HIGHLIGHTS YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

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1 An active, easygoing, guided tour of New Zealand s beautiful South Island featuring some of country s most spectacular walks & scenery. (11 or 13 Days) 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 camaraderie of a small group of like-minded folk? Then do we have an adventure for you! Easygoing activity in outdoors is a great way to enjoy staying fit, while enjoying beauty of nature with fun, friendly folks looking for memorable active experiences in best of 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 brea in fresh air and soak up scenery after all re s no hurry, you re on holiday. Our small group guided tour is designed with YOU in mind; travel in confidence knowing that people facilitating your adventures are veterans in world of outdoor travel. HIGHLIGHTS Gibbston Valley walk with wine tasting Spectacular helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Martins Bay Martins Bay seal colony and (if we re lucky) penguins or dolphins Overnight stays in iconic locations of Milford Sound & Mt Cook National Park Hollyford River and Lake McKerrow jetboat Hiking at Fox Glacier Overnight Lodge Stay in remote Fiordland National Park Close up wildlife encounters Guided day hikes on New Zealand s best hiking trails - Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks and in Arthur s Pass and Aoraki Mt Cook National Parks Spectacular rail journey on TranzAlpine Underworld adventure in one of most spectacular glowworm caves in world Eco kayaking on tranquil Okarito Lagoon Lake Wanaka cruise and island bird sanctuary guided hiking Mt Cook guided sky gazing tour

2 1 TRANZALPINE TRAIN AND ARTHUR S PASS NATIONAL PARK After introductions and a brief orientation we depart Christchurch and watch Canterbury plains disappear into rear vision mirror as we head into high-country. TranzAlpine Train Journey Described as one of world s great scenic rail journeys, TranzAlpine traverses stark contrasts from dramatic Waimakariri Gorge, braided riverbeds of Canterbury high country, massive glacial valleys, pristine alpine lakes and tussock grassland of Sourn Alps high-country to lush native rainforest and green pastures of 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 Sourn Alps is back bone of South Island, dividing it into two distinct regions, east and west, each with its own unique climate, landscape and life forms - and this park is gateway. This afternoon we ll show you our favorite places hidden in National Park. Follow your guide up stunning Bealey Valley, through ancient beech forest, alpine wetlands, along crystal clear mountain stream to edge of alpine zone with views up to Mt Rolleston and her permanent glaciers 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. (Lunch, Dinner) 2 PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK, NILE RIVER GLOWWORM CAVES Today we will spend day discovering one of 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 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 rainforest close to enormous Nile River Caves - untouched by man and in its natural state.

3 Today s Activity: Hiking on forest trail to cave entrance usually takes minutes, with a short climb at very end. Walking in 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 3 OKARITO LAGOON Underworld Glowworm Walk Discovered relatively recently, our cave is one of few in world you can easily walk through and experience in its natural state, way it was discovered. The large dry upper levels of 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 most amazing glowworm caves on planet or stay dry and walk into heart of 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 roads are and today you will see this for yourself. Sit back in your seat and enjoy views - snowy peaks and glaciers of Sourn Alps, virgin West Coast rainforest and rugged Tasman Sea coastline - Wow! Gliding Eco Tour on Okarito Lagoon A quiet kayak is best way to enjoy 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 nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. The lagoon also has diverse and fascinating flora both in salt marsh and or wetland communities, as well as in adjacent shrublands, forest and sand dunes. All this with backdrop of New Zealand s highest peaks - you will be pinching yourself in disbelief at sheer beauty. Today s Activity: We spend up to 2 hours on water in double kayaks, paddling is at your own pace and re s plenty of time to rest if you need to. Our local guides know all loyal conditions and we plan our trip with se in mind. We even have a support boat on call if we need it. Tonight we stay at Fox Glacier. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).

