NEW ZEALAND - SOUTH ISLAND ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Arrival - Arthur’s Pass; 4 miles, moderate
Described as “more English than England,” Christchurch
offers a bit of the familiar with double-decker buses,
cricket-playing schoolboys, Gothic buildings and, of course,
gardens galore (one acre in every three is devoted to public
parks). If you arrive a day early, you may get to know the city
by walking its charming streets and tidy parks. A stroll through
the Botanical Gardens will orient you to some of the native
flora, much of it unique to the island. There is also the
Antarctic collection in the Canterbury Museum which traces the
steps of Scott and Amundsen in their conquests to the South
Pole.
We meet in Christchurch, then travel (approximately a 2-hour
transfer) across Canterbury Plains and over Porters Pass to the
spectacular high country of the Southern Alps. Here, we stop for
a picnic lunch in the Craigieburn Forest Park. We then embark on
our walk, a gradual ascent through southern beech forest to
Lyndon Saddle (elevation gain of 1,000 feet). Here, one can
relax and enjoy the views or continue for an additional 20
minutes to Helicopter Hill which boasts even more impressive
panoramic views of the Castle Hill Basin.
A beautiful wilderness lodge with spectacular alpine views is
our home for the next two nights. Here, we are warmly greeted by
our hosts, who continue to run a high country sheep station on
their property. At some point during our stay we visit the sheep
shearing shed to learn about Merino wool production and life on
a sheep station.
Before dinner in the comfortable dining room, you have the
option of joining one of the lodge’s guides on an optional 2-3
mile exploration of its magnificent setting.
Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge, Arthur’s Pass
DAY 2 Arthur’s Pass National Park; 6 miles, moderate to
challenging, elevation gain of approximately 1,500 ft
Today we explore the Dobson Nature trail and Otria Valley.
Walking through this glacial valley, we enjoy seeing an
incredible array of wildflowers and unique alpine plants.
If weather does not permit this walk, our alternative is the
beautiful Bealey Spur trail. Demanding, but rewarding, this
trail climbs steadily for three miles and offers stunning views.
We walk through native manuka, beech forest, and tawny-tussock
grassland before reaching a historic sheep musterer’s hut. Here,
we are surrounded by rocky peaks, mountain streams, and a
variety of hardy alpine plants.
On either trail, we enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular
mountain views, and follow ancient Maori paths to the west
coast.
This evening we have time to enjoy the tranquility of our lodge
before indulging in its well-known New Zealand cuisine.
Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge, Arthur’s Pass
DAY 3 - Hokitika, Westland, Hari Hari Coastal walk; 4-6
miles, easy to moderate
This morning, we travel south (approximately a 2-hour drive)
over Arthur’s Pass and arrive into the heart of Westland, a
region unlike any other place in the world. Over 14,000 years
ago, the last ice age retreated, leaving lowland areas covered
in rainforests, grasslands, lagoons, and gravel-lined glacier
lake beds. We visit the quaint town of Hokitika, once the
“Goldfields Capital” at the heart of the gold rush. While the
prospectors are long gone, the town thrives now as a center of
farming, art, tourism, and conservation. Lunch is on your own
today in Hokitika and there is time to browse the craft stores
for leather, pottery, woodware, and other regional crafts, or
for something lovely made from iron-hard green stone called
pounamu (nephite jade), prized by the Maoris for making weapons.
In the afternoon, we enjoy exploring an easy track along the
bush and beaches of the coast. Following our walk, we transfer
(approximately 1 ˝-hours) to our lovely, recently built inn
which is located in the village of Fox Glacier, and rest up for
tomorrow’s glacier adventure. Te Weheka Inn, Fox Glacier
DAY 4 Fox Glacier; 6 miles, easy to challenging
After a hearty breakfast we prepare for our glacier
excursion. Like its neighbor, Franz Joseph, Fox Glacier is the
world’s lowest lying glacier outside of the Arctic regions. It
starts its descent in barren icy peaks, then winds through
valleys of steep rock and green bush, finally terminating in
lush rainforest. Over the past years, the glacier has increased
enormously in size, advancing almost a half-mile down the
valley.
