New Zealand

Manuka Multisport - 14 days

Beaches and Rainforest of the West Coast · Sea Kayaking in Okarito · Hiking at Fox Glacier and Mount Cook · Queenstown · Milford Track Guided Walk
14 days: Christchurch - Christchurch. Fare: US$3499 + tax

The Manuka is a 14-day activity-oriented trip through the South Island. We designed this trip to minimize driving, make the accommodations as upscale as possible, and pamper you with the highest standards in everything! The Manuka is an active hiking trip at a relaxed pace, and is designed for people who are keen on the off-the-beaten-track Kiwi style of our trips, but who also enjoy their creature comforts and maybe want to take things a little easier than the folks on our more challenging trips. You'll be hiking on most days, from lush rainforest on the West Coast and Fox Glacier to the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park and Mt. Cook. You can choose from the famed Milford Track Guided Walk or the lesser-known but more intimate and luxurious Hollyford Guided Walk, and then hiking through the stunning scenery of Mount Cook National Park. Because of the extreme popularity of the Guided Walks, we strongly recommend booking the Manuka as early as you possibly can.

Monday - Hiking Temple Basin
Most people leave the United States on a Saturday evening, and arrive in Auckland early on Monday morning. You'll lose a day to the dateline - but you get it back on the way home! You'll immediately take the short flight to Christchurch, in the South Island. You'll need to arrive in Christchurch by 11am on Monday, at which time we'll meet you either at your hotel or at the airport, and we'll head west to the Southern Alps. We'll stop for lunch at a small alpine lake before continuing to Temple Basin. At Temple Basin we'll take our first hike, a gentle two-hour walk to a small alpine basin for great views of the Southern Alps. Then we head through to Greymouth, and up the coastal road to the gorgeous seaside village of Punakaiki. We always make sure the first day of our trips is relaxing and undemanding so you can recover from the flight. (You'll probably find jetlag is no big deal - it's a 12 hour direct overnight flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, and there's only a 3 hour time difference between New Zealand and US Pacific time). If you have more time, by all means try to arrive in New Zealand a day or so early.
ACCOMMODATION: Paparoa Park Motels, Punakaiki. (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Rainforest and beach hiking in Punakaiki
We have a whole day and another night at Punakaiki so we'll make the most of our time. Today we'll hike a section of the Inland Pack Track, from Bullock Creek to the Pororari River. We start at a classic 'submergence' - where the river suddenly dries up mid-stream, and goes underground - for a mile or so before resurfacing at Cave Creek. The rainforest in this area is unbelievably lush, and the limestone canyons and distant hazy mountains of Paparoa National Park make this an awesome day hike. We'll also follow the Truman Track to a small surf beach and visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. If you'd rather take to the sea rather than the trail, we can arrange a marine boat safari to see dolphins, sea birds, and other marine life. Tonight we'll have a barbeque dinner overlooking the sea.
ACCOMMODATION: Paparoa Park Motels, Punakaiki. (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Arts & crafts in Hokitika, coastal hiking
We'll start with a short drive down the coast to Hokitika, where we'll spend a couple of hours checking out the greenstone workshop and local art galleries.Then it's just an hour to Harihari, where we'll do an afternoon hike along the coast to a distinctively shaped rock known as "the Doughboy". Tonight we're staying at the historic Harihari Hotel. This classic restored hotel is run by the owners Steve and Heather and they'll make you feel right at home with their amazing west coast hospitality. After a sumptuous dinner, we'll head out for a short walk to see the local glowworms.
ACCOMMODATION: Harihari Hotel, Harihari. (B,L,D)

Thursday - Hiking or sea kayaking in Okarito and hiking near Fox Glacier
Today we're going to visit the formidable glaciers of the South Island. First we'll stop at the tiny seaside village of Okarito where you'll spend the morning either hiking through coastal rainforest to Three Mile Lagoon or sea kayaking on Okarito Lagoon. This area is host to the only white heron colony in New Zealand and is an awesome place to paddle or hike against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Both of these activities are awesome and the kayaking is rewarding for beginners and experts alike. This sleepy beach town is a gorgeous place, and well worth spending time here. Then it's on to Fox Glacier, where we walk right up to the terminal face of the glacier. The Fox Glacier is an enormous river of ice, unusual in that it comes right down through the rainforest to sea level. Unbelievable. Finally, we'll head down to Haast and cross the Main Divide at the Haast Pass to Makarora. At Makarora we have a lovely homestead to ourselves for the evening.
ACCOMMODATION: Makarora - homestead, Makarora (B,L,D)

