7 DAY NATURE DISCOVERY NZ GOURMET WALKING TOUR

$ PER PERSON 1999 TWIN SHARE

HEAPHY • NELSON •

THE OFFER Throw away the trail mix, canned food, swag tents and fold up maps, this walking tour is all about discovering the wilderness in style. Let local guides 7 DAY WALKING TOUR spoil you with fresh, locally sourced gourmet meals in charming trail huts after an exhilarating day hiking the world renown Heaphy Track at the very $1999 top of ’s . The Heaphy Track covers a wide variety of landscapes; every new section is significantly different from the previous one. The journey traverses through unique forests, past giant granite boulders, alongside the Heaphy river, under towering Nikau Palms and on to the untouched western coastline of the Tasman Sea. Stunning sunsets, an impressive array of native birds, tranquil sub-alpine flora and intriguing cultural artefacts are around every corner of this track. But just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, your trusty guides present a fresh mouth watering meal that would rival any fancy big city restaurant. A true escape, this package includes 2 nights 4-star hotel accommodation, 4 nights accommodation in charming national park huts, 13 gourmet meals, local tour guides, start/finish transfers, kitchen porters & so much more!

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 7 DAY NATURE DISCOVERY | GOURMET WALKING TOUR

THE ITINERARY Day 1 Arrive in Nelson Aorere valley on a well graded gravel road, toward Brown Hut Today check in to the hotel accommodation and enjoy the where the track begins. The guide will provide a final briefing remainder of the day at leisure. on what to expect for the day’s walk and you will be given a tasty and nutritious snack pack, loaded with all sorts of Overnight: Trailways Hotel or similar, Nelson energy rich and healthy treats. These snacks are for nibbling Meals included: None throughout the trip, to keep yourself going in between the gourmet meals. With everything on board, it’s now time Day 2 Nelson - The Adventure Begins! - Brown Hut to for final adjustments to fit your pack comfortably for the Perry Saddle Hut (approx. 17.5km 5 Hours) adventure ahead. Start bright and early this morning with the guide collecting And so, it begins; the track climbs gradually on an easy you from the accommodation at approximately 7.00 am. gradient through regenerating manuka and kanuka bush, soon When the guide arrives please have two bags all ready to changing to lush beech tree forest, cushioned by a myriad go, one being the pack you will take with you on the track, of feather- like fern varieties. Look for views of the Aorere and the other your hotel bag which will meet you at the end River below and to the Dragon’s Teeth piercing the skyline of the walk (alternatively you could arrange for the hotel from the Douglas Mountain range. When we stop for the first to store your bag). Please make sure you secure all your tasty lunch, we may be visited by curious tom tits, riflemen, valuables, wallets, passports etc. Ask the guides for advice on fantails (piwakawaka) and robins, busy scanning for insects or your options. Once the bags are stowed away the guides will a misplaced crumb! Other birds often seen in this forest are provide an outline of the day to come before departing. tui, woodpigeon (kereru) and if we are lucky, one of our native The first part of the drive will take approximately 2 hrs; this parrots, the kaka. The vegetation also changes as the altitude is a beautiful trip skirting Tasman Bay and then climbing the increases to around 600m with rimu giving way to the ever memorable Takaka Hill, affording glimpses of the famous Abel favourites, dracophyllum trees. Tasman National Park. Known as the Marble Mountain, this After a steady day’s walk ascending the track’s highest point hill is a fascinating landscape of water etched rock outcrops, at 915m, arrive at Perry Saddle hut, our comfortable and sinkholes and caves. Gaining the summit, be rewarded with modern home for the evening. Time to relax! While you’re some great views over Golden Bay. The morning break is settling into the sleeping space, the guides will prepare an in the lovely country town of Takaka. Here we will stop afternoon snack and hot drinks, leading into a delicious and relax for around 30 min, enough time to sit down and evening meal. The evenings are usually a great time to share enjoy a muffin or coffee at the historic Wholemeal Café (not stories, play cards or just relax, outside on the porch or in included). front of the coal fire; it’s all about enjoying yourself on the Back on the road again for the final driving leg, a 1.5 hr drive Heaphy! As you fall asleep tonight have a listen for the night from Takaka, follow the coastline before heading inland up the calls of the Great Spotted Kiwi interspersed with Weka and Morepork.

