New Zealand / Fiji
o
To Do/Questions


Get Cipro and ambien at physical in March
Confirm Campervan
Status: Work Day of 4/29, 30, 31. Off 1st fly out 4/2 (TH) and return 4/20 (MON)
o Location: New Zealand / Fiji
o
Duration; 18 Days April 2nd to April 20
o
Transportation: Fly to LAX/FIJI/CHC/Rent Camper/CHC/Fiji/LAX/DTW
o
Lodging: Hostel/Campground (basically DOC Scenic/Standard/Basic sites only for weekly pass or other
o
pay sites) see word doc of DOC MAP

Campgrounds or Holiday Parks are commercial operations that provide a safe and well-equipped
camping experience with showers and indoor laundry and wifi. You will usually find tent sites as
well as powered and unpowered van/motorhome sites, and sometimes cabins or ‘units ($10-$40).

Department of Conservation (DOC)
manages over 250 public camping areas on conservation land throughout New Zealand. Located in
some of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions, these campsites usually don’t have an on-site
manager and are operated on a trust basis ($0-$40)
Weekly Pass
o
DOC Standard Sites (First come first serve)
o
DOC Basic Campsite (First come first serve)
o
DOC Scenic Campsites (some bookings may be required)

Places Pass does not work
o
serviced campsites
o
powered campsites
o
campsites on the online booking system, and
o
“great walks” campsites.

Freedom Camping: A good place to start is at the Camping Our Way website, where you can find
regional information on freedom camping spots. Whilst travelling, stop at local information centres
or Department of Conservation offices to ask where you are allowed to camp. Price range: Nothing unless you are in breach of a local bylaw and are charged accordingly by the local council or the
New Zealand police. Can’t freedomcamp without toilet
o
Season: Spring


o
Permits


o
Avg April Temperature 50F
Sunrise / Sunset: 7am – 6pm
Travel Insurance; details: www.tripmate.com/wpA353S

Contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-888-7292 if you wish to receive a copy of
your Certificate/Policy and Purchase Confirmation via United States Mail.
Allianz Travel Insurance / Comp Travel Insurance (Cover any damage up to $1000 on camper)

https://www.allianzassistanceclaims.ca/
sales@allianz-assistance.co.nz

Certificate Number: 317000248

New Zealand (including 6 days in transit to and from your country of residence)

Premium (inc GST, if applicable): $ 109

Mobile Application: http://www.agaapps.co.nz/ob Your Pin Number is 210400

Within New Zealand: 0800 486 686 USA Toll Free: 1 800 326 1543 Reverse charge
call through telephone operator: +64 9 486 6868
Contact Info

TravelScene

Yuri Vera / Travel Consultant

Phone: 800-345-3504 ext. 2235 | Fax: 310-643-0032 | E-mail: yvera@travelscene.com
o Transportation /Contact Companies:


Order Number: 2360800 – Michigan Flyer

From Ann Arbor- Blake Transit Ctr., MI to Detroit Metro Airport (North TerminalGround Transportation), MI

Departing on 04/02/2015 05:10 AM, MFL 8002

Returning on 04/21/2015 06:10 AM, MFL 8001
Lucky Rentals (Have to put 2500 bond on CC but damages paid Allianz up to $1000

Email: info@luckyrentals.co.nz / Web: www.luckyrentals.co.nz/

Ref:
16604

Pickup: Sat Apr 04 2015 at 13:00
Dropoff: Sat Apr 18 2015 at 13:00

Christchurch Airport Depot / 104 Carmen Road / Russley Christchurch 8042

Lucky Crib
15 Days
$28.80
$432.00
o
4 Pack Propane Canisters
$12.00
o
DOC Weekly Single Campsite $40.00
o
Total Booking:
$484.00
o
o
Less Deposit:
Balance Remaining:
-$100.00
$391.68
o Special Items To Bring






o
power converter and USB?
Carryon clothes and swim trunks for 2 days
Book of CDs
Larger towel
Portable icebag?
Dry bags for shower
Flight Information
Travelscene:583Q7W
Spirit: EC6SMN
THURSDAY 02 APRIL 2015
Airline:Spirit 939
Departing 7:30 DTW
Arriving: 9:40 HOU (Change Plans)
Airline: Spirit 217
Departing: 15:24 HOU
Arriving 17:00 LAX
AGENT WS/KP BOOKING REF 583Q7W
RESERVATION NUMBER(S) FJ/583Q7W
ETKT:FJ 260 7432126783
CALYPSO BOOKING NUMBER NM/070478
THURSDAY 02 APRIL 2015
Airline:Air Fiji FJ811
Departing 23:30pm LAX
SATURDAY 04 APRIL 2015
Arriving 5:50am NADI (Fiji)
Airline:Air Fiji FJFJ451
Departing 9:30am NADI
Arriving 14:30pm CHC
SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2015
Airline:Air Fiji FJ450
Departing 14:30pm CHC
Arriving 18:25pm NADI
MONDAY 20 APRIL 2015
Airline:Air Fiji FJ810
Departing 21:40pm NADI
Arriving 13:30pm LAX
Airline:Spirit 709
Departing 22:00 LAX
Arriving 05:11 DTW

Day 1 S 4/4 - South From Christchurch to Banks Peninsula. If bags get delayed stay on Akaroa night one and
maybe raft night 2 and explore christchurch and Lyttelton


Day 2 U 4/5 – Hike to Mueller Hut overnight or Tasman Kayak
Day 3 M 4/6 – Descend Mueller Hut drive back through Omarama to coast city of Oamaru to try and catch
penguins. Head South on rte 1 and stop at Moeraki Boulders and Dunedin Tunnel Beach and Mt Cargill Organ Pipes drive
along Otago beach. Deunedin for beers and camp after town

Day 4 T 4/7 -

Day 5 H 4/8 - Hike the Kepler Trail 2 days
Day 6 T 4/9 - Finish Trail. North on Milford HWY with stops along the way Possible Sound Cruise,
Day 7 F 4/10 - Backtrack Milford Hwy towards Te Anau towards Queenstown. Hike Lemond
Day 8 S 4/11 - Hike Day / Wanaka for day hike and town
Day 9 U 4/12 - Continue Rte 6 Stop and Climb either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier in Okarita along coast Continue




