wild women on top moonlight track & queenstown backcountry hike

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1 trip highlights Explore stunning Queenstown at your leisure Relax in the comfort and beautiful setting of Moonlight Lodge Exclusive backcountry hike on a private station Hike beneath mountains, over golden tussock ridges and through native beech forests Overnight wilderness camping with views of Skippers Canyon Scenic jetboat transfer up the Shotover River Explore goldmining history and alpine flora and fauna Heli hike to the dominant peak of Mt Gilbert Summit Ben Lomond (1748m) with views over Lake Wakatipu Learn about NZ high country life from station owners John and Ginny Foster Kia Ora from Adventure South Thank you for your interest in our Wild Women on Top Moonlight Track & Queenstown Backcountry Hike adventure. It s a superb adventure and we hope you can join us. Adventure South has been operating active holidays throughout New Zealand since Thanks to our experience we re confident to say that we offer the very best cycling, trekking and adventure travel itineraries available in New Zealand today. There s simply no other collection of New Zealand itineraries that can match the geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of our active New Zealand adventure holidays. An Adventure South holiday aims to take you beyond the more popular and busy trails to provide you with a truly unique New Zealand wilderness experience. We re here to show you that there are many, many more trails and cycling routes in our great country that are the new frontiers in adventure tourism beautiful, scenic, and without the crowds. We aim to explore these delicate environments in a sustainable manner to ensure we leave as little impact as possible from our visit. We d be honoured to introduce you to the wide variety of natural wonders that New Zealand is famous for. Go forth, go south join us on this amazing small group, value packed adventure! Trip Duration 7 days Trip Code: MOO Grade Moderate Activities Trekking Wilderness Camping Jet boating Heli hiking Accommodation 5 nights lodge, 1 night wilderness camping why travel with Adventure South? We ve been operating quality active trips in New Zealand since Our unrivalled range of active holidays across the North and South Islands has helped travellers to journey to the very heart of these wild and mysterious landscapes. Our unique range of guided small group active holidays travel well beyond the standard popular trails to help you discover the true essence of New Zealand s famous wilderness. On our adventures in New Zealand you can also expect the right, proven equipment is provided for your tour; the food is delicious, plentiful and can be catered to your dietary requests; your guides are all First Aid trained; that the itinerary you have chosen has been carefully crafted from decades of personal experience in the New Zealand wilderness, not from a guide book recommendation Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

2 Queenstown South Island Christchurch Mar - 08 Mar trip cost Joining Queenstown from: $3690 All prices are per person options & supplements If you are travelling alone, we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. trip dates fast facts Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Advice for people with limited mobility This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. *Ask our staff for more information the trip This exceptional five day walk is a fabulous way to experience the rugged ranges behind Queenstown within the high country property of Ben Lomond Station. The walk extends through a variety of spectacular landscapes from tussock ridge lines high above the Shotover River to an exciting heli hike on the sub alpine summit of Mt Gilbert (1787m). You will explore abandoned gold mining relics, water races, razorback ridges, beautiful beech forests, and river valleys right until the finish with an optional summit of Ben Lomond (1748m). Accommodation in Queenstown is at the centrally located Blue Peaks Lodge. On trek you ll stay in the well appointed Moonlight Lodge where the comfortable lounge room has views of nearby peaks and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the delicious three course meals and kiwi hospitality from the Foster Family who own the station. The walking experience is completed by spending a night wilderness camping on a secluded spot in the Shotover Canyon then a utilising a jetboat for a scenic upriver transfer which gives access to remote trails. This exclusive getaway is one not to be missed! about your leader/escort Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides. benefits of a wild women on top partner adventure Wild Women On Top helps women lead adventurous lives they love. When you join a Wild Women On Top partner adventure, you become part of an incredible team, training and hiking together to maximise everybody s enjoyment and success. Wild Women On Top support you to get the most out your Wild Adventure, making it a truly transformational challenge. What Wild Women offer: A Wild Women Coach who leads and empowers the team, shares Wild Women culture and traditions and supports you in your preparation for the adventure. An exclusive itinerary tailored to the needs of women, prioritising magic moments of natural exhilaration and breathtaking challenges. T.E.A.M: Together Everyone Achieves More approach to adventure Training and preparation to ensure all your teammates are perfectly prepared and fit for the adventure (that means you must be, too!). If you can t join us for Trek Training in Sydney, you can prepare with the Luvmyhike 12 week online training program and check in with your coach regularly. Everyone must be a member of Wild Women On Top so you re guaranteed your teammates understand our culture and have like minded goals. The Golden Rules to create a loving, successful and supportive environment during your adventure. A Facebook group to connect you with your team and encourage team building as well as give you direct access to your coach. A complimentary copy of How To Prepare for World Class Treks e book by Di Westaway Please note: Travel Partner guides and staff are responsible for delivering your extraordinary experience during your adventure. Please direct all pre, mid and post trip feedback to Travel Partner. Your Coach is NOT the tour operator, guide, navigator or first aider Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

