Equine Magic in Paradise NEW ZEALAND March 18-30, 2017 NEW ZEALAND 2017 - MARCH 18-30 Exclusive Equestrian Journey with Adventures on Horseback & Wildlight Safaris There is a real purity in New Zealand that does not exist at home. It s not an easy thing to find in our world anymore. It is a unique place because it is so far away from the rest of the world. There is a sense of isolation that is being protected. Elijah Wood (The Hobbit) 1
THE JOURNEY 5 nights North Island - 7 nights South Island Against a backdrop of majes6c scenery, an adventure of pure New Zealand equine magic awaits. Feel the energy of the ancient rain forest, taste the crystal clear waters of rivers, inhale the fresh mountain air and ride freely through a pris6ne wilderness. This exclusive horseback safari will return you to nature and replenish your soul. New Zealand has a long and illustrious equine history: their race horses are revered around the world, their show jumpers have triumphed upon the world s highest stages and their bloodstock is highly prized. From High Country horsemen mustering stock, to young Maori boys riding bare back to their favorite fishing hole here, on the shores of New Zealand, the horse is ingrained in their history and s6ll plays an important part in everyday life. Join me on a journey of discovery and experience many of the unique elements that make New Zealand such an extraordinary and unique country. Enjoy tradi6onal Kiwi hospitality and be treated to an inspira6onal horse back adventure that will echo forever in your memory! Summary Visit both the North and South Islands 3-day Warrior Ride North Island 4,5 days horseback adventures in various loca6ons in the Southern Lakes region Ride beau6ful white sand beaches Learn about Maori culture & history Ascend into the New Zealand High Country wilderness on horse back Learn about the early se\lers & gold mining history Take a scenic Helicopter adventure across the Southern Alps Cruise the world famous Milford Sound Take a guided walk through ancient rain forest Explore backcountry regions on foot & by boat Feel at home with New Zealand s relaxed hospitality Savor world class New Zealand wine Taste delicious New Zealand seafood and game meats Enjoy exclusive access to private land 1
Days 1 & 2 (sat. 18 - Sun 19) Arrive Auckland where you will be met and transferred to the modern bou6que Hotel DeBre\ in the heart of the city. Recover from your long journey in the comfort of the hotel, wander along the waterfront, enjoy outstanding cuisine, take the Ferry to Waiheke Island or watch the city scenery from the Sky Tower OVERNIGHT HOTEL DE BRETT Days 3, 4 & 5 (Mon 20, Tues. 21, Wed. 22) From Auckland we will drive north for our first 3 days of riding with and on the lands of the Nga0 Wai, (Cape Bre\ to Takatu point in the south) one of New Zealand s oldest Maori tribes. This is a privileged cultural experience of the Maori Culture and tradi6ons from the direct descendants of Te Kiri Nga0 Wai, the ancestral Maori Chief who first discovered this beau6ful region. Welcomed into their extended Whanau (family), we will experience a genuine Maori Marae (a sacred mee6ng house of celebra6on). Together we will enjoy the unpopulated beaches of Pakiri Ride over pris6ne white sandy beaches, swim our horses in the warm surf, explore lush na6ve forests Day 5 (late acernoon) return to the DeBre\ Hotel in Auckland for the night. OVERNIGHTS at PAKIRI BEACH HOUSE, SAWMILL COTTAGES, HOTEL DE BRETT Day 6 (Thurs. 23) Acer breakfast transfer to the Airport for a 2 hour flight to Queenstown, South Island, where Dean Fitzpatrick our guide will meet us and drive us over the scenic Crown Range to Cardrona. Acer se\ling into the historic Cardrona Hotel, we will go for a ride in the stunning Cardrona Mountain Range to enjoy the sunset. Return to the Hotel for a country pub meal. OVERNIGHT CARDRONA HOTEL Day 7 (Fri. 24) Early morning relocate to Glenorchy by road transfer. At the foot of Mt Alfred in Deep Creek we will start our High Country ride to experience the world of the High Country Horseman: ride open river beds under the watchful gaze of snow capped mountains, ascend ridge lines to incredible alpine views and explore ancient na6ve forests. OVERNIGHT at the delighiul recently restored PARADISE LODGE Day 8 (Sat. 25) A full day to explore the area of the Dart River Valley on horseback, typical Lord of Rings & Hobbit country. Return to Paradise Lodge for the night and dinner. OVERNIGHT PARADISE LODGE Day 9 (Sun 26) Today an approximate 6-hour ride through the Rees Valley, circling Mt. Alfred and through the Deep Creek Basin brings us back to our horses home. From the stables we will be transferred to the quirky but wonderful Kinloch Lodge. OVERNIGHT KINLOCH LODGE 2
Day 10 (Mon 27) Today we depart by Helicopter to fly to the iconic Milford Sound over the Humboldt range. A cruise is planned upon arrival, followed by a picnic lunch on the shores of the sound with stunning views of the Mitre Peak & Lady Bowen Falls. Back at Kinloch Lodge, a barbecue dinner will be served out on the deck overlooking Lake WakaXpu. OVERNIGHT KINLOCH LODGE Day 11 (Tues 28) This morning is set aside for a guided hike on the world famous Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring NaXonal Park, a World Heritage Site. We will then be transferred to Glenorchy, and to Queenstown for dinner at the Skyline, to enjoy the magnificent views of Queenstown and its surroundings. OVERNIGHT THE DAIRY PRIVATE HOTEL Day 12 (Wed 29) Last morning, back on our horses, following the footsteps of the old gold miners we will explore the splendid Moke Lake region outside of Queenstown. Late acernoon we will board the historical steam ship 'The Earnslaw' for a farewell dinner-cruise. OVERNIGHT THE DAIRY PRIVATE HOTEL Day 13 (Thurs 30) Acer breakfast 6me to pack and proceed to the airport for your flight home. End of services COST NZ$ 12,765.00 * per person sharing Single supplement NZ$1,200.00 (* due to exchange rate fluctua6ons, the US$ amount will be calculated nearer to the 6me of payment. As an indica6on the bank rate on Aug. 17, 2016 was NZ$= US$ 0,725.) Includes: Accommoda6on in Auckland & Queenstown on B&B basis, on Full Board elsewhere, airport and road transfers, flight to Queenstown, all excursions and ac6vi6es (Rides in North and South islands, Milford helicopter excursion and cruise, Earnshaw' cruise and dinner). Excludes: Interna6onal flights to/from New Zealand (into Auckland and out of Queenstown), meals other than breakfast in Auckland, one lunch in Queenstown, alcoholic beverages. Travel insurance (essen6al), visas (for non visa waiver countries only), gratui6es and items of a personal nature. 3
Equine Magic in Paradise NEW ZEALAND March 18-30, 2017 4