Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

New Zealand: Off the Beaten Path REMOTE PARKS AND RARE WILDLIFE OF THE SOUTH ISLAND

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.

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.

FREDRIK NORRSELL

forest to see the glow worms living within it.

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

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

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

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

DATES Nov 6-15, 2017 Jan 22-31, 2018

Nov 25-Dec 4 Jan 13-22, 2019

Feb 19-28 Mar 19-28

Feb 10-19 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

DAVID LAMBROUGHTON

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL PACIFIC@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 106