ew Zealand - Timeless Tramping

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1 Highlights Walks & a boat excursion at Aoraki National Park - Tasman Glacier Visit Otago Peninsula, famous for albatross & penguin viewing Forest & coastal walks in the Catlins, on the rugged south east coast Stay on Stewart Island for bushwalks & visit nearby Ulva Island Optional hike on the Routeburn track from Te Anau Enjoy the alpine beauty of Fiordland National Park Explore the alpine zones of Mt Aspiring National Park on the Rob Roy Alpine Walk Canoe on beautiful Lake Moeraki Walk with a Maori guide at Hokitika Join us for an 18 day journey through the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand s South Island. Snow-covered peaks tower above tranquil lakes, waterfalls tumble from misty heights and walking tracks meander through moss-draped beech forests. From Christchurch we travel directly to Aoraki National Park for walks and an informative boat tour on the terminal lake of Tasman Glacier. Travelling via Dunedin, an overnight stay gives us access to the birdlife of the Otago Peninsula. This is home to the world s only mainland albatross breeding colony. On the scenic south east coast, we have two days to explore the dense temperate rainforest of Catlins Forest Park. On Stewart Island, we walk to the wilderness of Maori Beach and visit nearby Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary for birds. From Te Anau, there s the opportunity to visit the Fiordland wilderness that provides habitats for Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and the Fiordland crested penguin. Near Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park is unveiled on the Rob Roy Alpine Walk. Crossing Haast Pass to the coast, our destination is Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of the 2.7 million hectare South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Our last port of call before we return to Christchurch is Hokitika, renowned for its greenstone and spectacular sunsets. DETAILS Price: Twinshare / person (ex Christchurch) Advanced Early Bird: A$7,380 until 25/08/2017 Early Bird: A$7,580 until 27/10/2017 Regular: A$7,880 Single Supplement: A$1,580 Note: For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable roommate, but if this is not possible the sole-use surcharge will apply. Minimum Group size: 10 guests Special Interest: Birding, Wildlife, Botanical, History Note: Can be joined with Eastern Tasmania - Capes & Coves For bookings call visit or info@parktours.com.au 1

2 WALK RATING Easy to Moderate: 5-10km per walking day with some longer options. Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience, and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness. INCLUSIONS 17 nights twin share accommodation - hotel & unit accommodation with some shared facilities (Stewart Island) Meals include 17 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 13 Dinners All transfers as listed in itinerary National park and museum entry fees Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides Basic group tips where required Pre-departure material including background & personalised A-Z tour information and destination tour companion EXCLUSIONS Airfares & taxes to start / from end of tour Airport transfers Passport & visa expenses Heavy or excess baggage Travel insurance Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone, or optional tours / excursions TOUR LEADER Twice-named Eco Guide of the Year by Ecotourism Australia, Barry is one of the most experienced nature tour leaders within Australia and New Zealand, with a particular passion for birds and wildlife. Since 2008 Barry has been a naturalist and lecturer aboard an expedition vessel visiting islands from Fiji to Papua New Guinea and has lead tours in Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Australia and New Zealand. His work background, previously as naturalist guide and activities manager at Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, coupled with independent guiding explorations with his own specialist touring company, Gondwana Guides, provide him with considerable cumulative knowledge of the ecological and biological nature of all regions within Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Rim. FAQ S How & when to book? Our biggest message to you is BOOK EARLY!! Many tours book out very quickly so the moral of the story is the early bird catches the worm! To qualify for any of the early bird prices, you simply need to send a completed booking form and deposit of A$400 per person per tour, by the early bird dates listed at the front of the tour itinerary. We offer A$500 discount per person if you book by the Advanced Early Bird date and A$300 discount per person if you book by the Early Bird date. If your deposit arrives after any of the early bird dates, the tour balance will be at the regular