Continue down coast to Porpoise Bay for penguins, Invercargill for Southern tip and on to Tuatapere
for Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track (Option) Further into Fjordland and town of Te Anau Glowworm Caves
up coast. Before Greymouth head inland to Analanche overnight on rte 73

Day 10 M 4/13 -

Day 11 T 4/14 -

Day 12 W 4/15 – Day Hike Able Tasman or overnight near car at end
Day 13 T 4/16 Day Loop Pelorus Track outside of Nelson if time Follow Rte 1 down to Kaikouri for city coast

Past Greymouth stop at Punakaiki Rocks Possible offshoot to Lake Brunner for some hikes just
East of Greymouth Continue to Paparoa NP and the 2 day Inland Pack trip or just hike tail end Take Rte 6 North to Nelson
Lakes for possible alpine overnight or 5 hr Mt Roberts or St Arnaud Range Track. If not going to Nelson Lakes continue rt
6 on to Karamea (see arches around town) and do overnight beach hike to Heaphy Hut (4 Hrs).
Continue on to Able Tasman Park (interesting short hikes near Takaka) and drive to edge of
Golden Bay to see the parts of hike you skipped by doing an out and back)
walks. Head inland to Hammer Springs. Option to head West from Christchurch to Cave Stream Scenic Reserve to
Lyttelton and summit road out to Godley Beach Park and on to Ankora and Walk

Day 14 F 4/17 -Extra Day



Day 15 S 4/18 - Fly to Fiji
Day 16 U 4/19 – Explore
Day 17 M 4/20 – 1230 departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – (14:30 Saturday 4/4)
Make sure to pack carryon with swim trunks and clothes for 2 days with essentials in case bags lost.
Arrive at airport. Turn off cellular data and roaming. Rent Campervan. Stop at Grocery Store once
on Rte 1(Pita, Buns, Hummus, Fruit (Apples, ORanges, bananas, cucumber-hummus),Cheese bricks,
Sauseges, mustard BBQ sauce, Onions Gpeper, Saurkraut, Vodka, Olives, Rice, Dehydrated Pasta mix,
Milk ,Oatmeal packs, Rasins / walnuts, Teabags. May need Clif Bars. olive oil, couscus)
. Drive out to 75S and Rt 1 Then south to Banks Peninsula and Okains Bay Beach Reserve Camping
Ground via the north rim of the peninsula with a few view stops. After setting up spot go for short
hike if possible (see Peninsula PDF) or head into town of Akaroa for city walks.



Location
Hikes/Activities
o
Grocery Shopping (Countdown)
o
Akaroa

Okains Bay Beach Reserve Camping Ground $12

Timber Yard Lakeside Domain- Free Camping off the Peninsula on West end of Lake Ellesmere
o
Rangitata Rafts

$200 10am 4 hours with lunch / dinner

9-5pm: 64 800 251 251

Once a booking has been confirmed you must provide Rangitata Rafts with 48 hours’ prior notice of
cancellations or full payment will be charged.

If you have the chance to come in January that is the time to come. The chances of warmer weather
and better river flows are higher during that time of the year. The difficulty of the river depends very
much on the water level but are challenging anyway since we have two grade 5 rapids that we rafts
through on our trip.

Christchurch South to Ashburton (3 Hrs). The traveling time is approx 2 hours from central
Christchurch to us.Head south on ‘State Highway One’. After one hour you will travel through
Ashburton.On the outskirts of Ashburton is Tinwald. On the left is ‘Claas’ a tractor sales shop. Turn
RIGHT here which is signposted to ‘Mayfied/Arundel 37km' and you will now be on Maronan
Road. Follow on this road following the signs to ‘Geraldine/Arundel’ When you get to the T
junction turn LEFT (signposted Geraldine) and cross the Rangitata river. Turn first RIGHT at the
end of the bridge and follow the signs to Peel Forest or Rangitata Gorge. Our local Peel Forest shop
is your last opportunity to buy any extras for yourself eg beer or wine for the BBQ at the end of the
day. We do not sell alcohol at our lodge. Rangitata Rafts is located 13km past the store on the same
road, Rangitata Gorge Rd. This road is a sealed all the way to our lodge. If the road you are traveling
on turns into a gravel/unsealed road you would have missed our driveway by 200m.Turn right down
Waikari road (our driveway) it is signposted. We are the green lodge with the trees around it.

http://www.rafts.co.nz/about/
Camping
o
Okains Bay
DAY 2 – (Sunday 4/5)
call Mt cook to see if can Hike to Mueller tomorrow and stay overnight without ice axe. Also ask if
clear for hiking and if glaciers in Tasman Lake for kayaking. If so Drive up to Mt Cook. If not
continue on Rte 1 (assume going up). Along Rt 8 stop at blue waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake
Pukaki. Based on weather can either start day at Lake Tasman (If Glaciers, if not just drive to car
park and lookout) for either Kayaking or Ball Pass Route (can I take car on Ball Rd). In Afternoon
short hike to Hooker Valley and back and possible overnight Mueller Hut If doing overnight might
also skip Lake Tasman hike/kayak).


Location
o
Mt Cook. Follow Rt 1 out of CH then 79 Northwest at Geraldine then on to 8 west and 80 North
Hikes/Activities
o
Lake Tekapo/Pukaki

Along rt 8 halfway to Mt Cook
o
Hooker Valley Track

10K / 3 Hours

o
o




Turn off State Highway at Lake Pukaki onto State Highway 80. Begin at the Visitor Centre, or
White Horse Hill Campground and car park.

