New Zealand

This safari takes you through a wealth of outdoor experiences; crossing the tussock alpine ranges of our new Kahurangi National Park, wading crystal clear rivers in the limestone canyons of Paparoa National Park, kayaking on New Zealand's largest unmodified lagoon, glaciers, hiking deep into the Southern Alps to remote natural hotpools, and great beach camps and bonfires.

Day 1. Tuesday. Join tour in Nelson - 11km/4 hours hiking
Our tour begins at the Visitor’s Centre in Nelson, in the northern South Island. After a short briefing by the guide, we collect our food supplies and head to Motueka for any last minute shopping or banking. We then drive up to Flora Saddle (1000 metres) to have lunch and organise our packs for the first hike. Leaving our vehicle behind, we hike through beech forest, following a stream, to the tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Gold was discovered here in the late 1850’s and tracks began to be laid, and in many areas gold finds weren’t as rich as expected. Scientists were attracted to the unique flora of the Heaphy area and conservationists managed to get this area made into a scenic reserve in 1915. Tonight we stay in an old goldminer’s rock shelter, a great place to get to know each other with introductions around a cosy campfire.

Day 2. Wednesday. Buller Gorge - 15km/7 hours hiking
We have an early start this morning, and after a quick breakfast we continue across the Tablelands to explore a karst landscape of sinkholes and caves. This whole area is of geological interest as it is in a range of marble and limestone hills, the interior being riddled with potholes. We climb up through mossy forest to the bush line and then onwards to Gordon’s Pyramid (1489 metres). We continue across a basin of crystalline marble karst to the shoulder of Mount Arthur and, if weather and time permit, fitter members can trek to the summit (1795 metres) for panoramic views of the Nelson region. We return to Flora Saddle and drive to a character cottage overlooking the Buller Gorge where we camp for the night. Enjoy a home cooked meal made from locally grown organic produce.

Day 3. Thursday. Paparoa National Park - 12km/6 hours hiking
This morning we head out to Cape Foulwind and visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals – once almost hunted to extinction. We then turn south to the old gold-rush town of Charleston for lunch at a beautiful cove. This pretty town used to boast over 80 hotels in the late 1860’s! After relaxing here for a short while, we begin our hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Created in 1988, it covers over 30,000 hectares. It has natural attractions including mountains, with limestone cliffs and caves, rivers and wilderness areas. During our hike we learn river-crossing techniques, so be prepared to get your boots wet. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang.

Day 4. Friday. Punakaiki - 8km/5 hours hiking
Today we have a chance to explore the nearby limestone canyon and caves (some people may want to swim) with stalactites and stalagmites, cave wetas (large wingless insects), glowworms and the tallest moss in the world (Dawsonia superba). We then hike or wade through waist-deep water (optional) down river and head to Punakaiki. Better known as Pancake Rocks, these 30-million-year-old limestone rocks have formed into what look like immense layers of pancakes. When the tide is high, or the weather rough, the water surges into caverns below the rocks and squirts through mighty blowholes, bearing a great resemblance to natural geysers. Driving south, we follow the coast, and stop at Hokitika for a short break and a food shop. Originally known as the ‘Capital of the Goldfields’, Hokitika was a thriving and prosperous port. Much of its old character remains and it is now a major centre for greenstone or jade. This hard stone was much treasured by the Maori who used it for decorative jewellery and for carving their lethal weapons – the war clubs known as meres. We drive on to Ross to camp.

Day 5. Saturday. Okarito - 10km/4 hours hiking
We continue on to the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the few glaciers that advance down into rainforest. First explored in 1865 by Austrian Julius Haast, the glacier has since retreated although it has been on the move again recently. As we walk up the lovely forested valley to the glacier’s terminal face, we’ll see the signposts which record its advance and retreat. We take a guided glacier walk onto the glacier ($62 - optional) to explore its seracs, crevasses and ice caves. Finally we drive to the sleepy township of Okarito where rainforest meets the sea. Camp.

Day 6. Sunday. Okarito - 10km/4 hours kayaking
This morning we take kayaks ($40 – optional), and catch the in-going tide into the Okarito Lagoon (the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand) to see birdlife – including white herons, black swans and tui. We explore a river delta and channels into Kahikatea (white pine) forest, our tallest forest type – it can grow up to 60 metres high. You are free in the afternoon to wander the remote beach or hike to a viewpoint of this World Heritage Park, with its snow-capped mountains, rainforest and coastal wetlands. Using wood we’ve gathered from the beach, we cook our meal tonight in a hangi, an underground Maori earth oven. Spend a second night at this special place.

Day 7. Monday. Welcome Flat - 18km/7 hour hiking
Starting early, we drive south for an hour before hiking up the Copland Valley, through podocarp forest (relatively unchanged in 70 million years). Our hike will take us across swing-bridges and mountain streams, and we often sight the endangered and very primitive blue duck. Our pleasant hike through the forest and beside the river finally ends at Welcome Flat, where we stay in a mountain hut. We have the opportunity of relaxing our weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools with views of 3000 metre peaks – the best in New Zealand!

Day 8. Tuesday. Welcome Flat - 8km/4 hours hiking
Today we can either rest or explore this alpine valley. A short off-track hike, with some boulder-hopping, takes us up to beautiful waterfalls high in the alps for a refreshing shower. On our walk there are great views of Mt. Cook (3754 metres), New Zealand’s highest mountain. We return to the hut via Welcome Flat’s alpine grasslands. Tonight we prepare dinner and afterwards spend another evening immersed in these incredible hot pools – one is too hot, one just right, the other just warm!

Day 9. Wednesday. Moeraki - 18km/6 hours hiking
This morning we hike down the Copland Valley and drive south through this remote West Coast region to Moeraki. If we have time we may visit a breeding colony of Fiordland Crested Penguins. These birds stand 70 centimetres tall and nest here from July to November. Fur seals are also seen here occasionally. Again we camp at an isolated site, enjoy a swim in refreshing, crystal clear waters at the nearby river. Spending the night at this ideal location we exchange stories around our beach campfire.

Day 10. Thursday. Tour ends in Queenstown - 3km/2 hours hiking
Today, our final journey, we stop at Ship Creek to look for Hector’s dolphin and take the opportunity to walk through the coastal ecosystem of dunes, swamp and podocarp forest. Turning inland, we drive over the Haast Pass, snaking along beside the wide Haast River. The pass was only opened in 1965. We stop at Lake Hawea for lunch, a swim and a clean-up of our vehicle. This lake is so deep that, though its surface is at an altitude of 345 metres, it’s bottom lies 65 metres below sea level. After this enjoyable break we head over the Crown Range to Queenstown, arriving early evening where the tour ends.

Price: NZ$1120 + NZ$20 per day for kitty (food +)

Dates: 2007: Jan. 30, Feb. 6,20, March 6,13,20, April 10, May 8, July 3,31, Aug. 28, Oct. 2,16,30, Nov. 13, 27, Dec. 11,25, 2008 - Jan. 1,15,22,29, Feb. 5,19, March 4,11,18, April 8, May 6

What's Included:

• Services of an experienced outdoor guide.
• All camping equipment (excluding personal backpack and sleeping bag).
• Services of a 11-seater mini-bus plus trailer.
• All licence and permit fees as required by the Department of Conservation.
• Learn bush skills and river-crossing techniques.
• Explore Limestone Canyon with caves.
• See the Pancake Rocks.
• See Franz Josef Glacier (guided glacier walk additional NZ$35).
• Soak in the natural hot pools at Welcome Flat after 7 hour hike.
• Experience an isolated beach camp at Moeraki.

A reasonable to good level of fitness is required as almost every day will involve some hiking – some days up to 7 hours with a 12 kg backpack.

Accommodation will range from free wilderness camping to accommodation in some backcountry huts and cabins which you must pay for (allow $4 - $15 NZD per night).

Food is catered for by way of a food kitty system. Each person contributes approximately $10.00 NZD per day.

As walking tracks can be rough and slippery, good hiking boots are essential. You must also have a backpack (at least 50-litre capacity) and a warm sleeping bag. Both these can be hired for $50.00 NZD per item, per safari.