World Heritage New Zealand Hiking Itinerary - NZ Trails 2014/15 Season

An active, easygoing, guided tour of New Zealand’s beautiful South Island featuring some of the country’s most spectacular walks, activities and scenery.

(11 or 13 Days)

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HEREKia 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 on 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 and Aoraki Mt Cook National Parks Guided glacier hiking on Fox Glacier 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

2014 - 2015 Season

Gibbston Valley walk with wine tastingSpectacular helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Martins BayMartins Bay seal colony and (if we’re lucky) penguins or dolphinsOvernight stays in the iconic locations of Milford Sound and Mt Cook National ParkHollyford River and Lake McKerrow jetboatMt Cook guided sky gazing tourOvernight lodge stay in remote Fiordland National ParkClose up wildlife encounters

TRANZALPINE TRAIN AND ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK

After introductions and a brief orientation we depart Christchurch and watch the Canterbury plains disappearinto the rear vision mirror as we head into the high-country.

TranzAlpine Train JourneyDescribed 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 ParkFill your lungs with mountain air as we enter Arthur’s Pass National Park. The Majestic Southern Alps is the “back bone” of the SouthIsland, dividing it into two distinct regions, east and west, each with its own unique climate, landscape and life forms - and 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 clearmountain stream to the edge of the alpine zone with views up to MtRolleston 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. (Lunch, Dinner)

1

PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK,NILE RIVER GLOWWORM CAVES2

DAY

DAY

Today we will spend the day discovering one of the most untouched and undiscovered parts of New Zea-land, an area that is becoming a firm favourite on our tours:

Welcome to Paparoa National ParkLimestone 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 RainforestYour 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.

Today’s Activity: Hiking on the forest trail to the cave entrance usually takes 30 – 40 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 OKARITO LAGOON3

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!

Underworld Glowworm WalkDiscovered 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.

DAY

Gliding Eco Tour on Okarito LagoonA 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 forkotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both of which breedin the nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. The lagoon alsohas 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 backdropof 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).

THE RIVER OF ICE AND MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK

At 13 km (8 miles) in length, Fox Glacier is the largest and most acces-sible of the West Coast glaciers. In the company of an experienced local glacier guide, you will be lead through an alpine valley and onto the glacier where we will spend at least one hour walking on the ice viewing nature's delicate artistry revealed in the 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 the Wanaka Lakes

4

LAKE WANAKA AND MOU WAHOISLAND NATURE RESERVE5

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.

The Cardrona Valley and QueenstownOur 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.

DAY

DAY

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: A 30-45 minute hike on an excellent trail to the start of the glacier, a gentle climb in and downhill on the way back. We walk on cut steps on the glacier and have crampons and walking poles to help. We spend around 60 minutes exploring the glacier at a gentle walking pace.

Tonight we stay in Wanaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tonight we stay in Queenstown. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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.

6

EXPLORE QUEENSTOWN7Queenstown 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 the most of Queenstown’s scenic beauty, easy walks, and endless opportunities to relax. Thrill seeking may be touted as the 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 the information and support to make the most of your day.

Tonight we stay in Queenstown (Breakfast)

DAY

DAY

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 16km (10 miles) over 6-7 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)

GIBBSTON VALLEY AND FIORDLAND

Surrounded by imposing rugged schist mountains, this rocky gorge is incised by the 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. Other variet-ies grown in the valley include chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc.The vineyards are sand-wiched precariously between the mountains and river - it is one of the most scenic wine growing areas you'll ever encounter.

Early Māori travellers passed through this river valley for seasonal hunting and the gathering of Pounamu (Jade/Greenstone) that was, and still is, considered a taonga (treasure). For the European settlers it was the promise of gold which attracted so many to the Wakatipu. Today the well tended vines on the slopes of the valley produce their own treasure and the vineyards we visit are some of the region’s top boutique vineyards.

As well as wine, the 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 lunch we head off along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, then into the heart of Fiordland National Park to spend the night in Milford Sound. Afternoon is often the best time to drive the 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.

Tonight we spend the night in our accommodation at Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

8

MILFORD SOUND AND THE MILFORD TRACK9

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...

Short boat journey across Milford Sound to the Milford Track, half day guided hike on the 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 the 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 the way and in excellent condition, the return journey is 10km (6 miles) and usually takes 3-4 hours including breaks.