This is one of the most popular walks in the park, leading up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki
Mount Cook. The track passes close to the Alpine Memorial which is a great viewpoint. Continue on
to the Hooker River and cross twice on swing bridges before reaching Stocking Stream Shelter.
From here, head up the valley crossing a third swing bridge that leads to the East Hooker and the
source of the Hooker River. The track ends at the glacier lake where there are amazing views of
Aoraki Mount Cook, the Hooker Glacier and the Southern Alps.
Ball Pass Route

6 Hrs

This track starts from the Blue Lakes car park

Follow the line of the old Ball Hut Road alongside Tasman Glacier. Ball Flat is close to the historic
Ball Hut site and offers superb views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
Mueller Hut hike

5.2 km uphill
Camping
o
Mueller Hut

The hut can sleep 28 people on platform bunks complete with mattresses. There is a separate kitchen
and living area and self-contained wardens quarters. People staying overnight need to provide their
own cooking and eating utensils. There are solar-powered lights and gas-operated stoves. A toilet is
sited a short distance away from the hut, but can be inaccessible in winter.

Booking

$25/night

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/book-online/?op=departme75&pid=7525
Resources
o
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre Phone +64 3 435 1186
o
Mt Cook Kayaking (at Old Mountaineers Cafe, Bar & Restaurant)

$150-3 hrs Lake Tasman (glaciers flowing?) 10 am departure

Phone: 03 4351 890 / After Hours Phone: 0274 342 277 / mountcook@xtra.co.nz

http://www.mtcook.com/glacier-sea-kayaking/
o
Glentanner Park Centre (Mt Cook)

$21 / 18 km before park

State Highway 80 / P O Box 23 Mount Cook 7946

Phone: +64 3 435 1855 / info@glentanner.co.nz
Resources
o
Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre Phone +64 3 435 1186
Maps
o
Mt Cook hiking map
DAY 3 – (Monday 4/6)
Descend from Mueller Hut and Drive back to Omarama stopping at Clay Cliffs and on to coast town
of Oamaru for Penguin visits. Continue South on rte 1 past boulders and on to Dunedin and Otago
Peninsula




Location
o
Oamaru (2 hrs) via rte 80 / 8 and 83. On to Dunedin in 1 Hr
Hikes/Activities
o
Omarama

Clay Cliffs: 3kms north of town and an additional 10km after that : $5
o
Oamaru

Buildings in Harbour-Tymne Historic Precinct

Bushy Beach – Yellow-eyed Penguins on Graves Trail

Blue Penguin colony – Waterfront Rd (Late afternoon)
o
Moeraki Boulders

30km south of Oamara
o
Dunedin

City Walk

Taieri Gorge Railway

Tunnel Beach Walkway

Mt Cargill Organ Pipes (option)

Railway Station

Drinks and Dinner at “Octagon” in center of town
o
Otago Peninsula

See penguins and albatross
Camping
o
Number of Free noncontained spots just north/South of Dunedin,
Resources
o
Dunedin Walking Guides

http://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-and-do/outdoor-sport/walks
DAY 4 – (Tuesday 4/7)
Continue from Dunedin to Balcutha where you get off rte 1 and onto coastal hwy. Invercargill and
Tuatapere for Tuatapere Hump Ridge Loop Track (option to eliminate if Short on time). Up to Te
Anau. Find lodging and do night Glowworm tour (option, kinda commercial) after confirming hiking
for tomorrow on Kepler Trail (reserve boat, camping pass, and shuttle from Rainbow?)




Location
o
Follow Rte 1 to Invercargill and then rte 99 to Tuatapere (3.5 Hours). 1 Hr further to Te Anau
Hikes/Activities
o
Nugget Point

Lighthouse with view
o
Cathedral Caves

Worth a photo stop if low tide

Tide Chart; http://www.cathedralcaves.co.nz/
o
Porpoise Bay

Possible Penguin spot
o
Slope Point

20 min walk to point
o
Invercargill

Bluff Hill for View of Stewart Island

Sterling Point Walk
o
Tuatapere

Hump Ridge Track

Page 310 Tramping Book

3 Days 2 Huts $45/each with no camping options.

Steep climb to ridge. Rich in cultural history and timber town. Coastal views. Nice loop
option.

Purchase Pass at 31 Orawai Rd Tuatapere
o
Te Anau

Doubtful Sound

Cruise

Sea Kayaking with Dolphins (is it 2 day minimum?)

Gloworm Caves

2 Hours / $75

Real Journeys Visitor Centre , Lakefront Drive : +64 3 249 6000 or 0800 65 65 01
(within NZ)

Departure Times: 2pm / 6pm / 7pm / 8pm

https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/glowworm-caves/te-anau-glowwormcaves/
Scenic Route
o
Southern Scenic Route

http://www.southernscenicroute.co.nz/
Camping
o
Te Anau Holiday Park

$15
DAY 5 – (Wednesday 4/8)
Hopefully able to Park in Holiday Park and catch water Taxi at 830 to Brod Bay and hike 9hrs to
Iris Campground for Kepler Track.



Location
o
Te Anau
Hikes/Activities
o
Kepler Track

2/3 Days, 60km

Alpine Crossing / Must ensure Open / End at Rainbow Reach or it will be 3 days

Buy Great Walk Camping Pass for Iris Burn at Fjordland Visitors Center

Need Topo Map / Confirm can do in 2 if camping not huts

Possible Leave Car at Rainbow, get back into town and take taxi (830 and 930am)to Brod Bay in
order to reach Iris night one
Camping
o
Iris Burn Campground
Maps
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/fiordland/eastern-fiordland/kepler-track/trackdescription/map-and-profile/

DAY 6 – (Thursday 4/9)
Hike Remainder of Trail to Rainbow Reach (2 Hrs) and Hitchhike/Shuttle back to Marina/RV
campsite. Drive toward Milford Sound (Fill Gas in Te Anau) Catch Late afternoon Cruise (until
5pm)



Location
o
Milford Sound is 2 Hrs North of Te Anau on Rte 94.
Hikes/Activities
o
Sound Cruises

About 5 companies all for roughly $60 for 2 Hrs

Try to go early/Late to avoid tourist rush from Te Anau at Noon.
Camping
o
Anywhere along Hwy on way back towards Queenstown
DAY 7 – (Friday 4/10)
Head to Queenstown to explore downtown and Arrowtown after hiking Ben Lomond in afternoon. If
not a clear day, can skip and just relax after finding camp spot. (Rafting or Jetboat Option)