4 4 THE RIVER OF ICE AND MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK At 13 km (8 miles) in length, Fox Glacier is largest and most accessible of West Coast glaciers. In company of an experienced local glacier guide, you will be lead through an alpine valley and onto glacier where we will spend at least one hour walking on ice viewing nature's delicate artistry revealed in form of extraordinary ice formations of caves, crevasses and monolithic pillars. You will need some special gear for this, but don t worry, we ve got it all organized and it s easy. The West Coast, Haast Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park and Wanaka Lakes As we continue our trail scenery is impressive all way, once over Haast Pass views change dramatically as we head into mountains and bid farewell to coastline. We follow Haast River into Mount Aspiring National Park and Wanaka Lakes district, this pass was used by Maori on Pounamu (jade) and food garing expeditions as one of earliest routes linking West Coast and central Otago. Today s Activity: A minute hike on an excellent trail to start of glacier, a gentle climb in and downhill on way back. We walk on cut steps on glacier and have crampons and walking poles to help. We spend around 60 minutes exploring glacier at a gentle walking pace. Tonight we stay in Wanaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 5 LAKE WANAKA AND MOU WAHO ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Lying close to 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 well-formed track on our gentle climb through native bush to near top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before top we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on island with small islands in it - very intriguing! From top we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. On a hot day you may not be able to resist a dip in cool crystal clear waters. Tonight we stay in Queenstown. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) The Cardrona Valley and Queenstown Our afternoon drive takes us through Cardrona Valley, over Crown Range into amazing Wakatipu basin. You ve probably seen pictures of this area and Range is by far most stunning way into Queenstown. Today s Activity: The walk into view point on Mou Waho is a short climb in and downhill on 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 island for around 2.5 hours.

5 6 DESTINATION PARADISE AND THE ROUTEBURN TRACK Today we are heading close to Paradise, not or unofficial Paradises we have been to already, but official Paradise. We ve got serious business today, we know you ll love what we think is New Zealand s best one day hike, Routeburn Track. On trail your guides will lead you through Beech Forest (looks like Lord of Rings was shot here), alongside crystal clear river (swimming welcome but water is cold) onto Routeburn Flats and for those looking for a real challenge, Routeburn Falls. As with all our hikes, re s lots of flexibility, if you want to push yourself a little or just enjoy a comfortable hike on flat trail, it s all here. Eir way, scenery s magnificent and your guides are re to take care of you all way. Today s Activity: You choose how far you want to walk today, most people make hike to Routeburn Flats, a return walk of 16km (10 miles) over 6-7 hours. The trail is excellent all way, a gradual climb on way in and downhill on way back. We have all day to enjoy ourselves so re s no hurry. For an extra challenge climb to Routeburn Falls will reward you with stunning views, return distance adds anor 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) 7 EXPLORE QUEENSTOWN Queenstown offers something for everyone, from adrenalin activities to much more gentil pursuits and in so many ways it encapsulates much of what New Zealand is about. Famed for its international winter ski profile, Queenstown is also a brilliant spring, summer and fall destination. Today is yours to make most of Queenstown s scenic beauty, easy walks, and endless opportunities to relax. Thrill seeking may be touted as major attraction, but you can just as easily go fishing, golfing, gold panning, wine tasting or boating. One thing is certain: You won t run out of things to do and we ll be on hand to make sure you have all information and support to make most of your day. Tonight we stay in Queenstown (Breakfast)

