POS-21 Fiordland
The Magnificent Scenery of Milford Sounds and
Beyond
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand the youngest country on earth.
New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape draws many visitors to our shores. From fiords to rainforests, ocean beaches to volcanic cones, the relatively untouched landscape is breathtaking, but what makes the visit so special for many is the people they meet.
Māori people believe in the concept of ‘Manaakitanga’ this loosely translates as ‘hospitality’ – a concept that Kiwi people have embraced as part of the New Zealand experience. Kiwis are a friendly bunch and the care, engagement and hospitality we show our guests is based on pride and a genuine belief that this country offers something of everything.
New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s preferred destinations not just because of its dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, extreme adventure, clean air, enticing food and wine, creativity and flair but also because of the ‘can do’ attitude.
Haere Mai. Welcome and enjoy your stay.
Customs and MAF requirements On arrival you will need to complete both customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requirements before you can officially enter New Zealand. MAF is responsible for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, safe food, a protected environment, the wise use of the land and the creation of clean, green product. MAF protect farms and wildlife from imported pests and diseases by minimising the number of foreign pests and diseases entering New Zealand.
You will be required by law to declare any food or organic material you are carrying. It is important not to ignore this as significant fines can be given to those who do.
IMPORTANT: Please use the final itinerary provided in your media pack on arrival in New Zealand. This will include any adjustments and additional contact details crucial to your itinerary
The arrangements shown in this itinerary have been made especially for you with the generous support and co-operation of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Air New Zealand, accommodation and product suppliers as detailed.
Tourism New Zealand will cover the costs of your accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities and meals as outlined in the itinerary. Please pay all minibar, telephone expenses and laundry yourselves, prior to check out from your accommodation.
NOTE: check in for a domestic flight is 40 minutes before departure and requires photo identification. Baggage allowance is 20 kilograms. Excess baggage for film equipment only, will be charged back to Tourism New Zealand with prior arrangements.
Please remember that the operators will be expecting you. Please be punctual and phone ahead should you be running late.
Regional Tourism Operators Contact Details
Destination Fiordland Contact: Geoff Barnes Address: Milford Road PO Box 155 TE ANAU Tel: 03 249 7959 Fax: 03 249 7949 Mob: 021 969 171 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fiordland.org.nz
POST - 4 nights/5 days: Saturday 12 Nov to Wednesday 16 Nov, 2011
Fiordland: The Magnificent Scenery of Milford Sound and Beyond Fiordland is the centerpiece of the UNESCO World Heritage site Te Wahipounamu, renowned for its dramatic scenery, unique nature and wildlife, and famous walks. Encompassing the iconic Doubtful and Milford Sounds, Fiordland is the largest national park in New Zealand, a spectacle defined by mist-clad jagged peaks, waterfalls tumbling hundreds of feet into virgin forested valleys, and lonely fiords that reach for the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year and was once described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world.”
Itinerary Travel by road to Te Anau, the departure point for renowned walking tracks and also the closest service base to Milford Sound. Visit a glowworm cave, experience the southern sky at night, and take the spectacular 119-km (74-mile) Te Anau- Milford Highway, celebrated as one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. We’ll experience Milford Sound itself from the comfort of a cruise boat or from the seat of a kayak, dwarfed by the misty splendor of 1,692-meter (5,553-foot) Mitre Peak vaulting heavenwards. Another day will give us a taste of the world-famous Milford Track, a four-day hike through dazzling wilderness, or take a walk along Lake Te Anau followed by a jet-boat trip and brief scenic flight. Then we’ll embark on an overnight cruise through lovely Doubtful Sound—far less known than Milford Sound, yet three times longer and ten times the size—seeking dolphins, seals and Fiordland crested penguins. For Doubtful Sound the group will be split onto two boats and accommodations will be shared.
