Stahl Family & Friends New Zealand World Heritage Hiking

Transcription

1 Stahl Family & Friends New Zealand World Heritage Hiking An active, easygoing, guided tour of New Zealand s beautiful South Island featuring some of the country s most spectacular walks & scenery. YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand Trails. Do you have an enthusiasm for all things outdoors and natural? Do you enjoy the camaraderie of a small group of like-minded folk? Then do we have an adventure for you! Easygoing activity in the outdoors is a great way to enjoy staying fit, while enjoying the beauty of nature with fun, friendly folks looking for memorable active experiences in the best of the great New Zealand outdoors without sacrificing comfort or cuisine. We re not trying to set any speed records on our hikes or activities, we take time to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the scenery after all there s no hurry, you re on holiday. Our small group guided tour is designed with YOU in mind; travel in confidence knowing that the people facilitating your adventures are veterans in the world of outdoor travel. HIGHLIGHTS Guided day hikes on New Zealand s best hiking trails - the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks and in Arthur s Pass National Park Spectacular rail journey on the TranzAlpine Underworld adventure in one of the most spectacular glowworm caves in the world Eco kayaking on tranquil Okarito Lagoon Lake Wanaka cruise and island bird sanctuary guided hiking Spectacular helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Martins Bay Martins Bay seal colony and (if we re lucky) penguins or dolphins Overnight stay in the iconic location of Milford Sound Hollyford River and Lake McKerrow jetboat Discover Glacier Country Overnight Lodge Stay in remote Fiordland National Park Close up wildlife encounters

2 1 ARRIVE IN CHRISTCHURCH Private transfers to your accommodation. Your guide will meet you after dinner for a short introduction and to go over any questions you may have. (Dinner) 2 TRANZALPINE TRAIN AND ARTHUR S PASS NATIONAL PARK TranzAlpine Train Journey Described as one of the world s great scenic rail journeys, the TranzAlpine traverses stark contrasts from the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge, braided riverbeds of the Canterbury high country, massive glacial valleys, pristine alpine lakes and tussock grassland of the Southern Alps high-country to the lush native rainforest and green pastures of the West Coast. Hiking in Arthur s Pass National Park Fill your lungs with mountain air as we enter Arthur s Pass National Park. The Majestic Southern Alps is the back bone of the South Island, dividing it into two distinct regions, east and west, each with its own unique climate, landscape and life forms - this park is the gateway. This afternoon we ll show you our favorite places hidden in the National Park. Follow your guide up the stunning Bealey Valley, through ancient beech forest, alpine wetlands, along the crystal clear mountain stream to the edge of the alpine zone with views up to Mt Rolleston and her permanent glaciers the perfect start to your New Zealand outdoor adventure. Today s Activity: Not a long hike but over some uneven ground, 4km (3 miles), 3-4 hours including lunch and breaks. Tonight we stay in Punakaiki. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 3 PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK, NILE RIVER GLOWWORM CAVES Today we will spend the day discovering one of the most untouched and undiscovered parts of New Zealand, an area that is becoming a firm favourite on our tours: Welcome to Paparoa National Park Limestone underlying Paparoa is responsible for the park s impressive landforms. Running water over many thousands of years has formed and environment known as karst, featuring deep river canyons, sculptured mountain ridges, a large network of caves, sinkholes - add to this a thick layer of Gondwanaland Rainforest. Primeval River Rainforest Your guides will lead you on a walk through the rainforest close to the enormous Nile River Caves - untouched by man and in its natural state.