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 DAYS7 DAY & NATURE TOUR TYPE DISCOVERY | DEAL NAME | GOURMET WALKING TOUR

THE ITINERARY Please note: Guests carry their own pack containing personal of walking, emerge to a breath-taking view over the vast clothing and sleeping bag. Guides carry all food, cooking peneplain known as Gouland Downs, framed by the Slate utensils and safety equipment and will prepare and cook Range. Here, in 1910, a geological party reported that this all meals. The accommodation on the Heaphy Track is in area was full of weka and kiwi, which is, thankfully, still the Department of Conservation huts. These huts are located in situation today. The Downs were subsequently burned off the most beautiful settings in the national park surrounded with the intention to be used for grazing of sheep and cattle only by nature. The huts are basic, clean and comfortable as part of an overland route for moving them to the West and must be shared with other walkers on the trail. The huts Coast. In 1917, however, the significance of the downs as a are usually (but not always) divided into three main rooms. natural habitat was recognised and the area was turned into Two unisex bunk rooms with mattresses provided (but no a wildlife refuge. Today as you’re strolling along the trail you linen or pillows) and space to organise your gear. The usual may be lucky enough to see the rare Whio (blue duck), the etiquette is that, once you arrive at the hut, you claim your elusive fern bird, or perhaps the recently released (30 birds bed space by placing your sleeping bag on a mattress and during March and May 2018), endangered Takahe. keep your personal possessions in a tidy manner (it’s very Stop for lunch at Gouland Downs hut, where the guides easy to misplace things if they are scattered around the once again work their magic with a mouth-watering platter room). The third room is a communal living and cooking of delights. You’ll be amazed at what comes out of their area. There is running water and a fireplace within the huts. packs! Once amply dined, there is time to explore some of Toilets are usually found outside, and are either a long drop or the many limestone formations, shallow caves and arches of sometimes a flush type. Shower facilities are not available in the perfectly named “enchanted forest” next to the hut. This the huts, but there will be welcome opportunities for a dip in place is unforgettably beautiful and well worth enjoying with the rivers and oceans for those brave enough to face the chill! the off-track knowledge of the guides. Leaving the caves and The huts are a great place to relax and meet new people. enchanted forest behind, continue the journey in this magical Overnight: Perry Saddle Hut (Department of Conservation land for approximately 2 hours. The track crosses two main Hut), Kahurangi National Park rivers before climbing steadily to reach the lovely Saxon hut. Meals included: Lunch;Dinner From Saxon Hut, you can gaze out from the deck back east towards Mount Perry, Mount Inaccessible and Perry Saddle. Day 3 Perry Saddle Hut - Across the Gouland Downs - On a clear evening toward the west, the sunset sends a blaze Saxon Hut (approx. 12.4km 4 hours) of fire colours into the sky, reflecting warmly through the red tussock grasses. If you’re of a stoic nature, enjoy a splash in Today has a more relaxed pace with only 4 hours walking. the Saxon river “mountain spa” (shallow pool of invigorating We set off westward for today’s adventure along the saddle temperature) as the gourmet evening meal is prepared. After between Mount Perry (1238m) and “The Onion”. The way a delectable dinner, feel free to enjoy a “kiwi walk” with the is through a subalpine world of stunted mountain and guide. Head west for just under 1 km to see and hear which silver beech trees, hebes and manuka. After about an hour

