Length 10 days

Price NZ$1120

Grade D - medium, 3 multi-day hikes
Extras - NZ$20/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Sea kayaking (NZ$100)
Start - Queenstown Visitor Centre, corner Shotover & Camp Streets @ 8:00am
Finish - Christchurch 7:00pm (approx.)

*New price applies from 01 August 2008, NZ$1235.

~New itinerary applies from 01 August 2008, 11 days.

Secret South Dossier

This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.

Maximum 11 people.

Itinerary

This safari takes you to areas of New Zealand seldom visited by other travellers. It starts with 4 days hiking and kayaking in Fiordland National Park. We then head to the Catlins, famous for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife (Hector's dolphins, New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins). We take the Dunstan Trail, an old goldmining route, across the Central Otago plateau and then it's on to the Mount Cook region to view our highest mountain. In South Canterbury we hike to an old musterers' hut.

Day 1 Sunday Join trip in Queenstown – 6km/3 hours hiking

We meet at the Queenstown Visitor Centre at 8:00am and, after a short briefing by our guide, head south into Fiordland National Park. This spectacular World Heritage Site is the largest national park in the country and one of the largest in the world. The huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri border the spectacular inland coastline that is Fiordland. The area is dominated by water – whether in lakes or falling as rain – which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest. We prepare for our first hike, a fantastic hike of about 3 hours to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn track. From here, there are fantastic views across to the Darren Mountains. We return to the vehicle and make our way to our camp in the Hollyford Valley.

Day 2 Monday Milford Sound – 8km/4 hours kayaking

We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we hire kayaks (optional extra) and kayak into the fiord, among its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (1722m rising out of the sea). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near our kayaks. After lots of stops for pictures and hot drinks, we head back to shore and drive back through the Main Divide to our camp in the Eglinton Valley.

Day 3 Tuesday Fiordland National Park – 12km/7 hours hiking

This morning, we drive to Borland Saddle (1000m) in Fiordland National Park, where we have lunch and organise food for our first overnight hike. The visual impact of this park is stunning. During the Ice Age, glaciers gouged its fiords and lakes, hollowed out rounded valleys, and shaped its granite mountain peaks. There are different forest types all over the park; on the eastern side, red, silver, and mountain beech fill the valleys, and in the northern sections, podocarp forests of matai, rimu, and totara can be found. From Borland Saddle, we climb above the bushline onto the Hunter Range, with great views into the Park. We traverse along these tops to Mt Burns (1634m, optional climb) and descend to Green Lake to camp.

Day 4 Wednesday Catlins Coast – 7km/3 hours hiking

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in this most idyllic site before hiking through beech forest and across tussock basins to the road. Have lunch and then drive to Invercargill for a food shop. This is the southernmost city in New Zealand and was founded, as reflected by its name, by Scottish settlers who arrived in the late 1800s. Many of the city’s tree-lined streets bear the names of Scottish rivers. We carry on to Curio Bay, in the Catlins, an unspoiled scenic region of coast, rivers, and podocarp forest once inhabited by the giant moa (largest bird in the world – now extinct). We relax here and stay in a cosy crib (a New Zealand summer house). There is a chance to enjoy a swim in the sea and then a hot shower to complete our day.

Day 5 Thursday Cannibal Bay – 6km/2 hours hiking

This morning, we explore Curio Bay and often see Hector’s dolphins, which sometimes surf the waves. We walk to a nearby tidal platform that contains tree stumps from a 180-million-year-old fossilised forest. It is one of the most extensive fossil forests in the world and the platforms are a palaeontologist’s dream. The fossils are evidence of New Zealand’s location in the ancient Gondwanaland. Plant species identified here are similar to those found in South America. We drive along the coast and reach our next destination of Cannibal Bay. The bay takes its name from human bones discovered here last century that were part of a Maori feast. We have a chance to see New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins, the rarest breeds of sea lion and penguin in the world. We camp near the beach and prepare a hangi (Maori earth oven) feast.

Day 6 Friday Central Otago – 6km/3 hours hiking

Today is a travelling day. We spend most of the day driving through the spectacular high-country landscape of Central Otago. During the nineteenth century, the lure of the gold brought thousands of diggers to the Dunstan goldfields and places like Gabriels Gully, where we stop for lunch and a swim. Today, it is the liquid gold of its vineyards that lures people to the area. Central Otago contains some of New Zealand’s largest high-country sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares. We drive up alongside Lake Ohau and then pack gear for a short hike through beech forest to a camp beside Freehold Creek, just below the bushline.

Day 7 Saturday Ohau Range – 14km/7 hours hiking

Up early, we leave our camp and head off with day packs to explore a beautiful basin filled with tarns (small alpine lakes). The basin contains an incredible variety of alpine plants, including Spaniards (prickly), and the world's largest buttercup, named the Mt Cook Lily (Ranunculus lyalli) because of its large, round lily-like leaves. Those who are fit can climb up onto the Ohau range (1915m) to glimpse views of the Southern Alps, including Mt Cook, and the Mackenzie Basin. We return to pack up our camp and head out to the vehicle. We then drive to Mt Cook village to camp beneath New Zealand's highest mountains.

