Secret South

This safari takes you to areas of New Zealand seldom visited by other travellers. It starts with four days hiking and kayaking in Fiordland National Park. Visit the Catlins, famous for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife - Hector's dolphins, New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins. We take a rest day in Alexandra, with optional cycling on an historic rail trail, then it's on to the Mount Cook region to view New Zealand's highest mountain. In South Canterbury we hike up a canyon through an ancient volcanic landscape.

Day 1. Sunday - Join tour in Queenstown - 6km/3 hours hiking
Meet at the Queenstown Visitor Centre at 8.00am and after a briefing by your guide, head south into Fiordland National Park. This spectacular World Heritage Site is the largest national park in the country and one of the largest in the world. The huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri border the spectacular inland coastline that is Fiordland. The area is dominated by water, either in the form of lakes or as falling rain, which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest. We prepare for the first hike to Key Summit on the renowned Routeburn track – a fantastic hike of around three hours. From here there are fantastic views across to the Darran Mountains. We return to the vehicle and make our way to the historic Gunn's Camp in the Hollyford Valley.

Day 2. Monday - Milford Sound - 8km/4 hours kayaking
We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we hire kayaks ($100 – optional) and paddle out into the fiord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (1722 metres straight out of the sea). Fiordland Crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near the kayaks. This is the ideal way to experience the fiord. While kayaking you can stop to view and photograph the wildlife and scenery. After returning to shore, we drive back over the divide to a campsite on the shores of Lake Monowai.

Day 3. Tuesday - Fiordland National Park - 12km/7 hours hiking
This morning we drive to Borland Saddle (1000 metres) in Fiordland National Park where we have lunch and organise food for the first overnight hike. The visual impact of this park is stunning – during the Ice Age, the glaciers gouged the fiords and lakes, hollowed out the rounded valleys, and shaped the granite mountain peaks. There are different forest types all over the park; on the eastern side red, silver and mountain beech fill the valleys, and in the northern sections, podocarp forests of matai, rimu, and totara can be found. From Borland Saddle we hike up above the bush line onto the Hunter Range with great views over Fiordland National Park. We traverse these tops to Mt Burns (1634 metres – optional climb) and descend to Green Lake, to a backcountry hut or to camp nearby.

Day 4. Wednesday - Catlins Coast - 7km/3 hours hiking
A leisurely breakfast in this most idyllic site, before hiking out through beech forest and across tussock basins to the road. Have lunch and then drive through to Invercargill for a food shop. This is the southernmost city in New Zealand and its roots, as reflected by its name, are from Scottish settlers who came here in the late 1800’s. Many of the city's tree-lined streets bear the names of Scottish rivers. We carry on to Curio Bay in the Catlins, an unspoiled scenic region of coast, rivers and podocarp forest – once an area inhabited by the giant moa (largest bird in the world - now extinct). We relax here and stay in a cosy crib (a New Zealand summerhouse). There is a chance to enjoy a swim in the sea and then a hot shower to complete your day.

Day 5. Thursday - Cannibal Bay - 6km/2 hours hiking
This morning we explore Curio Bay and often see Hector’s dolphins surfing on the waves. We walk to a nearby tidal platform that contains tree stumps from a fossilised forest 180 million years old – it is one of the most extensive fossil forests in the world. The platforms are a palaeontologist’s dream. The fossils are evidence of New Zealand’s location in the ancient Gondwana; plant species identified here are similar to those found in South America. We drive along the coast and reach the next destination, Cannibal Bay. The bay takes its name from human bones discovered here in the 19th century that were possibly part of a Maori feast. We have a chance to see New Zealand sea-lions and yellow-eyed penguins, the rarest breeds of sea-lion and penguin in the world. We camp near the beach and prepare a hangi feast (Maori earth oven).

Day 6. Friday - Central Otago - Rest day/optional cycling
Today is an optional rest day in the picturesque town of Alexandra, in the heart of Central Otago. We arrive in Alexandra late morning. If you are feeling energetic you can join a cycle tour on the historic rail trail that winds its way through the vast and mountainous landscape of Central Otago through tunnels and across many viaducts. Alternatively, you can relax in Alexandra, visiting the local cafés or vineyards. We take a night off cooking, and eat out at one of the excellent local restaurants.

Day 7. Saturday - Ohau Range - 7km/3 hours hiking
After a leisurely breakfast we continue driving through the high country. This part of the South Island is home to some of New Zealand's largest sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares. After crossing Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie country we arrive at Lake Ohau. There is time to relax and have a swim at this spectacular setting before packing for the next overnight hike. We head up through beech forest to a camp beside Freehold Creek, just below the bushline.

