WT18 catalog single pgs

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FREDRIK NORRSELL
What an adventure! Experience fantastic day hikes on three of New
Zealand’s famed “Great Walks” (the Kepler, Routeburn, and Rakiura
trails), a helicopter flight across Milford Sound to the untamed
Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage Area, wine tasting in the Gibbston
Valley vineyards, a jet-boat ride up beautiful Lake McKerrow, and
adventures on ethereal Stewart Island, famous for its aurora australis
(southern lights) and the best place to spot kiwis (the feathered
kind). Unique wildlife encounters abound: we’ll see Hooker’s sea
lions, New Zealand fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, and maybe even
Fiordland crested penguins. Our accommodations are South Island
places of charm and character, and we can expect delicious wines
and locally sourced farm-to-table meals.
Days 1-2 Gibbston Valley / Wine Tasting /
Routeburn Track From Queenstown, we head
out to taste wines in the Gibbston Valley, with
its famous pinot noirs and artisan cheeses, then
hike on the spectacular Routeburn Track, one of
New Zealand’s “Great Walks.” We cross swinging
bridges above the jade waters of the Routeburn
River as we follow a well-graded track through
the forest.
Days 3-4 Central Otago / The Catlins Coast
Our hike along the Catlins Coast, one of
New Zealand’s hidden jewels, brings us to the
picturesque lighthouse at Nugget Point, where
gannets, cormorants, and sooty shearwaters
soar along the cliffs. One night, we hike in the
Our journey brings you to the best under-the-radar spots on the South Island for incredible hikes and unique wildlife encounters.
PHOTO: MICHAEL KRABS
DAVID LAMBROUGHTON
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 106
HIGHLIGHTS
• Day hikes on the famed Routeburn,
Kepler, and Rakiura trails
• Amazing wildlife, from yellow-eyed
penguins to Hooker’s sea lions
• Relaxed rural settings, amazing
stargazing, delightful picnics
• Delicious New Zealand wines, tasty
local cuisine
DETAILS
• 10-day trip begins and ends in
Queenstown
• 9 nights hotels and simple lodges
• All meals included except 4 dinners
DATES
Nov 6-15, 2017 Nov 25-Dec 4
Jan 22-31, 2018 Jan 13-22, 2019
Feb 19-28 Feb 10-19
Mar 19-28 Mar 10-19
TRIP COST
FALL 2017 / SPRING 2018
$5695 (9-12 members)
$5995 (6-8 members)
Single supplement: $980
TRIP LEVEL 1 2+ 3 4 5 6 7
Moderate hiking, 3-6 hours a day
forest to see the glow worms living
within it.
Days 5-6 Stewart Island /
Kiwi-Spotting / Rakiura Track
Incredible Stewart Island is a place
the Maori people called Rakiura,
which means “glowing skies.” We
hike our second “Great Walk” trail,
the Rakiura Track, and at twilight,
head out to search for kiwi, New
Zealand’s signature bird.
Days 7-10 South Coast / Kepler
Track / Milford Sound / Hollyford
Track Back on the mainland, we
hike the Kepler Track’s moss-
draped beech forest amid prolific
birdlife and cascading waterfalls. A
breathtaking helicopter flight takes
us to Milford Sound’s Martins Bay,
where our coastal hike gives us a
chance to see rare Fiordland crested
penguins and native New Zealand
fur seals. Our last adventures are
a jet-boat ride up Lake McKerrow
and a hike on the Hollyford Track
through native beech forest beneath
the gaze of the peaks of the mighty
Southern Alps. Depart on Day 10
via Queenstown.
REMOTE PARKS AND RARE WILDLIFE OF THE SOUTH ISLAND