Location
o
Return down to Te Anau for 2 Hr Drive. And additional 2hrs East and North to Queenstown. Knock Hike at
Summit Road early so can enjoy beers downtown after nabbing camping spot outside of town
Hikes/Activities
o
Queenstown

Shotover River Rafting option: http://www.queenstownrafting.co.nz/

Meet downtown $200, 5 hours (08:15 departure)

Queenstown Rafting Booking Centre, 35 Shotover Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

Shotover Jet: www.shotoverjet.com

Can meet them at river 7km out of town $135 for 40 min (shorter than rafting)

Leave every 15 minutes

Shotover Jet, Shotover Jet Beach, Gorge Rd, Arthurs Point, Queenstown, New Zealand

Gondola (Drive Up)

BEN LOMOND SUMMIT VIA THE SKYLINE GONDOLA VIEWPOINT,
QUEENSTOWN - 4-7 HOURS. You have several options, including paying to take the
Gondola up, which cuts about 1 hour of walking. You can also take the Tiki Trail (not
recommended as it's better to take down) or the Skyline Gondola Access Road. The latter
is a wide open road and the fastest way to access the trail to Ben Lomond.

After ascending the hill from Queenstown (either by foot or gondola) the track follows
the ridge just below the top. Once you reach the saddle between Ben Lomond and Bowen
Peak the track climbs the northeast ridge until it loops around and gains the summit from
western side. Expect 4-6 hours round-trip from the top of the Gondola and 6-8 from
Queenstown

http://www.skyline.co.nz/queenstown/gondola/
Camping
o
Either outside of Arrowtown or Queenstown. Not many free sites seen.
Resource
o
Queenstown Visitors site: http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/
Maps
o
See LP Book
DAY 8 – (Saturday 4/11)
Further Explore Queenstown and either find a day hike at Routeburn (7Hrs), or do Rob Roy up in
Wanaka (3 Hrs). another 3 Hours to Coast on rte 6




Location
o
1 Hour North from Queenstown to Wanaka. Another 3 Hours to Fox Glacier
Hikes/Activities
o
Routeburn Shelter Day Hike

Ask in town if worth drive up to Glenorchy if not hiking route. If not skip

1 Hr from Queenstown. at Routeburn Shelter, the route meanders up and down to Routeburn Flats
Hut for 6.5 kilometers, which is the halfway point to Harris Saddle.. From Routeburn Flats Hut, take
a left and start the slow 2 kilometer slog up the mountain to the Routeburn Falls.last bit of the walk
is where the views really open up. You have amazing alpine scenery in all directions and the terrain
isn't actually that challenging.so 7.5 hours in all.

OTHER OPTIONS

try and not drive up to milford sound after Te Anue and hike Reutburn to divide, shuttle
to Milford sound and back, then shuttle back to divide and hike back greenstone to
queenstown. Another option is to skip greenstone and ride back to queenstone. Another
3rd option is to drive north from Invergall to Queenstown and follow option one.
o
Wanaka

Rob Roy Glacier hike – 4 Hours Day hike highly recommended
Camping
o
Spots along West Coast Near Fox Glacier
Resources
DAY 9 – (Sunday 4/12)
Franz Glacier and possible guided hike or just walk on own as close to either/both as possible. Stop
At Glowworms/Gorge in Hokitika. Day hike at Avalanche in Arthur’s Pass National Park. If not
clear continue 3 Hours to Paparoa NP


Location
o
From Franz Glacier it is 2.5 Hours drive up to Greymouth
Hikes/Activities
o
Glaciers Visitors Page

http://www.glaciercountry.co.nz/
o
Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Probably just drive to car park and hike short bits to lookouts

Anything get on Glacier for cheaper than $300

http://www.franzjosefglacier.com/
o
Hokitika

glowworm dell

is on the lefthand side of the road as you come into the town from the North (on the main
route from Greymouth). It's opposite the Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation. Entry
is free and the dell itself is a 2 minute walk from the roadside entrance, where there's an
information board if you want to learn more about the insect and its lifecycle.

Hokitika Gorge

Near Stafford St just past Dairy factory.
o
Avalanche Pass

5 Hours. Only if clear Day

his tramping track/route is steep and exposed to the weather, with sheer drops in some places. It
should not be attempted in poor visibility or high winds. In winter and spring, the route to the peak is
prone to avalanches. During heavy snow conditions, we advise visitors not to travel this route unless
sufficiently equipped and experienced enough to assess the conditions and choose a safe path
through avalanche terrain.

rom Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre follow the bush edge northwards to pick up the start of the track,
signposted behind the first house and before the bridge over Avalanche Creek (elevation 737
metres). The track, rocky and steep in parts, climbs through mountain beech/tawhairauriki on the
south side of Avalanche Creek. The creek drops over steep bluffs, creating spectacular waterfalls
which you can see from the main road and occasionally from the track. The track moves away from
o
the creek and emerges at the bush line (1200 metres) to give good views down the Bealey valley to
Cora Lynn Station, Black Range and Mt Bealey.
Punakaiki Rocks
DAY 10 – (Monday 4/13)
Hike the Inland Pack Trip or at least to Ballroom or do Charming Creek Walkway farther north,
continue on to Karamea (Fill tank at Westport) for overnight at Heaphy Hut if available. Also option
to visit Oparara Basin near town



Location
o
3 Hrs up coast from Paparoa NP to Karamea.
Hikes/Activities
o
Paparoa NP

Punakaiki: Pancake Rocks

Fox River Cave Walk (Tail end of Inland Pack Trip)

Time: 2 hr, Distance: 6 km, one way- dangerous in flood.

Some of the park's finest limestone features can be seen in this area. The track follows the
Fox River and continues up the gorge to a point where the river branches. The large
limestone overhang, known as the Ballroom Overhang is about half an hour up the left or
main branch of the river.

Access: The Inland Pack Track, sign posted by the main road bridge at Fox River, 12 km
north of Punakaiki.
o
Hector

old slaughterhouse hostel

Charming Creek Walkway (5 Hr) near hector by Charming Creek BandB in Ngakawau
o
Oparara Basin

10km north of Karamean turn off at Mccallums Mill Rd and follow 14km winding road.

