ITINERARY
Trip Guide: Geoff Benge
Friday, February 25:
Welcome to Queenstown, one of New Zealand's premier resort areas. You're in the future now, seventeen hours ahead of the East Coast of the United States, and twenty hours ahead of the West. You are also in the Southern Hemisphere, so it's late summer in New Zealand, a great time to visit. The weather is usually fairly settled around this time of year, but you're on an island in the South Pacific so it can be changeable at times. Once you've checked in to the hotel, take a leisurely stroll along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, a sparkling lake flanked by majestic mountains. Tonight we'll gather together for a Welcome Dinner and a time to get to know each other. Afterwards you may want to venture out into the abundant nightlife. Many of the bars and pubs are open late. You are in a place where spectacular natural beauty, adventure sports, and modernity meet.
HOTEL: (QUEENSTOWN)
Saturday, February 26:
As the morning sun bathes down on the magnificent Remarkable Mountain Range across the lake, it's time to explore Queenstown and its environs. We will start out today by traveling across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. We will be crossing the lake on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, which has plied the waters of Lake Wakatipu since 1912. With 70 million sheep and 4 million people living in New Zealand, it's not hard to see why sheep farming is so central to the Kiwi way of life. At Walter Peak we'll enjoy a delicious barbeque buffet lunch and then explore a shearing shed, watch sheep dogs muster a flock, and take in the freshest air in the world before heading back to Queenstown. The rest of the day is yours to explore. There's so much to do and see, but don't let it overwhelm you. Take a walk around town. Ride a bus to Arrowtown to learn about the town's rich gold mining history and take in the beautiful vistas of Lake Hayes. By the time nightfall descends over Central Otago, you'll be ready to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner and glass of wine at one of Queenstown's fine restaurants.
HOTEL: (QUEENSTOWN)
Sunday, February 27:
Today is yours. By now you know the lay of the land, and you've probably heard of a few recommendations of things to do in the local pubs. You might choose to take a jetboat ride on the Shotover, Kawerau or Dart Rivers. The ride won't disappoint as you barrel along at full throttle over rapids and through narrow rocky gorges. Or you can rent a kayak and paddle on Lake Wakatipu. Don't want to do the paddling yourself? Then take one of the boat cruises across the lake to visit some of the local wineries. And there's the bus ride north to Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu. If you have watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy, then you'll probably feel a sense of déjà vu. The area around Glenorchy provided the backdrop for Lothlorien, Amon Hen, Orthanc, and Isengard, not to mention the numerous television car ads that run in the United States which have been filmed in the area. Glenorchy and its environs are even more breathtaking in real life than on the big screen. Others may want to organize a day trip over to see and experience spectacular Milford Sound. Still want more? How about rock climbing, a helicopter ride, parasailing, white water rafting, cycling, the list goes on and on. Oh, and don't forget to take a bungy jump, after all, Queenstown is the birthplace of the sport. And don't forget to ride the gondola up to Bob's Peak above the city. From the observation deck there you will enjoy commanding views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, and Cecil and Walter Peaks. You may even want to linger longer at the top and enjoy dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, which serves a scrumptious buffet.
HOTEL: (QUEENSTOWN)
Monday, February 28:
This morning we will board a scheduled bus for the trip north to Christchurch. We'll pass through some sparsely populated regions of Central Otago before following the spine of the towering Southern Alps. We'll stop for lunch in Tekapo, set at the head of a sparkling, powder blue lake with mountains in the background. After leaving Tekapo we will head northeast out across the Canterbury Plains, a wide stretch of flat, fertile, farmland between the towering Southern Alps and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. By late afternoon we'll be in Christchurch, the most English of New Zealand's main cities. Dinner can be had at one of the city's fine restaurants, and be sure to take an after dinner stroll to Cathedral Square, the heart of the city.