Our challenging glacier walk continues a tradition started at
Fox Glacier over a century ago. Equipped with crampons and our
walking sticks, we begin on a track across a riverbed, then
climb a rough, rocky path up through rainforest to the top of
the bluff (elevation gain of 1,000 feet) for a spectacular view
of the glacier terminal. Cutting steps through the ice in the
time honored manner, our guide leads us across the glacier to a
view of a beautiful amphitheater of seracs. Walking on the
granular expanse of blue-white ice requires concentration, but
the exhilaration we share is truly unforgettable. An easy option
is available for those who choose not to participate in this
walk. Te Weheka Inn, Fox Glacier
DAY 5 - South Westland to Lake Moeraki; 5-8 miles, easy to
moderate
Today’s adventures offer an intimate look at the ruggedness
and isolation of the South Westland with its deserted
coastlines, moss-covered forests, and deep, dark lakes. We begin
our walk on the Chalet Lookout, following the historical glacier
access route which offers magnificent views of Fox Glacier. Our
morning walk starts by crossing a suspension bridge and turns
into a well-trodden trail through regenerating forests with
glimpses of the glacier through the trees.
Later, we walk along Bruce’s Bay, filled with large Rimu (native
red pines). We traverse the bay on the beach, considered by many
to be truly iconic of the South Westland Coastline.
Evening takes us to Lake Moeraki, whose name means “to sleep or
dream by day.” At our lakefront wilderness lodge, we share a
welcome dinner of regional specialties such as salmon or venison
and perhaps a taste of the renowned Canterbury Merlot.
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki
DAY 6 - Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge; 2-6 miles, easy
to challenging options; kayak safari
Today we enjoy a full day of activity options from our
wilderness lodge. You may choose to start your day with an early
morning stroll through the awakening rainforest. We discover the
bird life, ferns, and the ancient trees of this truly
magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After breakfast, some may wish to join the skilled lodge staff
on a kayak safari exploring the enchanting forests and wetlands
of Lake Moeraki and the Moeraki River. In the afternoon you may
choose to embark on a challenging walk into Moeraki’s interior,
or, depending on the tides, a moderate walk to a secluded cove
in search of seals and the rare Fjordland Crested Penguin, which
nest in the bush surrounding the isolated beaches. Before
returning to the lodge we have time to walk along the
rock-studded coastline in search of Biscuit Starfish and
colorful stones.
Before retiring for the night, we bring our flashlights to
discover the mysterious sights, sounds, and smells of the
rainforest with the Southern Cross above us. We may hear the
call of the Morepork, a small spotted owl, and find shimmering
strands of dangling glowworms. Lake Moeraki Wilderness
Lodge, Lake Moeraki
DAY 7 - Te Wahipounamu, Haast River Valley; 5 miles, easy to
moderate
Today involves a combination of driving and walking in this
beautiful area of striking contrasts. In the morning, following
a short transfer, we explore more of this unique UNESCO World
Heritage Site on a walk through a magnificent Kahikatea forest
followed by a coastal Rimu forest to a point overlooking Dune
Lake and the Tasman Sea. The trails we walk on at Ship Creek
were built in the early 1990s to allow walkers to experience the
inside of a Kahikatea forest.
Following lunch, we drive (approximately 1 hour) to reach the
Haast Pass, the lowest road pass in the Southern Alps. Here, we
follow sections of an old bridle path that once linked Otago and
Westland. Along the way, we enter a forest made up almost
exclusively of silver beech. We also walk through a thick carpet
of ferns and mosses, with peppertrees, lancewoods, and coprosmas
overhead. The track crosses a suspension bridge over Fish River,
passing the thrilling plunge of the Makarora River Gorge.
Late in the afternoon we continue the drive to Wanaka
(approximately 1˝ hours) and arrive at our charming lakeside
hotel. Tonight you are on your own for dinner, free to enjoy one
of the small cafés or restaurants in town. Edgewater Resort,
Wanaka
DAY 8 - Wanaka/Mount Aspiring National Park; 7 miles,
moderate to challenging
Today we enjoy our scenic drive (approximately 1 hour)
through the Matukituki Valley into Mount Aspiring National Park.