DAY

DAY

AM

After lunch we head off along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, then into the heart of Fiordland.Carved by glaciers in the last ice age, Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site where ancient rainforest clings to the mountainside, shimmering lakes and granite peaks look as they did ten thousand years ago. But it’s really a place for walking as you find out tomorrow when you hike what is arguably New Zealand’s most famous track.

Tonight we spend the night in our accommodation in Milford Sound (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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.

9

THE HOLLYFORD VALLEY & NZ HIGH COUNTRY FARM EXPERIENCE10

The Hollyford TrackStepping 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).

DAY

DAY

PM

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).

HIKE THE HOLLYFORD TRACK

11DAY

This morning we will have a relaxed start after our adventures of the last few days. Some people may be leaving the tour today, we first head to Queenstown for a final lakeside lunch before continuing on the trail.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkThis is a rugged fantasyland of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000m (9,800ft) including NewZealand’s highest mountain. The park is known for its rugged alpine beauty and contrasting delicate alpine flower - the Mount Cook Lily. Its Maori name, “Aoraki” means “Cloud Piercer” and at 3,724m (12,218ft) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks providing an inspiring backdrop to where you stay tonight at Mount Cook Village.

StargazingIn 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 the world.Aoraki / Mount Cook is far from city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand - perfect for viewing the night sky, so tonight you receive an introduction to the spectacular southern night sky with informative astronomy guides. Using the naked eye, high powered binoculars and state-of-the-art telescopes, you will tour the Milky Way and beyond. Unleash your imagination as you explore our neighbor-hood in the universe including the Southern Cross, star clusters, planets, moons and distant galaxies.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is a ‘gold-rated’ reserve, meaning the darkness of our night skies is almost unbeatable!

Tonight we stay in Mount Cook Village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

12DAY AORAKI/MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Today we are hiking one of New Zealand’s most popular and scenic trails - the Hooker Valley track in Mount Cook National Park. Unlike any of the hikes on the trail so far, this is a real alpine world of rock, snow and ice, all viewed from a safe distance. Our return hike to the glacier lake offers unforget-table views of New Zealand’s highest peak, truely living up to it’s Maori name Aoraki - “the Cloud Piercer”. For flower lovers the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see the 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 the track.

Stay in Mount Cook Village again. (Breakfast, Lunch)

AORAKI / MOUNT COOK AND STAR GAZING

THE LAST DAY - LAKE TEKAPO AND MACKENZIE COUNTRY13

TOUR PRICE:Per person NZ$7245 (twin or double share). Single Room Option NZ$1195. (only if you require a private room)*.

You may also choose to leave the tour in Queenstown on Day 11. For this option the per person price is NZ$6295 (twin or double share). Single Room Option NZ$995*.

* We have no compulsory single supplements. On our tours the accommodation is on a shared basis in twin rooms. This means that as a solo traveller you will share a room with someone else of the same sex and, as far as possible, of roughly the same age. We offer the option to pay a little extra for a guaranteed room of your own (Single Room Option).

DAY

All good things must come to an end, today is the 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 the airport or city accommodation.

Our trail ends today back in Christchurch. (Breakfast, Lunch).

We know you will love what we think is the best of New Zealand, we can’t wait to see you on the trail soon!

Your all inclusive tour package includes:All accommodation (twin or double share) in 4 star lodg-ings, unless otherwise noted. Your Martins Bay accommo-dation 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 park 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, charming accommodations:We select lodgings based on comfort, location and charm. Our accommodations are generally 4 star tourist class hotels, motels 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. Separate men’s and women’s bathrooms with hot showers are available right next to your room.

Group Size:Maximum group size on our land adventures is 12 - guaranteed. All groups over 10 people will have two professional guides on all hikes and outdoor activities - guaranteed.

2014/2015 Tour Dates:3rd & 17th November 2014, 22nd December 2014, 5th & 19th January 2015, 2nd & 16th February 2015, 2nd & 16th March 2015

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.

Our 13 day tour price includes 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 8 dinners. The 11 day tour price includes 10 break-fasts, 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 bringing the past alive with stories of the land, from adjusting gear on hikes 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 in the great New Zealand outdoors for years and are happy to share their secrets and knowledge with you. Contact us for more information or to book your spot:

Online: www.newzealandtrails.comEmail: [email protected]: nztrailsPhone: +64 9 972 3493

New Zealand Trails69 Beach Road, Auckland, New Zealand

Christmas 2014 Departure: Please note our 22nd Dec tour we will stay in Fox Glacier for two nights and Queenstown for two nights. The only change is that your free day will now be on Christmas Day in Fox Glacier as opposed to Queenstown.