HOTEL: (CHRISTCHURCH)
Tuesday, March 1:
Today you are free to roam and explore Christchurch. Take a walk through Hagley Park, where among other things, they play cricket, and don't forget to visit the city's beautiful Botanic Gardens. Both are located within easy walking distance of our hotel. Trams also circle the inner city, providing a wonderful platform from which to view Christchurch. Visit some of the fine galleries and art museums that dot the city. Ride the gondola to the summit of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbor. And in the late afternoon you might want to take a ride in one of the punts that ply the Avon River as it runs through the heart of town. From the river you'll see Christchurch at a whole new angle. And after dinner you can stroll over to Christchurch's 24-hour casino to check out the action. You'll find plenty to do in Christchurch to fill up your day.
HOTEL: (CHRISTCHURCH)
Wednesday, March 2:
This morning we will take a shuttle bus from Christchurch and visit the beautiful harbor town of Akaroa, located 52 miles away on Banks Peninsular. The town is set on a sheltered harbor overlooked by craggy volcanic hills. In 1840, a group of 63 French emigrants arrived by ship at the site of what would become the village of Akaroa. They had come to claim the area for France and establish a French colony. To their dismay they learned upon arrival that only days before the British had declared sovereignty over all New Zealand. Having come so far, they decided to stay, establishing Akaroa with a distinctly French character. It retains that character even today, as evidenced by the surrounding place names, the street signs in French and English, and the French influence in the design of the houses. Upon arrival in the town we will transfer to a boat for a two-hour cruise of the harbor. Along the way we will be able to see Hector's or New Zealand Dolphins swimming alongside the boat. These creatures are the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world. As we sail past towering volcanic sea cliffs you will also catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. Many other bird species also call Akaroa Harbor home, among them five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin. At Seal Bay we'll see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the nearby rocks. Upon our return from the harbor cruise, you are free to explore Akaroa and all its charms. Late in the afternoon we will catch the shuttle bus for the return trip to Christchurch.
HOTEL: (CHRISTCHURCH)
Thursday, March 3:
It's time to leave Christchurch behind and go further north. It will be an early start as we head to the railway station to board the 7 A.M. TranzCoastal train that will take us to Picton. Our train includes an open air viewing carriage where your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air as we travel on one of the world's most scenic train journeys, passing through 22 tunnels and crossing 175 bridges along the way. For most of the trip the Kaikoura Mountains will be on one side of the train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. As we travel, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins playing in the water. We'll also travel through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas before arriving in Picton shortly after noon. Nestled at the southern end of Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is the terminus for the inter-island ferryboats coming from Wellington on the North Island. Set beside the sea and surrounded by hills, Picton is full of charm, and everything is within easy walking distance. Take a stroll along the waterfront park, watch small boats coming and going and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Marlborough Sounds.
HOTEL: (PICTON)
Friday, March 4:
Picton is the end of the road. The way to see the Marlborough Sounds is from a boat or on foot. And for our exploration of the area, we'll be walking the 45-mile long Queen Charlotte Track. It is a moderate walk (though there are some harder portions) t
hat can be enjoyed by anyone in good physical condition.* We will not have to carry our backpacks; they will be transported by boat from lodge to lodge. We'll be walking the track from north to south, so this morning we'll take a 1-hour boat trip to Ship Cove, the northern head of the track. During the 1770's, explorer Captain James Cook spent a total of 170 days at Ship Cove. We can read about his epic journeys and his time in the bay at the monument erected there in his honor. And then it's time to start in on the track. As we climb away from Ship Cove we'll be engulfed in New Zealand native bush. We will also catch views of outer Queen Charlotte Sound, Motuara Island, a native bird sanctuary, and beyond, if the day is clear enough, we should be able to spot Kapiti Island and the North Island in the distance. After crossing the Ship Cove/Resolution Bay Saddle, we'll descend into Resolution Bay. Two hours after setting out from Ship Cove will pass the rustic Resolution Bay Cabins. Ahead of us is a two and three-quarter-hour hike to Endeavour Inlet. We'll climb up a gentle incline over a low ridge and then descend to Endeavour Inlet, passing through stands of beech forest and manuka, and crossing over crystal clear streams. The track winds along the eastern edge of the inlet just above the water, and offers magical views of the tranquil inlet. At the northern end of Endeavour Inlet we will stop for the night at a magnificent old lodge, where, after a warm shower, you can enjoy a drink in the lounge and a scrumptious dinner in the dinning room. Or you may prefer to just stay in the lounge and feast on one of the famous hamburgers the lodge serves.