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 7 DAY NATURE DISCOVERY | GOURMET WALKING TOUR

THE ITINERARY night creatures are nearby. through stunted beech, and then down into ancient Podocarp Overnight: Saxon Hut (Department of Conservation Hut), forest. Within twenty minutes from the open bush of Mackay Kahurangi National Park hut, we find ourselves beneath a thirty-metre-high forest canopy. Occasionally, fallen trees give way to tantalizing Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner glimpses of the Heaphy below, allowing us to measure our progress to river level where the mighty Heaphy and Lewis Day 4 Saxon Hut - Across the Saxon Downs, and Toward rivers converge. Just before the lunch stop, magnificent nikau the West - Mackay Hut (11.8 kms approx. 3-4 hours) palms appear. At Lewis hut, the confluence of the Heaphy and After a leisurely morning and a late breakfast at Saxon hut, Lewis rivers, leave your pack and shoes on the deck and put set out across the charming Saxon Downs. Rising through your feet up while the guides conjure up another scrumptious a notable gradient in yet another captivatingly beautiful lunch. forest, we cross the boundary between the east and west Cross the majestic Heaphy River bridge and for the next department of conservation conservancies. From here we 2+1/2 hours follow the river out to the sea. Meet the Giant enjoy an undulating trail through the Mackay Downs where Northern Rata, begun as an epiphyte, high in a host tree, the track crunches beneath your feet, consisting of pink sending roots to the earth and eventually suffocating the host, coloured granite, a crystal-rich mix of quartz, mica taking over it’s space in the forest. The lush-leaved Nikau and feldspar. We will also be passing by outcrops of giant Palms and tangled Supplejack vines give the surroundings a granite boulders emerging from the tussock. The view from truly tropical feel. Near the coast, the strange formations of Mackay hut is spectacular, see down to where the Heaphy the layered limestone karst rock appear. Contemplating the river mouth meets the west coast sea. As the guides prepare meandering track ahead, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see another fantastic meal, relax and enjoy the newest hut on the the long- thought extinct Moa pop it’s head out from behind track, opened in November 2013. There is also an optional an ancient tree. Eventually, the river widens, and we arrive walk up to the old trig station for expansive views over the at the stunning Heaphy Beach with its powerful rolling surf. Mackay Downs. Home for this evening is the beautifully appointed Heaphy Overnight: Mackay Hut (Department of Conservation Hut), hut. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore before Kahurangi National Park the final gourmet dinner of the trip and hopefully a magical Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner West Coast sunset for dessert! Overnight: Heaphy Hut (Department of Conservation Hut), Day 5 Mackay Hut - The Heaphy River Mouth - Heaphy Kahurangi National Park Hut (20.5 kms approx. 6 hours) Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner Leave the picturesque location on top of the ridge at Mackay Hut, gently descending through a remarkable cross section Day 6 Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai (approx. 16.2km – 5 hours of New Zealand flora: from sub-alpine species on the tops, Today, rise bright and early for the 16km walk along the Wild

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 7 DAY NATURE DISCOVERY | GOURMET WALKING TOUR

THE ITINERARY West Coast. All senses will be indulged with the roar of the waves, the salt in the air and the occasional shag drying its wings in a magnificent hung salute. The track winds in and out of the nikau palms with the many varieties of coastal plants clustered around their trunks. Today we also cross over some picturesque bridges spanning impressively steep creeks and rivers that spill directly into the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye on the side of the trail and you may be rewarded by seeing one of the famous giant carnivorous snails, the Powelliphanta. These ancient animals are a throwback from Gondwana times, and their main diet is the giant New Zealand earthworm! Toward midday, arrive at Scott’s Beach campsite. Be sure to check out the hole in the rock drinking fountain, before the final push over Scotts Hill. On a clear day, from the lookout at the top, you can see back to the Heaphy river mouth. From here enjoy a gentle, forest-clad, 30-minute descent to Kohaihai where the comfortable transport awaits. It’s a short journey of 15 minutes to Karamea to enjoy a hearty lunch celebration together. Back onboard the vehicle, follow the course of the mighty Buller River through to Murchison for ice cream and then on to Nelson. Be dropped at the accommodation for a well-deserved shower and the opportunity to explore the many cultural and dining options the town has to offer. Overnight: Trailways Hotel or similar, Nelson Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch

Day 7 Depart Nelson Today check out of the hotel accommodation and make your own travel arrangements onwards or home. Meals included: None

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 7 DAY NATURE DISCOVERY | GOURMET WALKING TOUR

TOUR INCLUSIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy time at leisure in the beautiful town of Nelson Visit the lovely country town of Takaka Enjoy a 5 day guided walk along one of NZ’s Great Walks - The Heaphy Track Marvel at the flora and fauna of the Kahurangi National Park Walk through sub-alpine tussocks, ancient beech forests and lush coastal subtropical forests Walk across bridges spanning steep creeks and rivers that spill into the Tasman Sea Enjoy the opportunity to spot rare endemic bird species such as Weka, Takahe, Kaka and Kiwi Enjoy freshly prepared gourmet meals of local produce along the entire Heaphy Trail

