New Zealand Walking Holiday

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On Foot in New Zealand

This unique walking tour focuses on the majestic mountains and coastline of New
Zealand’s South Island. This is one of the world’s most beautiful and least spoilt
landscapes, where pristine forests and soaring peaks are reflected in the tranquil
water.!

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Price:

Prices from £3850 23 days including flights.

2009 - 02 Feb - 01 Mar Limited

2009 - 17 Oct - 08 Nov Spaces

2010 - 20Feb - 14 Mar Spaces

2009 - 14 Mar - 04 Apr Spaces

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Abel Tasman & the Kahurangi NP
One of New Zealand's only coastal parks, the Abel Tasman - named after the Dutchman who was New Zealand's first European visitor - boasts of some of the country's most pristine beaches. We walk the famous Abel Tasman Track, sea-kayak to Tonga Island seal colony & stay on a houseboat in the heart of the park. Kahurangi National Park has some of the most diverse walking tracks in New Zealand, with terrain ranging from the sub-alpine tussock lands of the Kahurangi peneplains to the subtropical nikau palms of the Tasman coast. We trek to Sylvester Lake in the remote Cobb Valley and on the dramatic coast at Whararika. We also take time to visit the rare seabird reserve at Farewell Spit. Nelson Lakes NP also provides many opportunities for spectacular mountain walks, including on the shores of Lake Rotoiti..

Transalpine Journey & Mt Cook
From Greymouth we travel by rail over Arthur's Pass. Regarded as one of the great railway journeys of the world, we pass through some of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine scenery. From Christchurch we travel to Mt Cook National Park, where there is the opportunity to walk in the shadow of New Zealand's highest mountain (3754m), with views over a stunning landscape of icy peaks and glaciers.

Fjordland, Milford Sound & Queenstown
New Zealand's Fjordland is one of the world's great wildernesses and our journey to Milford Sound takes us first to the massive u-shaped Gertrude Valley, before we take to the sea for an overnight cruise on this spectacular fjord. On our return we hike up Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, with sweeping views of three Fjordland valleys. Our final day's travel to Queenstown is via the scenic Mavora Lakes (Fangorn Forest & Nen Hithoel of the Lord of the Rings) and we arrive in Queenstown on the historic steamship Earnslaw.

The Trip

New Zealand’s climate is maritime: mild and pleasant with abundant sunshine, high rainfall and few extremes of heat and cold. However, settled weather cannot be counted on at any time of year - all seasons can be
experienced in a single day!Will involve some longer walks (4-6 hours/day) generally at low altitude (below 3000m). Some previous hill walking experience would be beneficial, but these walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life.

Top Tips

For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible; many airlines impose a maximum weight limit of 20kg – we advise you to take 10kg as you will be on the move a good deal!
One main piece (a soft bag or rucksack, not a hard suitcase).
A daypack (25-30 litres, large enough to carry what you need for the day including camera, water, etc. Whilst we hope for fine, settled winter sunshine it is important to be prepared for cold and / or wet weather. A wind and waterproof outer layer is necessary - ideally Goretex or similar - plus warm layers of fleece or other ‘wicking’ material. Warm socks, gloves and hat are strongly recommended.

You will have: 15nts hotel/motel, 2nts houseboat, 1nt cruiseboat; 1nt lodge - standard accommodation throughout with dorm style berths/quad share and shared facilities on cruise/houseboat;

Meals included - 19 breakfasts, 1 lunches & 3 dinners

Transport

Your transport will include: Small Coach/Water Taxi/On Foot/ Sea Kayak/Train/ Cruiseboat/Steamship.

Your Itinerary

Day 1-2 - Fly London/Nelson..

Day 3 - Arrive Nelson.

Day 4 - Transfer by bus and water taxi to Abel Tasman NP, walk on Abel Tasman coastal track; check on to houseboat.

Day 5 - Sea-kayaking in Abel Tasman.

Day 6 - Walking in Abel Tasman; transfer to Kaiteriteri.

Day 7 - Hike to Sylvester Lake (5hrs); drive Takaka.

Day 8 - 4WD safari to Farewell Spit Bird reserve; stay Takaka.

Day 9 - Drive Whararika beach and walks; stay Takaka.

Day 10 - Public bus to Nelson Lakes NP; stay in St. Arnaud.

Day 11 - Day free in Nelson Lakes NP; various optional walks.

Day 12 - Drive to Punakaiki.

Day 13 - Drive to Greymouth; Transalpine train to Christchurch.

Day 14 - In Christchurch.

Day 15 - Drive to Mt Cook NP.

Day 16 -Walking in Mt Cook National Park.

Day 17 - Drive to Te Anau.

Day 18 - Drive to Milford Sound, walk in Gertrude Valley; overnight cruise.

Day 19 - Drive to Te Anau, walk Key Summit.

Day 20 - Drive via Mavora Lakes to Walter Peak Station; steamship to Queenstown.

Day 21 - In Queenstown.

Day 22 - Fly to London.

Day 23 - Arrive London.

ABEL TASMAN N.P. Walk and sea-kayak along stunning coastal tracks; visit fur seal and perhaps, see penguins.
KAHURANGI N.P. Varied Mountain
scenery.
NELSON LAKES N.P. Rugged Alpine Mountain lakes.
CHRISTCHURCH South Island’s historic heart.
MT COOK N.P. Walk in Hooker Valley; optional helicopter flight.
MILFORD SOUND Visit magnificent Milford Sound with included boat trip.
QUEENSTOWN Adventure capital of the world!.