Difficulty Rating: MODERATE
Story angles: • Iconic scenery of Milford Sound and Fiordland’s other great fiord, Doubtful Sound. • Fiordland (Manapouri) as the 1969 birthplace of the environmental movement in New Zealand. • Fiordland’s day walks, as an alternative to multi-day treks. • Photographing Fiordland. • Indigenous wildlife.
Unique photography opportunities: • Innumerable scenic vistas, but highly weather-dependant. • The Southern Sky at night, unencumbered by light pollution. • Wildlife in fiords, including fearless, omnipresent kea parrots around Homer Tunnel.
Components requiring some exertion: • Kayaking in Milford Sound is guided and does not require previous experience (instructions provided), but participants must be comfortable in open water and prepared for a range of weather over the course of a 5 hour tour in the two-person sea kayaks. Alternate option: The Big Day Out includes a guided 2½-hour hike to 917- meter (3,012-foot) Key Summit (a 3-mile roundtrip involving a moderate ascent) OR a gentler excursion through the Hollyford Valley. Alternate option: Milford Sound Coach and Cruise is a sedate journey through the scenery, suitable for all. • Guided walk on Milford Track is a 11-km (7-mile) hike on an almost-flat trail. Alternate option: Kepler Track is an easy 10-km (6-mile) walk following the shoreline of Lake Te Anau. Alternate option: Te Anau Lake Cruise, suitable for all.
Special clothing or gear participants must bring: • Must be prepared for all kinds of weather, ranging from freezing rain to full-on sunshine, quite possibly on the same day. Layers are essential, and packing should include rain jackets and cold-weather gear. • Sunblock, insect repellent, broken-in hiking shoes, sunglasses, day pack.
Saturday 12 November Wellington to Te Anau
0700 Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel in time to meet you hotel pick up listed below
0740 Pick up from InterContinental Hotel
0805 Pick up from Amora Hotel
0825 Pick up from Museum Hotel and transfer to Wellington Airport
0900 Arrive Wellington Airport for check in
0940 Wellington – Queenstown on NZ5403 (1 hour 55 minute flight time)
1135 Arrive at Queenstown Airport
Fiordland
Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Area and the largest National Park in New Zealand. Here untamed waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into virgin forested valleys; lonely fiords offer untold beauty and stretches of crystal clear lakes reflect the pristine mountain scenery. Maori legend tells a story of demi-god Tu-te-raki-whanoa who carved the fiords with his adze Te Hamo. Today, visitors are drawn by the remote, rugged landscape and the majestic Doubtful and Milford Sounds. The region is best explored hiking on the many walking tracks, sea kayaking or a relaxing boat cruise in one of the sounds. www.fiordland.org.nz
1145 Drive from Queenstown Airport to Te Anau (2 hour travel time) stopping at Jacks Point for Lunch.
1200 Jacks Point Clubhouse restaurant is located just 15 mins drive from Queenstown Airport and provides a menu featuring deliciously simple, seasonal dishes enjoyed with the backdrop of 2300 vertical meters (7500 feet) of the Remarkables mountain range and an armchair view of an outstanding lake and mountain panorama.
1500 Drop off bags to hotel and check in for Glow Worm excursion directly across the road. 1515 Real Journeys - Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
Your Te Anau Glowworm Cave adventure begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival at Cavern House, our friendly guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat, your senses will be overwhelmed. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. Duration 2.25 hours.
Real Journeys Visitor Centre Address: Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Tel: 03 249 7416 Email: [email protected] Web: www.realjourneys.co.nz
1730 Return from Glow Worm Caves – Walk across to Hotel to check in.
1900
Ata Whenua – Fiordland Cinema
See the real Fiordland in first class comfort. Fiordland Cinema was specially constructed to house daily screenings of the locally filmed movie “Ata Whenua – Shadowland,” filmed by award winning cinematographers, with outstanding original musical composition. Enjoy 32 minutes of breathtaking Fiordland scenery shot on 35mm film across the extremes of season, climate and terrain. Mysterious, evocative, exhilarating and utterly spectacular.