3 Today s Activity: Hiking on the forest trail to the cave entrance usually takes minutes, with a short climb at the very end. Walking in the cave is at a slow pace on mostly flat ground with some walking on rocks, it s all about taking in our stunning surroundings. Total time is usually 2 to 2.5 hours. Tonight we stay in Punakaiki again. (Breakfast, Lunch) THE WEST COAST AND 4 OKARITO LAGOON Underworld Glowworm Walk Discovered relatively recently, our cave is one of the few in the world you can easily walk through and experience in its natural state, the way it was discovered. The large dry upper levels of the cave are simply stunning and a very special place complete with spectacular stalactite & stalagmite creations & galaxies of glowworms that are unequalled. There are two options here get kitted up in wetsuits to float on a small inflatable raft through the most amazing glowworm caves on the planet or stay dry and walk into the heart of the caves with your guide. Talk to us to find out which option will suit you. Wild West Coast Scenic Drive First time visitors to New Zealand are always amazed by how stunning the roads are and today you will see this for yourself. Sit back in your seat and enjoy the views - the snowy peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, virgin West Coast rainforest and the rugged Tasman Sea coastline - Wow! Gliding Eco Tour on Okarito Lagoon A quiet kayak is the best way to enjoy the flora, fauna and scenic grandeur of New Zealand s largest unmodified coastal wetland. Okarito Lagoon is well known for its outstanding avifauna (over 70 species of birds have been recorded here). The lagoon is a common feeding ground for kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both of which breed in the nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. The lagoon also has diverse and fascinating flora both in the salt marsh and other wetland communities, as well as in the adjacent shrublands, forest and sand dunes. All this with the backdrop of New Zealand s highest peaks - you will be pinching yourself in disbelief at the sheer beauty. Today s Activity: We spend up to 2 hours on the water in double kayaks, the paddling is at your own pace and there s plenty of time to rest if you need to. Our local guides know all the loyal conditions and we plan our trip with these in mind. We even have a support boat on call if we need it. Tonight we stay at Fox Glacier. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).

4 5 THE RIVER OF ICE AND MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK Glacier Country in Southwest New Zealand is a truly unique environment and one of only to areas in the World where you can visit a glacier, rainforest and beach all in the same day. Our time here is spent discovering all three of these rare landscapes. Recent conditions at Fox Glacier have led to a lot of change in the physical environment at the terminal face of Fox Glacier, meaning we are no longer able to hike up to and on the glacier. We ll show you our favourite short hikes in the area, which may include the famous Lake Matheson or views of the glacier itself from a safe distance. The West Coast, Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes As we continue our trail the scenery is impressive all the way, once over the Haast Pass the views change dramatically as we head into the mountains and bid farewell to the coastline. We follow the Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and the Wanaka Lakes district, this pass was used by Maori on Pounamu (jade) and food gathering expeditions as one of the earliest routes linking the West Coast and central Otago. Today s Activity: We ll walk a number of shorter tracks today, the longest being around 1.5 hours, over a gently undulating well formed track. Tonight we stay in Wanaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 6 LAKE WANAKA AND MOU WAHO ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve which is only accessible from Lake Wanaka by a 35 minute boat ride. We are walking with a long time local guide and eco warrior today - he ll lead us on the well-formed track on our gentle climb through the native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing! From the top we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. On a hot day you may not be able to resist a dip in the cool crystal clear waters. Tonight we stay in Queenstown. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) The Cardrona Valley and Queenstown Our afternoon drive takes us through the Cardrona Valley, over the Crown Range into the amazing Wakatipu basin. You ve probably seen pictures of this area and the Range is by far the most stunning way into Queenstown. Today s Activity: The walk into the view point on Mou Waho is a short climb in and downhill on the way back. There s a lot to see and learn so we take plenty of breaks. The return distance is around 5km (3 miles). We are on the island for around 2.5 hours.