6 8 GIBBSTON VALLEY AND FIORDLAND Surrounded by imposing rugged schist mountains, this rocky gorge is incised by beautifully turquoise Kawarau River, a harsh environment in winter no doubt, but perfect growing conditions for Central Otago s pinot, a wine that has gained worldwide recognition and an avalanche of international awards. Or varieties grown in valley include chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc.the vineyards are sandwiched precariously between mountains and river - it is one of most scenic wine growing areas you'll ever encounter. Early Māori travellers passed through this river valley for seasonal hunting and garing of Pounamu (Jade/Greenstone) that was, and still is, considered a taonga (treasure). For European settlers it was promise of gold which attracted so many to Wakatipu. Today well tended vines on slopes of valley produce ir own treasure and vineyards we visit are some of region s top boutique vineyards. As well as wine, Valley is known for delicious cheese. Washed rind and sheep's milk cheeses can be added to our picnic basket which might soon also acquire a few excellent bottles of pinot noir - perfect for our riverside picnic lunch. After After lunch lunch we we head head off off along along shores shores of of Lake Lake Wakatipu Wakatipu to to Te Te Anau, Anau, n n into into heart heart of of Fiordland. Fiordland Carved National by Park glaciers to spend in last night ice in age, Milford Fiordland Sound. National Afternoon Park is is often a World best Heritage time Site to drive where ancient Milford Road, rainforest without clings morning to crowds mountainside, and some shimmering excellent light lakes for and photographs. granite peaks We look will take as y our did time ten as thousand re are so years many ago. amazing But it s photo really spots a place along for walking way you as won t you find want out to tomorrow miss. when you hike what is arguably New Zealand s most famous track. Tonight we spend night in our accommodation at Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Tonight we spend night in our accommodation in Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 9 MILFORD SOUND AND THE MILFORD TRACK AM Today will be one of highlights of your entire New Zealand Trail. Moody and dramatic, Milford Sound is simply stunning and offers what is surely most spectacular fiord scenery in sourn hemisphere. Whatever fiord s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you. Rudyard Kipling once described Milford as Eighth Wonder of World, and we think he was right - your time in Fiordland wouldn t be complete without a visit to this area... Short boat journey across Milford Sound to Milford Track, half day guided hike on Milford Track, return to Milford Sound. Travel by helicopter from Milford to Martins Bay Lodge in Fiordland National Park. Afternoon guided hiking to Martins Bay seal colony, return to lodge by jetboat. Stay in Martins Bay, Fiordland National Park. (Breakfast, Lunch Dinner) This Morning s Activity: Your Milford Track hike from Sandfly Point to Giant s Gate Falls is mostly flat all way and in excellent condition, 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 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 sea, waterfalls cascading eir side... n over mighty Darran Mountain Range across Hollyford Valley and into remote Martins Bay. We explore Martins Bay area on foot, learning about historical sites of Maori occupation of area where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into Hollyford Valley, controlling access into and out of highly valued pounamu (greenstone / jade) garing areas. Your guide will also highlight plant and wildlife of this unique environment helping you to discover diversity of this truly remote area. Our afternoon hike takes us to Martins Bay seal colony where we can view 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 rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. This Afternoon s Activity: The walk to seal colony usually takes around two hours and once we re re we take our time as re s so much to see. After a 30 minute walk back to river our jetboat comes and picks us up for return journey to lodge. This evening we stay in Martins Bay on Hollyford Track (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). 10 THE HIKE HOLLYFORD THE HOLLYFORD VALLEY & NZ HIGH TRACK COUNTRY FARM EXPERIENCE The Hollyford Track Stepping into Hollyford Valley is literally like entering a lost world, remote wilderness untouched for thousands of years. The Hollyford Track is 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 swift, clear waters of 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 sourn rata and emerald mosses and velvet lichens of understory. Regarded by many as New Zealand's most beautiful wilderness valley, this is 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 World Heritage wilderness of Hollyford Track. Today s Activity: Our hike today is just around 17km (10.5 miles) on an excellent flat trail all way. It s not a race to get to 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 AORAKI / MOUNT COOK AND STAR GAZING This morning we will have a relaxed start after our adventures of last few days. Some people may be leaving tour today, we first head to Queenstown for a final lakeside lunch before continuing on trail. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park This is a rugged fantasyland of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000m (9,800ft) including New Zealand s highest mountain. The park is known for its rugged alpine beauty and contrasting delicate alpine flower - Mount Cook Lily. Its Maori name, Aoraki means Cloud Piercer and at 3,724m (12,218ft) it towers above surrounding snow-covered peaks providing an inspiring backdrop to where you stay tonight at Mount Cook Village. Stargazing In June 2012, over 4,300 square kilometres of New Zealand s South Island was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve - one of only three designated Gold reserves in world. Aoraki / Mount Cook is far from city lights and refore has some of darkest skies in New Zealand - perfect for viewing night sky, so tonight you receive an introduction to spectacular sourn night sky with informative astronomy guides. Using naked eye, high powered binoculars and state-of--art telescopes, you will tour Milky Way and beyond. Unleash your imagination as you explore our neighborhood in universe including Sourn Cross, star clusters, planets, moons and distant galaxies. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is a gold-rated reserve, meaning darkness of our night skies is almost unbeatable! Tonight we stay in Mount Cook Village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 12 AORAKI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK Today we are hiking one of New Zealand s most popular and scenic trails - Hooker Valley track in Mount Cook National Park. Unlike any of hikes on trail so far, this is a real alpine world of rock, snow and ice, all viewed from a safe distance. Our return hike to glacier lake offers unforgettable views of New Zealand s highest peak, truely living up to it s Maori name Aoraki - Cloud Piercer. For flower lovers Hooker Valley is one of best places to see Mount Cook lillies in season. Today s Activity: Hooker Valley: This is a very accessible trail and easy walking for all ages. The 8 km (5 mile) return journey usually takes around 4 hours including breaks. This is a pretty flat walk with a few rocky sections of track. Stay in Mount Cook Village again. (Breakfast, Lunch)

