This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.

Maximum 6

Itinerary

Walking the Dusky Sound track is an unforgettable journey from the shores of a fiord across the mountains to Lake Hauroko.. Dusky Sound is technically a fjord, as it was carved out by ice, not water. But it is commonly referred to as a Sound. It is one of the more complex and largest Fjords on the Fiordland Coast. Over 40 kilometres in length and over 8 kilometres wide at its widest point. Captain Cook spent two months exploring here in the 1770’s, and saw it as a good harbour for ships entering the Pacific from Europe, even though it was very landlocked. The Dusky was frequently visited by sealing parties from the late 1770’s to the late 1820’s when the seal skin boom started to fade. One party of 244 Europeans was stranded in the Fjord for up to 2 years, between 1795 and 1797. Ironic to think that some of the earliest European settlements in New Zealand were in an area that today is regarded as one of the more isolated and inhospitable parts of the country. Today Dusky Sound is part of the South Westland World Heritage Park.

Day 1.

Early departure for Clifden , very scenic drive around Lake Wakitipu , heading south to the Fiordland wilderness. On arrival at the helicopter depot there is a final chance to check gear before we board the helicopter for a 35 minute flight across the mountains to the head of Dusky Sound at ‘Supper Cove”. Enjoy the surreal feeling of a sudden change of surroundings that comes with “heli hiking”. Time to contemplate what life would have been like for some of New Zealand’s earliest European settlers. Also bizarre to think that at this spot about 100 years ago 10 Canadian Moose were liberated in the hope that they would go forth and multiply and establish themselves as a big game animal in Fiordland. The last official sighting of one was in 1952, so keep your eyes peeled! Our route skirts around the head of the sound before heading inland following the original track cut by West Coast miners in 1903. This was part of an ambitious plan to build a road linking the Sound and Lake Manapouri, the track cutters only made it as far as Loch Maree before plans were abandoned. Loch Maree sits on a Terrace above the Seaforth River.

Day 2.

A hearty breakfast is required today for the hardest day of the hike! After crossing the Seaforth River the route climbs steeply on to the aptly named “Pleasant Range”. The change in vegetation is dramatic as we gain over 1000 metres from the valley floor until where the track eventually emerges out on the ridge top above the tree line. The views from here, on a clear day, are superb with wide expansive views over the Dusky Sound and outer islands. Time to enjoy the scenery and rest weary legs before wandering along the tussock covered range to Lake Roe and hut of the same name. We have allowed for a two night stay here, that way we have time for an optional climb tomorrow of nearby peak Tamatea or a “rest day”.

Day 3.

Today is rest day so we can afford to have a leisurely start. An ascent of Tamatea is one option. This involves a steady climb to the crest of the range to the north east of the hut. Tamatea was the name early Maori gave to Dusky Sound and the Peak stands like a Sentinel looking out over the fjord and surrounding mountains. If you are not up for the climb you can relax at the hut and take a more leisurely stroll around the lake and through the granite outcrops near the hut. There is some excellent tent sites near the hut so camping out tonight is also an option.

Day 4.

A relatively long day today but mostly downhill. From the hut the track makes it way through granite outcrops to Furket pass, then descending through tussock, sub alpine scrub and eventually into lush rainforest in the Hauroko valley. Keep an ear out for the screeching of New Zealand’s native bush parrot the ‘Kaka”. Along the way we pass the appropriately named “Halfway hut” before reaching our final destination, Lake Hauroko towards the end of the day. A comfortable hut sits overlooking the lake, at 462 metres deep, Hauroko is the deepest lake in New Zealand, and also home to some very big eels that you may meet should you go for a swim! We celebrate the completion of the hike with yet another fine backcountry meal.

Day 5.

Lake Hauroko marks the end of our journey on foot. After a leisurely breakfast, we rendezvous with the boat ( just a stones throw from the hut) for the cruise across the lake. Surrounded by dense rainforest on all sides backed by jagged mountains, Hauroko is one of New Zealands most beautiful and pristine lakes. An island on the lake is home to an entombed princess believed to have been put there in the 17th century. A local deer hunter discovered her body about 50 years ago. After disembarking from the boat we are transferred back to the vehicle and then drive back top Queenstown where the tour ends.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: E
Up to 8-9hrs physical activity each day.
Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m.
Some exposure to heights.
Pack weights of 12-15kgs.
High level of fitness required.

Guides & Safety

Your enthusiastic New Zealand guides have a thorough knowledge of natural history and will enjoy sharing and discussing this with you. Each has over a decade of outdoor experience; their knowledge of the back-country and its weather will ensure a safe trip. In addition, they are all trained in mountain first aid. The guides enjoy meeting and getting to know new people and have the skills to make everybody feel part of the group.

Mark Brabyn (MSc) founded Hiking New Zealand in 1993 (then known as NZ Nature Safaris). He has a Masters in zoology and did research on whale strandings for his thesis. He has assisted with conservation projects around the world including humpback whales in Tonga, southern right whales in the Sub-Antarctic and elephants and chimpanzees in Uganda. Mark has been active in the outdoors all his life, and his interests include tramping, sea kayaking, scuba diving and mountain biking.

Daniel Murphy studied agricultural science and has worked in the tourism industry for several years including in Spain where he managed an adventure lodge. Dan is the General Manager for Hiking New Zealand.

Andre Booth has worked in parks and reserves through New Zealand and Canada, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. He enjoys tramping, scrambling, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking. He has also trained as a rural fire-fighter. You can usually find Andre listening to his favourite New Zealand music.

Glenys Erskine is a local South Islander, from Tuatapere. She will most likely take your booking when you call or email our office - but also guides, and will make sure you get to some secret locations in her home town. She is passionate about the outdoors and has travelled and lived in several countries around the world.

What to take

New Zealand's weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000 metres. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.

Equipment Provided and Required

Essential Items

hiking boots (not shoes)
backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)
backpack liner (plastic bag)
3-season sleeping bag
waterproof raincoat (gortex or similar)
warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
shorts for hiking
polypro/thermal underwear / top & and long-johns
3 pairs of socks (they get wet)
warm hat or balaclava
sunscreen and sunglasses
drink bottle (1 litre)
spare shoes or sandals
flashlight/head lamp
insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
spare set of clothes

Recommended items:

Gaiters, camera.

Optional items:

Binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles.

We supply:

Sleeping mats (dense foam), tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.

Equipment Hire:

We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our Hiking Safaris. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date. Cancellation of gear hire must also occur at least 5 days in advance or no refund will be given.

Transport

We travel in a 10 or 12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and your luggage. All vehicles have a public address system, and a stereo with a variety of music. We also carry a range of natural history reference books.

Food

All meals are included in the price. Pack weight will be a consideration on this expedition so meals will be hearty but hopefully light. Vegetarian meals are no problem. When we are on overnight hikes we tend to eat pasta and rice meals. We usually take lots of hiking food - chocolate, peanuts, raisins, biscuits. We will carry a portable stove.

Accommodation

Huts - We make use of excellent Department of Conservation huts. They are equipped with mattresses, running water and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. We do not have sole rights to huts and so must share with other hikers.

We may have to camp if there is bad weather or a large number of people at the huts.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs. Should you be unable to complete the hike due to fitness you will need to pay for a helicopter.

Booking Conditions

Price includes:

All food, hut fees, transport, including boat and helicopter.

Payment:

For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund if full amount paid
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Safari. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.