Friday - Bush plane into Mt. Aspiring National Park, hiking & jetboat ride
Today we'll do the Siberia Experience, an awesome way to see Mount Aspiring National Park! Start with a scenic flight in a small bush plane through the dramatic snowy peaks to a remote alpine valley. From here it's a beautiful three-hour hike down to the river, where a jet boat will be waiting to take you on a thrilling ride back to Makarora. This is a really dramatic way to experience the unspoiled wilderness back country! This excursion is dependent on flying in a small bush plane, so we don't do it if the weather isn't good. Then it's a short drive to Queenstown, a picturesque town set on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by huge mountains rearing up on all sides. It's a great place to spend a couple of days enjoying the comforts of civilization before heading out on the Milford Track.
ACCOMMODATION: Beech Cove, Queenstown. (B,L,D)

Saturday - Free day in Queenstown
This is a free day, with no activities scheduled, although we'll certainly help with suggestions and guiding, if you like. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand - it's about the comforts of civilization, adrenaline, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and window shopping. There are some incredible hikes nearby, and all sorts of incredible options such as wine tours, horse trekking, bungy jumping, jet boating, river surfing, skydiving, off road motorcycling, fishing, waterskiing... it's all there! Queenstown is not a big place - the population is about 5,000 - but there's plenty to do! Or you can do nothing, if you prefer and just soak up the atmosphere. Many of our clients enjoy lounging about just reading a book. This evening we have a pre-departure meeting for the Milford Track Guided Walk.
ACCOMMODATION: Beech Cove, Queenstown. (B)

Sunday - Wednesday Milford Track Guided Walk
Rudyard Kipling referred to Milford Sound as the 8th Natural Wonder of the World, and once you've walked the Milford Track, you'll see why! You'll have four days of peace, quiet, exercise, good food, and unbelievable scenery as you walk 33 miles from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. You'll be spending three nights in comfortable mountain lodges, and the fourth night in Milford Sound itself, at Mitre Peak Lodge. Because you are doing the Guided Walk, you don't have to carry a heavy pack. In fact, you'll just be carrying your clothes so your pack should be no heavier than what you would bring on a regular day hike. Everything else is provided, including excellent meals at the lodges and on the trail, and everything else you need to make the Milford Track an unforgettable experience. The lodges have hot showers and drying rooms, and the level of service and facilities is outstanding.

Sunday - Boat ride and short hike
We drive from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs, stopping for lunch at the lakeside village of Te Anau. Then we take the boat to the head of Lake Te Anau, which is the start of the Milford Track. It's a short, easy walk to Glade House, where we stay our first night.
ACCOMMODATION: Glade House, Milford Track. (B,L,D)

Monday - Hiking in beech forest
We start the day by crossing Clinton River, and wandering through 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 the distinctive beech forest, all sorts of spectacular plants, and occasional tantalizing glimpses of the way ahead (and up!) to Milford Sound.
ACCOMMODATION: Pompolona Lodge, Milford Track. (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Hiking McKinnon Pass
Today is the most spectacular day! 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 towards Quintin Lodge. Once we've arrived, those who are keen can take a 90-minute round-trip walk to see the Sutherland Falls. The extra walk is well worth the effort!
ACCOMMODATION: Quintin Lodge, Milford Track. (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Hiking out to Milford Sound
This is your last day on the Track! It's 13 miles of varied terrain, mainly downhill, with no significant climbing. If you weren't in good shape by the time you started your ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trip, you certainly will be by now! The small waterfalls to be found just off the track make for a delightful day. You'll be picked up at Sandfly Point this afternoon for a short cruise to the jetty, and arrive at Mitre Peak Lodge for the night. Now we're back in civilization - but you'll almost regret it!
ACCOMMODATION: Mitre Peak Lodge, Milford Track. (B,L,D)

