New Zealand designed outdoor adventure equipment a

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  Glacier Walking
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  Day Hikes
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  Touring
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  Multi-day Hiking
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  Kayaking
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  Caving
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  Rafting
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  Biking

Start:	Christchurch
Finish:	Queenstown
Length:	8 days
Grade:	D (River crossings, some uneven terrain) Grade D Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days Pack weights of 12-15kgs (26-33 lbs) on some days Altitude gains of up to 800m (2600ft) Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings No hiking experience necessary Agility and fitness required View all Grades
Accom:	Backcountry Huts, Camping
Price:	NZ$1,499
Departs:	2012: Feb 25, Mar 24 - see see departures

Highlights: Hike through pristine wilderness, kayak in New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, climb on Fox Glacier, soak in natural hotpools under 3000m peaks and relax around camp fires with like-minded people.

To celebrate our new partnership with Macpac outdoor equipment stores, we have put together a great 8-day all inclusive trip exploring three National Parks and a World Heritage Area. Though this hiking safari is designed for Macpac clients and will be promoted through Macpac stores in New Zealand and Australia, departures are open to everyone.

Day 1: Drive over Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast and head north to Paparoa National Park and begin two day hike up the Fox canyon to the Ballroom Overhang to camp. 4 hours hiking.

Day 2: Hike up a side canyon with a refreshing swim to see glow-worms. Explore caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Hike back down river along the Inland Pack Track, then camp in Punakaiki. Coastal walks in the afternoon. 6 hours hiking.

Day 3: Check out the Pancake Rocks, then drive south to Greymouth to pick up food. Drive to the coastal settlement of Okarito. Camp by the beach and enjoy a hangi and beach bonfire. 2 hours hiking.

Day 4: Morning kayak on Okarito Lagoon. Catch the in-going tide into the lagoon to see birdlife, including white herons, godwits, black swans, and tui. Explore channels into kahikatea forest. Return to camp. Free time to wander along this remote beach, hike up to a viewpoint, or just relax in the afternoon. 4 hours kayaking plus optional hiking.

Day 5: A short drive takes us to Fox Glacier, which descends from the mountain tops into rain forest. Take a guided walk on the glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. Join your guide for a hike in the National Park. Stay in cabins or camp. 4 hours hiking.

Day 6: Start two day hike up Copland Valley through podocarp forest across swing bridges to Welcome Flat. Stay in hut or camp. Relax weary muscles with a soak in natural hotpools with magnificent views of 3000m peaks within Westland National Park. 7-8 hours hiking.

Day 7: This morning we hike down the Copland Valley and drive south through the remote West Coast region to Moeraki 7 hours hiking.

Day 8: Drive over Haast Pass to Lake Wanaka for lunch, swims, and vehicle clean-up. Plenty of short hikes to choose from as we drive over Haast Pass. Continue to Queenstown via the Crown Range arriving early evening. 2 hours hiking.

Alternative Options: The trip concludes in Queenstown. You may like to spend a day or two enjoying the endless activities this town offers. Alternatively you may wish to take advantage of a free shuttle return to Christchurch on Day 9. We break this drive in Tekapo where those interested can do the one hour Grand Traverse Flight over Mt Cook (approx NZ$295) with Air Safaris.

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