3 responsible travel We all have a responsibility to minimise the impact we have on the environment and communities we visit when we travel. Since our beginnings this has been a cornerstone of our company. The New Zealand travel industry has become a world leader in developing an external audit process which monitors tourism businesses based on quality, safety and sustainable experiences. We re very proud to have received a Gold Qualmark rating, having met standards designed to protect what makes New Zealand unique and special. Being responsible when we travel isn t about a single process or project but rather a way of thinking and then doing. We started this journey many years ago and although we are not perfect, we are striving to continually learn and improve. trip grading Moderate To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. While part of this itinerary does utilise formed tracks, some days the hikes involve untracked scree and tussock. The walking is easy gradual but without a formed track to follow. The sense of isolation and wilderness is a strong feature of this trip. For you to be able to really enjoy this trip we recommend that you are confident walking across uneven terrain and are able to walk comfortably for a few hours at a time (with breaks included). We recommend 90 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling, jogging or power walking) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 ARRIVE QUEENSTOWN DEPART QUEENSTOWN. COMMENCE HIKE TO MOONLIGHT LODGE MOONLIGHT LODGE TO BLUE JACKET HUT BLUE JACKET HUT TO MOONLIGHT LODGE INCLUDING SCENIC JET BOAT RIDE HELI-HIKE ON MT GILBERT (1787M) MOONLIGHT LODGE TO QUEENSTOWN VIA BEN LOMOND TRIP CONCLUDES what s included Delicious home cooked meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners) while trekking 2 nights Blue Peaks Lodge in Queenstown (twin share) 3 nights Moonlight Lodge (twin share) 1 night wilderness camping using a private mountain hut for meals (shared facilities) 2 professional qualified hiking guides Scenic jetboat transfer on day 3, heli hike on day 5, Skyline Gondola descent on day 6 of tour Luggage transfer (15kgs max) on day 1 and day 5 Snacks and water while hiking Private vehicle transport to trail head Packs and poles (on request if required) please let our staff know in advance Trip escorted by Wild Women on Top coach New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) what s not included International or domestic flights and taxes Arrival and departure airport transfers Meals not mentioned in the itinerary All beverages, other than breakfast Sleeping bag and sleeping mat for camping (can be rented, please let us know in advance) Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system) Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, alcohol, shopping etc) Travel insurance Visa (if required) Tips detailed itinerary DAY 1 Arrive Queenstown On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The remainder of the day/evening is at your own leisure. meals: NIL Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

