7 highlights waiting to be discovered on this tour of NZ’s backcountry
Explore New Zealand’s backcountry. (Image: Getty/ Matt Palmer)
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Explore New Zealand’s backcountry in premium style. Luxe Tours offers an unhurried Milford Sound experience, packed with authentic culture and rich history around every turn.
One of New Zealand/Aotearoa’s most inspiring destinations, Milford Sound is a world wonder like no other. Inspiring visitors with its moody weather, dramatic waterfalls and jagged peaks that time forgot, the haunting beauty of this famous fjord stays with you long after you visit.
Milford Sound and the nearby town of Te Anau are understandably highlights of any South Island holiday, but just as magical is time spent in New Zealand’s backcountry. From sprawling sheep farms to secluded waterfalls, it’s worth slowing down and spending more time in this special part of the world.
For curious travellers seeking a slower and more immersive adventure, Luxe Tours offers a three-day Milford Sound Tour via Walter Peak. This premium, small-group journey showcases some of the best wonders New Zealand has to offer.
Why Luxe Tours?
Family-owned and operated by Fiordland locals, the premium itineraries by Luxe Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 guests, taking you into the backcountry in comfort and style. Their passionate guides know the landscape better than anyone and treat it with respect.
With exclusive access to river crossings, you’ll love taking in the dramatic scenery from the absolute comfort of your purpose-built touring van. With spacious interiors, each seat in your modern Mercedes Sprinter feels like business class, featuring USB ports and extra-wide seats. A full row of seats has also been removed to provide additional legroom.
You’ll see a side of New Zealand missed by many guests, paired with a truly premium experience. Here are some of the highlights of visiting New Zealand’s backcountry with Luxe Tours.
Explore the backcountry in comfort and style.
1. Cruise on a vintage steamship
Not only will you cruise Milford Sound, but you’ll enjoy two cruises on the TSS Earnslaw, the southern hemisphere’s oldest commercial-carrying passenger steamship. Launched in 1912, this vintage beauty ferries guests on the scenic Lake Whakatipu between Queenstown and Walter Peak High Country Farm.
On the TSS Earnslaw, soak up the views of The Remarkables from the spacious deck, or head down to the engine room, where you can observe the roaring coal fire and learn more about the ship’s history.
Take a ride on TSS Earnslaw. (Image: Getty/ Ryan Fletcher)
2. Take in the beauty of the Von Valley
An untouched region rarely visited by tourists, the Von Valley runs between Walter Peak and Te Anau. Here, you’ll gain insight into the pastoral history of the South Island, which is very much still alive – the Von Valley is home to an expansive working station, tending to thousands of sheep and livestock.
In this immersive experience, you’ll soak up all the spectacular mountain views and even take on a few gentle river crossings. You’ll then call into a historic stone homestead, which has so many rich stories to tell.
As you near the end of the Von Valley, take some time to relax and rest in your spacious leather seat, observing how the high country landscape slowly transforms into ancient rainforest as you near Te Anau.
Relax and rest in your spacious leather seat.
3. Your premium Milford Sound tour & cruise
On day two of the tour, traverse one of the best landscapes within New Zealand’s backcountry, Milford Sound, on a cruise aboard the Milford Haven. As you’ll stay in Te Anau the night before, you’ll wake up close to Milford Sound, making it easy to catch your mid-morning cruise. This morning sailing is timed to avoid the afternoon crowds from Queenstown, allowing for a quieter experience.
Although your vessel can hold 400, it’s limited to 150 guests for a more comfortable journey. Enjoy a meal within the reserved seating area for Luxe Tours guests or wander outside to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this deep-water fjord.
On return from Milford Sound, your tour also includes around 10 scenic photo stops and an easy 20-minute nature stroll to a waterfall or hidden lake, if you wish to join along.
Cruise the stunning Milford Sound.
4. Relax in Te Anau
The lakefront town of Te Anau is the ideal base for exploring Fiordland, but it’s so much more than just a place to stay. Your tour includes two nights in a comfortable local hotel, just a one-minute walk from town.
Head to the shore of Lake Te Anau for unique birdwatching or plan a visit to the town’s famous glowworm caves, which can easily be added onto your booking.
Stay in the lakefront town of Te Anau. (Image: Tourism NZ)
5. Meet the locals
One of the best parts of travel is meaningful interactions with the locals, with opportunities to ask questions and learn from their experiences and stories. With Luxe Tours, every guide is local to the Milford Sound region, with a passion and enthusiasm for sharing their home with guests. You’ll also get to meet locals at the stations you visit and discover more about their unique way of life.
6. Enjoy a BBQ lunch at Walter Peak
Slow down and savour the views at Walter Peak during a gourmet BBQ buffet lunch. With reserved lakefront tables for Luxe Tours, you’ll enjoy a filling meal with catering options for all dietary needs.
Sheep herding and shearing demonstrations are also included in your Walter Peak visit. The speed and agility of the working dogs are real highlights.
Savour the views at Walter Peak. (Image: Getty/ Matt Palmer)
7. Explore the backcountry
Your premium touring van is the perfect base for enjoying the beauty of the backcountry, no hiking required. There’ll be many chances to get out and stretch, taking in scenic lookouts, but otherwise, let your driver do the hard work while you admire the region’s stunning valleys, magical views and dramatic canyon.
It’s easy to book your South Island backcountry adventure with a 20% deposit. Tours need to be arranged at least 14 days in advance. You can also select a tour-only option if you prefer to arrange your own accommodation in Te Anau.
Explore NZ’s backcountry in comfort.
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