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Home , Milford Sound (village), Milford Track, Mitre Peak (New Zealand), Paraparaumu Beach, Sutherland Falls, Te Anau

Two Great Walks of March 24 - April 9, 2017 Leader: Denise Snow

Mitre Peak in

Dear Fellow CMC Member: Thank you for your interest in the Adventure Travel outing Two Great Walks of New Zealand. Please read the following trip description and itinerary carefully before you consider applying for this trip. I have also included a suggested pack list and additional information for your consideration. To apply for a place on the outing, please download and complete the Trip Application, with the Personal Risk Statement and the Payment and Cancelation Policy, and return it to me. The group will have a maximum of 11 persons including the leader. All nights will be spent at Department of Conservation (DOC) huts, on board the Milford Wanderer sailboat, private lodges or hotels. All accommodations will be mostly a shared double room (where available) or dormitory. Once you apply, you will be notified if you are accepted for the outing. Once accepted, submit a $750 deposit to the CMC to reserve a place (see cancellation policy in the application). Please do not send money before it is requested. The remaining balance is payable by July 22, 2016. The current in-country estimated trip costs are $3820 for members. The price includes: • All lodging for 14 nights • 6 breakfasts (all other lodging will have kitchen facilities to make breakfast) • 4 lunches (3 packed lunches on the Abel Tasman walk and one lunch on ) • 8 dinners • Airport transfers from/to Queenstown, from Nelson and to • Tracknet shuttle from Queenstown to • Tracknet shuttle from Te Anau to Te Anau Downs • Water shuttle from Te Anau Downs to the trailhead for the Milord Track and from Sandfly Point at the end to Milford village • Overnight cruise on the sailboat Milford Wanderer through the Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea • Luxury glassed roof coach tour on the Milford Road back to Te Anau • Backroads Bus tour from Te Anau to Queenstown including an historic steamship ride on Lake Wakatipu • Flight on Air New Zealand from Queenstown to Nelson • Transport to Marahau from Nelson and to Picton from the Ratanui Lodge • Luggage transfer on the Able Tasman walk • All water taxi transfers on the Able Tasman walk • Cook Strait ferry from Picton to Wellington • Shuttle from Wellington to beach and back to the airport • Water taxi from Paraparaumu beach to Kapiti Island and back • 2 days and one night on Kapiti Island including a guided Kiwi spotting walk

Airfare to Queenstown is not included. Also, expect to spend several hundred dollars for trip insurance, remaining meals and snacks, bar tabs and souvenirs. Non-members will be required to pay an administrative fee equal to 3% of the trip costs. Consider becoming a member to avoid this fee. Pre-requisites for the trip are very good physical conditioning, the ability to hike 33 miles, with some steep elevation gain, in 4 days and an ongoing, regular, conditioning program. A CMC-Denver Group hiker rating is not needed for this trip. We will carry day packs (a suggested list of items is provided) which include all clothing typically needed for changing alpine weather conditions. Three nights will be spent in DOC huts on the . For these 4 days of hiking you will need to also carry a change of clothes, a sleeping bag, personal toiletries, water and all meals. Because we will be hiking in rain forest and at alpine levels, the weather can be most unpredictable, necessitating well thought out element and clothing choices.

Before applying, you may want to check with your “significant other,” employer, etc. to make sure you have the available time to do a 2 week trip overseas. There is no guarantee of someone being on the wait list to take your place if you have to cancel. You will need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter New Zealand. Attendance at the pre-trip planning meeting is mandatory, as there will be much to discuss. Location will be the CMC office in Golden, and you will receive ample notice of the date and time. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, we can set up a virtual meeting link for you. Topics will include suggested equipment, packing, training, cultural notes, and security precautions. A selection of handouts and guidebooks will be available for your review. Please let me know what questions you may have—I am at your disposal!

