NEW ZEALAND TREKKING, GLACIERS AND FJORDS with JUST a DAYPACK
OCT 30th -NOV 14th, 2016
AT# 16__
Have you always wanted to travel to New Zealand and experience it like a native? Then this is
the trip for you! We will hike with daypacks and explore lesser traveled tracks on the south
island. We will do a half day hike on Fox Glacier with experienced glacier guides! We’ll go on
an overnight cruise of Milford Sound to enjoy the scenery in the most peaceful and intimate
manner. Come see a different side of New Zealand!
Highlights of the trip include:
Hike 3 days on the Queen Charlotte walkway in the Marlborough Sounds
Trek the remote Nydia Bay track staying at a private lodge
Visit Nelson the arts and craft capital of New Zealand
Explore the rugged West Coast Wilderness, hike to a seal colony, onto a glacier and see the
fascinating rock formations
Take a jet boat ride into Mt Aspiring National Park and hike to Rocky Mt and Diamond Lake
Logistics and Background Info:
We will be utilizing private transportation and our luggage will be transferred for us so that we
can hike just with a daypack and truly enjoy ourselves and our surroundings. Each night we will
be in a full service facility with electricity, prepared meals, en suite double rooms and gorgeous
scenery.
The Queen Charlotte Track, located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island in the Marlborough
Sounds, offers a spectacular trip through the Marlborough Sounds, from the historic Ship Cove through
to Anakiwa in the Grove Arm giving unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
The Queen Charlotte Sound is the more well known of the three Sounds, and is dominated by
bush-clad shorelines, deep bays and coves, while the Kenepuru Sound is the smallest of the
three Sounds.
Stretching between the Queen Charlotte and
Keneperu Sound is the Queen Charlotte Track. A
70km track renowned for its stunning views and
contrasting landscape, historical landmarks and
wonderful variety of native bush and wildlife.
Visitors to the Queen Charlotte Track will find this
a unique walk as it passes through lush coastal
forest, historic bays, and along skyline ridges with
unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte and
Kenepuru Sounds. This walk is as much about a walking holiday as it is an environmental,
cultural and lifestyle experience. While the Queen Charlotte Track is not a steep track it is a long
track. This means that the distances walked each day (especially from Camp Bay to Anakiwa) can be
challenging.
The terrain of the track is regarded as undulating with hills ranging from sea level to a
maximum of 400 meters. Most of the track is wide (1 to 1.5 meters in width), and all major
streams have been bridged. The surface, being mainly clay soil, is hard and firm in dry
conditions but can often be slippery when wet. For walkers, the track requires boots and a good
level of fitness.
The Nydia track is a wonderful 2 day walk (approximately a 4-5 hour walk from either end) on a
track maintained by the Department of Conservation.
It crosses the Kaiuma and Nydia saddles with superb views and follows the sheltered shoreline
of historic Nydia Bay on Pelorus Sound. Formed by linking old bridle paths, the 27km track
meanders through a variety of regenerating native bush and beautiful untouched forest.
Trekking New Zealand’s trails is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the country’s
outstanding natural beauty. Discover the idyllic coastal tracks in the Marlborough Sounds with
its many hidden coves and the crystal clear waters of the Tasman Ocean. Explore the wild West
Coast with its rugged coastline, lush rainforest, and glaciers. Take an exciting jet boat ride to a
remote valley in the Mt Aspiring National Park and trek to Rocky Mountain and Diamond Lake.
Enjoy an overnight cruise in the world famous Milford Sound before hiking to Key Summit on
the Routeburn Track for panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darran Mountains to
complete this stunning adventure.
Accommodations:
The accommodation used for the AMC South Island Trekking is pitched at the mid-range level
with a choice of double and twin share rooms at the 3-3.5 star level. A single supplement is
available as well – except in a couple of locations where the room availability is very
limited. These rooms are en suited (again with two exceptions being the Lodge on Nydia Bay
track and the overnight on Milford Sound where shared facilities are offered.
