Length 11 days

Price NZ$1235

Grade D - medium, 3 multi-day hikes
Extras - NZ$25/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Fox Glacier hike (NZ$80), kayaking (NZ$85)
Start - Nelson Visitor Centre, Corner Halifax & Trafalgar Streets @ 8:00am
Finish - Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.)

West Coast Wilderness 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 through a wealth of outdoor experiences; crossing the tussock alpine ranges of the new Kahurangi National Park, wading crystal-clear rivers in the limestone canyons of Paparoa National Park, kayaking on New Zealand’s largest unmodified lagoon, hiking deep into the Southern Alps to remote natural hot pools and onto glaciers, and enjoying great beach camps and bonfires.

Day 1 Monday Join trip in Nelson – 11km/4 hours hiking

Our tour begins at the Visitors 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 (1000m) 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 1850s but, although tracks were laid, gold finds weren’t as rich as expected in many areas. Scientists were attracted to the unique flora of the Heaphy area and conservationists successfully had it made into a scenic reserve in 1915. Tonight, we stay in an old goldminers’ rock shelter, a great place to get to know each other around a cosy campfire.

Day 2 Tuesday 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 New Zealand karst landscape of sinkholes and caves. This whole area is of geological interest as it is in a range of marble and limestone hills, and its interior is riddled with potholes. We climb up through mossy forest to the bushline and then onwards to Gordon’s Pyramid (1489m). 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 (1795m) 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 Wednesday Paparoa National Park – 8km/4 hours hiking

This morning, we head out to Cape Foulwind and visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, which were once hunted almost to extinction. We then turn south to the old gold-rush town of Charleston for lunch at a beautiful cove. In the 1860s, this pretty town boasted more than 80 hotels! After relaxing here for a short while, we begin our hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Created in 1987, it covers more than 30,000 hectares and has 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 Thursday Punakaiki – 12km/6 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. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the coast and check out some sea caves that were once used as shelter by early Maori. Tides permitting, you can climb on to a headland and watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea. Return to camp/cabin accommodation.

Day 5 Friday Okarito – 5km/2 hours hiking

After a leisurely breakfast we visit the Pancake Rocks. These 30-million-year-old limestone rocks have formed 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 to Greymouth, arriving late morning. Here we stock up on food and drop off/meet fellow hikers before continuing on down the coast to the peaceful coastal village of Okarito, where the rainforest meets the sea. For dinner tonight we enjoy a hangi feast (the traditional Maori way of cooking food in an underground earth oven) and everyone can be involved in the preparation. A relaxing evening spent sitting round the beach bonfire listening to the pounding surf. Camp by the beach.

Day 6 Saturday Okarito – 10km/4 hours kayaking

This morning, we take kayaks (optional extra), and catch the incoming tide in to 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, where trees can grow up to 60m high. For people not kayaking there is an excellent four-hour coastal hike (unguided), with dramatic views of the Southern Alps. Free time in the afternoon to wander the remote beach or hike to a viewpoint of this World Heritage Park to take in its snow-capped mountains, rainforest, and coastal wetlands. Spend a second night at this special place.

Day 7 Sunday Fox Glacier – 12km/5 hours kayaking

It's just a short drive this morning through to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where glaciers extend down into the rainforest. You have the option of taking a guided hike on this dynamic glacier where you will explore seracs, ice caves and crevasses. Stunning views of New Zealand's highest peaks dominate the vista at the head of the glacier. Free time in the afternoon to relax in one of the local cafes in this charming village. There is also the option to join the guide for a day hike in the National Park or take a stunning helicopter flight (additional cost) over the glacier and surrounding mountains and out to the coast. Stay in local cabin accommodation.

Day 8 Monday Welcome Flat – 18km/7 hours hiking

Starting early, we drive south for an hour before hiking up the Copland Valley through podocarp forest that is relatively unchanged from 70 million years ago. Our hike takes us across swing-bridges and mountain streams, where we often sight the endangered and very primitive blue duck or whio, and finally ends at a mountain hut at Welcome Flat. Here, we have the opportunity of relaxing our weary muscles with a soak in natural hot pools that have views of 3000m peaks, the best in New Zealand!

Day 9 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 Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m), New Zealand’s highest mountain. We return to the hut via Welcome Flat’s alpine grasslands. Tonight, we prepare dinner and spend another evening immersed in the incredible hot pools – one is too hot, one just right, and the other just warm!

Day 10 Wednesday Moeraki – 18km/6 hours hiking

This morning, we hike down the Copland Valley and drive south through the remote West Coast region to Moeraki. We stop at Ship Creek to look for Hector's dolphins and take the opportunity to walk through coastal ecosystems of dunes, swamp and podocarp forest. If we have time, we may visit a breeding colony of Fiordland crested penguins. These birds stand 70cm tall and nest here from July to November. Fur seals are also seen here occasionally. Again, we camp at an isolated site and enjoy a swim in refreshing, crystal-clear waters at the nearby river. Spending the night at this ideal location, we exchange stories around our campfire with a delicious feast of fresh salmon.

Day 11 Thursday Trip ends in Queenstown – 3km/2 hours hiking

Today, our final journey, turning inland, we drive over Haast Pass, snaking beside the wide Haast River. The pass has been open only since 1965. The pass was only opened in 1965. There are some great short hikes we can choose from (if the legs are not too weary). We stop at Lake Wanaka for lunch, a swim, and a clean-up of our vehicle. This lake is so deep that, although its surface is at an altitude of 345m, its bottom lies 65m below sea level. We then head over the Crown Range to Queenstown, where the trip ends, arriving 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