Hit all three car parks and hikes to arches and caves
o
Karamean to Heaphy Hut

Buy overnight at Karamean Information and Resource center

$25 / 4 Hours

Or Can Day Hike it
Camping
o
Heaphy Hut

$30

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/golden-bay/heaphytrack/plan-and-prepare/fees-and-bookings/
DAY 11 – (Tuesday 4/14)
Hike Back from coast and drive east through Westport on Rte 6 then north up from Motueka to
Takaka around Tip (Cape Farewell) then back south to Takaka/Able Tasman stopping to camp at
Totaranui and Hike loop


Location
o
South to Rte 6 then East to Rte 60 and through Motueka to cape Farewell (6 Hours). If short on time don’t drive
all way to tip but stop at Totaranui
Hikes/Activities
o
Road between Takaka and Motueka

Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve

Harwoods Hole – Caving spot only for lookover.

If go up to Cape Farewell stop at Mussel Inn near Collingwood
o
Totaranui campground

Hike out to Wainui Bay then return on Gibbs Hill Track tomorrow (5 Hours)
DAY 12 – (Wednesday 4/15)
Drive South back to Marahua and maybe take Water Taxi and day hike. Drive to Motueka then
drive to Nelson via SH60 with stop off on Ruby Bay Scenic Route (Smokehouse seafood and Golden
Bear Brewery) for beer and end up somewhere between there and Kaikoura for night. (If light out
head straight East from Nelson to Havelock and Picton along Queen Charlotte Drive)


Location
o
4 hrs from Motueka to Kaikoura via rte 1 and through Nelson
Hikes/Activities
o
Nelson

Nelson Cathedral

Founders Heritage Park and Brewery

Free House Brewery
o
Able Tasman

Taxi / Kayaking

Multiple Options

Hikes

Ask Taxi operators for Day hike options based on time constraints.

One option is to taxi to Tonga Bay via seal colony then hike 3 hours north to Torrent
Beach and get taxi back to Marahua ($50)
DAY 13 – (Thursday 4/16)
Kaikouri for city coast walks. Down to Christchurch (Walk around Central area) Also can explore
peninsula east of Christchurch where Taylors Mistake and Lyttelton are.


Location
o
Christchurch is 2hrs south of Kaikoura on Rt 1
Hikes/Activities
o
Kaikouri

Seal Swim

$80 / 2 Hours; not too exciting. Mighty be pretty cold for this

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

3 Hour Loop to Kean Point

Seafood BBQ along way: cheap local food
o
Christchurch

Central

Cathedral Square

Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park

Canterbury Museum (Free)

International Antarctic Center with Penguin Backstage Pass

High Street and Tramway tour

Gondola (on way to Lyttelton)

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (10 km north of town of Rt 1)

Taylors Mistake Walk (Past Lyttleton on Summit Rd)

Lyttelton (South of town on 74/76)
DAY 14 – (Friday 4/17)
Extra Day


Location
Hike/Activities
o
x
DAY 15 – (Saturday 4/18)
Be at airport by Noon at Latest. Land in Fiji at 1830. Take Cab to Hostel. Ask if Vuda Point Marina
is worth checking out along with VISEISEI VILLAGE or else just relax along water and recon for
tomorrow




Location
o
Take shuttle or Cab to Hostel 10 minutes
Hikes/Activities
o
Vuda Point Marina at Vuda Point

is worth a visit for their Saturday night markets. It's next to First Landing Resort and close to
Viseisei Village

www.vudapointmarina.com/
Camping
o
Smugglers Cove Beach Resort / Bamboo Travellers Beach Resort / Aquarius on the Beach

On Beach, close to Airport. 1 mile to bus. Any will do fine
Resources
o
Fiji's larger islands have extensive and inexpensive bus networks. Local buses are cheap and regular and a great
way to mix with the locals. While they can be fairly noisy and smoky they are perfect for the tropics, with
unglazed windows and pull-down tarpaulins for when it rains. There are bus stops but you can often just hail
buses, especially in rural areas. Air-conditioned express buses run on some major routes such as Nadi to Suva.
o
Sunbeam Transport and Pacific Transport are the main carriers on Viti Levu. Pacific Transport also operates
services on Taveuni. Local companies operate buses on Vanua Levu.
DAY 16 – (Sunday 4/19)
Explore. May opt for bus to Navala, but it will be all day thing. If not Head to Nadi market in
morning, then off to Denarau Marina for lunch. Maybe continue on bus to Natadola beach for
afternoon. At this point can go up to Viseisei village and vida marina if not last night, or get on bus
and follow around island to capital of Suva and walk coast. from here follow bus around north of
island or can take one that cuts through mountains back to Nadi.

Hikes/Activities
o
o
o
o
o
VISEISEI VILLAGE

You can walk into the village at the north end for free or pay 5 Fijian dollars ($3) at the south end
and have someone show you around, which is well worth it. Avoid wearing bikinis or other skimpy
clothes, which are considered disrespectful in this setting.
Navala

Native Town -photographer’s delight, but you need to get permission and pay the $15 entrance fee
before wandering around. If arriving independently, ask the first person you meet to take you to the
turaga-ni-koro (the chief-appointed headman who collects the entrance fee). As the village charges a
fee to enter, a traditional sevusevu is not required although all other village etiquette rules apply. If
you arrive with Tui from Bulou’s Eco Lodge, he will take care of protocol.