This is a majestic alpine region of wide valleys, secluded
flats, and massive mountains. The largest of these, the park’s
namesake, is also known as Tititea (“peak of glistening white”)
to the Maori. Our walk to Rob Roy Glacier (elevation gain of
approximately 1,200 feet) begins along a stretch of open flats
to the Rob Roy stream. We cross a suspension bridge then climb
steadily for 3.5 miles through beech forest, with the massive
ice cliffs of Rob Roy Glacier looming overhead. We picnic with
spectacular views of the glacier, then return to the valley in
the afternoon, looking for kea (a unique alpine parrot) along
the way. An easier walking option could be walking into the
Matukituki Valley, affording spectacular views of the valleys
and mountains.
This evening we enjoy dinner at our hotel’s exquisite
restaurant. Edgewater Resort, Wanaka
DAY 9 The Southern Lakes District; 3-5 miles, easy to
moderate
This morning our walk is along the Fisherman’s Track, a
rolling, well-maintained trail that follows the Clutha River
from the outlet, at Lake Wanaka, to the small village of
Albertown. Along the way we spot trout in the river pools and
enjoy views of the lovely Clutha Valley.
Afterwards, we depart for Queenstown with plenty of stops along
the way to appreciate this most unusual region of mountains and
wide valleys dotted with lakes. We enjoy lunch at a winery where
we take time to sample local wines, walk the grounds, and
perhaps tour the wine caves.
We check into our Queenstown lakefront hotel in the late
afternoon with time to relax or walk into town. Tonight, we
celebrate our journey with dinner in town.
Novotel Gardens Hotel, Queenstown
DAY 10 Queenstown departure
Our tour ends after breakfast in Queenstown. If you are not
flying out this morning, we leave you to explore the endless
opportunities this active community has to offer.
You may choose to spend the day in Queenstown, where there is
always a festival going on (“Queenstown Just for Fun” is the
town’s official slogan). Start at the lakefront on Queenstown
Bay and follow the Marine Parade to lovely public gardens. Stop
into some of the shops or visit the Kiwi House. Ride the gondola
to Bob’s Peak for a spectacular view of the town and surrounding
peaks and take the hiking trail down.
Adventurous spirits will find an endless array of excursions to
choose from. If you’ve always wanted to try jet boating or
whitewater rafting, you’re in the right place.
Another truly spectacular addition to your vacation on the
scenic South Island is a visit to the Milford Sound, a fjord to
the Tasman Sea. By boat you may cruise through the 10-mile long,
deeply furrowed glacial trough, with rock walls reaching from
900 feet underwater to almost a mile high. The craggy summit of
Mitre Peak, perhaps the most awesome sight, rises 5,000 feet
straight out of the Sound, casting a breathtaking reflection.
Pass towering waterfalls sprayed sideways by wind, including the
450 foot Stirling Falls, and colonies of garrulous seals and
beautiful Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Note: The above is a 2008 itinerary. The 2009 itinerary
will be available soon - please call for details
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a
typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due
to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to
alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
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ADVENTURE TRAVEL TOURS - Menu Page
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Roughly the size of Colorado, New Zealand is a land of
astounding contrasts. There are subtropical rainforests,
crystal-clear lakes and rivers, volcanoes, and thermal springs
scattered around the islands. Green rolling hills dotted with
sheep and seemingly endless forests are often just an hour’s
drive from rugged mountains and semi-desert areas. Mighty
glaciers plunge from snowy mountain peaks into lush rainforests.
Cut off from the rest of the world in so many ways, New Zealand
even managed to avoid the forces of evolution as we know them.
After breaking with the ancient Gondwanaland continent over 70
million years ago, the islands were left with a unique
assortment of animal and plant life. With virtually no land
mammals, birds flourished; the islands have over 250 native bird
species, several of them, like the country’s mascot, the kiwi,
completely flightless. Prior to human settlement (including the
Maori) there were no mammals except bats and fur seals.