Day 8. Sunday - Ohau Range - 14km/7 hours hiking
Up early, we leave the campsite and head off with day packs to explore a beautiful basin filled with tarns (small alpine lakes). The basin contains an incredible variety of alpine plants, including Spaniards (prickly), and the world’s largest buttercup, named Mt Cook Lily (Ranunculus lyalli), because of its large round lily-like leaves. The fit can climb up onto the Ohau range (1915 metres) to enjoy the views of the Southern Alps, including Mt Cook, and the Mackenzie Basin. We return to pack up camp, and hike back to the vehicle. We drive to Mt Cook village to camp beneath New Zealand’s highest mountains.

Day 9. Monday - Mt Cook National Park - 8km/5 hours hiking
We set off early with day packs to hike up to Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut for views of the Hooker and Mueller glaciers, Mt Sefton icefall, and truly spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook – 3754 metres (the Maori name translates to ‘Cloud Piercer’). On the walk your guide will talk about glaciers, mountain building and the New Zealand climate. We descend to the vehicle and drive to the bottom end of Lake Pukaki – artificially raised 30 metres for hydroelectric power generation. This lake is a beautiful turquoise colour caused by the fine glacial silt suspended in the water. We camp on its shores, with beautiful views across to New Zealand's highest peaks.

Day 10. Tuesday - Mt Somers - 5km/4 hours hiking
Continuing through the Mackenzie Basin, an area named after a legendary sheep rustler, we pass Lake Tekapo before reaching the next destination, Mt Somers. We hike up a river canyon and climb out to Trig Point with great views into the Rakaia Basin. There are several altitudinal plant sequences during the hike, along with regenerating beech forest. We frequently see the New Zealand falcon flying in this area. Tonight we stay in a mountain hut.

Day 11. Wednesday - Tour ends in Christchurch - 5km/4 hours hiking
We spend the final day together exploring water caves (you get a bit wet!), Tri-falls stream and swimming in Emerald Pool or under a pounding waterfall known as the ‘Spa’. Before leaving this beautiful park we’ll have lunch and then hike back along the canyon rim to an abandoned coal mine to explore some relics. It’s then a short hike back to the vehicle. After cleaning up the vehicle and sorting out gear we drive across the Canterbury plains. We arrive in the early evening.

Grade: D
Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 7 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 10-12kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800 metres.
Terrain mostly tracks. Some slippery, rough or uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
Some off-track hiking.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required. You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.

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 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.

Regan Hellyer (DIPAR) studied Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Tourism. When not guiding he works at an International Sports Training Camp in the USA. Regan began competing in multi-sport events this year and completed the gruelling Mt Cook to Christchurch race and the Goldrush.

André Booth studied Botany at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, worked as a Park ranger and lived in the Canadian Rockies. He enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, tramping, rugby, cricket and boutique outdoor New Zealand music festivals.

Mark O’Connor is a keen surfer, rock climber, snowboarder and guitarist. He has spent time around the world, in USA, UK, South Africa and Australia, plus a year in Guatemala. Mark also teaches at a high school in rural Canterbury where he teaches Geography and Social Studies.

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.

Jaron Frost

Chris Steele

Juanita Miln

Paul Arand

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.

Essential Items

hiking boots (not shoes)

backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)

backpack liner (plastic bag)

3-season sleeping bag

waterproof raincoat (Gore-tex 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

Optional items: Therm-a-rest sleeping mat (self-inflating foam mat), gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

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

Luggage: We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the vehicle. Hiking New Zealand accepts no responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.

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.

Equipment Hire (NZ$)	11 days
Sleeping bag	$50
Backpack	$50
Therm-a-rest	$20
Polypro top+bottom	$20
Fleece jacket	$20
Raincoat	$40
Full set (all of above)	$160
Gaiters	$20
Walking pole	$20each

You will 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. It is also equipped with a range of natural history reference books. The average driving time per day is around 2-3 hours and there will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guide will often stop the vehicle for you to take photos. On some of the nights you will be camping by the vehicle.

Safaris are run on a food kitty system - each person contributes about $10 per day. The first stop is usually the supermarket where everyone helps with buying food for the next few days. Everybody is involved with the preparation and cooking of meals: barbecues, salads, pancakes, stews, pasta, dampers, hangi...Vegetarian meals are no problem. When you are on overnight hikes the group will usually eat pasta and rice meals. There is always lots of hiking food - chocolate, peanuts, raisins, biscuits. The vehicles carry a full range of cooking equipment including gas burners, woks, frying pans and billies. When you go on an overnight hike the group will carry a portable stove.