2 Hours from Nadi Transport to Navala: You can catch the bus in Ba at noon or 5 PM and it will
take you to Navala for about FJ$3. The buses that return to town are at 6 AM, 8 AM, and 2 PM. This
is the best way to get there - it's cheap and the slow ride from town to the village is beautiful. From
Nadi to Lautoka to Ba to Navala will cost about US$5 total. There is no need to rent a car. You can
take mini-buses (minivans) or regular buses.
Garden of Sleeping Giant

Basic Garden, not that impressive
Nadi Market

Nadi’s open-air souvenir market, pick up traditional Fijian crafts such as wooden kava bowls, handpainted saris and scepter-like cannibal forks, the latter a nod to the region’s colorful past. Then
explore the country’s Indian legacy at Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, an elaborately painted
Hindu temple. Nearly half of Fiji’s population is of Southeast Asian heritage, descendants of the
Indians and Bengalis who came to work the British sugar cane plantations in the late 1800s and
decided to stay. Finish up your tour by tasting the melding of these cultures with an Indo-Fijian feast
of fresh fish curry and spiced roti at the Curry House, a Nadi favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Natadola Beach – Coral Coast
o
o
o

Fiji’s most beautiful beach, Natadola, is located 36 km south of Nadi. Take public Bus
Denarau Marina –

Nadi -this is where the boats to many of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups depart. You can
book day trips at the companies who have booths near the checkin point for the island groups. The
Marina has more than just a departure point for island trips. There's a good choice of restaurants, a
coffee shop and a hot bread kitchen all at differing prices to suit all budgets. Good spot to have
lunch and watch the boats coming and going. Local buses stop there, and there's a taxi rank too.
The Denarau Island "Bula" bus also stops there.
SUVA WATERFRONT

Like most urban areas in Fiji, Suva, the capital, has a dilapidated feel and doesn't immediately seem
inviting. But the country's leaders have made a point in recent months of trying to improve the
waterfront promenade, an effort that's showing positive results. The horseshoe-shaped walk extends
from the city to the national stadium and has become a popular place to jog and stroll. There's a new
picnic area and sometimes you'll see pickup games of rugby, Fiji's national sport.
Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

Abaca National Heritage park, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, Nase Lodge and Mt Batilamu are
all the same place, but known by different names.

half an hour’s drive from Nadi airport, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park seems deep within Viti
Levu’s interior. It’s very beautiful, with walks through native dakua (a tree of the Kauri family)
forests and grasslands, birdwatching, archaeological sites and waterfalls, and gorgeous landscapes of
peaks, clouds and sunshine.

There are no buses to Abaca but you can contact George Prince (664 5431, 8605406, 991 6956;
george_prasad@hotmail.com and abacaecopark@yahoo.com, who operates transfers from Lautoka
to the Village ($30/60 one way/return) per person. And additional of $10.00 per person one way
from Nadi and $15.00 per person from Denarau Island. Also Pick up can be from any Hotel around
Viti Levu.
DAY 17 – (Monday 4/20)
Fly Home at 1230 PM
RESOURCES








Nine Great Walks: http://www.newzealand.com/travel/en/media/features/walkinghiking/walkinghiking_greatwalks_feature.cfm
South Island Itineraries: http://www.newzealand.com/us/trips-and-driving-itineraries/south-island/
Hike South: http://hikesouth.com/
All South Island Hikes: http://nzwalksinfo.co.nz/
Lonely Plantet Preview:
http://books.google.com/books?id=O9kxgh1WlZgC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Great Walks Reservations: http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/great-walks/
Lonely Planet Tramping: http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Hiking-TrampingZealand/dp/1741790174/ref=pd_sim_b_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SW9EGM5RZ0YZR4XJZ88
Tramping Tracks: http://www.trampingtracks.co.nz/
South ISLAND HIKING
Malborough
Queen Charlotte Track
4 Days, 71km
Picton, NE Islands
Thoughts: This is the landing spot for North Island ferry. This is a less busy alternative to Able Taseman track. Nice water overlooks,
but Able is more beach hiking. Can sleep each night in lodges and bars accessible. Can do in 2-3 days but must take 45 min boat ride
out and hike back.
Nydia Track
1 Day, 27km
Picton, NE Islands
Thoughts: Pretty tame hike through flat fields
Pelorus Track
2 Days, 31km
Nelson
Thoughts: Deep green pools in lush forests. Looks Like I could loop a day hike from Swing bridge
Nelson Region
*Abel Tasman Coast Trek
4 Days, 51km
Nelson
Thoughts: Nelson is good spot to chill. Not to be missed. A Warm version of West Coast Trail, only requires light walking shoes for
the 50km (31 miles) route lined with miles of golden beaches. Along the way, five huts and 21 campsites offer accommodation, but
transport has to be arranged from one end or the other. Book at small campsites. If cant get permit for overnight camp can take a water
taxi out and catch the last one back to Marahau for day trip. Ideally book a morning taxi all the way to Mutton Cove and hike back
until want to take a taxi back when bored (probably too expensive). If that is not gunna work then watch to see if campsites get booked
before leaving and then taxi to Totaranui and ideally get there by noon and hike Back to Bark Bay for night. Then hike rest of way
back to Marahau the next day. It will be dictated by which campsites are available.
*Heaphy Track
4 Days, 82km
Collingwood and Karamea at end: Kahurangi NP
Thoughts: South of Abel. Cannot loop it. Hike East/West. 9 camping spots. A nice hike but logistics of shuttle could make it
expensive. Best part of hike is the last section that goes south along the coast. Day walks are popular on the Heaphy Track from both
ends of the track. Karamea is a great place to experience the final coastal section of the track, walking along a coastline of palm tree
groves with deserted, sandy beaches and no evidence of man's presence on the coastline other than the track.The walk to Scotts Beach
and then over night at Heaphy Hut (5 hours) and return.
Wangapeka Track
4 Days, 51km
Southern end of Kahurangi NP
Thoughts: Rugged and isolated. Nothing special
Leslie-Karamea Track
5 Days, 87km
Motueka Kahurangi NP
Thoughts: Semi-wilderness tramp through K NP. Good volcanic scaring and trout fishing. Not loop, not worth it.
Nelson Lakes Region
5 Days, 87km
Motueka Kahurangi NP
Thoughts: Mountain Alpine lakes and passes. Many loop opportunities for 2 day tramps. 2 tramp options

Travers-Sabine Circuit: Looks cool. It lists as a 5 day, but could just hike to John Tait, overnight and come back down an
alternate way