4 adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are mentally flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. DAY 2 Depart Queenstown. Commence hike to Moonlight Lodge This morning we will collect you from your hotel at around 09:00am and drive the short distance to the Moonlight Track trail head to commence todays walk. The Shotover Valley was an early Maori trading route to the West Coast which then became the site of one of the worlds most significant, 19th century gold strikes. The narrow but well defined trail follows one of the most dramatic and scenic valleys in the Wakatipu Basin. The walk initially traverses high above the Shotover River, once called the richest river in the world. The trail descends into the old gold mining settlement of Sefferstown which was a gold rush tent village with over 3,000 occupants at its peak in Named from its occupation by the large Seffers family (of Crimean/Russian origin) and contained several stores, a hotel, post office and library. Following Moonlight Creek, the trail undulates beneath bluffs with views of soaring tussock covered ridges and native forest before coming to a plateau where the impressive Moonlight Lodge is located, overlooking sweeping tussock terraces and stunning beech forest. As day turns to night we savour the sun setting behind mountain silhouettes and a star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by your hosts, John and Ginny Foster. The lodge consists of comfortable double/twin ensuite rooms along with open plan lounge and dining areas (licensed bar) which are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the large stone fireplace and commanding views. Please Note: Tomorrow night we will be wilderness camping near to the historic Blue Jacket Hut. You will need to carry your clothing and personal items you require for one overnight and the following day. Tents and cooking equipment will be waiting onsite. Hiking distance: approx. 9km - Time: approx. 4hrs meals: L,D DAY 3 Moonlight Lodge to Blue Jacket Hut From the lodge we climb along a ridgeline which separates the Shotover River and Moonlight River valleys and offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. After lunch we drop off the ridge and descend via steep switchbacks to cross Blue Jacket Creek and follow a rough trail to our campsite, located on a terrace overlooking the Shotover River. 2 person tents will be supplied and meals will be prepared and enjoyed in the rustic hut before enjoying the star show once the long evening night sky turns dark. Those who have paid for a single supplement will get their own tent. Please Note: There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo with a view! The hut is fully equipped for cooking, yet has no facilities for sleeping. It provides a homely and unique setting for our night in the outdoors. Hiking distance: approx. 8km - Time: approx. 3hrs meals: B,L,D Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

5 DAY 4 Blue Jacket Hut to Moonlight Lodge including scenic jet boat ride An early morning breakfast prepared by your guides will fuel you for another day of hiking the exclusive high country trails of Ben Lomond Station. We break camp and drop down to the Shotover River where a waiting jetboat will take us up river for a scenic and informative ride and give you an opportunity to see the river and canyons from a different perspective. We disembark at Maori Point which was one of the earliest and richest alluvial gold mining beaches in the Shotover Valley (1863) and its name records the finding of gold by two Maori prospectors, an uncommon record amongst the European-dominated mining sites. We follow trails back to Moonlight Lodge via the Stoney Creek water race. This spectacular water race was built nearly 150 years ago to carry water to the Skippers gold sluices and in places is carved out of sheer bluffs (fenced for your safety of course!). The majority of the walk is on wellformed tracks, passing through native beech forests where the song of bird calls is clear. We return to Moonlight Lodge where a well deserved cold drink and shower awaits and can be enjoyed along with another delicious meal and warm hospitality from the Foster family. Does life in the mountains get any better? Hiking distance: approx. 8km - Time: approx. 4hrs meals: B,L,D DAY 5 Heli-hike on Mt Gilbert (1787m) Todays hike and magical views have the potential to be the highlight of the trip. A heli-hike takes us trekking far from the valley floor and into the extraordinary sub-alpine environment at the summit of Mt Gilbert - the dominant mountain we see from the lodge. Once the helicopter has dropped us at the peak, we are left in silence with the inspiring panoramas of the nearby Harrison and Richardson Ranges, the mountains and valleys we have been exploring over the past 3 days. Depending on the prevailing weather and group ability, we have a range of trails to descend from Mt Gilbert back to Moonlight Lodge. Please Note: The flight is subject to weather conditions; if cancelled due to poor weather, there will be an option of a heli transfer tomorrow to Queenstown - subject to availability. Hiking distance: approx. 7km - Time: approx. 3hrs meals: B,L,D DAY 6 Moonlight Lodge to Queenstown via Ben Lomond After a final hearty breakfast, we farewell our hosts and commence the walk out and return to Queenstown. We hike to the Ben Lomond saddle (1326m) and the stronger members of the group can choose to take the side trip to the summit of Ben Lomond at 1748m where the views continue to deliver. From the saddle, we can see our earlier route from Skippers and Shotover Canyons, and the expanse of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. We descend until we reach the gondola, which provides a quick ride into Queenstown and then a short walk to the centrally located luggage collection point. Tonight you can celebrate your epic adventure with great food and wine at one of Queenstown s many great eateries. Hiking distance: approx. 11km - Time: approx. 5 hrs meals: B,L DAY 7 Trip concludes Your trip concludes today. You will need to make your own way to the airport for your flight home. meals: NIL This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