ACCOMMODATION

2 nights quality 4 star accommodation in Nelson 4 nights hut accommodation along the Heaphy Trail in Kahurangi National Park

DINING

Enjoy 13 meals including gourmet fresh meals along the entire Heaphy Track

TOUR ESSENTIALS

Professional English speaking guides along the trail

TRANSPORT

Transportation by private A/C vehicles

TRANSFERS

Return transfers from the start and finish of the trails to Nelson

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

*Please note: all information provided in Perry Saddle Hut purchase directly with the tour operator upon this brochure is subject to both change and receiving tour confirmation Saxon Hut availability. Prior to purchase please check the current deal for up-to-date information. If you Mackay Hut EXCLUSIONS have already purchased this deal, the terms and - Visa fees and requirements (A visa is Heaphy Hut conditions on your Purchase Confirmation apply not required if travelling on an Australian and take precedence over the information in this Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are passport) brochure. based on a lead-in room type, and are subject - Return International flights to availability based on seasonality. Properties BOOKING INFORMATION will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior - Domestic transfers / flights not stated in On purchasing this Travel Offer you are to travel. the itinerary bound by the General Terms and Conditions, - Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary in addition to the specific terms and Extra Nights conditions outlined in this Important Not Available - Optional gratuities/tipping Information. - Optional activities/tours/extras Maximum Room Capacity Booking Guarantee: 2 People. (Applicable to Nelson Hotel - Personal expenses Booking is subject to final confirmation from Accommodation only) - Travel insurance (Strongly recommended) the tour provider. If you do not receive an email from the accommodation provider Child Policy OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION within 7 Business Days please contact - No child discounts. Full price applies for all TripADeal. If the selected dates cannot be children travelling with their parents. TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER secured an alternative date can be selected. - Valid for Children 12 years old and over. Tour Guide: In the event no available dates are suitable, a full refund will be provided. Please note: Children must be accompanied Often locals with intimate knowledge of an by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to area, its culture, and history. Their role entails Please refrain from booking travel travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed. providing commentary, routing the tour, arrangements prior to final email confirmation and seeing that people have a good time. from the accommodation provider. Triple Share They are a licensed, qualified expert who Please Note: all additional charges are payable Not Available supplies specific information on history, art, direct to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless architecture and culture of the city/village/ otherwise stated Bedding Configuration attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the Nelson Accommodation OFFER ESSENTIALS required place and leaves the group at the Travel offer is valid for travel on selected 2 x Single or 1 x Queen (subject to end of the tour, they do not travel with the dates until the 18th April 2021. availability). group.

This travel offer is priced for one person Heaphy Trail (Department of Conservation Tour Leader: based on twin share. Huts) An experienced person tasked with ensuring Single Bunk Beds in shared Unisex Rooms the smooth operation of tours, as well as Single Traveller Supplement providing practical support to passengers For solo travellers a mandatory single GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily supplement of $200.00 applies. Minimum group size 4, maximum group size includes assisting with accommodation, 8 per vehicle. transportation between locations, and Departure Dates communication with tour guides in each stop. Optional Extras Please see TripADeal website for current A tour leader may provide general guidance departure dates. Backpack Hire – $50NZD per person around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however they Sleeping Bag Hire– $50NZD per person ACCOMMODATION are not required to have specific knowledge Rain Jacket Hire – $50NZD per person on art, architecture, or history. They are Accommodation Used not allowed to provide a guided tour or Please note: 4 Star (self-rated) commentary of a city/village/attraction once - prices are based on per person, are subject Nelson: Trailways Hotel or similar there and if caught doing so, can be fined. to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable direct to the tour Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a No Star Rating - Kahurangi National Park - operator in the currency specified standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour Department of Conservation Huts leaders/guides will only be made available when - please request any Optional Extras you wish to