Thursday - Boat cruise in Milford Sound
The day starts with an early morning cruise. After exploring the length of Milford Sound to look for birds, seals and dolphins, we'll head back to the jetty and drive back to Queenstown via Te Anau, arriving in the late afternoon. If you prefer, we can fly you back to Queenstown (Add $100). This scenic flight will take you over the length of the Milford Track, so you can see where you've been walking for the past few days. If you take this option, you'll be back in Queenstown by lunchtime.
ACCOMMODATION: Beech Cove, Queenstown. (B,L,D)

Friday - Hiking in North Temple Valley ACCOMMODATION: Travelodge units, Lake Ohau. (B,L,D)

Saturday - Hiking near Mt. Cook We have a stunning and little-known day hike to do here (weather permitting) to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It's a tough 3 to 4 hour slog up, but you'll remember the view of the Mueller Glacier and the peaks of the Main Divide forever! Many of our clients have said this is the greatest hike they have ever done, and it's a splendid way to finish off a great trip. But there are other hiking options for those who'd like to take it a little easier. The weather conditions are very important in this area, as it is a true alpine climate notorious for sudden weather shifts. If we aren't able to do this one, we'll take an impressive hike up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake at the base of the Hooker Glacier, complete with icebergs! After the hiking's done, it's well under two hours to Tekapo Village. You'll spend your last night in New Zealand in one last beautiful location, beside the sky-blue Lake Tekapo, with the mountains shining in the background. We'll stay at the modern and comfortable Godley Hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: The Godley, Tekapo. (B,L,D)

Sunday - Depart
This is the last day of your two week trip around the South Island. See the itinerary for the Kauri trip if you want to take a few more days to see the North Island as well. We'll spend the morning in Tekapo, and then leave for a three-hour drive to Christchurch. We'll arrive early afternoon for the flights back to Auckland. Flights between Auckland and the United States usually leave early evening, so we'll get you back in time to arrive in California at lunchtime on Sunday, even though you left on Sunday evening! You'll be refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and wild times you'll have had with us in New Zealand! (B,L)

Comments
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Manuka is a backcountry wilderness tour. You'll be staying in the highest level of accommodations available in the remote places we take you. While it features more creature comforts than our Rimu trip, it's not a scenic tour of the luxury hotels of the South Island!

FITNESS: You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself. The level of fitness required on this trip is lower than on the Rimu, but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. You don't have to be young and extremely fit - age and experience is not important, but it is important that you enjoy walking and hiking. This trip is NOT a passive tour.

EXPERIENCE: You don't have to have any outdoor experience at all to take our trips. We're offering trips that allow you to make the most of New Zealand's incredible outdoor environment. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we will look after you! You don't have to carry a heavy pack. You don't need to have ever been in a sea kayak to enjoy kayaking Okarito Lagoon. All we ask is that you are energetic and in reasonable shape - not a tri-athlete - and we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We also hold all relevant government licenses.

FLEXIBILITY: Because of the off-the-beaten path and non-commercial nature of some of our accommodation on this trip, we sometimes need to change a night stop. For instance, every now and then we substitute the Godley with the Chalet at Lake Tekapo.

PRICE: The trip fare is US$3499 + 12.5% government taxes. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated fare.

INCLUDED: The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

• All guiding services. We always have at least two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver, and a second guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups, and we don't hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full.
  
• Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organize accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.
  
• All your meals, except in Queenstown where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do like to see the look on your face when we our turn up with an icebox full of beer (and juice, and water), after a hike!
  
• All hiking and kayaking excursions described in the itinerary, except optional activities as noted. There are also many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the cheap or free options. Although some people really enjoy bungy jumping, paragliding, skydiving etc, others prefer to focus more on hiking, and paddling.
  
  Dates: 2007 - Feb. 5-18, Feb. 19-March 4, March 5-18, March 19-april 1, April 2-15, Nov. 5-18, Nov. 19-Dec. 2, Dec. 3-16, Dec. 17-30