D’urville Valley Track: not really a short loop opportunity: 5 days – 70km

Mt Roberts Circuit Track 5 hour loop
West Coast
Inland Pack trip
1-2 Days 27km
Greymouth, Paparoa National Park
Thoughts: Caves and gorges on this inland route.If Heavy rains may need to skip as it has a river hike that is much like UT narrows.
Check with Visitors Center before going. Try to shuttle to start and leave car at end. Spend night one on rock ballroom.
Croesus Track
1 Days 18km
Blackball, Paparoa National Park
Thoughts: Old minimg tows hike. Not loop, not impressive.
Welcome Flat
2 Days 48km
Fox glacier, Aoraki / Mt Cook / Westland / tai Poutini National Park
Thoughts: More of a Winter climbing area called Southern Alps This is an alternative to copland pass, but it requires hiking back
across same path out so no dice.
Mueller Hut
2 day 10 km
Mt cook village, Aoraki / Mt Cook / Westland / tai Poutini National Park
Thoughts: alpine hike up to hut. Difficult hike but a good snow experience option. May be too cold this time of year. Also may get
snow on Routeburn Track instead.
*Avalache Peak
5 Hrs 7 km
Arthur Village
Thoughts: Good Day hike option
Goat Pass Track
1 Day 25km
Arthur Village
Thoughts: Not a loop. Might as well do Avalanche
Waimakariri-Harman Pass Route
3 Day 40km
Arthur Village
Thoughts: Like above, not a loop an might as well do the day hike option.
Harper Pass
4 Day 70km
Arthur Village
Thoughts: Not logistically inviting
Cass-Lagoon Saddles
2 Days 30 km
Arthur Village
Thoughts: A possible option to loop it it with a short shuttle.
Canterbury / Christchurch
Banks Peninsula Track
2 Days, 37km
Christchurch
Thoughts: Coastal scenery. Looks cool. Not sure if camping possible. Not a complete loop but close. Sleep first night at Hut and start
hike next day. Finish hike back at car in Akaroa. Private requires fee $200
Mt Somers Track
2 Days, 25km
Christchurch
Thoughts: Loop Trail that circles mountain like wonderland at Mt Ranier. Probably could do in one day but that would be rough. Park
car at Sharplin falls and loop, but may have to shuttle from Staveley is cannot leave car overnight at car park. May be cold up in
alpines. Not too impresive
St James Walkway
4 Days, 65km
Christchurch
Thoughts: Loop with some Hwy walking at end or beginning. Not as tough as hikes in Nelson Lakes. A couple mountain passes, mat
get cold. Hot Springs. Cant shorten and may be too long and not exciting enough to tackle. Better options
*Kaikoura Coast Trek
2 Days, 37km
Kaikoura Thoughts: Alpine, beach views and farm lodging. Private, requires fee. $150 a person. Fuck that. def go on to Kaikoura to
see whales and/or dusky dolphins- water so clear they are easier to see than in a harbour. Then do the free walkway:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/kaikoura-peninsula-brochure.pdf
Kaikoura

whales and/or dusky dolphins- and Loop Peninsula free hike from town
Fjordland /Mt Aspiring National Park
*Routeburn Track
3 Days, 32 km
Glenorchy
Thoughts: a Great Walk. Rainforest and high divide. Option to loop in 3 days by starting in Glenorchy and coming back through
Emily Pass . Most popular section is between Routeburn Falls and McKenzie. Park car at Divide and catch ride back to start.
Greenstone And Caples Track
3 Days, 36 km
Glenorchy
Thoughts: beech forest along trout river. Nothing exciting. Can be combined Caples track to loop in 4 days.
Mavora Walkway
2 Days, 51km
Glenorchy
Thoughts: less crowded option. Then above ones but nothing spectacular as far as scenery and not a loop.
Rees-Dart Track
3 Days, 57 km
Glenorchy
Thoughts: Alpine scenery and wild rivers make this a good alternative to Routeburn if cannot get reservations, but it is longer.
Cascade Saddle Route
3 Days, 61 km
Wanaka
Thoughts: Alpine scenery one of the best in the country if weather cooperates.
Wilkin-Young Valley Circuit
3 Days, 58 km
Makarora
Thoughts: Alpine scenery Could loop this hike with some hwy hitchhiking. Good option to Routeburn
*Milford Track
4 Days, 53 km
Te Anau
Thoughts: Best known Great Walk but costs$120 to hike and must stay in huts. Another $70 to get to trailhead. And $70 to get back.
Look for a cheaper similar hike.but if really greatest hike in world then do it. SOLD OUT
Hollyford Track
4Days, 59km
Te Anau
Thoughts: forest valley hike with no alpines to coastal bay. But one way hike and may need plane or boat to get back which can get
expensive
*Kepler Track
3 Days, 60km
Te Anau
Thoughts: Great Walk Great Alpine Crossing Loop hike that may be better alternative to Milford Track.
Dusky Track
3 Days, 45km
Manapouri
Thoughts: isolated and scenic. Looks pretty remote and challenging.If can only get back from tramp by helicopter or plane money
better spent on milford. And it may be too late in season for hike anyway.
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track
3 Days, 55km
Tuatapere
Thoughts: steep climb to ridge. Rich in cultural history and timber town. Coastal views. Is camping allowed. Nice loop option.
Gillespie Pass Circuit
3 Days, 58 km
Makarora
Thoughts: excellent 58 km, 3-4 day circuit, with spectacular mountain scenery, alpine vegetation and river valleys filled with silver
beech.
NORTH ISLAND Itinerary



