Prospectus AMC Trip #1202
New Zealand’s “Finest Walk in the World” Milford Track
February 6-19, 2012
Come join us in discovering the intriguing history, culture, and breathtaking scenery of New Zealand. Our
itinerary will take in splendid highlights of Auckland, Queenstown, Mt. Cook, and Christchurch. We have
secured comfortable well- located hotels in each of these destinations. We are delighted to be including
the famous Milford Track in our itinerary. Rudyard Kipling was known to have described this as “the
finest walk in the world”. On the Milford Track, we will have the benefit of well-appointed lodges,
appetizing meals, and expert guides. This trip is suitable for participants able to enjoy moderate hiking
with daypacks.
Here is a glimpse at our tentative itinerary:
Wednesday, February 8
Morning arrival in Auckland after overnight flight. Auckland is a world-class tourist destination, perched
on a narrow piece of land with the South Pacific Ocean to the east and the Tasman Sea to the West. It is
known for its many fine beaches, beautiful parks and gardens, and a variety of restaurants. Discover the
city on your own or join us on an optional visit to Kelly Tarlton’s.
During the Kelly Tarlton’s option – We will journey through a simulation of an Antarctic environment
including a life-size replica of Captain Robert Scott’s hut, complete with groaning ice and fierce winds.
Board a Snow Cat that heads through an Antarctic whiteout and past some penguins. We’ll then go on to
experience a very unique underground aquarium where, other than the walkway, you are surrounded by
water and New Zealand’s indigenous sea life. (Extra Cost approx. $28 US) Overnight at Auckland
Scenic Hotel
Thursday, February 9
Free day in Auckland to explore the city on your own or join us for optional choices.
Optional hike up Mt. Eden with Betsy - This extinct volcano, the highest point in Auckland at 640 ft.,
offers a 360 degree view of the city. Walking tracks lead around and into the depression where the crater
used to be. It was an ancient Maori fortress, and their storage pits
and defense terraces remain. The inner crater was considered
sacred to Matuaho, God of Volcanoes. Eden Garden with a
colorful array of flowers is on the lower slopes.
Optional hike on Rangitoto Island with Lynne - Rangitoto Island
is volcanic in origin with the last eruption only 200 years ago. It is
in the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. It is the largest of the 50
volcanic cones and craters in the Auckland area. An easy tramp to
the crater lookout and around the rim to the 850 ft. summit provides fabulous views. There are many
ferns, flowers and trees on the island. The island is reached by ferry from downtown Auckland. (Extra
cost approximately $20 round trip). Group dinner is included at the Orbitz Restaurant in the Sky Tower,
the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building with magnificent views.
Overnight at Auckland Scenic Hotel
Friday, February 10
Fly from Auckland to Queenstown on the South Island. Queenstown is a
popular and beautiful resort town, surrounded by mountains and Lake
Wakatipu. You’ll find plenty to do and all the comforts of civilization: a
pedestrian Mall with cafes and shops, massage therapists, the Queenstown
Gardens, and walking trails. It is also known as the “Adventure Capital of the World” with bungy
jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, and paragliding. You have free time to explore until 4:45 pm
when we attend a Pre-Track Briefing at the Ultimate Hikes Centre, Ground Floor, the Station Building.
Here we will receive a complete outline of what to expect, be provided with equipment, given an
opportunity to purchase last minute items, complete the required medical forms, ask any questions that
you may have and meet your fellow walkers.
Group dinner will be included at the highly rated Flame Bar & Grill.
Overnight at Queenstown Heartland Hotel
Saturday, February 11
Start the Milford Track. Ultimate Hikes provides a guide, comfortable private backcountry lodges with
hot showers and all meals, and the opportunity to hike with a daypack rather than a backpack. At 9 am
we head from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs, stopping for lunch at the lakeside village of Te Anau.