After the screening, enjoy a light Tapas dinner hosted by Kim Hollows the Film producer, pilot and cinema owner.
Fiordland Cinema Address: 7 The Lane, Te Anau Tel: 03 249 8844 Fax: 03 249 8850 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fiordlandcinema.co.nz
Stay Te Anau Hotel & Villas Nestled on the edge of New Zealand’s second largest lake, Te Anau is a beautifully picturesque South Island township.
The ideal base for all your Fiordland travels, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas provides premium accommodation, close to one of New Zealand’s most magical scenic regions.
Web: www.teanauhotel.co.nz
Sunday 13 November Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Milford Sound – Day Trip One of the most awesome and often overlooked features of Milford Sound is the journey to get here. The Te Anau-Milford Highway passes through some of our country’s most stunning unspoiled mountain scenery and rainforest-carpeted valleys. Sit back, relax and let our guide/driver pick you up from your accommodation and show you all the top spots during your 2½-hour journey to and from Milford Sound.
0600 Option One: Kayaking
Note: We will provide a packed breakfast.
Departs Te Anau: 6.00am Returns: 5.00pm (Pick up packed lunch at Reception)
Upon arrival at Milford Sound we embark on our Sunriser Classic kayaking adventure. During this 11 hour trip you get to paddle a big 5 hour loop of Milford Sound taking in all the highlights including the Pembroke Glacier, mile high Mitre Peak and towering sea cliffs. Stop for lunch amongst this spectacular vista before continuing on, passing waterfalls, watching wildlife and soaking up the majestic wonderland that surrounds you!
We provide: We kit you out with all the specialist paddling gear including buoyancy aid, spray skirt, spray jacket, thermals, fleece and poggies (like gloves but better) and a dry bag for your camera. Quality sea kayaks with foot operated rudders help make exploring Milford a pretty amazing experience.
You need to bring: Camera Sunscreen Lip balm SPF15 Insect repellent Shorts Soft shoes or sandals Sunglasses Warm clothing Wool or fleece hat Waterproof jacket Lunch and high energy snack foods Towel Change of clothes Personal Medication
Rosco's Milford Kayaks Contact: Rosco Gaudin Tel: 03 249 8500 Web: www.roscosmilfordkayaks.com
0800 Option Two: Milford Big Day Out
Departs Te Anau: 8.00am Returns around 6:00pm The premier day tour to Milford Sound combines the 2½-hour journey on the Te Anau-Milford Highway, guided walking, magical Fiordland scenery and a boat cruise on Milford Sound. On the return trip, depending on your motivations, select from either an unguided 2½-hour hike on the renowned Routeburn Great Walk to Key Summit, or explore the Hollyford Valley with your experienced nature guide.
Trips & Tramps Tel: 03 249 7081 Web: www.tripsandtramps.com
0830 Option Three: Coach and Cruise
Departs Te Anau 8:30am • Return 4:00pm Come and join us on a journey you will never forget. The Cruize Milford Express is the perfect way to see Milford Sound in peace and quiet. This product is specially designed to avoid large crowds all day. Following the 2½-hour drive on the Te Anau-Milford Highway we connect with Cruize Milford’s 11:15am sailing on a small comfortable vessel which will take you closer to the wildlife and show you the magnificent beauty of the Sound. On the return to Te Anau your driver will select the best picture stops along the Milford Sound Highway for an unforgettable finish of the day. Includes light lunch.
Cruize Milford Express Tel: 03 249 7735 Web: www.cruizemilford.co.nz
1900 Enjoy dinner at The Fat Duck Restaurant
Stay Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Monday 14 November Te Anau Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
0830 Option One: Kepler Walk/Fly/Jetboat
Kepler Track Guided Walk – Brod Bay to Te Anau Experience a comfortable half-day guided walk alongside beautiful Lake Te Anau. Following a short trip across the lake by water taxi, you’ll be walking through beech forest and open grassland. Our guide will show you the native fauna and flora, explain the unique beech forest cycle and share local conservation stories.