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






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





Coming North on ferry East side from Wellington
through Hastings and Napier.
Continue on to Te Urewera (Whirinaki Track) and/or possible Kaimanawa Forest Park
Follow coast along SH35 along coast as much as possible (see route and stops in LP) .
Bay of Plentydrive along coast but nothing to crazy.
Come North along Rte 2 to connect with rte 1 into town of Rotorua (page 320/328 tour).
drive up East side of Rte 1. Hike the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail. Possible overnight,
then up into Auckland. Renta bike and ride the city. With possible overnight in hostel or ferry to island with van
and camp.
The next day drive up East coast and snorkel at Goat Island (check season) then
cut straight west to coast (or if nore time can hit some things listed above up north)
and come down along black sands.
Back towards Auckland and possible hike at Waitakere Ranges Loop and back down
Coming South on Rte 1 can stop in Hamilton for stock up
West to Beach town of Reglan
and on to Waitomo caves.
Possible stop at tongariro alpine crossing if weather agrees.
And possible stop at Orakei Korako and
city of Taupo and Turangi River walkway on way
up or south Back to Rte 3
South to Taraniki
maybe canoe Whanganui River (or at least drive road)
towards Wellington stopping to hike either Totara Flats or Mt Holdsworth (or Atene Skyline Track )
return to ferry along rt 1 and Kapiti coast to Malbourough and
North Island
Far North
____________
Rangitoto Island Loop 4 Hours, 10 km,
Island off coast of Auckland - ok
Thoughts: No campgrounds, but walkway over to Motutapu Island has campsites. 30 min ferry ($20) from Auckland Pier at
intersection of Albert and Quay st www.fullers.co.nz. runs daily leaving at 915, 1215, 3pm with last return at 330 Kinda volcanic and
barren, worth trouble? maybe if Auckland is boring
*Waitakere Ranges Loop
3 Hours, 7km.
30 minutes from Auckland.
Thoughts: Most popular area in country but due to proximity to big city. Too crowded to be worth it. May be interesting though after
scenic drive out of Auckland then on to coast of Whatipu and drive along west coast up north.
Cape Reinga Walkway
3 Days, 41km
Auckland
Thoughts: Companies will shuttle your car for you $60 Cape Reinga Adventures Northern Tip of NZ, beaches but a long drive, not
sure worth the trip. And too long if cannot be shortned
Great Barrier Island
3 Days 30km / Day trip 6 Hours
Island off coast of Auckland. More remote than Rangitoto island
Thoughts: Can slim to a day hike from Windy Canyon to Port Fitzroy. Sealink Ferry $95/5 hours: www.sealink.com. Great Barrier
Buses $40 RT from Tryphena: greatbarriertravel.co.nz Looks good but too expensive for short trip and no time for 3 days.
*Kauaeranga Kauri Trail
2 Days 15km
2 hour SE of Auckland part of Coromandel Forest park/Peninsula
Thoughts: Possible good hike for excuse to go up north to Auckland and hit this on way home
AUCKLAND and Other areas
Attractions

Rent Bike or walk
o
Tamaki Drive and Cliff Road.
o
Bridge/ferry to north Auckland and lunch in Daevonport.
o
Parnell and Newmarket neighborhoods (new England charm).
o
Explore Walking tour in LP book
o
Auckland Domain and Museum- Nice botanical walk
o
Walk to top of One Tree Hill for views, but kinda away from city center. Could hit another hill like Mt Eden
closer to town
o
Queen Elizabeth II Square - food carts
o
Auckland Harbour bridge
o
Queen Street - Main Drag

Ferry to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island Loop

Sky Tower – views $25 in a casino, probably skip.

War Memorial Museum

Titirangi: Artist area

Waitakere Ranges Loop
Other Cities North

Leigh
o
Goat Island Reserve – perfect for snorkel, kayak, or glass bottom boat ride.

Whangarei
o
Abbey Caves: smaller glow worm option with waterfall hike
o
Bream Head Walk and Parua Bay Tavern
o
Perfect Day Ocean Cruise Snorkel (top 10 diving in world at Poor Knights Islands)

Waihi
o
Karangahake Gorge
City Notes
Lodge (In Order)

Verandahs- In Mt Eden area (if cannot find place to park/sleep in van)
Bars/Restaurants

Autea Square – nightlife

Ponsonby

Kingsland
Central North Island
__________________
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Te Urewera NP
4 Days, 42 km
Thoughts: Just walking around a lake?
Whakatane -Waikari River Loop
5 Days, 65km
Location?
Thoughts: Pictures dont look that impressive
Whirinaki Track
2 Days, 25km
Adjoining to Te Urewera NP
Thoughts: possible day hike. Very Easy hike focused on great trees. Glow worm cave? could see to avoid float one if good Can
shorten to day hike by doing Waterfall Loop in 2 Hours
Tongarinio Northern Walking Circuit
3 Days, 50 km
Tongarinio NP
Thoughts: Volcanic hikes to emerald pools. Not that impressive. Can be shortened to 1 Day 17km hike called the Tongariro Crossing
Urchin-Umukarikari Circuit
2 Days 32 km
Kaimanawa Forest Park
East of Tongarinio NP
Thoughts: Looks somewhat Interesting
Southern North Island
______________________
Other Things to See/Do

Canoe or Kayak the Whanganui River
Mt taranaki high level circuit/Low Level Circuit
4 Days, 45 km, 20 Hrs/ 5Days 50 km
Thoughts: not to impressive, one peak to hike around with little vegetation
Pouakai Track
2 Days, 28 km
Thoughts: Near Mt Taranaki, less cumbersome but not exciting
Matemateaonga Track
4 Days, 42km
Whanganui NP
Thoughts: Not a loop and not that exciting
Rangiwahia & Deadmans Loop
3 days. 25 km
Thoughts: No too exciting
Mt Holdsworth Circuit
3 Days, 22km
Tararua Forest Park. North of Wellington
Thoughts: exposed mountain hike. Interesting option. Can be done in 2
Totara Flats Track
3 Days, 37km
Tararua Forest Park. North of Wellington
Thoughts: exposed mountain hike. Interesting option
Atene Skyline Track
1 Day 5 hours
Whanganui River
Thoughts: Interesting option for day hike if don’t do river overnight
Wellington
Attractions

The Waterfront of Wellington

Civic Square

Te Papa interactive museum

Museum of Wellington

Zealandia Wildlife sanctuary

Walking tour

Cape Palliser lighthouse

Cable Car for gardens and views above city

Courtenay Place- nightlife

Marine Drive - Can I do by bike?

Kapiti coast drive
Other Cities
o
Whanganui

Intersting stop if canoing the river (Overnight river trip from Taumarunui to Ohinepane)