After lunch, we drive to Te Anau Downs boat harbour for the launch to take us up to the northern end of
Lake Te Anau. From the wharf, we start the Milford Track with a short easy walk to historic
Glade House, where we stay our 1st night of the Track.
Sunday, February 12
We start the day by crossing the Clinton River and wandering through the unique beech forest to
Hirere Falls, where we have lunch. After crossing the Prairie, the track gets a little steeper as we
climb up to Pompolona Lodge. Today’s highlights include distinctive beech forest, all sorts of
spectacular plants and stunning views up the ice-carved Clinton Canyon toward McKinnon Pass. Stay at
Pompolona Lodge.
Monday, February 13
Today is the most spectacular day of the Milford Track! We climb a series of switchbacks to cross
McKinnon Pass. From the top of the pass, the views of the Arthur Valley and the surrounding peaks are
just magnificent. We’ll lunch at Pass Hut, then head down the pass to
Quintin Lodge. Once we have arrived, those who wish to can take a 90
minute round trip to see the Sutherland Falls, the fifth highest waterfall in the
world. Stay at Quintin Lodge.
Tuesday, February 14
This is your last day on the Track. It’s 13 miles of varied terrain, slightly
downhill, with no significant climbing. The small waterfalls to be found just off the track make for a
delightful day. We’ll be picked up at Sandfly Point this afternoon for a short cruise to the jetty, and arrive
at Mitre Peak Lodge for the last night in Milford Sound.
Wednesday, February 15
Take a coach from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Free day in Queenstown to unwind, explore.
Optional visit to the Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Here you can view kiwis in their natural habitat in the
nocturnal house and all sorts of birds in park-like surroundings. (Additional cost approximately $16)
Optional ride on the Skyline Gondola (Additional cost approximately $20)
Optional Maori show (Additional cost approximately $27)
Group dinner included at the famous Pier 19 restaurant to celebrate our successful completion of the
Milford Track.
Overnight at Queenstown Heartland Hotel
Thursday, February 16
Travel from Queenstown to Mt. Cook by coach. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
preserves a spectacular alpine area of great beauty. Its snow capped
mountains, glaciers and river valleys attract hikers, climbers, skiers and
photographers. The rugged snow-covered mountains and glaciers
include 22 peaks that soar to more than 10,010 ft. with Aoraki/Mt. Cook
at 12,280 ft, Mount Tasman at 11,480 ft and Mount Dampier at 11,290 ft. The gigantic
Tasman Glacier, 17 miles long, is one of the world’s largest glaciers outside of the polar
regions. Walking trails will allow us to enjoy the wildflowers, many birds, and
excellent views. Overnight lodging at the famed Hermitage.
Friday, February 17
Travel to Christchurch by coach. Christchurch was founded in 1850 as a planned Church of England
settlement. It has striking Gothic architecture, fine stone buildings, lush green parks and flower filled
gardens. Our plans include: a visit to Christchurch Cathedral, a walk along the waterfront and
breathtaking cliffs from Scarborough Head to Taylor’s Mistake Beach and on to Godley Head, and a tour
of the beautiful gardens in full bloom.
We are visiting during the International Garden City Festival of Flowers. Overnight at Christchurch
Heartland Cotswold
Saturday, February 18
Enjoy a day in Christchurch. Explore on your own or join us for this superb optional event.
Optional visit to the International Antarctic Center. Christchurch has served as a base for Antarctic
exploration over the years, including Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole in 1910. Today the
Center serves as an operating base for the New Zealand, U.S., and Italian Antarctic programs. The first
display gives a feeling of what the earliest Antarctic explorers must have experienced – right down to
howling winds and the Southern Aurora. Then you step inside a realistic simulation of a room at Scott
Base, with up-to-date information and weather reports. Other displays showcase natural and geological
history, flora and fauna, and life today at the various bases. The Little Blue Penguin Encounter will
introduce us to the world’s smallest penguins. Finally, the Swedish designed vehicle, the Hagglund, is
available for rides. (Additional cost is approximately $30 or $48 with a Hagglund ride) Group farewell
dinner at the award winning Cooking with Gas restaurant. Overnight at Christchurch Heartland
Cotswold
Sunday, February 19
Transport to airport. Fly to Auckland to connect with flights back to home. It’s time to leave our splendid
adventure behind and enjoy wonderful memories of this enchanting country for many years to come.