price. To place your booking, simply visit com.au to pay your deposit and book online, or complete a Tour Booking Form, and post / fax / it to us with your deposit. Once you have booked on a tour, we will stay in contact with regular mailings (see below). What information and contact can I expect? When you send your initial deposit, we will contact you to confirm your booking. Once the tour has been confirmed to depart, a comprehensive information pack will be sent to you, including a Tour A-Z, suggested packing list, medical questionnaire, balance of payment invoice, and pre / post accommodation options. We can assist you with flight arrangements but please don t book flights until our office contacts you to confirm that your tour has been confirmed to depart. The final mailing is sent out approximately three weeks before departure and includes final tour documents, address list for family and friends, meeting points, and any final travel information. What is the group size? We specialise in small group travel with an average group size of around guests. Please see the front page for details on the minimum group size for this particular tour. All tours need a minimum number of passengers to operate at the price listed in the itinerary. If the minimum number is not reached, a tour may still operate with a surcharge. How fit do I have to be? When you are assessing your ability and agility to participate, age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience. Please read the tour walk rating and the day by day walking descriptions in the itinerary to determine if the tour is suitable for your fitness. If you have any queries, we are happy to put you in touch with either the tour coordinator or tour leader to discuss your fitness in more detail. What gear and equipment do I need to take? Because we focus on half and full day walks, returning to our accommodation in the afternoon, you don t need to carry any more than a daypack with rain wear, sunscreen, drinking water, camera and lunch. A few tours include an overnight hike where you will need to carry personal gear for the journey. We recommend hiking boots on most of our tours as they offer good ankle support and grip. A detailed packing list is included with your tour s information pack. For bookings call visit or info@parktours.com.au 2

3 TOUR Day 1 Sat 24 Feb Arrive Christchurch Kia Ora! Your tour starts at 5pm when your tour leader meets you in the lobby of your Christchurch hotel. We enjoy a walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and have time for group introductions and a tour briefing prior to our welcome dinner. As the gateway to the Canterbury region, Christchurch has a rich history and heritage while looking forward with innovative projects and restoration after the 2010 & 2011 earthquakes. Meals: D Walks: Short walk Day 2 Sun 25 Feb Drive to Aoraki National Park After breakfast, we depart for Aoraki (Mt Cook) National Park. Including Australasia s highest mountain (3724m), Aoraki is the northernmost part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area in the Southern Alps. Our drive through the heart of Canterbury to the McKenzie region will take approximately five hours. We make regular photo stops and enjoy views of the mountains plus Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki en route. After checking in to our motel accommodation at Mt Cook Lodge, we have time to relax before joining a guided boat tour of the Tasman Glacier terminal lake in the late afternoon. Walks: Short walks Day 3 Mon 26 Feb Aoraki National Park Today we have a choice of several short walks from the Mt Cook Village and surrounds. The Red Tarns Track, Kea Point tracks each take around two hours return while the popular Hooker Valley Track is 4 hours return. We will choose the walks based on weather conditions and ability. Whilst we will be offering group walks you may choose to spend the day at your leisure in and around the village. There is also a fascinating visitor s centre with an excellent artwork collection and interpretation exhibits. Walks: Dependent on weather conditions. Most walks 2-4hr return, easy to moderate Day 4 Tue 27 Feb Oamaru / Moeraki Boulders / Dunedin We continue south then along the eastern coastline to Dunedin, regarded as the best preserved Edwardian and Victorian heritage city in the southern hemisphere. Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island and the principal city of the Otago Region. On the way we visit the fascinating old quarter of Oamaru, a busy hub filled with galleries, cafes, bars, museums, a brewery, a steam train and curious Steampunk inspired attractions. Traveling south we take a walk along a beach to the Moeraki Boulders. Centuries of coastline erosion have revealed a spectacular collection of these curiously large spherical boulders. Maori legend refers to the Moeraki Boulders as the wreckage from a large Waka (sailing canoe). The boulders are said to be the fishing nets and calabashes that were washed ashore and then turned into stone. We check into our Dunedin accommodation before heading out for an evening meal. Walks: Short garden and beach walks Day 5 Wed 28 Feb Otago Peninsula / Catlins To the east of Dunedin, we visit the Royal albatrosses at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula, the world s only mainland albatross breeding colony. The Otago Peninsula together with its 20km long harbour is home to an abundance of bird and marine life, including the Royal albatross, the endangered Yellow eyed penguin (Hoiho) and the Blue penguins (Pukekura). The peninsula is also home to many seals, as well as the New Zealand sea lion (formerly known as the Hooker s sea lion), one of the rarest seal species in the world, the occasional Sea elephant and the Otago shags in their natural habitat. Our journey continues south to the Catlins in the south eastern corner of the south island. On arrival at Kaka Point, where we spend the next two nights, we walk out to the lighthouse For bookings call visit or info@parktours.com.au 3

4 TOUR continued... at nearby Nugget Point and visit a colony of endangered Yellow eyed penguins. Walks: short walks Day 6 Thu 01 Mar Catlins The Catlins is an area of significant native temperate forests, rugged headlands, coves and sandy bay, waterfalls and rolling farmland. Here we may experience close encounters with Fur seals, a beautiful sunrise and an amazing diversity of beach washed seaweeds and shells; the rewards for beachcombing before breakfast. We then join a Catlin s naturalist, who will be our guide for the rest of the day on walks at the Papatowai estuary. This rugged area is noted for its scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest. Walks: Coastal and forest walks, easy to moderate Day 7 Fri 02 Mar Catlins / Stewart Island Our destination today is New Zealand s third largest island and the last stronghold of the Kiwi Stewart Island. To get there we journey through the heart of the Catlins experiencing the magnificent reflections at Lake Wilkie, classic rural landscapes, Curio Bay (for luscious NZ ice creams) and the nearby Petrified Forest. Lake Wilkie is a small, scenic lake near Tautuku Bay and was formed after the last ice age and has gradually shrunk to its current size of 1.7 hectares. Bog lakes like Lake Wilkie are a rare ecosystem in this part of the country. We depart from the Bluff for the one hour ferry trip across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island and check into our accommodation for the next two nights. Meals: B, L Walks: Twilight walks at Oban Day 8 Sat 03 Mar Stewart Island The only way to experience Stewart Island is on foot and this morning s walk is around tiny Ulva Island, a predator free bird sanctuary for rare and endangered bird and plant species, with a local guide from the island. In the afternoon we walk to Maori Beach, one of the island s classic shorter walks. Maori Beach was once the site of a Maori village and sawmill but has since reverted to wilderness with regenerating forest quickly hiding evidence of those earlier days. However, remains of a boiler and steam engine used by the mill can still be found, along with clumps of montbretia and bluebells legacies from the sawmillers cottages. After the mill closed in 1931, people gradually drifted away and the area is now peaceful and picturesque. Tonight we will sample some of the island s fresh seafood for our evening meal. Walks: Short nature walks on Ulva Island (easy) and 9km walk to Maori Beach (moderate Day 9 Sun 04 Mar Invercargill / Te Anau After an early breakfast we return to the mainland by ferry. Our first stop is Invercargill, New Zealand s southernmost city. We visit the unique provincial museum which houses the renowned Roaring Forties exhibition, live Tuataras, art gallery and the World s fastest Indian display. Our journey continues from Invercargill to Te Anau, gateway to New Zealand s Fiordland region, and our base for the next two nights. This attractive resort town is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau framed by Mt Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. The afternoon is free for you to explore the area and there are a number of walking options for you to choose from. In the evening you have the option to participate in a glow worm tour through caves on the other side of the lake. Walks: Local walks For bookings call visit or info@parktours.com.au 4

