Walking Tours Te Anau

Join Trips & Tramps from Te Anau, and travel in a small group to Fiordland's mountain divide by vehicle.

Your 8km return Routeburn Track guided walk begins at the Divide Shelter, ascending through lush, temperate rain forest on a well-maintained track. The steady climb takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace. A maximum of 12 walkers with a Trips & Tramps guide provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the natural and human heritage of Fiordland. Gaining an elevation of 400 meters, emerge from the forest into the alpine environment, with panoramic views of high snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and deep bush clad valleys. On a fine day lunch is on the summit amidst the alpine tarns, and in unfavorable conditions in the shelter of a nearby tramping shelter. After lunch steps are retraced to the Divide Shelter before returning to Te Anau.

Difficulty: A good level of fitness and walking ability is required due to the 400-metre/ 1300 ft ascent and descent.
Track is wide and in short sections it is steeper and rocky underfoot. There are one or two places on the track with
steep drop offs. The walk is 7-10 km/ 4.3-6 miles. Walking time 3 (minimum) to 5 hours. Not suitable for children
under 8 years. On occasion, wet weather and cold conditions in the alpine area may make conditions more
challenging. We operate in most weather conditions, so guests need to be suitably prepared.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking boots/shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing including thermal hat and gloves,
sunhat, lunch (if not pre-ordered), water bottle, day pack and insect repellent. Jeans and street wear are not suitable
clothing, please ensure guests wear suitable outdoor, activewear for the walks. Walking poles are optional, Trips &
Tramps can provide these on the day. For safety reasons, clients may be declined service on the day if not suitably
prepared.

Start your day with a pick up from your Te Anau accommodation. Your local, friendly guide will collect you bright and early! You can sit back and relax as we drive along the scenic Milford Highway through stunning mountain scenery.
Morning guided walk on the Milford Track
Your guided walk starts at Deepwater Basin, Milford Sound, beginning with a short boat ride to Sandfly Point.
Enjoy an easy 5.5 km (11 km return) walk alongside the cascading Arthur River and moody Lake Ada, on a well-maintained track. From the ancient canopy trees towering above to the emerald-green ferns below and the birdsong that echoes through the trees, it is a unique World Heritage Area best explored by foot. Our destination is the impressive Giant Gate This spectacular waterfall is best viewed from the large swing bridge spanning the river.
We then return at a leisurely pace, taking the time to enjoy this incredible forest. The small group of 12 walkers to a Trips & Tramps guide provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the fascinating human heritage of the track. On completion of the walk an opportunity is made for photos at the sign marking the end the track. Walkers then re-join the boat for the transfer back to Milford. Afternoon boat cruise
After your walk enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of a small boat cruise with Mitre Peak Cruises.

With purpose-built lounges and large decks, you can be sure you will get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins. During the cruise, friendly crew provide commentaries and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.
On conclusion of the boat cruise you will be transported back to Te Anau

Difficulty & Minimum Fitness/Health: Moderate fitness required, moderate walking. 50 m/160 ft vertical gain, 11 km/7 mile walk. There are some areas where terrain is rocky or rough underfoot requiring good stability. Walking time 3.5 hours, average walking speed 3-4 km per hour. On occasion, wet weather may make conditions more challenging when puddles or streams can be encountered. We operate in most weather conditions, so guests need to be suitably prepared. Recommended for ages 8-75 years.

