2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

What an adventure—fantastic day hikes on three of New Zealand’s famed “Great Walks” (the Routeburn, Rakiura, and Kepler tracks), a

helicopter flight across Milford Sound through the untamed Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley vineyards, a jet-boat ride up beautiful Lake McKerrow, and ultra-remote Stewart Island, famous for its pristine forests and the best place to spot kiwis (the feathered kind). Unique wildlife encounters abound, our accommodations have South Island charm and character, and we’ll savor superb 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, and hike on the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s alpine treasures. We cross swing 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 journey takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the endless wild beaches and remote coastal communities of the Catlins Coast. We walk along the fine sand beach at Porpoise Bay, where Hector’s dolphins (found only in New Zealand) can often be seen playing in the waves. At Curio Bay, low tide reveals a petrified forest—180 million-year-old fossils left over from the Jurassic period. We catch sunset here and look for yellow-eyed penguins. One night, we hike in the forest to see glow worms, a surreal experience.

“Our trip leaders were absolutely outstanding, some of the best I’ve had. They are fun, flexible, and so knowledgeable.”

Ben C., Birmingham AL

MAURIZIO RELLINI

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 wilderness 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 along the Waiau River through the Kepler Track’s moss-draped beech forest and amid prolific birdlife. A breathtaking helicopter flight takes us from Milford Sound to 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. Enjoy a farm lunch and visit a high country sheep station before departing on Day 10 via Queenstown.

HIGHLIGHTS • Incredible day hikes on the famed Routeburn, Kepler, and Rakiura trails • New Zealand’s unique wildlife, from yellow- eyed penguins to Hooker’s sea lions • Relaxed rural settings, stargazing under a brilliant sky, delightful picnics • Distinguished New Zealand wines, farm-to-table Kiwi cuisine DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Queenstown • 9 nights vineyard cottages, B&B lodges, and our exclusive lodge in Fiordland N.P. • All meals included except 1 dinner DATES Nov 25-Dec 4, 2018 Nov 24-Dec 3 Jan 13-22, 2019 Jan 20-29, 2020 Feb 10-19 Feb 17-26 Mar 10-19 Mar 2-11

Our journey brings you to “secret” insider spots on the South Island for great hikes and unique wildlife encounters. PHOTO: MORITZ WOLF

TRIP COST FALL 2018 / SPRING 2019 $6295 (9-12 members) $6595 (4-8 members) Single supplement: $950

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Moderate hiking, 3-6 hours a day

JON IMHOFF

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL PACIFIC@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 107