Day 8 Sunday Mt Cook National Park – 8km/5 hours hiking

We set off early with day packs to hike up to Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut for views of the Hooker and Mueller glaciers, Mt Sefton icefall, and truly spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). On our walk, we’ll learn about glaciers, mountain building, and the New Zealand climate. We descend back down to our vehicle and drive to the bottom end of Lake Pukaki, a lake that has been artificially raised 30m to generate hydroelectric power. Its beautiful turquoise colour is due to the fine glacial silt suspended in its water. We camp on Pukaki’s shores, with beautiful views across to our highest mountain peaks.

Day 9 Monday Mt Somers – 5km/4 hours hiking

Continuing through the Mackenzie Basin, an area named after a legendary sheep rustler, we pass Lake Tekapo before reaching our destination, Mt Somers. We rock-hop up a river canyon and climb out to Trig Point, where we get great views into the Rakia Basin. There are several altitudinal plant sequences during our hike, and regenerating beech forest. We frequently see the New Zealand falcon flying in this area. Tonight we stay in a trampers’ hut.

Day 10 Tuesday Trip ends in Christchurch – 5km/4 hours hiking

We spend our final day together exploring water caves (you will get a bit wet!) and Tri-falls Stream, and swim in Emerald Pool or under a pounding waterfall known as the ‘Spa’. Before leaving this beautiful park, we’ll have lunch and then hike back along the canyon rim to an abandoned coal mine to explore its relics. It’s then a short drop back to the carpark. After cleaning up the vehicle and sorting our gear we drive across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. We arrive in the early evening.

Additional costs

During winter (April-September) or on wet weather summer trips you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use alternative accommodation more often.
Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.

Hiking and fitness – D

Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 7 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 10-12kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800m.
Uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required.

What to take

New Zealand's weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000m. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking. See the Recommended gear list page for further information on each essential item we recommend you bring.

Essential items

• hiking boots (not shoes)
• backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)
• backpack liner (plastic bag)
• 3-season sleeping bag
• waterproof raincoat (goretex or similar)
• warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
• shorts for hiking
• polypro/thermal underwear – top and long-johns
• 3 pairs of socks (they get wet)
• warm hat or balaclava
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• drink bottle (1 litre)
• spare shoes or sandals
• flashlight/headlamp
• insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
• spare set of clothes

Optional items

Therm-a-rest sleeping mat (self-inflating foam mat), gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

We supply

Sleeping mats (dense foam), tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.

Luggage

We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. If you can’t easily carry all your gear without falling over, then you have too much! Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the vehicle. We do not accept any responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Equipment hire

We have high-quality hiking equipment that you can hire for our trips. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date. Cancellation of gear hire must also occur at least 5 days in advance or no refund will be given.

Transport

We travel in a 10- or 12-seat minibus, towing a trailer with camp equipment and luggage. We use a mix of 2-Wheel-Drive and 4-Wheel-Drive vehicles depending on the trip and the time of year. All vehicles have a stereo and we carry a range of natural history reference books. We average 2-3 hours driving per day (we drive – you get to watch the amazing New Zealand scenery slip by while listening to your favourite tunes). We travel on a range of roads, from sealed highways to dusty, windy, bouncy tracks. We can stop whenever you want to take photos or check out the strange locals! We try not to drive too much, but occasionally we might do a 5-hour drive.

Food

All food is run on a kitty system and everyone chips in to prepare and cook meals. Each person’s contribution is about NZ$10 per day. Although we have an excellent menu system – barbecues, salads, pancakes, and pasta – it frequently gets hijacked by the inspired cook. We always carry lots of hiking food – chocolate, peanuts, raisins and biscuits. The vehicles carry a full range of cooking equipment, including gas burners, woks, frying pans, and billies. When we go on overnight hikes, we carry small (but impressive) liquid fuel stoves. We realise cooking is a creative art and look forward to your input. Vegetarian meals are no problem – just advise us when you book.

Accommodation

The trip uses a range of accommodation from camping and backcountry huts to cribs (summer house), hostels, and cabins. We generally camp if the weather is fine so you get to enjoy the outdoors more and it costs you less. In less pleasant weather, your guide will arrange accommodation for the group. Note that the accommodation and food costs are not included in the price of this trip.

Camping

We camp as much as we can in a range of locations, under natural rock overhangs, on the beach, at Department of Conservation campsites, and in established campgrounds with showers. We provide 2-person tents for you to sleep in and closed-cell-foam sleeping mats. We frequently have a small campfire.

Huts

We make use of excellent Department of Conservation huts. They are equipped with mattresses, running water, and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. We do not have sole rights to huts and so must share with other hikers.

Cabins/cribs

When the weather is bad we will seek out alternative accommodation. This can be anything that is available, from a private crib (summer house) to a cabin at a campground. You must be prepared to go for 3 days (sometimes more) without a hot shower. There is always a river or lake for you to wash in. Some of our campsites/huts have saunas or natural hot pools!

