Clients departing Queenstown are required to attend a briefing session at 7pm the evening before departure at The Guided Walk Centre in The Station, corner of Camp and Shotover Streets. Queenstown clients will be picked up by coach from their accommodation at 8.45am on Day 1 for the drive to Te Anau, where they will join other participants for lunch. Luggage may be stored at your Queenstown accommodation. Prepare an overnight bag for the last night of your trip at Milford Sound. It will be delivered to you. Clients may have all their luggage transported to Milford Sound on request. The tour returns to Queenstown about 3.30pm on Day 5, via Queenstown Airport for those who wish to catch an onward flight.

Clients departing Te Anau are required to attend a briefing at 9.30am on Day 1 at the Milford Track Office. Luggage may be stored at the office. Prepare an overnight bag for the last night of your trip at Milford Sound. It will be delivered to you. Clients may have all their luggage transported to Milford Sound on request. The tour returns to Te Anau about 12 noon on Day 5.

Coach transport between Queenstown and Te Anau and between Te Anau and Te Anau Downs to board a scenic cruise of Lake Te Anau on Day 1. Red Boat Cruise at Milford Sound on Day 5. Coach tour with commentary and photographic stops from Milford Sound to Te Anau or Queenstown on Day 5.

Experienced guides with radio equipment and first aid training and for the duration of the walk. Nightly briefing with slides. Toilets along track.

Day 2: A 16 km walk across the Clinton River through a beech forest to Hirere Falls for lunch. It includes a rocky climb to Marelenes Creek and on to Pompolona Lodge for a shower and dinner.

Day 3: A 15 km day including a long zigzag up Mackinnon Pass with the promise of lunch at the top. There is plenty of time to rest and take photographs. The track descends over rocky terrain into the rainforest of the Arthur Valley and Quintin Lodge. This is the most demanding day of the walk, especially if the weather is bad through the pass, and you should take your time. If you have the energy, there is a 90-minute roundtrip walk from the lodge to the lovely Sutherland Falls.

Day 4: This is a long trek of 21km, mostly downhill but over very varied terrain including rocky sections and boardwalks over fragile areas. There are frequent breaks so again, take your time. The stunning beauty of Milford Sound as you end the trek at Sandfly Point is worth it. One of the Red Boats will pick up the group for the short trip to Milford Sound Wharf and the comfort of Mitre Peak Lodge. Tonight you celebrate with a fine dinner and wine to mark your achievement.

Day 5: After breakfast you will enjoy a couple of hours on a Red Boat cruise of Milford Sound, the most spectacular fjord in New Zealand. Come ashore to meet you coach for the scenic trip back to Te Anau or Queenstown.

Weather conditions can vary dramatically at any time. It is essential you wear clothes which will keep you warm when wet, either from rain or perspiration. Wool or polypropylene is recommended.