Embark on an unforgettable private day hike with Trips & Tramps into the heart of Fiordland’s mountain landscape. Your journey begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Te Anau, with opportunities to stop and soak in the scenery en route to the Divide Shelter, the starting point of your adventure on the Routeburn Track.
Climbing steadily through lush, temperate rainforest, your experienced guide will bring Fiordland’s rich natural and cultural stories to life. After gaining around 400 metres in elevation, you’ll emerge into an awe-inspiring alpine world—surrounded by rugged peaks, hidden tarns, and sweeping valleys.
Lunch is enjoyed in the high mountains, with panoramic views if the weather allows, or sheltered inside a nearby hut. In the afternoon, explore further with an optional walk into the Greenstone Valley, or take in short trails and viewpoints in the dramatic Hollyford Valley before returning to Te Anau.
Difficulty: A good level of fitness and walking ability is required due to the 400-metre/ 1300 ft ascent and descent.Track is wide and in short sections it is steeper and rocky underfoot. There are one or two places on the track with steep drop offs. The walk is 7-10 km/ 4.3-6 miles. Walking time 3 (minimum) to 5 hours. Not suitable for children under 8 years. On occasion, wet weather and cold conditions in the alpine area may make conditions more challenging. We operate in most weather conditions, so guests need to be suitably prepared.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking boots/shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing including thermal hat and gloves, sunhat, water bottle, day pack and insect repellent. Jeans and street wear are not suitable clothing, please ensure guests wear suitable outdoor, activewear for the walks. Walking poles are optional, Trips & Tramps can provide these if requested. For safety reasons, clients may be declined service on the day if not suitably prepared.

Morning guided walk on the Milford Track
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Te Anau, followed by a scenic journey along the breathtaking Milford Road. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, there’s a short comfort stop before boarding a water taxi to cross the fiord and access the famous Milford Track at Sandfly Point.
Led by your knowledgeable and attentive guide, you’ll meander alongside the crystal-clear Arthur River and the serene Lake Ada. The tranquility of the early morning, accompanied by birdsong and lush greenery, sets the tone for an unforgettable immersion into Fiordland’s ancient rainforest. Towering canopy trees, vibrant emerald ferns, and moss-covered forest floor create a magical natural setting.
Choose your preferred walk:
Option 1 – Giant Gate Falls (11 km return)
Embark on an 11 km (7-mile) return walk following the Arthur River and Lake Ada through an enchanting temperate rainforest. The trail leads to the impressive Giant Gate Falls — a breathtaking cascade framed by native bush. A nearby swing bridge offers a stunning vantage point, perfect for photos. This option is ideal for those seeking a rewarding walk in one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Option 2 – Lake Ada (up to 6 km return)
For a more leisurely experience, enjoy a shorter walk from Sandfly Point to the tranquil shores of Lake Ada. This 6 km (3.7-mile) return option captures the essence of the Milford Track without the full hike — ideal for those with limited time or looking for a gentler pace. It pairs beautifully with a Fiordland Discovery Lunch Cruise for a luxurious and immersive Milford Sound experience. Afternoon boat cruise (optional) or scenic stops

After completing the hike, you have the option to further indulge in Milford Sound's awe-inspiring scenery through a boat cruise (additional charges apply). The observation lounges and spacious decks promise unparalleled viewing opportunities of sheer cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, glaciers, and vibrant rainforests, with the possibility of spotting wildlife such as seals and dolphins. Following the cruise, we return you to your Te Anau accommodation.
Or if preferred, you can opt to explore Milford Sound's shoreline with your guide and take a more leisurely journey back to Te Anau.Your knowledgeable guide will tailor the return journey to align with your interests, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable Milford Track adventure.
Difficulty & Minimum Fitness/Health
Giant Gate Falls Hike
This option requires moderate fitness and involves steady walking over 11 km (7 miles) with a total vertical gain of approximately 50 m (160 ft). The track includes some uneven and rocky sections, requiring good stability and sure-footedness. Walking time is approximately 3.5 hours at an average pace of 3–4 km per hour. Recommended for ages 8–75.
Lake Ada Walk
This 6 km (3.7-mile) return walk has minimal elevation gain and follows a well-maintained trail suitable for most people. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Weather Considerations
Both walks are subject to Fiordland’s changeable conditions. Wet weather can make the track more challenging, with puddles and small stream crossings at times. We operate in most weather conditions, so guests should be suitably prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear.