Itinerary Expand all Auckland to Christchurch Depart London Day 1 Start Auckland Start Auckland; afternoon free to relax at your central hotel or wander the downtown to get your bearings in New Zealand's largest city. Catch a ferry to Devonport or clamber up the Mt Eden volcanic cone to get panoramic views of the city and its bright blue harbours and gain a sense of the city’s complex volcanic past. There will be a briefing in the hotel foyer at 6pm this evening. Afterwards those who wish, can gather for a group meal, your leader will organise. Day 2 Travel to Rotorua We depart Auckland and head south through the dairy farming plains of the Thames Valley before passing over old ignimbrite flows to reach Lake Rotorua with its stunning crater lakes and volcanoes. We savour a picnic lunch sitting on the beach of Lake Tarawera - an ancient caldera crater amongst forest and volcanoes. In the afternoon we enjoy a bush walk along a good trail alongside this splendid lake - there are plenty of great swimming spots. We use a water taxi to travel one way. Sample good kiwi kai (food) with an evening meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Rotorua. Meals included: Lunch Day 3 Hike through the Jurassic-like rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park; visit the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve It is a 1.5-hour drive to the Jurassic-like rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park. This park covers an area of 60,000 hectares and is famous for its podocarp trees, an ancient off-shoot of the conifer family that evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago. This is where the BBC ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ series was filmed. Step back in time as you hike amongst weeping ferns, forest giants and rare birdlife. On our way back to the vehicle we keep an eye out for the rare Blue Duck that are sometimes seen in this river. En-route to Taupo we visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, where you can walk at your own pace through this fascinating thermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. We'll visit Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo, situated on the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand; which was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions over the last 2000 years. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 South to Tongariro; bush and alpine walks A 1-hour drive gets us to the Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was New Zealand's first National Park, gifted to the people of New Zealand by a Maori chief (Tukino Te Hue Hue) who saw this as a way of protecting the tapu (respect or sacredness) of the land - in particular the summits of the active volcanoes. It is also a dual World Heritage Area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Enroute to the Park, we enjoy a short 1 hour hike through stunning forest around the slopes of Mt Pihanga and to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). The next two nights are spent in a hotel on the edge of the park, providing a great opportunity for you to explore the area at your leisure. In the afternoon hike to Taranaki Falls, cascading 20 metres over a 15,000 year old lava flow. Meals included: Lunch Day 5 Trek the Tongariro Alpine crossing Today is a full days hiking on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up the last steep section to Red Crater, and down to the Emerald Lakes - our usual lunch stop. Admire the volcanic views and steaming vents that make this hike so outstanding. This is a tough walk so those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village (unguided): Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this village. Today and yesterday may be swapped around in order to take advantage of the best weather on the Tongariro Alpine crossing. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 6 To Wellington; free time This morning we drive to Wellington, arriving in the early afternoon. Wellington is New Zealand’s wonderful harbour capital. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. You have free time to enjoy walking around the central city and absorb the lively atmosphere. Wellington is well known for its vibrant café, art and culture scenes. There is no shortage of places to have a coffee or a drink - with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York. You may like to visit the museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the beehive (Parliament House). Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 7 Short and scenic flight to Nelson; to Abel Tasman; water taxi into Park We transfer to Wellington airport for the short flight across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Here we meet our South Island-based guide. A pleasant drive through the orchards and vineyards of Nelson Bay takes us to Kaiteriteri, a popular holiday spot for kiwis and a gateway into Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman’s wilderness flows unhindered to a coast of golden beaches and granite headlands; there are no roads here - just boat and walking access. We hail a water taxi to reach the lovely Onetahuti Beach in the heart of the park. From here we start our hike on the famed coastal track and hike through to our tranquil campsite at Bark Bay. A great spot to gaze at the stars before falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Walk Abel Tasman NP coastal track; to Murchison Today we wander through lush coastal forests, cross Falls River via a 47 metre suspension bridge then depending on the tides we may cross an estuary or follow the all tide track. Cleopatra's Pool is a worthwhile side trip, here the river has carved a smooth slide down the rocks into deep clear pools - you may not be able to resist taking a dip! We finish our hike on the golden sand beaches of Anchorage, where a water taxi takes us back to Kaiteriteri and our vehicle. We spend the night in Murchison, a quiet rural town on the edge of the wilds. This is the north eastern limit of the vast wilderness ranges and rivers that dominate much of the South Island. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 9 To Paparoa N.P.; hike up Fox River to the Ballroom Overhang This morning we drive west beside the mighty Buller River to the rugged West Coast. At Cape Foulwind we take a short walk to view a seal colony. The New Zealand fur seal pups are born in December and January. We might see the young pups frolicking around in rockpools sheltered from the heaving waves that pound this part of the coast. After lunch we start an overnight hike in Paparoa National Park. Amongst the largest remaining tract of coastal native forest in New Zealand are towering limestone cliffs, caves and rivers - an ideal area for hiking. Starting at the mouth of the Fox River, we take a historic pack-horse route to Dilemma Creek, and then follow the river upwards to the Ballroom Overhang where we spend the night. Your guide will show you river crossing techniques and you will be thankful for your proper hiking boots, which are essential in this terrain. The Ballroom is a large limestone overhang which shelters a serene campsite just above the Fox River. The evening is spent sitting around the campfire and enjoying a delicious meal. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Hike out of canyon; drive to Punakaiki, Pancake Rocks, Hokitika and Fox Glacier After a leisurely breakfast we hike back down the Fox River before driving south along the coast to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. These 30-million-year-old limestone rocks have formed immense features with thousands of layers. Continuing south, we stop at Hokitika. Originally known as the 'Capital of the Goldfields', Hokitika was once a thriving and prosperous port. Much of its old character remains and it is now a major centre for greenstone (pounamu) or jade. This hard stone is treasured by the Maori who used it for decorative jewellery and for carving some of their lethal weapons – the war clubs known as meres. From Hokitika we continue south to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where you will see glaciers descending into the level of the rainforest. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 11 Fox Glacier trek; to Makarora & Wanaka We make the most of being in the South Westland World Heritage Area this morning and hike to a view point of the Franz Josef glacier. This dynamic glacier falls 2400m over 12kms as it makes its journey from high in the Southern Alps to temperate rainforest just 250m above sea level. After we return from the hike we continue our drive through this remarkable World Heritage Area on to Makarora crossing back over the Southern Alps en route at Haast Pass stopping to explore remote beaches and coastal lagoons and forests on the way. Tonight we stay we stay in the lakeside town of Wanaka. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 12 Rob Roy Glacier walk in Mt Aspiring NP; transfer to Queenstown After a relaxed breakfast enjoying the stunning views over Lake Wanaka we set off on today’s hike to the Rob Roy Glacier. We start off with a beautiful drive up the Matukituki Valley, driving through large sheep, cattle and deer farms along the way. Our hike starts from Raspberry Flat and crosses a suspension bridge across the Matukituki River before climbing through Beech forest alongside the raging boulder strewn stream of Rob Roy. Eventually the track emerges above the tree line in a delightful alpine meadow with a superb vista of the Rob Roy glacier. We take lunch here before wandering back down the valley to the vehicle. We drive over the Crown Range into Queenstown where we stay for the next two nights. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 13 Free day in Queenstown Labelled the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the chance to sample numerous optional activities! Alternatively, you may choose to sit back, relax and take in the amazing views from the shores of Lake Wakatipu on this free day. There are also some great day walks (some up to eight hours) that leave from this bustling little town. Your guide will outline all the options on how to make the most of your day. Day 14 To Te Anau; afternoon hike on the Kepler Track We head into Fiordland National Park - World Heritage Area, the largest National Park in New Zealand. The huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri are the border of Fiordland’s dramatic inland coast. The area is dominated by water, either in the form of lakes, ocean fiords or as falling rain – which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest. We hike on the Kepler track, firstly around the lake shore before climbing gently up through the forest and limestone outcrops to the bush-line. From these broad tussock tops you are rewarded with the sweeping views of the Fiordland wilderness including the Murchison and Kepler mountains and Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Descend back to the lake and follow the lakeside trail back to the vehicle. We base ourselves in Te Anau for the next two nights. An ideal base to explore and experience Fiordland National Park. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 15 Drive to Milford Sound; optional boat cruise into the fjord; to Te Anau Optional 2 hour boat cruise. We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we have the option to take a cruise on the fjord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (1722m). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near the boat. An afternoon hike takes us up to Key Summit (the tail end of the renowned Routeburn track) for fantastic views across the gneiss and granite Darran Mountains. After the hike return to Te Anau via the splendid Eglinton Valley, one of the only road accessible valleys in Fiordland National Park. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 16 Drive through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mt Cook After several days of rigorous hiking give the legs a rest today on our drive north to Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park. A stop in Cromwell is a good opportunity to sample some of the delicious fruit that is grown in this area as well as taking a stroll through the quaint and lovingly restored historical precinct of the town. Central Otago’s high country landscape, contains some of New Zealand’s largest high country sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares – Patagonian like in size and splendor. Crossing Lindis Pass we continue through the MacKenzie country to the shores of Lake Pukaki and then west to Aoraki/Mt Cook (3724m). Arriving late in the afternoon the remainder of the afternoon is yours to do as you please, either hike (unguided) the nearby Red Tarns track or relax and enjoy the stunning views of Aoraki. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 17 Hike up to Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns Today we hike up the Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up to the Hooker Valley, or alternatively take a stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 18 Hike small lakes of Tasman Glacier; transfer across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch Time for one final hike this morning, as we explore the nearby Tasman Valley, a stunning area of alpine vistas, lakes and glacial morraines. Leaving Mt Cook we continue north through the MacKenzie country, taking a break at Lake Tekapo - aqua blue waters framed by the Southern Alps. Tekapo is filled by glacially fed rivers which deposit tons of glacial flour (finely ground rock) into the lake; this flour is so fine that it is suspended in the water and refracts the light giving the lake a stunning colour. After crossing the Canterbury plains we arrive in Christchurch in the mid afternoon, and here the trip concludes after 3 weeks of hiking through volcanoes, thermal wonderlands, rainforests, glaciers and remote mountain valleys. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 19 End Christchurch Free day in Christchurch; evening depart Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this evening for the flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. Arrive London
New Zealand From 1 October 2019, British nationals (including citizens of the EU, USA, Canada and South Africa) travelling (or transiting) by air or cruise and entering New Zealand without a visa (tourists) will need to hold an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority- NZeTA) before travelling to New Zealand. You will be able to apply for an NZeTA from July 2019. An NZeTA will last up to 2 years (valid for multiple visits) and cost NZD 9 for mobile application requests and NZD 12 for web browser requests. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will also be introduced alongside the NZeTA and will cost NZD 35 (to be paid at the same time whilst applying for an NZeTA online). Once paid, the IVL will last as long as the NZeTA is valid. You must request your NZeTA well in advance of your trip to New Zealand. It can take up to 72 hours to approve your NZeTA. If you do not hold an NZeTA when you check in for your flight, you will not be allowed to board. Please visit the Immigration New Zealand website for further information on the new requirements and to apply for the NZeTA. TRAVELLING VIA THE USA If you are travelling via the USA (even for transit) and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Programme (most British citizens with a machine-readable passport), you are now required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority (ESTA). There is a USD14 charge for the ESTA, which is only payable online with a credit card. Please see the FCDO website for further information. All other non-residents passing through the US must get a visa in advance.
Hotels, Lodges, Cabins, Mountain Huts and Camping 16 nights hotels (with en suite facilities), lodges and cabins (some en suite and some with shared facilities) and 2 nights huts/camping with shared facilities. The camping is in a wilderness setting, basic facilities and generally the group will be expected to put up and take down their own tents and pitch in with cooking and washing up. Single rooms are available for 15 nights of this tour for a supplement, and must be requested in advance, so please inform us at the time of booking. En suite bathrooms are unlikely on nights 2, 3, 8, 10 and 11. Single tents are provided for the camps (the 2 remaining nights).
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Reviewed March 2018 Joan Desrosiers Trip: Trekking in New Zealand Trekking New Zealand This was an excellent trip to genuinely experience a great variety of tracks in NZ. We were able to tick off 4 of 9 of the Great Walks. Two of them, Tongariro Northern Circuit & Abel Tasman, we had a longer closer look at. Those & the Siberia Valley at Mt Aspiring NP will be enduring memories. So many activities everyday with very little down time. A fair amount of time spent in the van getting from place to place but unavoidable. Flights from Wellington to Nelson by a small Cessna, helicopter ride into the Siberia Valley & numerous water taxis helped conserve our time. All in all a great trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Many but probably completing tracks when absolutely exhausted or perilously returning down tracks in pelting rain & realizing I could conquer that fear. What did you think of your group leader? We actually had 3 on this trip. All were good & had so very different personalities/styles. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t take a lot of clothes as there are opportunities to wash them a few times along the way. They are dead serious about the weight limit on the flight from Wellington to Nelson. Take a break from the internet because wifi coverage is spotty & poor. The hotel in Queenstown is your best opportunity to download a few pics. Go with an open mind & try to complete the entire itinerary even if the weather is not the best. Is there anything else you would like to add? Glad that the trip notes are now updated. The ones I worked off were copied just before the trip & were inaccurate. Not so sure that the single supplement is worth the money as there are only 6 nights where you actually have your room ensuite. Didn’t expect it in the huts or camping but was told I was to have it for 15 nights. I see in the the new trip notes that ensuite isn’t likely on nights 2,3,8,10 & 11.
Reviewed March 2018 Joan Desrosiers Trip: Trekking in New Zealand Trekking New Zealand This was an excellent trip to genuinely experience a great variety of tracks in NZ. We were able to tick off 4 of 9 of the Great Walks. Two of them, Tongariro Northern Circuit & Abel Tasman, we had a longer closer look at. Those & the Siberia Valley at Mt Aspiring NP will be enduring memories. So many activities everyday with very little down time. A fair amount of time spent in the van getting from place to place but unavoidable. Flights from Wellington to Nelson by a small Cessna, helicopter ride into the Siberia Valley & numerous water taxis helped conserve our time. All in all a great trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Many but probably completing tracks when absolutely exhausted or perilously returning down tracks in pelting rain & realizing I could conquer that fear. What did you think of your group leader? We actually had 3 on this trip. All were good & had so very different personalities/styles. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t take a lot of clothes as there are opportunities to wash them a few times along the way. They are dead serious about the weight limit on the flight from Wellington to Nelson. Take a break from the internet because wifi coverage is spotty & poor. The hotel in Queenstown is your best opportunity to download a few pics. Go with an open mind & try to complete the entire itinerary even if the weather is not the best. Is there anything else you would like to add? Glad that the trip notes are now updated. The ones I worked off were copied just before the trip & were inaccurate. Not so sure that the single supplement is worth the money as there are only 6 nights where you actually have your room ensuite. Didn’t expect it in the huts or camping but was told I was to have it for 15 nights. I see in the the new trip notes that ensuite isn’t likely on nights 2,3,8,10 & 11.
Reviewed March 2017 Sharon Chollet Trip: Trekking in New Zealand Trekking in New Zealand A truly brilliant 3 week trip highlighting the best of North and South Island What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to choose one. Highlights for me included the beautiful coast paths and beaches of Abel Tasman, helicopter to Siberia hut. The challenge of hiking to lake Crucible. Fantastic cruise on Milford Sound seeing dolphins swimming around the boat. The amazing Mount Cook National Park and everything in between What did you think of your group leader? Kath on North Island is an experienced, professional guide with an easygoing style. She was ably assisted by Anne who was an intern. Chai on South Island is younger with a very different leadership style. To begin with felt he was at a slight disadvantage as we had all bonded well as a group and he had to get to know us. I definitely warmed to Chai as time went by. He is extremely passionate about New Zealand, its history and flora and fauna. Especially enjoyed his stories and his legendary "Hakka" Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As previously documented this is a full on trip and you have to be organised with packing. Using several sizes of dry bags within your luggage helps. Get yourself fit as possible, preferably with plenty of hill climbing and descending practice. Breaking the outward journey in Dubai and extra night in Auckland helped with jet lag. Is there anything else you would like to add? A fantastic trip with so much packed into 3 weeks. Go for it, you won't regret it
Reviewed December 2015 Kirit Trip: Trekking in New Zealand Newzealand trekking ( TLZ) Excellent trip with varied iteniary with amazing landscapes What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? lots...trek in Tongariro national park, Milford Sounds, Mt Cook trek, Helicopter and jet boat rides , etc What did you think of your group leader? Both island leaders were good. But Justine in south Island was exceptional . As an Ex Ranger who had also trekked extensively in his young age , he was full of knowledge as well as being very practical. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? JUST DO IT as they say in the advert ! Dont take excess clothes as opportunity to dress smart for evenings is limited since itenary is packed so most of us just wore our clean trekking gear. Also will need larger backpack for the couple of camping days because will need to carry spare clothes,sleeping bag and tent, and some food for cooking. Is there anything else you would like to add? A long way away for us Brits but well worth it.
Reviewed December 2015 Charles Preston Trip: Trekking in New Zealand trekking new zealand A very well put-together trip with a variety of really interesting experiences What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing "Mount Doom" appear out of its cloud cap on the Tongariro crossing - on cue, during a snack break - and disappearing again the moment my wife had got her camera ready! Helicopter trip into Siberia valley.... What did you think of your group leader? Linda (north island) - lovely Lady - felt very safe in her capable hands Justin (South island) - a tireless bundle of energy, very knowledgeable and a great organiser. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Expect to go up to waist deep on the river crossings after any rain! Is there anything else you would like to add? Thoroughly recommend this holiday,but if we were to travel to NZ again, we would break the journey with an overnight stop (or two) en route -maybe in Dubai.
Reviewed February 2014 Anonymous Trip: Trekking in New Zealand TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND A great way to see and do a LOT! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? What to choose! Camping on the beach at Abel Tasman was beautiful, big sky, stunning sunset and dawn. The Red quarry on the Tongariro crossing was the most amazing sight, the colours in the rocks unlike anything I've ever seen, then there was Lake Crucible, the refelction of the glacier so clear and sharp. I guess if I had to choose one, the sky dive over Queenstown was the most spectacular experience, we were blessed with a clear, bright day, making the views quite magical. What did you think of your group leader? Both guides were brilliant, Graham on North Island and Chris on South. They both delivered beyond the expectations and were extremely knowlegable and passionate about their country. Changing the itinerary at short notice due to adverse weather was much appreciated and made for a very enjoyable final day. Chris's Dad, supplier of delicious birthday cakes, much appreciated too. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a very full on trip, you need to be quite organised packing and unpacking every night. It is absolutely worth the long flight and a fantasitc way to see a lot of New Zealand and I would do advise doing all the activities and options on offer, it's that kind of place! Is there anything else you would like to add? Hiking New Zealand were fab hosts and could not have done more to ensure the best possible experience.
Reviewed January 2014 Anonymous Trip: Trekking in New Zealand TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND A well-organised, varied and very enjoyable trip with great leaders and nice group members which did what it said on the tin. A good mix of travel and walking and other outdoor activities - a perfect first taste of NZ. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to say - the immediate immersion into the relaxed NZ vibe after the stresses of the UK pre-Christmas rush, the amazing volcanic landscapes round Rotorua, fabulous lake-side accommodation at Lake Taupo, the bizarre lunar landscape on the Tongariro crossing, the remote windswept beaches of the west coast of South Island, the lush greenery and deep inlets of Fjordland, the majesty of (unfortunately mist-shrouded) Mount Cook - the list goes on. What did you think of your group leader? Graham and Chris (respective group leaders for North and South Island parts of the trip) were both very capable and efficient as well as being friendly, impeturbable and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and history of NZ. They worked really hard to ensure we had the best holiday possible and to facilitate group members contributing as well ot the experience. I really don't think they could have done any more than they did and indeed they exceeded our expectations e.g. Chris invited us to his house for a buffet lunch on Christmas Day. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you want to get a general overview of New Zealand in as short a time as realistically possible, with a bit of walking and other outdoor activities throughout, I can highly recommend this trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? I understand that Exodus is thinking about changing the local agent, Trek New Zealand. From my experience Trek New Zealand provide a really excellent service which leads to satisfied clients who will therefore be more inclined to go on other Exodus trips. So changing the local agent could prove to be a false economy.
Reviewed February 2013 Anonymous Trip: Trekking in New Zealand TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND An absolutely brilliant three weeks in the most wonderful country. Everything as described in the trip notes, and more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to decide, but some of the highlights were the trip up to Abel Tasman NP, including camping on the beach - watching the sun set across the water, then seeing the southern night sky in all its glory; the helicopter flight in Mt Aspiring NP and the next day a very welcome lift back down the final stretch of river by jet boat, after a 7 hour hike; the stupendous scenery around Mt Cook; and paragliding from 1400m up in Queenstown. And not forgetting rainforests, thermal springs, kiwis, active volcanoes, glaciers and fjords... What did you think of your group leader? On North Island leader Kath - what a character! Really knowledgeable and upbeat even in the face of 50mph winds, hail, sleet and snow on the Tongariro crossing.Chris - great guy too. Arranged for the sun to shine the entire two weeks on South Island and even managed to produce home made scones when we arrived! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? UK citizens need an ESTA visa if transitting via the US (return flight was via Los Angeles) - the Exodus office didn't know this for sure. Anyway it's easy to obtain online - I did it while in NZ.The weather in NZ (see earlier comment above) really can be "all four seasons in a day" - temperatures we encountered varied from freezing to 30 degrees - pack accordingly but try to travel as light as possible as you'll constantly be packing and repacking. Is there anything else you would like to add? Despite the long walks I don't think I lost weight - the Kiwis like to serve generous portions of food. Great bunch of people in our group - we even won the Mt Cook pub quiz! At the beginning, I did wonder what I'd got myself into when I found out I was sharing with a guy who'd bagged all the Monros in Scotland and been up Everest (hi Pete!) but, as a not particularly fit 54 year old, I had a blast.In conclusion, if you are at all considering this trip, just go for it!
Reviewed December 2012 Anonymous Trip: Trekking in New Zealand TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND The trip was an unending variety of activities and experiences; physically tiring but without the stresses sometimes felt in non English speaking countries. It was a superb trip but 3 weeks is barely enough time and I have returned home with a list of things/places to return and visit again or anew. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I find it difficult to choose a single most inspirational moment of the trip but would include the sceneries around the Tongariro crossing and Mount Cook which were really beautiful and unique. It was awe inspiring just being there.I also chose to jump out of a plane, skydiving from 12000 feet near Queenstown. This was our single rest day on the trip, but by this time the adrenaline was flowing. That was pretty memorable. What did you think of your group leader? We had separate group leaders for the North Island (Kath) and South Isalnd (Chris). Both were from Hiking New Zealand and were excellent. They both had the same well balanced mixture of Enthusiasm with Energy, Professionalism with Knowledge. They were always happy to enthuse but remained flexible in order to provide the best for people on the day. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? On arrival in NZ open your minds to a non stop rush of movement and experience. On return be prepared to feel shattered from the whole trip. Enjoy! Is there anything else you would like to add? Take seriously the signs at Auckland airport arrivals point which warn against taking any foodstuffs into the country. A single apple can cost you NZ$400 fine. I saw it happen.
Reviewed December 2012 Anonymous Trip: Trekking in New Zealand TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND We packed so much in the three weeks that it was necessary to come back home and sit down with the itinerary. notes etc. to appreciate just how much we had achieved! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Imposible to single out just one highlight for this trip. We were a small group of only five people, plus a diferent leader for each of the islands . Smaller groups get things done more efficiently, enabling all of us to pack more into an already busy schedule, combined with exellent knowledge by our leaders Kath & Chris, for whom nothing was too much trouble. Their help, imformation and passion for their home New Zealand lead us to efficient use of our time, with many extra side trips , viewpoints and short treks added . What did you think of your group leader? We had one for North & one for South Island! Both knew their country like the back of their hand; Kath lead us North and Chris lead us South. We all developed team spirit, strange when a group of people are thrown together at random. Our leaders were passionate about their homeland ,keen conservasionists ,so helpful, full of knowledge and enthusiasm. Quickly they became our friends rather than a leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This N.Z. must be the best action packed ,sight seeing ,thrill seeking New Zealand package available ANYWHERE. OK, you could say OH, we will make our own way, do our own arrangements , No Way, time would be wasted sourcing and organising, you would see and do far less. These guides know their stuff, just who to contact etc. while your kayaking/ trekking/whitewater rafting/sight seeing /jet boating or whatever is your passion these guys are booking /organising the next step! Is there anything else you would like to add? The walk on the Fox Glacier was probably the only slight disappointment. It was very busy and you were not given a chance to look around much.
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