Approximately 1,000 years ago the Maori brought kiore
(Polynesian rats) and dogs with them. Only when European
settlers reached its shores in the 18th century did predators
like cats, and later, possums and stoats, begin to alter this
remarkable environment.
The first people to arrive in New Zealand were the Maori from
Polynesia, whose legends tell of the first settlers to the
islands they called Aotearoa (“land of the long white cloud”)
around 950 A.D. In 1642, Dutch Captain Abel Tasman sailed by the
island but thought it of no significance, as he was in search of
the Great Southern Continent. Because of this search he decided
not to anchor on the island. Not until 1769, when Captain James
Cook landed, did Europe establish a claim on the territory. In
1840, the Treaty of Waitangi established a framework for
peaceful co-existence of the two cultures: the British were
granted sovereignty, and the Maori were guaranteed possession of
their lands, forests, and fisheries. Just over a decade later,
the islands began to separate from England, culminating in their
establishment as an independent country in 1947.
New Zealanders pride themselves on their friendliness and good
manners, thought to stem from their origins in the British
middle class (New Zealand was to be a planned settlement whereas
New South Wales was the chosen site for a penal colony). We
enjoy their gracious hospitality and the fruits of their
remarkable foresight; many of the trails we walk are the result
of their National Walkway Act, enacted a quarter-century ago to
create a network of scenic trails across both islands.
During our 10-day adventure, we experience the unspoiled
majesties of the South Island, following the footsteps of the
Maori settlers in search of precious green stone (pounamu), and
later, the trails of the miners seeking their fortunes in gold
buried deep in glacial riverbeds. Our walks take us onto
glaciers, across streams, and into landscapes of subtropical
rainforest, sun-baked hills, and deserted beaches.
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DATES & RATES |
Meeting Point: Christchurch, New Zealand
Departure Point: Queenstown, New Zealand Departure
Dates: Mon., November 24, 2008
Mon., December 29, 2008
Mon., January 12, 2009
Mon., January 26, 2009
Mon., February 9, 2009
Mon., February 23, 2009
Mon., March 9, 2009
Mon., November 2, 2009
Mon., November 23, 2009
Mon., December 21, 2009
November/December 2008 Price: $4,298
November/December 2008 Single Supplement: $1,000
January/February/March 2009 Price: $4,998
January/February/March 2009 Single Supplement: $1,200
November/December 2009 Price: call for details
November/December 2009 Single Supplement: call for details
Number of Days: 10
Walk Ratings
- Moderate terrain with challenging options
- 4 to 8 miles walking per day, with longer and shorter
options on some days
Trip Includes
- Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides
- Transportation during the trip
- Park entrance fees and special events
- All accommodations while on tour, including lakefront
resorts, hotels, and wilderness lodges, all private baths
- All meals included except one lunch and one dinner;
alcoholic beverages not included
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ACCOMMODATIONS |
Nights 1 & 2: ARTHUR’S PASS WILDERNESS LODGE
Canterbury, New Zealand
A small wilderness lodge surrounded by the beauty of the
Southern Alps, featuring comfortable rooms with alpine views.
Nights 3 & 4: TE WEHEKA INN
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
This new property is located just minutes from the charming town
of Fox Glacier and offers spacious rooms and private balconies
with views of the surrounding mountains.
Nights 5 & 6: LAKE MOERAKI WILDERNESS LODGE
West Coast, New Zealand
A small wilderness lodge surrounded by pristine rainforest,
overlooking Moeraki River and offering cozy guest rooms.
Nights 7 & 8: EDGEWATER RESORT
Wanaka, New Zealand
A resort hotel located on the edge of the magnificent Lake
Wanaka featuring spacious guest rooms, tennis courts, sauna, and
putting green.
Night 9: NOVOTEL GARDENS HOTEL
Queenstown, New Zealand
A sophisticated hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within
walking distance from the shopping and restaurant district of
downtown Queenstown
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TOUR
MAP |
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