LODGE: (ENDEAVOUR INLET)
Saturday, March 5:
After a good night's sleep at the lodge, it's time for a hearty breakfast, and then it's back onto the track, though today's walk will be an easy going five-hour trek along the western side of Endeavour Inlet. For much of the way we'll pass through regenerating native bush, with a predominance of manuka, kanuka and five-finger, with stands of beech near the sea. A wide range of birdlife inhabits the bush around here and we will most likely catch sight of silvereyes, tomtits and grey warblers. We'll stop on the trail to eat our sack lunch before making it the rest of the way to Camp Bay. Located at Camp Bay is our lodge for tonight, were once again we can feast on the local cuisine, and enjoy a fine glass of wine as twilight descends over the Marlborough Sounds.
LODGE: (CAMP BAY)
Sunday, March 6:
Today's hike along the Queen Charlotte Track will be the most challenging. But it will likely be the most rewarding. We will climb away from Camp Bay and head for the ridge above. And once we reach the ridge, sweeping panoramas await us. On our left will be Kenepuru Sound, and on our right Queen Charlotte Sound. And as we follow the ridgeline south, we will be presented with magnificent photo opportunities at almost every turn. Eventually the track will twist down steeply from the ridge to Portage Bay, where seven hours after setting out from Camp Bay, we will arrive at our lodge for tonight.
LODGE: (PORTAGE BAY)
Monday, March 7:
This is our last day on the Queen Charlotte Track. For the first three hours we will be back on the ridge and will traverse the highest point on the track, from which we'll get a commanding view of Kenepuru, Mahau and Queen Charlotte Sounds. We will then drop down into Mistletoe Bay/Te Mahia Saddle and stop to eat our sack lunch. We now have only three and a half hours of hiking left to go. This section of the track winds its way above Onahau Bay, and we will pass through farmland and native beech forest before arriving at Anakiwa, the southern terminus of the track. From the jetty at Anakiwa we will be picked up by boat and taken back to Picton. Back in civilization, we'll try to put into words what we have experienced and seen in the past four days, but it won't be easy. Just as well we made the trek with friends. At least when we say, “Ah, the Queen Charlotte Track,” someone will understand the unbelievable time we've had together on the track.
HOTEL: (PICTON)
Tuesday, March 8:
Don't sleep in today, there's still plenty to see and experience in and around Picton. Some of the things you might want to consider checking out are sailing on Queen Charlotte Sound, riding on the mailboat as it makes its afternoon round delivering mail to the isolated residences of the Sound, or organizing a trip to Kaikoura to join one of the whale watching boat tours. The ocean off the Kaikoura coast offers some of the world's finest viewing of humpback whales. Marlborough is also the source of some of New Zealand's (and the world's) best white wines, and you may want to take a tour of some of the wineries and sample their vintage. In the evening no doubt you will want to relax back in Picton and watch the sun set one last time over Queen Charlotte Sound.
HOTEL: (PICTON)
Wednesday, March 9:
Today it's our turn to climb aboard one of the inter-island ferries we've seen coming and going from Picton and take a three and half hour trip to Wellington on the North Island. Our ferry will travel up Queen Charlotte Sound and squeeze through Tory Channel before crossing Cook Strait, which divides the North and South islands. Be sure you are on deck as the ferry rounds the heads, passes notorious Barrett's Reef and sails into Wellington harbor. Spread over the hills at the harbor's southern end, Wellington from the water is one of the prettiest cities in the world. After disembarking the ferry we will transfer to our hotel; then it's time to explore. Wellington has many fine restaurants, pubs and cafes. If Christchurch is the most English city in New Zealand, then Wellington is the most Continental European influenced. After a round of fine New Zealand beer, or a glass wine at a local pub, you know you're going to enjoy Wellington.