Sincerely, Denise Snow [email protected] 719-687-9576

Abel Tasman Coast Track

TWO GREAT WALKS OF NEW ZEALAND, MARCH 24 – APRIL 9, 2017, TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Great Walks represent some of the finest walks in New Zealand. There are nine Great Walks, each of which takes two to five days to complete, selected by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) on the basis of their outstanding scenery, diversity and universal appeal. So exceptional are these tracks that they have taken their place in the pantheon of famous hikes worldwide. This trip has been designed to give you a culinary sample of the diversity and magnificent beauty of New Zealand's . It is filled with not only walking but experiencing New Zealand's vast waterways and islands, unique bird and sea life, local farm life and breath-taking scenery.

On this trip we will do two of the Great Walks, the Milford Track and the , each very unique and distinctly different from each other. The four-day Milford Track in , in the far south-west of New Zealand's South Island, is New Zealand's most famous Great Walk and heralded world-wide as perhaps "the finest walk in the world". It is justly renowned for its glacier carved valleys, forests and alpine flower fields, waterfalls and towering peaks. The Abel Tasman Coast Track , on the far north-west coast of New Zealand's South Island, is by far the easiest of the Great Walks. However, its 51 kilometers is coastal hiking at its very finest. Golden crescent beaches lapped by the clear Tasman Sea back onto sections of verdant forest.

Milford Track Profile

On the Milford Track (33 miles), follow this historic route through , part of the World Heritage Area. Take a journey along valleys carved by glaciers and through ancient

Milford Wanderer rainforest, before reaching your final destination: the spectacular Milford Sound. Walk under the spectacular which drop 1902 feet from Lake Quill. Spot eels and trout as you cross the Clinton River on the impressive 236 foot suspension bridge. Complete your walk with a full length overnight cruise of the Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea on the Milford Wanderer accompanied by a specialist nature guide. As you explore the fiord, keep a lookout for wildlife, especially fur seals basking on the rocks.

The Abel Tasman Coast Track (37 miles), located in Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island's northern shores, showcases the best that the park has to offer. Marvel at naturally sculpted granite cliffs and crystal clear waters. Spend the day hiking/swimming/exploring the forest, the track and the golden sand beaches Swim at Cleopatras Pool, a natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide. Overnight in quaint lodges and walk with only a daypack.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

This adventure will also include a trip from Te Anau to Queenstown on the Backroads Bus along unsealed road via the Von Valley through high country farms. This is an unforgettable journey through a land long forgotten by the tourist maps. See historic home sites, Lord of the Rings Film locations, Livestock wandering free on the road side and have a cuppa at Mavora Lakes. Then board the TSS Earnslaw, an historic steamship, & cruise the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.

Our trip concludes with a crossing of Cook Strait, from Picton to Wellington on the , via the Interislander Cook Strait ferry, recognized as one of the most scenic cruises in the world. The following day we will have an overnight stay on Kapiti Island. The New Zealand Government acquired Kapiti Island in 1897 in order to protect its flora and fauna, the likes of which were already being compromised on the mainland. Famous the world over, the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve is abundant with native & endangered birds which thrive in this unique, entirely predator free environment. We'll have an introductory talk and welcome by an experienced nature guide. Then we are free to hike and view rare and beautiful native birds. After dinner in the lodge and maybe a dip in the hot tub, we will enjoy a night time guided Kiwi spotting walk with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

TWO GREAT WALKS OF NEW ZEALAND, MARCH 24 – APRIL 9, 2017, ITINERARY

Friday, 24 March: Take a late afternoon flight to Queenstown. Saturday, 25 March: Lose a day in flight. Sunday, 26 March: Arrive in Queenstown around 11:00. Take a Tracknet shuttle to Te Anau. Overnight in a hotel in Te Anau. Monday, 27 March: Recovery day, shop for food for the Milford Track, do hikes out of town if need to stretch your legs. Rent a bike and pedal the streets of Te Anau. For larger groups hire the spider bike (8 seater). Or relax and play a game of mini golf or just sit back at one of the many cafes in Te Anau. Stay overnight in a hotel in Te Anau. Tuesday, 28 March: Take a Tracknet shuttle to Te Anau Downs. Connect to a water shuttle for a 1.5 hour ride across to the trailhead, Glade Wharf, for the Milford Track. Here will walk an easy 1 km to Glade House, the first overnight stop for guided walkers. Just past Glade House is the first and largest of several suspension bridges encountered on your walk. The well graded track continues for approximately an hour, through attractive beech forest along the banks of the beautiful Clinton River. Clinton Hut is reached just before the 3 mile marker. There are good swimming holes near the hut. To fish the Clinton River, you need a full fishing license and clean gear certificate. These are available prior to departure at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.