5 TOUR continued... Day 10 Mon 05 Mar Fiordland National Park Fiordland National Park is a vast, remote wilderness and at the heart of Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Snow-capped mountains, rivers of ice, deep lakes, unbroken forests and tussock grasslands shelter some of the best examples of animals and plants once found on the ancient super continent of Gondwana. This wilderness region is also habitat to Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and the Fiordland crested penguin. Today s activities can include optional tours such as a full day cruise on the crystal clear waters of Doubtful Sound or a journey to Milford Sound, a full day tour with a local operator from Te Anau. Alternatively, you can go at a leisurely pace in the bus with your tour leader, walk 5km of the Routeburn Track above the tree line to the Key Summit and continue on to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand s classic destinations. In the evening there is the option of viewing Ata Whenua, a stunning film about Fiordland shown in its own specially designed theatre. Please note: external tours are optional and we suggest booking the Doubtful Sound cruise or the Milford Sound cruise prior to departure (more information will be sent from our office) Meals: B Walks: Optional guided tours or 5km on Routeburn Track moderate walk. Day 11 Tue 06 Mar Arrowtown / Lake Wanaka Today we drive north to Lake Wanaka via the historic gold mining Arrowtown and, if conditions permit, we take the Crown Range, New Zealand s highest road. We continue on to the relaxed town of Wanaka, our base for the next three nights. Wanaka is situated on the shores of New Zealand s fourth largest lake and the crystal clear waters reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. A late afternoon walk to Diamond Lake will reward us with views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The Diamond Lake Conservation Area s landscape has been carved by glaciers with stands of native forest and shrub land. Walks: Short Lake walks Day 12 Wed 07 Mar Mt Aspiring National Park A day of alpine walking with a breathtaking range of landscapes. Mt Aspiring National Park is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. Rock formations are an unforgettable feature of this park. In the past, Maori trekked through this region on their way to pounamu (greenstone / jade) fields on the west coast. We follow the Rob Roy Alpine Walk and enjoy the luxurious understory of ferns and mosses. At the tree line, the forest gives way to alpine vegetation and spectacular views of the hanging glaciers. Meals: B, L Walks: Rob Roy Alpine Walk, 4-5hr moderate walk Day 13 Thu 08 Mar Wanaka Today is free for you to relax or explore some of what Wanaka has on offer. You may decide to visit Puzzling World, a collection of bizarre buildings, rooms of illusions and a maze that will baffle your brain and challenge your perceptions of reality. Even if you only pay a visit to New Zealand s most unusual public toilets, your world will never be the same again. The National Transport and Toy Museum is also located in Wanaka and houses one of the largest private collections in the world with 4 major buildings housing over 600 vehicles, 15 aircraft, 60,000 toys and 1,000s of miscellaneous items. You may also decide to visit Warbirds and Wheels, a world-class collection of over 5 Warbirds, 30 privately owned classic cars and motorcycles, all meticulously restored, dating from early veterans to 1960 s classics. Your tour leader will also offer a half day walk (depending on weather and group interest). Meals: B Walks: optional For bookings call visit or info@parktours.com.au 5

6 TOUR continued... Day 14 Fri 09 Mar Lake Moeraki This morning we cross over the mountains at Haast Pass and continue west to the coast. Our destination is Lake Moeraki, another section of the Te Wahipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. This region is renowned for its spectacular rocky beaches, untouched lowland rainforests spread between pristine lakes and rivers which flow from the snow-capped Southern Alps. During our journey we visit the Haast Visitors Centre then spend today and tomorrow exploring the forests and the rugged coastline of this beautiful area, canoeing on Lake Moeraki. We stay two nights in the comfort of Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki and enjoy a seasonal table d hôte evening menu at their riverside restaurant. Walks: Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk, Mateketake Dune Lake and Lakeside Nature Walk Day 15 Sat 10 Mar Lake Moeraki Today we will further explore the pristine area of Lake Moeraki taking full advantage of local knowledge. You can also explore the nature trails around the lodge, kayak the lake or hire a rod and fish for brown trout! Walks: Dependent on weather conditions Day 16 Sun 11 Mar Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers / Hokitika We leave Lake Moeraki and drive north west close to the coastline to Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. We have time for short walk to lookouts over the rapidly retreating glaciers before continuing north to Hokitika. Besides being famous for its beautiful