OVERVIEW

Boomerang Adventures runs Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions on the wonderful South Island of New Zealand. With a base in Queenstown, we have the option of exploring three of the major and world-renowned hikes in the region.

As well as these great hikes, we often take the opportunity to try a couple of the adventure activities around Queenstown. This is always a great treat, and a wonderful way to finish off a trip to this amazing place.

THE MILFORD TRACK

Traversing the heart of New Zealand's wild fiord country, the Milford Track has long been described as “the finest walk in the world". Since the route was pioneered in 1888, everyone from hardened trekkers to novices sporting their first pair of boots have taken up the challenge of the Milford Track.

The Fiordland National Park is the cornerstone of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Walkers on the track to Milford Sound enjoy close encounters with the native birdlife; they also experience Fiordland at its most spectacular. Deep lakes, silent fiords, luxuriant forest, and sheer canyons carved out of imposing granite define this landscape.

THE ROUTEBURN TRACK

Since the 1880s, the Routeburn Track has proved to be one of the most accessible and popular journeys into New Zealand's forests and mountains. The Routeburn Track passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mount Aspiring. The variety of landscapes will astound you: mountainous peaks, sheer rock faces, alpine basins, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forest, turquoise rivers, and million-dollar views around every corner.

THE KEPLER TRACK

The Kepler Track is a good introduction to New Zealand's selection of Great Walks. It is a relatively easy trek that can be completed by anyone with a reasonable fitness level, even though the first day and the start of the second day involve a fair amount of climbing. If you're looking for a rewarding walk, but don't want to push yourself beyond your limits, the Kepler is a good choice.