunities as well as hours of beachcombing, surfing and hiking in the wild. The bay is a designated marine mammal sanctuary, so sightings of dolphins and whales are plentiful. From Tuatapere, drive approximately 28 kilometres via Papatotara Road, following the signs to Bluecliff Beach and the Rarkau carpark. 7 kilometres of this road is gravel.
A great place to spend the evening is at the Colac Bay Camp Ground. This is a beautiful kiwi camp ground and has all the amenities you need. Alongside the park is the tavern, a great pub with a family friendly atmosphere and a great place to get some delicious blue cod and chips.
Day 6 - Southland and Queenstown
A day spent at Colac Bay and Riverton on a fine Southland day can be a beautiful experience. Beachcomb the long sandy beaches, swim in the ocean or take some surf lessons on Riverton beach.
From here it's only a 2 hour 30min drive back to Queenstown.