Picnic lunch included - Easy walking track—10 kms (6 miles) one-way - Gear required: Comfortable walking shoes/boots, day pack, waterproof jacket, warm clothing including hat, drinking water, snacks, camera, sunhat and insect repellent.
Trips & Tramps - Guided Walks Contact: Kate or Steve Norris Tel: 03 249 7081 Web: www.tripsandtramps.com
1330 Returned to accommodation
1500 Pick up from accommodation
The Kepler Mountain Fly & Boat Adventure (12 pax)
Join our comfortable courtesy coach in Te Anau and allow us to transport you few short kilometres to meet the jet boat on the Upper Waiau River. From there you’ll experience the thrill of the jet boat ride as you enjoy the 30-minute informative, scenic journey down the river where a new experience awaits round every bend. Once you reach the beautiful Lake Manapouri surrounded by the impressive Cathedral Peaks, you’ll transfer to the float plane for an aerial overview of the Kepler Mountains back to Te Anau.
Duration: Allow 90 minutes. You’ll be in the jet boat for 30 minutes and in the air for the 12-minute flight back to Te Anau.
Luxmore Jet Contact: Lex Mouat Tel: 03 249 6951 Web: www.luxmorejet.co.nz
Wings and Water Te Anau Ltd Contact: Allan Remnant Tel: 03 249 7405 Web: www.wingsandwater.co.nz
0900
Option Two: Milford Track
Real Journeys Milford Track Guided Day Walk (20 pax) Following a 20-25 minute coach transfer to Te Anau Downs, cruise to the head of beautiful Lake Te Anau and the start of the world-famous Milford Track. Normally a four-day journey, this guided tour travels the first, easiest portion of the track. On your walk, you will follow the Clinton River for a short way, cross a swing bridge and then on through ancient beech forest to the Clinton Hiker’s Hut. Lunch is enjoyed beside a mountain stream or at the hut. An experienced nature guide points out interesting human and natural history of the track along the way and there is plenty of time for you to relax, take photos and view the bird life.
- Small groups, maximum 12 per guide - Picnic lunch included - Easy walking track—11 kms (7 miles) roundtrip - Gear required: Comfortable walking shoes/boots, day pack, waterproof jacket, warm clothing including hat, drinking water, snacks, camera, sun hat and insect repellent.
Real Journeys Visitor Centre Address: Lakefront Drive, Te Anau Tel: 03 249 7416 Email: [email protected] Web: www.realjourneys.co.nz
1830 Return to Te Anau
0930
Option Three: Lake Te Anau Cruise/Fly/Jetboat (12 pax)
Lake Te Anau Cruise Join “Cruise Te Anau” for a boutique 3-hour Discovery Cruise to the beautiful & tranquil South Fiord of Lake Te Anau where you will view spectacular mountains and breathtaking scenery. Experience the Fiordland rainforest when we disembark for a gentle guided nature walk (1-km; optional) to discover the Hidden Lakes. On your return to the boat relax and enjoy a complementary tea/coffee, along with a homemade muffin, while taking in the ever-changing natural tranquillity and serenity before we make our way back to Te Anau.
Picnic lunch included
Returned to accommodation and picked up from accommodation
1330
The Kepler Mountain Fly & Boat Adventure: Join our comfortable courtesy coach in Te Anau and allow us to transport you few short kilometres to meet the jet boat on the Upper Waiau River. From there you’ll experience the thrill of the jet boat ride as you enjoy the 30-minute informative, scenic journey down the river where a new experience awaits round every bend. Once you reach the beautiful Lake Manapouri surrounded by the impressive Cathedral Peaks, you’ll transfer to the float plane for an aerial overview of the
Kepler Mountains back to Te Anau.
Duration: Allow 90 minutes. You’ll be in the jet boat for 30 minutes and in the air for the 12-minute flight to Te Anau.