5 7 DESTINATION PARADISE AND THE ROUTEBURN TRACK Today we are heading close to Paradise, not the other unofficial Paradises we have been to already, but the official Paradise. We ve got serious business today, we know you ll love what we think is New Zealand s best one day hike, the Routeburn Track. On the trail your guides will lead you through the Beech Forest (looks like Lord of the Rings was shot here), alongside the crystal clear river (swimming welcome but the water is cold) onto Routeburn Flats and for those looking for a real challenge, Routeburn Falls. As with all our hikes, there s lots of flexibility, if you want to push yourself a little or just enjoy a comfortable hike on the flat trail, it s all here. Either way, the scenery s magnificent and your guides are there to take care of you all the way. Today s Activity: You choose how far you want to walk today, most people make the hike to Routeburn Flats, a return walk of 13km (8 miles) over 5-6 hours. The trail is excellent all the way, a gradual climb on the way in and downhill on the way back. We have all day to enjoy ourselves so there s no hurry. For an extra challenge the climb to Routeburn Falls will reward you with stunning views, the return distance adds another 3km (2 miles) to your hike and it s quite a good climb too, 300 vertical meters (1000 feet)! We stay in Queenstown again tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch)

6 8 FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK After our hiking exploits yesterday, we ll enjoy a leisurely start to the day and a final few hours for a lakeside stroll in Queenstown Gardens. We head off along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, for another Lakeview lunch, this time on the shores of the largest body of fresh water in the country, Lake Te Anau. This afternoon we are in no rush, we certainly want to savor our journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Afternoon is often the best time to drive the stunning Milford Road, without the morning crowds and some excellent light for photographs. We will take our time as there are so many amazing photo spots along the way you won t want to miss. We arrive at our lodgings in Milford Sound with plenty of time before dinner, perfect opportunity for a short walk or that perfect Milford Sound photograph of your own! Tonight we spend the night in our accommodation at Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 9 MILFORD SOUND AND THE MILFORD TRACK AM Today will be one of the highlights of your entire New Zealand Trail. Moody and dramatic, Milford Sound is simply stunning and offers what is surely the most spectacular fiord scenery in the southern hemisphere. Whatever the fiord s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you. Rudyard Kipling once described Milford as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and we think he was right - your time in Fiordland wouldn t be complete without a visit to this area. Our day starts with a short boat journey across Milford Sound to the Milford Track, the finest walk in the world. We follow the footsteps of the first European explorers through the lush green world of tree ferns, mosses and lowland podocarp forest up the Arthur Valley to a spot of natural beauty you won t forget in a hurry Giant s Gate Falls. After our hike we return to Milford Sound for our helicopter all the way down the Sound, out to the Tasman Sea coastline and on to Martins Bay in Fiordland National Park. This is a truly remote corner of New Zealand, no crowds out here guaranteed! Our afternoon guided hiking is one of heritage and wildlife as we learn about the trials and tribulations faced by the early residents of Martins Bay before a totally natural wildlife encounter with the New Zealand fur seal and (if we re lucky) the Fiordland Crested Penguin. Return to our private lodge accommodation by jetboat. This Morning s Activity: Your Milford Track hike from Sandfly Point to Giant s Gate Falls is mostly flat all the way and in excellent condition, the return journey is 10km (6 miles) and usually takes 3-4 hours including breaks.

7 9 PM HELICOPTER FLIGHT TO MARTINS BAY, COASTAL WILDLIFE & HERITAGE WALK Our scenic flight over the rugged Fiordland backcountry into Martins Bay is simply awe-inspiring. Firstly we fly out into Milford Sound, gaining a bird s eye view of its pure majesty with massive vertical granite walls rising from the sea, waterfalls cascading either side... then over the mighty Darran Mountain Range across the Hollyford Valley and into remote Martins Bay. We explore the Martins Bay area on foot, learning about the historical sites of Maori occupation of the area where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley, controlling access into and out of highly valued pounamu (greenstone / jade) gathering areas. Your guide will also highlight the plant and wildlife of this unique environment helping you to discover the diversity of this truly remote area. Our afternoon hike takes us to the Martins Bay seal colony where we can view the New Zealand fur seal at close quarters and in total seclusion, a totally natural wildlife experience. If we re lucky we may even catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. This Afternoon s Activity: The walk to the seal colony usually takes around two hours and once we re there we take our time as there s so much to see. After a 30 minute walk back to the river our jetboat comes and picks us up for the return journey to the lodge. This evening we stay in Martins Bay on the Hollyford Track (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). 10 THE HIKE HOLLYFORD THE HOLLYFORD VALLEY & NZ HIGH TRACK COUNTRY FARM EXPERIENCE The Hollyford Track Stepping into the Hollyford Valley is literally like entering a lost world, remote wilderness untouched for thousands of years. The Hollyford Track is the only major track in Fiordland that is consistently at a low altitude, (it s a valley walk) undulating gently through native forests, beside picturesque lakes and roaring waterfalls as we shadow the swift, clear waters of the Hollyford River. Naturally spectacular, this valley has an unparalleled diversity of vegetation and wildlife from 1000-year-old giant rimu trees to ancient podocarp forest, hundreds of intricate ferns, crimson southern rata and the emerald mosses and velvet lichens of the understory. Regarded by many as New Zealand's most beautiful wilderness valley, this is the perfect setting for our final incredible walking experience. Our adventure today starts with a jetboat across Lake McKerrow before your guides lead you on your day hike, a flat one day walk through the World Heritage wilderness of the Hollyford Track. Today s Activity: Our hike today is just around 17km (10.5 miles) on an excellent flat trail all the way. It s not a race to get to the end, we want to take our time in this magical place, we are walking for 5-6 hours with plenty of breaks. This evening we stay in Te Anau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