Trip Leadership
Lynne Zimmerman
Lynne fell in love with New Zealand when she visited both Islands in 2006. Her daughter was at Otago
University in Dunedin for 6 months. Lynne has led AMC Major Excursion hiking trips to Alaska,
Switzerland, the Italian Dolomites and the Canadian Rockies. She has co-led cross country ski trips to
Yellowstone National Park with her husband, Roger. She is certified in Advanced Wilderness First Aid
by SOLO and in CPR. She loves the mountains and enjoys sharing them with others.
Betsy Fowler
An AMC member since 1970 and avid hiker, Betsy Fowler and her husband ran the AMC Mountain
Leadership Workshop in the 1970’s and Betsy is currently a NH Chapter trip leader. Her first Major
Excursion was co-leading a backpack in August 2004 to Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks in the
Canadian Rockies. In 2005 she led a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos, and in 2006 and 2007 she led a
Canadian Rockies backcountry ski trip and a Machu Picchu /Cordillera Blanca trek. In 2007 she led trips
to Patagonia and Glacier National Park. Her most recent trips were in June 2008 leading an AMC trip to
the Dolomites in Italy, leading a private trip to New Zealand in 2009, and an AMC trip in June 2010 to
Alaska. She has Wilderness First Aid from SOLO as well as American Red Cross CPR training.
Cost, Registration and Cancellation
Our adventurous yet relaxed pace itinerary is suitable for couples, singles, and families (recommended for
children 10 + older). The trip size is limited to 18. The trip cost is $3990 per person includes; lodging,
ground transportation, some meals, and planned tour/guide fees. Group Airfare from LAX $1400-1700
(based on estimate & availability). Trip fee includes the following:
 All group ground transport
 Milford Track (guided hike and 4 nights lodging via Ultimate Hikes )
 Emergency medical and evacuation insurance
 Auckland Scenic Hotel (2 nights lodging double occupancy)
 Queenstown Heartland Hotel (2 nights lodging double occupancy)
 Hermitage (1 night lodging double occupancy)
 Christchurch Heartland Cotswold (2 nights lodging double occupancy)
 Meals provided include 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 8 dinners
All other personal expenses such as optional trips, other meals, and alcoholic beverages are not included. Some of
the leaders’ expenses for the trip and administrative costs to support the trip are included in the overall
trip costs to be shared among the participants. This is strictly a non-profit excursion conducted by the
leaders on a volunteer basis. Any unforeseen increases in costs will be shared by all participants. Any
funds remaining after all expenses are paid will be divided among the participants in accordance with
AMC rules.
A registration deposit of $500 is due with the application. You must submit the completed and signed
Application Form, the AMC Confidential Health Questionnaire, AMC Optional Confidential
Supplemental Medical Questionnaire, and the signed AMC Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk
and Release. The balance of the trip fee is due in full by 7/15/2011. If you elect to use the group airfare,
this is due in full 8/15/2011 as well. Make check payable to “AMC/Lynne Zimmerman” and mail with
your completed application to: Betsy Fowler, PO Box 1829, Conway, NH 03818.
Cancellations prior to 8/15/11 will be entitled to a refund on money deposited with the AMC less a
minimum administration charge of $300.00 plus the cost of air ticket if already issued. Cancellations
after 8/15/11 will be subject to a $500.00 cancellation charge, and refunds will only be refunded to the
extent that the cost of the trip for other participants is not affected. Economy air tickets are generally nonrefundable except for serious illness substantiated by a doctor’s letter. Most domestic airlines no longer
give refunds for cancellations; instead, they issue coupons for a future trip with an administrative charge
of $100.00 and an expiration date. Trip cancellation insurance is advised and policy information will be
supplied to all participants. No refund can be granted after the trip has begun. This trip is likely to fill
quickly with the limited group size (18 participants). If you are interested, please register as soon as
possible.
