WALKING WITH PENGUINS AND SEALS

Experience walking with penguins and seals in their natural habitat on the rugged coastline amongst ancient podocarp forest in Martins Bay in Fiordland with an optional Milford Sound flyover and glacier landing. Board your privately chartered helicopter and experience breath-taking scenery as you fly over the Routeburn Valley and down the Hollyford Valley to land in Martins Bay. Hike along the wild and rugged coastline, encounter the native Fiordland Crested Penguins in their natural habitat, New Zealand Fur Seals lying on the rocks and native birds such as Wood Pigeons, Kakariki, Fantails and the New Zealand Robin.

Note: The best time of year to see the penguins is July to November (breeding season) and are also seen occasionally mid-January to early March (moulting season).

CECIL PEAK

The Cecil Peak heli hike is an alpine hike in the rocky landscape just below the summit of Cecil Peak. Exiting the helicopter you will immediately be struck by the remoteness and grandeur of the setting. A short climb through tussock grasses gets us to a panoramic viewpoint on the prominent skyline ridge above Lake Wakatipu. Follow the ridge towards the rock outcrops at the top of Island Spur, your final destination and a great spot to wait for the helicopter while enjoying a cold drink. This is suitable for more experienced hikers and takes 3-6 hours.

EARNSLAW BURN

Walk in the footsteps of Bilbo from The Hobbit, through the magical valley to the Middle Earth Waterfalls. Board your privately chartered helicopter, experience remarkable scenery flying high over the Moonlight saddle and Richardson Mountains to Mt Earnslaw.

Land in the valley to embark on your trek through native tussock fields and rolling high-country farmland, experience how it transforms into glaciers and plunging waterfalls. Follow the track created by the wild White Tail deer often seen roaming around and learn about the flora & fauna and local history of this captivating location. Reach the head of the valley where you will be in awe of the majestic waterfalls and the hanging glacier of the Earnslaw Burn, as it towers 1,000 metres above you. Tolkien fans can walk under the Middle Earth waterfalls, seen when they depart Rivendell to continue their quest and for those who have not seen the film, you will be equally impressed by the surreal views.