The Hiking Safaris use a range of accommodation: camping, back-country huts, cribs (summer house), hostels and cabins. You will generally camp if the weather is fine, so you get to enjoy the outdoors more and it costs you less. In less pleasant weather your guide will arrange accommodation for the group. Note that the accommodation and food costs are not included in the price of the safari.

Camping - We will camp as much as possible in a range of range of locations; under natural rock overhangs, on the beach, Department of Conservation campsites, established campgrounds with showers. You are provided with 2-person tents to share and closed cell foam sleeping mats. You may have a small campfire if fires are permitted.

Huts - Your guide will 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. Please be respectful of other hut users.

Cabins/Cribs - When the weather is bad your guide will seek out alternative accommodation. This can be anything that is available, from a private crib (summerhouse) to a cabin at a campground. Cost is never more than $20 per night.

You must be prepared to go for 3 days (sometimes more) without a hot shower. There is always a river or lake for you to wash in. Some campsites/huts have saunas or natural hotpools!

Do we all get involved with camp duties...?
Everyone is fully involved with the running of the safari, from collecting firewood, to setting up camp and cooking meals. You are expected to do your share of work. If you are not a great cook, don't worry - your guide and other people in the group will help you.

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?
Most of the people on safaris are travelling alone. The safaris are strong on group activities and participation including playing outdoor games, going for swims, helping one another to cross rivers and explore caves, and overcoming obstacles and challenges. You will be encouraged to participate in activities, but if it's not your thing that is also OK. We allow time for people to be by themselves on safari if they need it.

Can I do more than one safari?
Yes. More and more people are connecting safaris covering the whole of New Zealand. We really are the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand's best adventures.

I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the safari - what should I do with it?
You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on safari. There is an allowance of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a daypack). Depending how full the safari is, you may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes every thing is locked securely in the vehicle.

What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money, etc) while we are hiking?
Keep them with you in your hiking pack. You will be given a small plastic bag to keep them dry and keep them with you while you are hiking.

Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?
No. It is much easier for everyone to meet at a central location - usually the local Visitors Information Centre - and it doesn't cost much to get there on a taxi, shuttle or bus (or walking!). Leaving the city early means spending more time in the wilderness.

I'm a vegetarian - is that a problem?
Not at all. We often have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. There are lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or there may be a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods.

What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the remote mountainous regions where a lot of time is spent. Some days the group can be broiling in 30 degrees and then the next day freezing in a cool southerly from the sub-Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions - see the 'What To Take' section. You may experience some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important.

Which is the best trip to go on?
It depends on what you want, how much time you have and where you want to go. You can do anything from a 6-day Far North beach trip to a combination of safaris for 40 or more days! The Volcanoes and Rainforest trip has amazing volcanic scenery, the West Coast Wilderness has grand mountains and rain forests, the Secret South has a lot of tops travel and wildlife (dolphins, penguins, sea lions and seals) and the Arthur’s Pass is a great short getaway with spectacular scenery.

Will I be fit enough?
Our safaris are graded B, C or D. Read the section 'Hiking and Fitness' and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness get out there and hike in the weeks prior to your safari departure.

Who is in my group?
A small group (maximum 11 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. Seventy percent of people are between 20 and 40, though there have been people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

How far in advance do I need to book?
The sooner the better for safaris departing in the peak season (November to April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment. Availability for trips is updated regularly on our departure dates page.

What type of gear should I buy?
If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment - good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after safari then you could buy cheaper alternatives - just remember that it won't last as long or do the job as well. You may also rent certain items from us.

What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?
New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare that it is a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to their sting, then make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the safari. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.

Kitty fund for food and camp/hut fees NZ$25/day
During winter (April - September) or wet weather summer safaris you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use accommodation more often.
Optional activities: Milford Sound kayaking $100, Otago Rail Trail cycling (TBA)

Kitty fund and optional activities are paid for during the trip. Prices correct at time of publishing.

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.

Transferring:
You can transfer to another safari/ departure as long as it is more than 20 days prior to your pre-booked departure. Transfers within 20 days will require a cancellation and new booking. All transfers are subject to seat availability.

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.

Medical Conditions:
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/ bee stings and food allergies.

Client Responsibilities:
With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Hiking New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.

The staff and management of Hiking New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However, you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Hiking New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.

Hiking New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure.

Hiking New Zealand operates in remote areas. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to published schedules but no guarantee is given. Hiking New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.

Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at anytime if in the opinion of the guide that person may be likely to risk the health, safety or comfort (including unsociable behaviour) of other clients, him or herself, or the environment. In such circumstances Hiking New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.