sunsets, the town is home to a number of craft shops and galleries which specialise in quality green stone jewellery. This afternoon you are free to browse the galleries which showcase the fine skills of the local carvers. Weather permitting we will relax by a beach bonfire tonight after our evening meal. Walks: Short walks to glacier lookouts, strolls around town Day 17 Mon 12 Mar Hokitika / Arthurs Pass / Christchurch This morning we join a local to comb for greenstone in a local riverbed before making our way back to Christchurch, a 3½-4 hour drive. We travel via the mountain crossing at Arthurs Pass, one of only three passes through the Southern Alps. After stopping for lunch and some short walks, we continue through Arthurs Pass National Park down to the Canterbury Plains. A tramp in the bizarre limestone landscapes at Castle Hill (used for battle scenes in the movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ) is a fitting finale to the tour. After checking in to our Christchurch hotel, we celebrate our tour with a final group dinner. Walks: Short walks at Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill Day 18 Tue 13 Mar Tour end Your tour ends after breakfast. You may like to stay longer in Christchurch or connect via public transport to the airport or other New Zealand destinations. Meals: B Walks: None For bookings call visit or info@parktours.com.au 6

7 REDISCOVER EXPERIENCE CONNECT WHY TRAVEL WITH US? InterNATIONAL PARKtours have been leading small group walking holidays since Our like-minded guests bond easily and often create reunions, celebrations and friendships, many of them lifelong. Our tours are active with regular half and full day walks. Aside from walking, we also spend time meeting local people, tasting regional food and immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a destination. Our flexibility enables us to adapt to the likes, dislikes and agility of our travellers, and changing situations such as weather and unforeseen circumstances. In most locations, we stay 2-3 nights and sometimes longer. This allows us to slow down, unpack our bags and enjoy the local atmosphere at different times of the day. Accommodation is comfortable, unique plus locally owned and operated where possible. Our guides are dedicated, informative people who share their passion and knowledge on local history, culture, wildlife & topography. Our journeys are designed to safeguard the ecosystems; benefit the communities we visit and contribute to the sustainability of destinations. Travel is a chance to change your perspective. Nature always provides a new view if we take the time to look. IPT offers great value for money with their programmes. There is minimum spending money needed once on tour and there are no hidden extras along the way. Judy & Peter Hughes I know that you get the blue ribbon extras with IPT and I was in the mood to be spoilt. Judy Potkonen Disclaimer of Liability Although international PARKtours has prepared the Information contained in this itinerary with all due care and updates the Information regularly, international PARKtours does not warrant or represent that the Information is free from errors or omission. Whilst the Information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the Information. The Information may change without notice and international PARKtours is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user. Itinerary Updated: September 27, :54 AM Responsible Travel For your protection, we are allied members of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. Your payments are kept in a trust account until required for payment of your tour. We are accredited with ATAS, a national accreditation scheme, endorsing travel agents who have met strict financial and customer service criteria. We also have advanced accreditation with Ecotourism Australia and are members of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Serendipity of travel Our guides will work 24/7 on your behalf to make sure that we are doing all we can to ensure your enjoyment. We have planned an intimate adventure, but adventure cannot be guaranteed. If indeed it could then it would lose its appeal. Though we do the best we can to plan a smooth journey, sometimes things change at short notice. Some things may take longer than anticipated, transport and accommodation arrangements may alter, and you may experience occasional shortcomings and be frustrated by the manana attitude; at other times you will be amazed by local efficiency. Tour itineraries may need to be modified but this is done so with your needs in mind and to provide the best tour experience. So, be flexible, surprised and delighted with the serendipity that comes from being open to the unexpected. Your enjoyment of this journey is ultimately up to you. T T F Timbarra Drive Beechmont QLD 4211 Australia info@parktours.com.au