Questions

Do we all get involved with camp duties?

Everyone is fully involved with the running of the trip, from collecting firewood, to setting up camp, and cooking meals. You are expected to do your share of work. If you are not a great cook, don’t worry; your guide and other people in the group will help you. People often say that this is a great aspect of our trips that everyone is working together. Some of our most hilarious moments happen when people get tangled dismantling a tent on a windy day.

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?

Most of the people on our trips are travelling alone. The trips are an excellent way to meet and hang out with a fine bunch of people. There is time to chill out and take in the splendour too when you feel like a bit of solitude.

Can I do more than one trip?

Yes. More and more people are connecting trips to cover the whole of New Zealand. We really are the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand’s best adventures.

I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the trip – what should I do with it?

You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on the trip. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a day pack). Depending on how full the trip is, we may require you to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes everything is locked securely in the vehicle.

What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money) while we are hiking?

Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.

Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?

No, sorry. We try to leave the city early so we can spend more time in the wilderness. Taxiing around Auckland drives everyone nuts and it’s best to start in a good mood. We meet at a central location – the local Visitor Information Centre – so it doesn’t cost you much to get there in a taxi, shuttle, bus, or by walking!

I'm a vegetarian – is that a problem?

Not at all. We usually have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. We also have lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or we may cook a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi (Maori earth oven) meal is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods.

What is the weather going to be like?

New Zealand’s weather is very changeable so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub-Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect – see our Weather page for links to New Zealand weather sites. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important. It’s warmer up north so thermal underwear and warm hats become an option rather than a necessity.

Who is the guide for my trip?

Check out the Guides page – you will have one of them! All the guides are carefully selected and trained. They are fun people with at least a decade of outdoor experience and mountain first aid certification, along with a natural history qualification. We plan the guide roster well in advance but there are occasionally last-minute changes to who is guiding what particular departure.

Which is the best trip to go on?

It depends on what you want, how much time you have, and where you want to go. You can do anything from our 5½ day Far North beach trip to a combination of trips for 40 or more days! The Volcanoes and Rainforest trip has amazing volcanic scenery, the West Coast Wilderness has grand mountains and rainforests, and the Secret South has a lot of travel above the bushline and wildlife (dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and seals).

Will I be fit enough?

Our trips are graded on a scale from A to E. Read the Fitness page and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness, get out on some day hikes in the weeks prior to your trip departure.

Who is in my group?

A maximum of 11 people, with a range of ages, nationalities, and work backgrounds. Most people are between 20 and 40, although we have had people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

How far in advance do I need to book?

The sooner the better for trips departing in the peak season (November-April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.

Do I really need boots and will they get wet?

Yes and yes! Good hiking boots are essential to protect your feet and provide ankle support. We hike through rough terrain, sometimes off-track. We frequently have to cross rivers with our boots on – this protects our feet from getting cut on sharp rocks. If we had to take our boots off every time we crossed a river we’d take forever to get anywhere. One traveller who recently completed a trip said: “my most favourite part of the trip was the discovery that walking in soggy boots and socks after crossing rivers is quite comfortable”.

What type of gear should I buy?

If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment – good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after the trip then you could buy cheaper alternatives. Just remember that it won’t last as long or do the job as well. See our Recommended gear list for advice on the items you need to bring.

Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?

Following our normal route, we have access to laundry facilities every three days or so. There is always the opportunity to hand-wash those essential items.

How much cash will I need during the trip?

Every 3 or 4 days we pass through a town so you can run off to the bank if you need to. Usually the person in charge of the kitty gets $100 off you at the start of the trip.

What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the group?

We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?

New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions, or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare that it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to their sting, then make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the trip. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.

Booking conditions

Payment

For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Transferring

You can transfer to another trip/departure as long as you do so more than 20 days prior to your pre-booked departure. Transfers within 20 days will require a cancellation and new booking. All transfers are subject to seat availability.

Cancellations

More than 20 days prior to departure – 80% refund if full amount paid.
20 to 10 days prior to departure – 50% refund.
Less than 10 days prior to departure – NO REFUND.
Deposits are not refunded.

Travel insurance

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a trip. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Medical conditions

When you book you must notify us of any medical condition or medical history and any medications that you are on. In particular, we want to know about asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings, and food allergies.

Client responsibilities

With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Active Earth New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, or personal injury or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.

The staff and management of Active Earth New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However, you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Active Earth New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.

Active Earth New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort, or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure.

Active Earth New Zealand operates in remote areas. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to our published schedules but no guarantee is given. Active Earth New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.

Active Earth New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at any time if, in the opinion of the guide or operator, that person may be likely to risk the health, safety, or comfort (because of unsociable behaviour) of him or herself, other clients, or the environment. In such circumstances Active Earth New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.

Active Earth New Zealand
Postal Address: PO Box 51, Lyttelton 8841, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 384 3706; Fax: +64 3 376 6483
Free Phone New Zealand: 0800 20 10 40
Email: info@ActiveEarthNewZealand.com