HOTEL: (WELLINGTON)
Thursday, March 10:
You have all day to explore Wellington, and there is a lot to see. The city is New Zealand's capital, and no trip to Wellington is complete without a stroll past the “Beehive”, New Zealand's parliament building. And while you're at it, take a walk along the city's bustling waterfront. Here you can rent kayaks for a paddle on the harbor, organize a helicopter ride to take in a view of the city from above, or just enjoy the sweeping views of the city and its harbor. Also along the waterfront is Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, with its extensive Maori and Pakeha (European) collections, and information on the country's flora and fauna, geography, history and culture. You may also want to ride the cable car from downtown Wellington up to the botanical gardens set on the hills above the city. The view from the top is stunning, as you gaze down at the city, or across the harbor to the Hutt Valley and Eastborne.
HOTEL: (WELLINGTON)
Friday, March 11:
This is the end of the trip. Hopefully in our time together, you have garnered an appreciation for the wild and the civilized sides of the South Island (and a little of the North Island) of New Zealand. You will have seen a lot of the countryside, but more than that, you will have experienced the South Island and New Zealanders, and discovered why it is they're so fiercely proud of their island and their country.**
Early tonight or tomorrow many of you will board airplanes for the journey home. And as you wing your way to the Northern Hemisphere, an extra day will be slipped back into your calendar as you cross the International Date Line. You will arrive in the United States hours before the time you left New Zealand. But while you may have gone back in time, the good news is, you now have an extra day in which to contemplate your experience in the South Island of New Zealand.
* Day 1 and 2 on the Queen Charlotte Track are a moderate trek, and anyone in good physical condition should have no trouble. The trek on day 3 & 4 is a little tougher as we climb up onto the ridgeline both days and the track has some steep portions. Our time on the track is also longer on these two days, about 7-8 hours on day 3, and about 6-7 hours on day 4. While we would encourage as many people as possible to walk the whole track, not only for the sense of accomplishment, but also because of the stunning views hiking the ridgeline affords, it is possible to by-pass one or both of the last two days on the Queen Charlotte Track. This is accomplished by riding along on the boat that transports our backpacks to the next lodge. Those choosing this option need to make their own arrangements with the lodge reception and are responsible for the extra cost involved (approximately $45).
** Unless you are flying on to Australia before returning to the United States, you will need to make your way to Auckland, from where all international flights to North America depart. You can of course fly directly to Auckland from Wellington and connect with your international flight. However, you may want to consider taking an extra day in New Zealand and riding the Overlander Train north to Auckland. The New York Times calls this “one of the world's best train trips.” The train leaves Wellington Railway Station at 7:30 A.M. and arrives in Auckland approximately 12 hours later. In between you will be presented with ever-changing scenery that is quite different in places from the South Island. The train carriages have panoramic windows, and there is also an open air viewing deck.
Total cost of $3,200.00, per person, double occupancy, includes all hotel and lodge stays; all transfers; tour of the sheep station and barbeque; all bus fares; train fare; backpack transport on the Queen Charlotte Track; all boat and ferry fares; and a Welcome Dinner in Queenstown (food cost only, alcohol with dinner is at your expense).
A non-refundable payment of $500.00, payable to Condor Adventures, Inc. and received at:
Post Office Box 3415
Winter Park, FL 32790, USA
Is required for a reservation.
AVAILABLE SPACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED TO 16 PARTICIPANTS; AND WILL BE FILLED ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS UPON RECEIPT OF DEPOSITS; WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE; Payments are not transferable to other passengers or other trips. VISA, MC and Discover are accepted.
Final payments will be due in November 2010. Failure to pay on time will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your initial payment.
Items in italics are not included, but are suggestions based on location and time available. Flights, departure taxes at foreign airports and gratuities are not included.
Passports, valid for six months after the end of the trip, will be required.