When registration is complete, we will send all participants the names, addresses and phone numbers of
those going on the trip. We will be using email as our primary source of communication. If you prefer
snail mail and/or telephone communication, please note that on your registration form. If you have any
questions, please call us so that we can discuss them. Please contact Betsy Fowler at
betsyfowler@roadrunner.com home 603-447-5077 or Lynne Zimmerman at lynnesz@yahoo.com (cell)
207-595-0780 (Lynne will be out of the country from May 25-June 22)
Single Applicants: The price of the trip is based on double occupancy of the rooms (with the exception
of Milford Track which is multiple share). We prefer applicants in pairs but will accept reservations from
single applicants and the leaders will help find a roommate for you. The leaders reserve the right to
change roommates.
Trip Requisites:
A) Health Participants must be in good general health and able to do moderate hiking. The trip is not
recommended for children under 10. Medical facilities in New Zealand are known to be of high standard.
It is advised that participants bring with them any prescriptions and medications needed for the duration
of the trip. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that requires food between set meal times,
please consider bringing a supply of snacks with you.
B) Adaptability An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Please note that itinerary
scheduling may be modified due to transportation and weather details. Safety will always take priority in
the leaders’ decisions.
C) Understanding of Trip Purpose This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural wonders of
New Zealand through shared participation in an organized group environment. Participants are expected
to arrive promptly for scheduled activities. AMC trip participants are known for their cooperative efforts,
and expectations are that all participants be considerate of others sharing this Major Excursions
experience.
D) Being a Team Player We will be more than just a group; we will be a team. As a member of our team,
you will be responsible for yourself as being an equal part of the group. Being a team player also means
proper communication as to your whereabouts and your personal health. Although we are all adults, the
trip leaders have a responsibility for the overall safety of the group and part of that is knowing where
everyone is. Especially when traveling in a group and in a foreign country, you should tell someone
about your intentions. Similarly, you should tell one of the leaders if you become ill or do not feel you
are physically capable of safely participating in any of the days' activities.
E) Safety, Risks and Hazards As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events,
procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected
to work with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be
aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse
weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation via foot or
vehicles. Please carefully read and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks
and Release and Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions. Parents’ and
participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to
making this experience rewarding.
Entering New Zealand: Tourists to New Zealand from the United States will find that visiting the
islands for periods up to three months is relatively easy. Visitors from these areas will not need a visa but
are required to produce a valid passport that does not expire within three months of the planned date of
departure.
Climate: We will be visiting during New Zealand’s summer season. Weather will be subtropical in the
north island and temperate in the south. Lightweight cottons and linens are worn in North Island most of
the year and in summer in South Island. Rainwear is essential when visiting South Island's rainforest
areas.
Currency: 1 NZD approximately equals 0.7634 USD
Major credit cards are widely accepted at many types of establishments throughout and this should help
prevent travelers from exchanging large sums of hard currency to finance your stay. American Express,
Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. ATMs accepting cards on the Plus/Electron and
Cirrus/Maestro networks are available. Debit cards used at an ATM are usually the cheapest way to
obtain local currency. Travelers Checks ccan be exchanged at official rates at trading banks, large hotels
and some shops.
Website Resources:
www.newzealand.com
www.ultimatehikes.com
www.airnewzealand.com
www.nz.com
www.worldtravelguide.net/new-zealand
http://travel.state.gov/travel/
http://www.rateslist.com/exchange-rates/new-zealand-dollar.html
We look forward to having you join us!
Lynne Zimmerman
lynnesz@yahoo.com
(cell) 207-595-0780
Betsy Fowler
betsyfowler@roadrunner.com
(cell) 603-447-5077