Clinton Hut Swingbridge

Wednesday, 29 March: Today we will hike 16.5 km (10.2 mi). It’s a gradual climb from Clinton Hut as the track follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of Mackinnon Pass. Between the 5 and 6 mile markers you cross a large open area formed by a landslide, which occurred in 1982. This created a small lake, known as ‘Dead Lake’ because of the dead beech trees seen here. Soon you’ll get your first view of the Mackinnon Pass and the impressive Pompolona ice field. Cross the open ‘prairie’ area and climb a small hill to the Bus Stop shelter just before Marlene’s Creek. After passing the turnoff to the Pompolona guided walks hut, there is a short climb before descending to a swing bridge. It is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from here to Mintaro Hut. You will notice the vegetation starting to change, reflecting the higher altitude and heavier rainfall.

Waterfalls on the Milford Track Thursday, 30 March: Today we will hike 14 km (8.7 mi. From the Mintaro Hut there is a well-graded, zigzag climb of about 2 hours to the Mackinnon Memorial. On the way there are excellent views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Valley. It takes a further 20 minutes to reach the Pass Day Shelter from the memorial, crossing the highest point on the track at 1,154 m. The shelter is supplied with a gas-cooker during summer and has the toilet with the best view in Fiordland! The 8 km walk from the Mackinnon Pass to Dumpling Hut provides spectacular views, dropping 970 m steadily over rocky, uneven terrain. The track crosses beneath Mt Balloon and the Jervois Glacier to the Moraine Creek Bridge. Shortly after the Moraine Creek Bridge, the track passes the 18 mile marker. It then follows a boardwalk and staircase

Mackinnon Pass Sutherland Falls

beside the Roaring Burn River, with its numerous waterfalls. A set of zigzags leads to the bottom of the pass and Quintin Shelter where there is a side track that leads to the magnificent Sutherland Falls which drops 904 feet.

Friday, 31 March: Today we will hike 18 km (11.2 mi). From the Dumpling Hut the track follows the Arthur River to the historic Boatshed. After crossing the swing bridge (a good place to see trout and eels) it is about 20 minutes to beautiful MacKay Falls and Bell Rock. There are two more swing bridges further on at Poseidon Creek, near the 28 mile post. Admire the rock cuttings alongside the Arthur River and Lake Ada, which were blasted and hand cut by labourers when the track was first constructed. Just after

Stream on the Milford Track Milford Sound the 30 mile marker, are Giant Gate Falls. From the falls, the final 1 hour 30 minutes walk leads to Sandfly Point and the end of the Milford Track. Take a water shuttle for 15 min to the village of Milford Sound. Connect to the Milford Wanderer and sail into the Milford Sound and out to the Tasman Sea accompanied by a specialist nature guide. Explore the shoreline with tendercraft (small boat) in the late afternoon, have a good shower, a 3-course meal and sleep overnight in a comfortable cabin.

Saturday, 1 April: After a hearty breakfast, head back out to the Tasman Sea. Then leave the Milford Wanderer behind and take a luxury glass roofed coach on the Milford Road, one of the world’s finest alpine roads, for 3 hours to Te Anau. The experienced coach drivers know all the right places to stop and take in the magnificent views of the Milford Road. Along the way, they will provide you with informative commentary about the region, its history and natural surroundings. Overnight in a hotel in Te Anau.

Milford Wanderer Milford Sound

Sunday, 2 April: Climb aboard the BackRoad Bus for the start of our journey between Te Anau and Queenstown. You will not find it on most maps, it is a road connection through conservation park, river fords, farmland and river valleys joining Lake Te Anau with Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown). Then board the TSS Earnslaw, an historic steamship, & cruise the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Stay overnight in a hotel in Queenstown.

