Southern Alps Trek

There is little doubt that some of the worlds finest alpine walking is found in the South Island of New Zealand.A region of untamed beauty with alpine meadows that extend to the glaciers and snowfields beneath the picture perfect summits of Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring and other peaks that form the Southern Alps.

In consultation with our local guides we have created special day walks undertaken from the comfort of base huts, and while you carry only a day pack there are many challenging options to ascend the higher flanks of the mountains. Helicopter transfers are also included to ensure we cover as much ground as possible.

This is a step on from our Mountains Landscapes hiking trip so adds challenge to these moderate treks.

Day 1
We collect you from your accommodation site at 8.30am and drive south to Fairlie and inland to Lake Tekapo for lunch. We drive along Tekapo’s lakeside to Mt Gerald station and then hike 3 hours into the Rex Simpson Hut, (a 10 bunk private hut on the station). To greet us are stunning vistas across the lake
and into the rolling tussock landscape that surrounds the area. Up to 3-4 hours walking. (L, D)

Day 2
From the hut we climb onto a broad easy spur which gradually gains height showcasing breathtaking views back down the lake and across to the Southern Alps with the prominent east faces of Mt Cook and Tasman. For the strong trekker, the summit of Mt Hope at 2070m is a just reward. Back at the hut we pack up and return to our vehicle for the short drive back to Lake Tekapo and our motel accommodation. Up to 6-8 hours walking. (B, L)

Day 3
Mt Cook beckons as we drive 90 mins to the heart of the National Park. From here a number of hikes are available dependant upon fitness levels from the previous day. Mt Sebastopol and the mountain tarns are a favourite as is the Hooker Valley with its profuse vegetation. Up to 4-5 hours walking. (B, L)

Day 4
After a later start we drive over the beautiful tussock covered Lindis Pass and drop down to Lake Wanaka and the Mt Aspiring catchment. Driving up into the headwaters, we finally reach our next starting point and our waiting helicopter. From here we take a short flight into a small remote and private mountain hut set amidst the sub alpine vegetation and numerous nearby trekking options. For the next two nights we will
camp in the area using the hut as our base. Up to 2 hours walking. (B, L, D)

Day 5
Based from the hut we have several options dependant upon weather and fitness. Nearby tussock covered peaks provide opportunities to climb to awesome scenery with ‘in your face ’ views of Mt Aspiring, Popes Nose and Rob Roy directly across the valley. The view is best enjoyed from the summit of Black Peak, a friendly accessible peak within easy reach of the hut. From the numerous mountain tarns and fields of sub alpine flowers, this area is a private unique backcountry experience. Up to 4-5 hours walking with options. (B, L, D)

Day 6
Leaving our weighty packs behind, we climb back up to the ridgeline with its memorable views of the Lake beyond and the valley systems laid out below. The trail rolls along the edge before dropping down to the saddle. Dropping down through the sub alpine vegetation, we finally reach our pick up spot for our helicopter ride back down the valley, followed by a final drive to Wanaka. (Up to 3 hours walking). (B, L)

Day 7
After an early morning start we drive over the Crown Range to the beginning of our final highlight of the trip. By vehicle we gain height on the ski-field road and at the road end climb beyond the ski area to Wye Saddle and the drop into the headwaters there. Beneath the summit peaks of the Remarkables we trek around to at last reach the skyline ridge with its awesome views of the Wakatipu Basin beneath us. At last our helicopter plucks us from the summit and drops us to the airfield below and a transfer to our accommodation. (Up to 5-6 hours walking). (B, L)

Day 8
For those with time and energy to spare Queenstown offers so much. Not without good reason is it called the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. For those seeking a return to Christchurch, our vehicle is available at no charge.

Pre trip briefing
The evening prior there will be a two hour briefing and preparation at the Pavillions Hotel in Papanui Road. We strongly suggest that you make this your accommodation for this evening thus allowing you a minimum amount of disruption and easy collection the next morning.

Accommodation and meals
The accommodation for this trip has been carefully selected to provide an experience that will match the grandeur of the scenery through which you hike. The accommodation is on a twin share or double room basis with private facilities with the exception of our nights in a private mountain hut. Meals are usually at a local restaurant or prepared by your guide and some are included in your trip price. Our accommodation
providers or the guides themselves generally prepare breakfasts and lunches. We use this time together to review the day and brief clients on their needs.

2007 Dates: February 11th , March 11th

Price: NZ$2795 per person double. Single Supplement : NZ$645

Included
• Accommodation on a twin share basis
• All breakfasts and lunches
• Six evening meals
• Two heli-hikes
• Trained Adventure South guide
• All access and concession fees
• Access to Wearable Arts exhibition
• Three nights in private huts or camping

Not Included
• Personal expenses
• Four evening meals
• Alcohol

Other information
Because the weather in New Zealand is often changeable, and the nature of the trip involved, you will need to have suitable clothing for a wide range of conditions. The following is a recommended list
• Medium size trekking pack - 50-60 litres
• Trekking pole / s
• Tee shirt and shorts
• Long sleeved lightweight top or shirts
• Lightweight woollen jumper or fleece
• Fleece pants / walking trousers
• Thermal underwear
• Windproof shell, gloves and hat
• Quality rainwear - top and pants
• Socks and underwear - several pair
• Trekking / hiking boots
• Personal toilet gear, towel, suncream and lip balm
• Personal first aid kit
• Swimsuit for the brave and hardy
• 3-4 season sleeping bag and liner
• Insect repellent
• Camera and film
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle or drinking system
• Casual evening clothing

Health and fitness
This is an active holiday so you need to be fit and in good health. If you are taking medication please let your guide know. Fitness is difficult to define. However as a general rule you should be able to comfortably walk for up to 3-4 hours a day, on some uneven ground and with some uphill. If you don’t do a lot of physical activity we would recommend you set yourself a programme starting with short walks of say half an hour a day and gradually building up to 3-4 longer walks each week, including some uphill. The secret is to start slowly, and increase your exercise gradually. The fitter you are the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Weather
New Zealand enjoys a sub-tropical maritime climate, i.e. a climate with few extremes. However the weather can be changeable. Maximum mid summer temperatures range from 12°-25°C (65°-77°F) with January and February being the warmest months. The temperatures are cooler in the mountain regions. It does rain at times especially on the West Coast and in Southern Alps

Hiking
While part of this itinerary does utilise formed tracks, some days the hikes involve untracked scree and tussock. The walking is ‘easy ’ but without a formed track to follow. The sense of isolation and wilderness is a strong feature of this trip. Fiordland, but this is rarely a problem. However you do need a waterproof parka or anorak. Occasionally weather conditions on the land or coastal waters may prevent us from completing a scheduled activity. The decision to alter the itinerary is made in the best interest of the group and it’s safety, and alternative plans are made.

Luggage
We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday
please talk to us about the best way we may be able to help you arrange to have this transported or stored.