8 11 THE LAST - LAKE TEKAPO AND MACKENZIE COUNTRY All good things must come to an end, today is the final day of your New Zealand Trail! After a leisurely start to the day, we return to Queenstown for a final lakeside lunch before the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Finish or Overnight in Queenstown at your own arrangements. (Breakfast, Lunch) TOUR PRICE: We know you will love what we think is the best of New Zealand. 11 Day Tour - Christchurch to Queenstown Tour starts in Christchurch February 7th 2016 NZ$6995 (twin or double share, per person) NZ$1075 (guaranteed single room supplement)* This is the tour price based on a minimum of eight travellers. For a group of ten or more, this price will be reduced. Please ask Andrew (NZ Trails) for details. Your all inclusive tour package includes: All accommodation (twin or double share) in 4 star lodgeings, unless otherwise noted. Your Martins Bay accommodation is in double rooms in a fully serviced lodge with hot showers and a drying room. All transport by private coach, guided walking and activities in the itinerary (including Milford - Martins Bay helicopter flight), meals as noted in the itinerary, national party entry fees, domestic taxes, moral support, TLC and jokes from your guides. Any exceptions will be clearly noted in your itinerary. Predeparture advice from our friendly team - we will be available to assist you at any time with questions you may have before your departure. We can also help with any pre or post tour travel requirements - just ask us and we d be happy to help. Comfortable, 4 star accommodations: We select lodgings based on comfort, location and charm. You will stay in 4 star hotels or lodges with private washrooms. The only accommodation on the itinerary with shared facilities is Martins Bay lodge which is in a remote location and the full lodge is available exclusively for our group. Seperate men s and women s bathrooms with hot showers are available right next to your room. Group Size: The proposed group size will be between eight and twelve people. Tour Dates: Everyone must be in Christchurch, New Zealand, by the evening of Sunday 7 February NZ Trails arrangements conclude after lunch on Wednesday 17 February 2016 in Queenstown. Meals: However remote a spot we find ourselves you won t have to compromise on cuisine. A lot of thought and effort has gone into ensuring the standard of food and wine matches that of the scenery. We work with local talent to bring the best of the region s food and wine to your table. Your 11 day tour price includes 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 8 dinners. Your Guides: Your guides are highly trained passionate professionals with a wide array of life experiences. From spotting native wildlife to providing that little extra encouragement during the last mile, the connections you make with your guides will last a lot longer than the duration of this tour. Throughout your tour we also work with the best local guides in certain locations, these outdoor professionals have been showing visitors around their favourite spots for years and are happy to share their secrets and knowledge with you. Contact us for more information or to book your spot: Online: info@newzealandtrails.com Phone: USA Freephone: New Zealand Trails 69 Beach Road, Auckland, New Zealand