TSS Earnslaw

Monday, 3 April: Fly Air New Zealand to Nelson on the northern coast of the South Island. Stay overnight in a hotel in Nelson. Tuesday, 4 April: Pickup by Abel Tasman Guides from our accommodations in at approximately 7.30 am. Arrive at the Aquataxi base about 9:30 am. Check in our bags for luggage transfers, collect our lunch and off we go on the Abel Tasman great walk. Spend the day hiking/swimming/exploring the forest, the track and the golden sand beaches for the 12.4 km (7.7 mi) en route to Anchorage. At the end of the day – water taxi from Anchorage to Marahau. Stay at Marahau Lodge in Marahau – 3 wonderful restaurants to choose from in Marahau for our evening meal, all within easy walking distance from Marahau Lodge.

Marahau Marahau Lodge

Wednesday, 5 April: Begin walking along the wonderful beach at Anchorage, pass civilised Torrent Bay before heading up and over and to the iconic Falls River swing bridge and further to Bark Bay. From this lovely bay the track heads up the largest ascent on the whole trip ending up at back at sea level at Medlands and Onatahuti Bays. A lovely walk along crescent shaped Onatahuti Beach follows and then the last saddle sees us over to wonderful Awaroa Lodge. This is the biggest day, 23.5 km (14.3 mi) in length. We will stay in the wonderful Awaroa Lodge – elegant funky and in an amazing place with no road access!

Anchorage Awaroa Lodge

Thursday, 6 April: Today we will hike 18.5 km (11.5 mi). About 20 minutes from Awaroa Lodge is a wide tidal crossing then it is into some wonderful podocarp forest before bursting out on the golden sand of Waiharakeke bay and Goat Bay before the final ascent over to the popular camping spot of Totaranui. From Totaranui you will be an the less well travelled part of the track and come across the beautiful beaches of Anapai and Mutton Cove. If you wish to do an hour extra then head on out to Separation point (it’s a loop). Before long you will be at Whariwharangi Bay, this is where Abel Tasman the explorer unsuccessfully tried his only landing in New Zealand (he was repelled by the local Maori). Then it’s up and over the hill to the Wainui carpark where you will be picked up bay a van for the short shuttle to Pohara Beach and Ratanui Lodge. We will stay in the delightful Ratanui Lodge – the service and meals here are exquisite.

Friday, 7 April: We transfer in the morning from Pohara Beach with a shuttle directly to Picton. Here we will board the Interislander Cook Strait ferry and cross Cook Strait to truly experience the two beautiful islands of New Zealand. Interislander is far more than the New Zealand ferry service that bridges the

Pohara Beach Ratanui Lodge gap between the North and South Islands. The 92 km, three hour journey between Picton and Wellington is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences, and acknowledged as one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. We will overnight in a hotel in Wellington.

Interislander Cook Strait Ferry

Saturday, 8 April: We will take a shuttle from our hotel to Paraparaumu beach and then the morning ferry transport to the middle of Kapiti Island (Rangatira) . Kapiti Island is home to over 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi, making it one of the densest population of Kiwi to be found, and one of the easiest places to see them in the wild. We'll have an introductory talk and welcome by an experienced nature guide. Then we are free to hike and view rare and beautiful native birds. An afternoon ferry will transport us from Rangatira to the Kapiti Nature Lodge at the north end of the island. Here we will spend the night and enjoy the Lodge's famous hospitality, delicious home cooked meals and a soak in the hot tub. Later we will enjoy a night time guided Kiwi spotting walk with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Kapiti Island Little Spotted Kiwi

Sunday, 9 April: We will have most of the day to further enjoy the island. Sea kayaking is also a possibility. In the afternoon we will return to Paraparaumu beach by ferry and then be transported directly to the airport for an early evening flight home.