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 IMPORTANT INFORMATION particularly required to enhance the experience that, once you arrive at the hut, you claim Sightseeing: of the destination featured. your bed space by placing your sleeping Please note: In the event entrance to a site bag on a mattress and keep your personal is affected by changes in operating hours CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES possessions in a tidy manner (it’s very easy to or public holiday closures, your itinerary misplace things if they are scattered around Kahurangi National Park where possible, will be adjusted or an similar the room). The third room is a communal activity will be offered in its place (subject to The weather in Kahurangi National Park is living and cooking area. There is running availability). quite changeable and the West Coast of water and a fireplace within the huts. Toilets the South Island can be wet at any time of are usually found outside, and are either a VISAS year, so it is advisable to prepare for wet, long drop or sometimes a flush type. Shower A tourist visa is not required if travelling on windy and cold conditions, particularly in facilities are not available in the huts, but an Australian passport. the sub-alpine areas of the track. Despite there will be welcome opportunities for a the changeability, trampers and MTBers dip in the rivers and oceans for those brave Please note: Travellers who are not Australian often experience warm sunny weather as enough to face the chill! The huts are a great citizens must check with the respective the region is also one of the sunniest in New place to relax and meet new people. consulate or visa agency to determine what Zealand. their visa requirements are and what personal October Average High/Low: 17/6 °C Fitness Level Required / Mobility: identification is required. It is also important If you have hiked before, then the Heaphy to note, some areas of employment such as January Average High/Low: 22/11 °C Track is a great journey, on a well graded journalism, government authorities and charity May Average High/Low: 16/4 °C track. It requires a moderate level of fitness organisations may have additional restrictions as you will be carrying a pack around 10-12 in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the WALKING TOUR kilograms for 4-5 days. Leading up to your type of application required. Heaphy Gourmet Guided Walk you should be Meals: INSURANCE heading out at least twice a week for a walk We are proud to offer a range of travel Most meals are included in the tour, for all around 2-3 hours long. This preparation will insurance products - please ask your Travel other meals; lunches and dinners the tour help you to enjoy your hike far more. leader (when available) will offer assistance Consultant for more information. with reservations, suggestions and directions Footwear to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to SCHEDULE OF FEES You will want sturdy but comfortable shoes. notify the local tour operator of any dietary They should have ankle support and be Voluntary Changes requests/requirements. Please note; They footwear that you can comfortably wear all will do our best to meet your requests/ This includes booking changes requested day. Your footwear should be worn in prior requirements, however cannot guarantee that by you, including but not limited to those to your hike. You should avoid pulling out the we will always be able to. changes requiring an airline ticket or a pair of boots from storage that haven’t seen Purchase Confirmation reissue. the light of day for more than 10 years! The Luggage: last thing you want is your boot soles falling · 1st Change - $100.00 per person + any You will be responsible for all your personal off half way through your hike. Neither should additional charges applied by the airline/ belongings during the walking tour. Guests your boots have been bought the week cruise company/accommodation/other travel carry their own pack containing personal before your departure, as often this will result provider. clothing and sleeping bag. Guides carry all in sore uncomfortable feet and bad blisters. · 2nd Change - $150.00 per person + any food, cooking utensils and safety equipment additional charges applied by the airline/ and will prepare and cook all meals. Gratuities / Tipping: cruise company/accommodation/other travel Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour provider. Department of Conservation Huts price for services of the tour leader (when The accommodation on the Heaphy Track available) and driver throughout the tour. · Subsequent changes - $250.00 per is in Department of Conservation huts. Tipping is optional and at the customer’s person + any additional charges applied by These huts are located in the most beautiful discretion. the airline/cruise company/accommodation/ settings in the national park surrounded other travel provider. Tipping for all services provided on tour only by nature. The huts are basic, clean and is always a matter of personal discretion, · Changes within 30 days of departure comfortable and must be shared with other however please be aware that tipping is $350.00 person + any additional charges walkers on the trail. The huts are usually (but considered by many locals to be a part of applied by the airline/cruise company/ not always) divided into three main rooms. their normal remuneration and they may accommodation/other travel provider. Two unisex bunk rooms with mattresses approach you for payment and there is no provided (but no linen or pillows) and space · Changes within 14 days of departure need to be intimidated by the request. to organise your gear. The usual etiquette is $500.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433 IMPORTANT INFORMATION accommodation/other travel provider.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error · If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $150.00 per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/accommodation/other travel provider.

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433