6 country information Stretching North to South for over 2000 km, and split into two main islands the North and the South Islands New Zealand is a country of diverse landforms. From the Pacific Island beaches and rolling farmlands in the north, to the volcanic plateau and then onto the soaring mountains within view of the sea in the south, and the sub Antarctic islands that dot the South Island coastline, the contrasts are many. The South Island is the 12th largest island in the world. The west coast is dominated by the Southern Alps, which contain more mountains than the European Alps altogether, and home to New Zealand s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook (3754m / 12,316 ft). The Main Divide, the chain of peaks that forms the backbone of the Alps from Arthur s Pass to Fiordland, splits the South Island into east and west. Several ice ages, and the fact that two continental plates are sliding past each other forming the Southern Alps, means that the scenery is as rugged as the New Zealand fauna and flora is unique. The largest city in the South Island is Christchurch. The North Island is the smaller of the two main islands of New Zealand. Its northern location means it enjoys a warmer, more temperate climate than much of the South Island, and is much more vastly populated. The centre of the island is primarily a volcanic landscape with vast forests, volcanic peaks, and picturesque lakes. The eastern side of the island is covered with vineyards. Auckland, also known as the City of Sails, is the largest city of New Zealand and found on the North Island. With a population of 4.0 million people, the wilderness areas of New Zealand are many as most Kiwis now live in an urban situation near the coast. The Maori are the indigenous people of the land and they named it Aotearoa Land of the Long White Cloud upon their arrival 1000 years ago. Europeans settled in the early 1800s and the country is alive today with a market driven economy and a blend of European and Asia/Pacific influences to create a buoyant South Pacific culture. climate As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for travelling in New Zealand s stunning outdoors. One of the most important things travellers need to know about the New Zealand climate is that it s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of larger landmasses. Thanks to its position in the path of the Roaring 40s and mountainous terrain, New Zealand s weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the weather can change so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and some warm clothing. You don t need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper and good thermals are a must. The temperature during the South Island summers range from ºC, with a pleasant 40 50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and snowfall is not uncommon even in summer. The Southern Alps act as a barrier to the moisture laden winds coming west across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the west side of the mountains and a drier climate on the east side. The geography also creates a wind pattern, which can in summer be very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30 C. Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around 5 C. Weather is an integral facet of any mountain range and getting to understand and work with this major environmental factor is what will make you more prepared for your tour any questions about what to expect on your tour talk to one of our sales team. mountain flights During this tour we will use a helicopter to relocate us. This allows access to or from remote locations, as well as providing spectacular views of the mountain landscapes. Please be Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

7 aware that heli hikes are weather dependent and the itinerary may be re arranged if flights are cancelled. We will endeavour to reschedule the flights where possible. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. accommodation on the trip The accommodation is on a twin share basis with private facilities, except for the third night where we camp in 2 person tents. Moonlight Lodge consists of comfortable double/twin and multi share rooms all with ensuites. The open plan lounge and dining areas (licensed bar) are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the large stone fireplace and commanding views. Solar power is stored during the day. A generator may be used in the evening if required. If you wish to reserve a room or tent to yourself a single supplement is available at extra cost. what you carry Your main luggage (Max. 15kg) will be transferred by vehicle to Moonlight Lodge on day 2. On the third day of the tour you will be wilderness camping where you will need to carry an overnight pack for the day and then back to Moonlight Lodge on the following day. The rest of the walks on this tour are day walks so a small pack with personal essentials is all you will need to carry. The support vehicle will then return your main luggage to Queenstown on the final day. equipment required Day pack of sufficient size to carry personal items and a change of clothes for overnight on Day 3. Hiking poles are recommended but not essential. Sleeping bag and insulated mat is required for the overnight camp. These can be hired for an additional charge. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support that are well broken in are essential. A comprehensive gear list is included with your trip confirmation. protecting the environment In a world where more and more rubbish is produced every year we are trying to do our little bit to help the planet. We encourage you to please bring your own water bottle. If you are a keen coffee or tea drinker you might like to bring your own reusable cup. Also if you think you might Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM

8 do some shopping, it could be useful to carry small foldable reusable shopping bags to reduce the need for plastic bags. subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with the new and exciting trip releases, special offers plus more please subscribe to our free e newsletter at Or why not view past travellers images and join in on the conversation at com/adventuresouthnz follow us Follow us on Facebook at: how to book To book a Wild Women On Top trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function, details of which will be provided at the time of the trip launch with Wild Women On Top. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main trip. Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please go to ring or admin@wildwomenontop.com for more details on training and memberships Adventure South - Bec Leorke 10/25/ :05:07 PM