Meals; Food & how it is provided:
An army marches on its stomach, and this trip is no different. All but two breakfasts are
provided on tour along with 8 lunches. These lunches are often those we will eat while on the
trail and our modus operandi is to provide the makings of your lunch for you to mix and match
accordingly. A full range of fillings and fruit plus bars and sweets are laid out for you to create
the ultimate sandwich, and our outfitter will even provide the lunch pail to carry it in. Breakfast
will usually be provided by the accommodation we stay in but at times our guides may even
produce it for you. Usually you will have the choice of a continental or cooked breakfast - or
both if you prefer. Dinners are supplied as part of the trip, in those places where there are no
options – like the overnight stay on the wonderful Milford Sound. Otherwise you have the
choice of some amazing restaurants and eateries, let alone the magnificent New Zealand fish
and chips (in kiwi language I guess it does sounds like fesh and cheeps!) on the lake edge. From
the most basic eater to the sophisticated palette, we will have something for everyone.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1- Oct 30th-31st, 2016– Leave USA, (en route two day to NZ due to crossing International
Dateline)
Day 3- Nov 1, 2016 Wellington
Arrive into Auckland from your overnight flight, before taking an internal flight down to
Wellington. Here we overnight with the opportunity to meet the guide and enjoy a dinner in
the nearby restaurant quarter. Accommodation: Bay Plaza Hotel; www.bayplaza.co.nz meals: D
Day 4- Nov 2, 2016 Picton
Early this morning, we have a relaxing 3.5 hour crossing of Cook Strait on the Inter-islander
ferry to Picton, nestled in the bottom of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Here we have a full
briefing and make last minute arrangements and purchases for the next 3 days. This evening we
enjoy a group dinner. Accommodation: Broadway Motel; www.broadwaymotel.co.nz meals: D
DAY 5- Nov 3, 2016 Ships Cove - Furneaux Lodge
By mid-morning we board a water taxi as we travel
down the Marlborough Sounds to historical Ships
Cove. Captain Cook discovered the bay in the
1700’s and called this his favorite base on his 3
voyages to New Zealand. Today this is a scenic
reserve and a fitting start to our first trek. Here we
start the hiking with a walk through to Furneaux
Lodge on the 70km Queen Charlotte walkway.
Accommodation: Furneaux Lodge;
www.furneaux.co.nz meals: B,L
DAY 6- Nov 4, 2016 Furneaux Lodge - Punga Cove
From Furneaux Lodge around the coastal head of Endeavour Inlet is a great half day hike to
Punga Cove. Once farmland, this part of the walkway has reverted to nature and the forest is
again resplendent. A wide range of birds inhabit the bush including silvereyes, tomtits and grey
warblers. The area is rich with history, and the population was once over 400, many of whom
worked the antimony mines. We spend a relaxing evening overlooking the sound.
Accommodation: Punga Cove Resort; www.pungacove.co.nz meals: B,L
DAY 7– Nov 5, 2016 Punga Cove – Portage
Today’s trek from Punga Cove to Portage is the longest of the Queen Charlotte walkway and
follows the ridgeline as it weaves down the sounds. This day is one of stunning views across
both sides of the track before we finally reach our accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: Peppers Portage Hotel; http://www.peppers.co.nz/portage meals: B,L
DAY 8- Nov 6, 2016 Nydia Bay From Portage
We drive to start of the nearby and more remote Nydia Bay 2 day track. The approach road
meanders through regenerating bush before we start the 4 hours of trail over a saddle into
beautiful Nydia Bay. The trail passes through lush coastal forest, with rimu, nikau, and beech
trees. Tonight we stay at a private lodge (with shared bathroom facilities) on the trail.