Suggested reading for the Two Great Walks Of New Zealand: New Zealand - The Great Walks: Includes Auckland & Wellington City Guides, Alexander Stewart. Trailblazer Publications. October 14, 2009. Hiking & Tramping in New Zealand, Lee Slater & Sarah Bennet. Lonely Planet. May 1, 2014

Suggested Maps for the Two Great Walks Of New Zealand: 65-0774B Abel Tasman park map. 1:50,000. #273/7. 2006. New Zealand National Park Topographic Maps. 65-0774M Milford Track park map. 1:75,000. 335/1. 2003. New Zealand National Park Topographic Maps.

TWO GREAT WALKS OF NEW ZEALAND, MARCH 24 – APRIL 9, 2017, 2014, PACK LIST

The following is a list of recommended items to carry in your luggage and/or pack (including the 3 nights in the DOC huts):

1) Pack cover 2) Rain jacket/pants 3) Warm gloves 4) Warm hat 5) Several warm layers 6) Gore-Tex over mitts to keep hands dry 7) Headlamp 8) Change of hiking pants and shirt (quick dry material preferred) 9) Change of undergarments (quick dry material preferred) 10) Change of socks (quick dry material preferred) 11) Sleepwear (personal preference) 12) Sleeping bag (required for DOC huts) 13) Personal toiletries (including ear plugs, soap, detergent for washing clothes, a few clothespins, etc.) 14) Lightweight shoes to wear inside/outside of huts 15) Mosquito/sand fly repellent (high concentration of Deet (90-100 %)), Sunscreen, personal first aid requirements (Mole skin, sand fly bite treatment (Hydrocortisone Cream 1%, Calsmine Lotion, antihistamine, etc.), pain relievers, etc.) 16) 2 liter capacity for water 17) Travel towel and washcloth for huts

Swinging Bridge Mackinnon Pass

TWO GREAT WALKS OF NEW ZEALAND, MARCH 24 – APRIL 9, 2017, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Currency The unit of currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZ), with 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 200 dollar denominations. The eight denominations of coins vary in size, color and thickness according to their values, which are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 dollar coins.

Credit & Debit Cards Should you use a credit card or a debit card when traveling? Both have benefits. A credit card allows you to delay payment and gives you certain rights as a consumer. A debit card, also known as a check card, deducts funds directly from your checking account and helps you stay within your budget. Otherwise, the two types of plastic are virtually the same. Both will get you cash advances at ATMs worldwide if your card is properly programmed with your personal identification number (PIN). Both offer excellent, wholesale exchange rates, and both protect you against unauthorized use if the card is lost or stolen. Check your bank's policies concerning foreign transaction fees and interest and fees charged for cash advances

Exchanging Money For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transactions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. I recommend we get a little money at a ATM and then hit a bank ATM first thing Monday.

Tipping Tipping is not a widespread or traditional custom in New Zealand; if you feel you have received exceptional service, the tip would be about 5% of the bill.

Electrical Devices To use your U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and adapter. The electrical current in New Zealand is 240 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take Australian-type three pronged plugs. Therefore, you need an adapter plug to adjust your appliance to the New Zealand socket.

If your appliances are dual-voltage, you'll need only an adapter. Otherwise, you will need a converter as well. Most laptops, tablets, cell phones etc. operate equally well on 110 and 240 volts and so require only an adapter.

Country Codes The country code for New Zealand is 64. City codes, called area codes in many countries, are called STD codes in New Zealand. The entire South Island is on the (03) STD code. Wellington is on the (04) STD code. When calling from abroad, the initial 0 from the STD code should be dropped Once you have arrived in New Zealand the full STD code should be used. For example, a call from Denver to the Lakefront Lodge in Te Anau would be dialed as 64 3 249 7728.

Travel Documents When traveling internationally make at least two photocopies of your passport (one for someone at home and another for you, carried separately from your passport). Also, take a photo of your passport so that you have an extra copy on your camera. When staying in a hotel, it is best to leave your passport in a safe in your room while you are out for the day. If you lose your passport, promptly call the nearest embassy or consulate and the local police.