Luxmore Jet Contact: Lex Mouat Tel: 03 249 6951 Web: www.luxmorejet.co.nz
Wings and Water Te Anau Ltd Contact : Allan Remnant Tel: 03 249 7405 Web: www.wingsandwater.co.nz
2000 Enjoy dinner at Red Cliff Café, just a 5-minute walk from the Hotel.
Redcliff Café A popular restaurant and bar with unique atmosphere and character, serving original and interesting cuisine, featuring the freshest local produce, great coffee and a bar open late, 7 days, live music throughout the summer months. * punga garden bar * petanque * NZ wine * awesome coffee (Jungle Coffee Beans) * Lord of the Rings favourite spot with memorabilia
Address: 12 Mokonui St Te Anau Tel: 03 249 7431
2130
Night Sky Viewing
After your meal, head out to the back courtyard of the Redcliff Café for real night sky viewing through a large telescope and binoculars. With a focus on the unique southern sky from a New Zealand/Maori perspective. Highlights such as the Southern Cross, constellations and deep sky objects are viewed, explored and explained. Wear warm clothing.
Astronomy Fiordland Contact: Richard Parkinson & Toki Saito Mob: 027 269 9478 FreePhone: 0508 COSMOS (267 667) Web: www.astronomyfiordland.co.nz
Stay Te Anau Hotel & Villa
Tuesday 15 November Doubtful Sound Overnight Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Be packed and check out of hotel prior to pick up. What to bring for your overnight trip:
• Clothing applicable to the season including light wet weather gear • Plenty of film/memory for your camera • Insect repellent
0900 Option One: Fiordland Expeditions
(Max 14 pax; 27-hour journey)
Pick up from Hotel and transported to Manapouri – the starting point for Doubtful Sound Overnight Excursion.
A glass of bubbly in one hand and a taste of lobster in the other - the mood is set and you're on your way amid world class scenery and entertaining wildlife. The captain diving for lobster and the chance to catch your main course makes dining unforgettable! Just 14 guests on a 20-meter (66-foot) ship gives the new Tutoko II the perfect blend of space and company to share your fully catered cruise (except alcohol). Four cabins and a bunkroom mean versatility for all groups. Kayaking or diving/swimming are also available. A complimentary glass of champagne is offered on arrival. Otherwise, bring your own alcohol.
Share Accommodation. Includes Lunch x 2, Dinner & Breakfast Fiordland Expeditions Contact: Richard & Mandy Abernethy Tel: 03 249 9005 Mob: 027 204 7004 Web: www.fiordlandexpeditions.co.nz
Option Two: Fiordland Navigator
(Max 70 pax; 24-hour journey)
Morning Free to explore the township of Te Anau.
1130
Check out of Hotel and walk across road to Real Journeys office for transfer to Manapouri (20mins) – the starting point for Doubtful Sound Excursion.
1200 Check in at Manapouri office and Pick up picnic lunch
1230 Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins with a cruise across the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri and then it is over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rain forest. On reaching Deep Cove, you will board the Fiordland Navigator. There is plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. Activities include wildlife viewing, kayaking and exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide. Three course buffet dinner & cooked breakfast included. Alcohol may be purchased onboard.
Shared Accommodation
Real Journeys Tel: 03 249 7416 Web: www.realjourneys.co.nz
Stay On board overnight boat – Shared Accommodation
Wednesday 16 November Manapouri to Queenstown Enjoy breakfast on board.
Both option 1 & 2 arrive back to Manapouri where you will be picked up for your transport back to Queenstown.
Picnic Lunches will be provided.
1200 Depart Manapouri for Queenstown (2 hour travel time)
1430 Check in for flight to Auckland
1515 Queenstown – Auckland on NZ644 (1 hour 45 minute flight time)
1700 Arrive at Auckland airport
We hope you enjoyed your stay in Aotearoa New Zealand
Ka kite ano! See you again!
Thursday, September 22