Accommodation: On the Track Lodge; http://www.nydiatrack.org.nz meals: B,L,D
DAY 9- Nov 7, 2016 Nadia Bay - Tennyson Inlet - Nelson
From our lodge we continue around the sound and then hike over the saddle to drop into
Tennyson Inlet, where we rejoin our coach for the transfer to Nelson. This is the arts capital of
New Zealand and time allowing we can visit some of the many amazing art galleries and
exhibits in the city. Accommodation: Harbourside Motel www.harbourside.co.nz meals: B,L
DAY 10- Nov 8, 2016 Nelson - Punakaiki Leaving Nelson we head inland and climb over the pass
and descend to the Buller River watershed. En route we drive out to the coast and hike around
the hill tops of Cape Foulwind with its seal colony. Then it’s onto Punakaiki with the famous
iconic Pancake Rocks and the beautiful walk down Truman’s track. Truman Track is a walk
through unspoiled sub-tropical forest where podocarp and rata trees tower above thickets of
vines and nikau palms. The track emerges on a spectacular coastline with cliffs, caverns, a
blowhole and a waterfall which plummets straight onto a rock- strewn beach. Accommodation:
Punakaiki Cottage Motels; www.punakaikicottagemotels.co.nz meals: B
DAY 11- Nov 9, 2016 Punakaiki - Fox Glacier
Inland from the coastal settlement we hike the beautiful 3 hour Porari River circuit, the trail
crosses the Punakaiki River via a footbridge, and then follows an easily graded climb through
mature rain forest over the ridge dividing the two rivers. We then drive down to Hokitika,
famous for its Pounamu (Greenstone) indigenous carving. We continue for 2 hours to Fox
Glacier and our accommodation for the night. Accommodation: Mt Cook View Motels;
http://www.mtcookview.co.nz meals: B
DAY 12- Nov 10, 2016 Fox Glacier – Wanaka
Fox Glacier is the township of the nearby glacier
which descends to the rainforests the coast is
famous for. This morning we have a half day
guided glacier hike to get up close to the ice. In
the afternoon we drive over the Haast Pass out to
the east and onto Wanaka. Accommodation:
Clearbrook Resort; www.clearbrook.co.nz meals: B,D
DAY 13- Nov 11, 2016 Wanaka - Queenstown
Feeding from the nearby Mt Aspiring National Park, the Matuktuki River provides an exciting jet
boat ride to the start of our remote valley hike. After a riverside picnic we have a further 3 hour
hike to Rocky Mt and Diamond Lake with its spectacular views before we drive to nearby
Queenstown. Accommodation: Tanoa on Aspen; www.tanoaaspen.com meals: B,L
DAY 14- Nov 12, 2016 Queenstown - Milford Sound Nearby Milford Sound is famous for its
spectacular views with the towering peaks rising 5000 feet above the fiord. The drive to Milford
Sound takes us via Te Anau and then into the national park, where we board our ketch for an
amazing overnight cruise on Milford Sound. Accommodation:
www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/cruises/milford-wanderer-overnight-cruises meals:
B,L,D
DAY 15- Nov 13, 2016 Milford Sound - Queenstown
Disembarking from the boat we drive to The Divide and hike to Key Summit on the famous
Routeburn track and to enjoy panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darran Mountains. On a
fine day the views are stunning, making it hard for us to leave for the final drive back to
Queenstown. Accommodation: Tanoa on Aspen; http://www.tanoaaspen.com meals: B,L
DAY 16- Nov 14, 2016 Transfer to Auckland
We have a free morning in Queenstown to explore before a final transfer to Auckland and
onwards to the USA. meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as
Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. The itinerary should be
seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of
nature and other circumstances beyond our control.
As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for travelling in New Zealand’s
stunning outdoors. One of the most important things travelers need to know about the New
Zealand climate is that it’s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of
larger landmasses. Thanks to its position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ and mountainous
terrain, New Zealand’s weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the
weather can change so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in
temperature and weather conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and
some warm clothing. You don’t need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper
and good thermals are a must. The temperature during the South Island summers range from
45-75 F, with a pleasant 40- 50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and
snowfall is not uncommon even in summer. The Southern Alps of New Zealand act as a barrier
to the moisture laden winds coming west across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the
west side of the mountains and a drier climate on the east side. The geography also creates a
wind pattern, which can in summer be very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we
may encounter range up to 75 F. Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in
Summer time are around 25 F.