9 13 THE LAST - LAKE TEKAPO AND MACKENZIE COUNTRY All good things must come to an end, today is final day of your New Zealand trail! We take our time through Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie country before arriving in Christchurch for afternoon dropoffs at airport or city accommodation. Our trail ends today back in Christchurch. (Breakfast, Lunch). We know you will love what we think is best of New Zealand. TOUR PRICE: 13 Day Tour - Christchurch to Christchurch 2014/2015 Season: NZ$7245 (twin or double share, per person) NZ$1195 (guaranteed single room supplement)* 2015/2016 Season: NZ$7495 (twin or double share, per person) NZ$1495 (guaranteed single room supplement)* 11 Day Tour - Christchurch to Queenstown 2014/2015 Season: NZ$6295 (twin or double share, per person) NZ$995 (guaranteed single room supplement)* 2015/2016 Season: NZ$6995 (twin or double share, per person) NZ$1295 (guaranteed single room supplement)* Our 11 day tour is same itinerary as first 11 days of full 13 day tour, just finishing in Queenstown just after lunch on day 11. * We have no compulsory single supplements. This means that as a solo traveler you can share a room with someone else of same sex. We offer option to pay a little extra for a guaranteed room of your own (Single Room Option). Your all inclusive tour package includes: All accommodation (twin or double share) in 4 star lodgeings, unless orwise 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 itinerary (including Milford - Martins Bay helicopter flight), meals as noted in 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 itinerary with shared facilities is Martins Bay lodge which is in a remote location and 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: For 2014/2015 season maximum number of people per tour is 12 - guaranteed. From November 2015 maximum size will be 14 people - guaranteed. Tour Dates: We operate regular departures from October to April each year. Please visit newzealandtrails.com for tour dates and more information. 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 standard of food and wine matches that of scenery. We work with local talent to bring best of region s food and wine to your table. Our 13 day tour price includes 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 8 dinners. The 11 day tour price includes 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 7 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 last mile, connections you make with your guides will last a lot longer than duration of this tour. Throughout your tour we also work with best local guides in certain locations, se outdoor professionals have been showing visitors around ir favourite spots for years and are happy to share ir secrets and knowledge with you. Contact us for more information or to book your spot: Online: info@newzealandtrails.com Phone: New Zealand Trails 69 Beach Road, Auckland, New Zealand

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