By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. To get the most out
of your adventure it is important that you are mentally flexible, positive and eager to take on all
the challenges that arise.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over
after trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the
group are to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost and in
the company of other adventurers with similar interests. We encourage your individual
contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group’s experience. We expect you to
participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders’ decisions, and work towards the group
having a good time. Be prepared to help your fellow hikers and spend time with other
participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
COSTS COVERED:
Accommodations one en suited twin share/double basis in private lodges and hotels (NB
Shared bathrooms on Milford Sound cruise and at the On The Track Lodge)
Overnight Milford Sound cruise in double occupancy cabin with shared bathroom
Vehicle and trailer as required for transfer from one location to another
5 dinners, 8 lunches, and 12 breakfasts as designated on itinerary by B, L, D
Water taxi shuttle to trail heads where needed and daily luggage transfer
Wanaka Jet http://www.wanakariverjourneys.co.nz
Half day Guided Glacier hike on Fox Glacier
Dept of Conservation concession fees
New Zealand Goods & Services Tax
Ferry transfer from Wellington, New Zealand to Picton, New Zealand
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
AMC-AT program Expense Fee
AMC luggage tag
Expenses for 2 AMC Volunteer Trip Leaders (if minimum of 14 participants)
One Dept of Conservation qualified guide and where needed a secondary driver for vehicle
shuttling between trailheads.
COSTS NOT COVERED:
Airfare from USA to/from New Zealand
Alcoholic and soft drinks with meals
Meals & snacks except as specified on daily itinerary by B, L, D
Passport
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Items of personal nature/souvenirs
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 in vehicles, on foot, or by boat. Aside from any personal medical problems,
participants should be aware of the possibilities of hypothermia, hyperthermia, insect bites,
altitude sickness, dehydration, sun burn and other hot and cold related problems. You should
regularly use sun screen and insect repellant, wear long sleeves and pants, take care to be
adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips as well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and
gloves. 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.
Participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can
contribute to making this experience rewarding.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $5625.00, plus estimated airfare of $1850-2400. To reserve your
place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the Confidential Medical
Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement.
Once you have been approved for the Adventure Travel trip, you will be required to send to the
Leader your deposit of $1,000.00 made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). $200.00 of
this initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your
application and other forms and have approved you for the trip, we’ll send you additional
information on the trip, including planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum
number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place. Historically all commercially
available Antarctica trips sell out quickly each year.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Deposit $1000 due with application
# 2 DUE BY MARCH 1ST, 2016
$2625
#3 DUE BY JUNE 1ST, 2016
$2000
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $200 is non-refundable, but if you cancel after
May 1, 2016 minimally $800 is nonrefundable, if (and only if) another person takes your place.
We will establish a waiting list. Should another person replace you, you will be charged only
the $800 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any
of the participants or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the
$800 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which
the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once
purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will
be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on
current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be
passed on to participants.
Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, the leaders reserve the
right to cancel the trip and refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on
a waiting list, or return your deposit.
AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1,850-2,400):
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel – most likely on American or
Delta, since they usually offer good connections. You will receive notification when we are
aware of a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $1,850-2,400. We will assist you in
any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on your own without
consulting the leaders. We will notify you with a list of acceptable flights once we know that we
have a confirmed trip. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly owned by you.
FLIGHTS:
Flights should leave the USA on Oct 30, 2016 for arrival in Wellington, New Zealand on
November 1st, 2016. The return flights should leave New Zealand on the afternoon of
November 14. Please note that when flying from USA to New Zealand, two days are required,
whereas when flying from New Zealand to USA you return to the west coast on the same day.
This is due to time zone differences and crossing the International Date Line!
Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere
with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will
provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.
TRIP LEADERS:
LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips
in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led adventure trip in
July 2014, July of 2011, August 2012 and July/August to Austrian Alps. She has also lead
Adventure travel trips to Yosemite National Park, Azores Archipelago, Tuscany and Superior
Hiking Trail in Minnesota for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions
to Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai
valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 20 of the high Alpine Huts throughout
Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked all of the NH 4000 footers. Her interests
include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer
for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities.
ADDRESS:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
PHONE:
(207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
EMAIL ADDRESS:
ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK
Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to
Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White
Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier
and Olympic National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer backpacking as a
Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the
world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.
ADDRESS:
22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
PHONE:
781-648-2492, 617-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS:
annatp13@verizon.net