IN THIS EDITION…

• Tree Planting – helping people reduce their carbon footprint
• New Brochure – do you want one?
• Owner Profile – Mark Brabyn
• New Hike – Challenge yourself and then reward yourself
• Share your story - Merino giveaway
  

Tree Planting

On the 7th June 2007 we planted our first 20 trees in a reserve on the Lyttelton side of the Port Hills.

We started a new initiative in February of this year with the opportunity for people to have a tree planted on their behalf to help counter the effects of their travel to NZ. Once here a hiking or group-based holiday is an excellent way to reduce the environmental impact of exploring the country. We have had a great response and feel it is another fantastic initiative for responsible tourism.

We thought Arbour Day would be a great day for our first planting as it is also World Environment Day. Arbour Day, June 5, marks the beginning of the planting season and a time to celebrate the unique bio-diversity of New Zealand. Somehow we ended up with the 7th June! Not quite Arbour day but close enough.

We first had to clear some of the land with a weed eater, pick up some of the litter that was around and then dig 20 holes into what was quite hard and dry ground. With a little bit of hard work and some helpful advice from a 3½-year-old, we planted the trees and it felt great.

If you have yet to book with Hiking New Zealand do think about the contribution you can make. You can choose how many trees you wish to donate - of course, every small contribution counts. Donations can also be made without a booking by going to our Booking Form and selecting “Plant a Tree”, then following the directions on the form.

New Brochure

After a huge amount of work our new brochure has been printed. This is an exciting step for us. In the past we had a brochure of all the tours we operate ourselves, and promoted these along with what we believe to be New Zealand’s other best hikes and adventures on our website. Now the exciting collection of multi-day hikes, adventures and expeditions can all be seen in one brochure.

If you want a copy of this brochure or have one sent to a family member or friend click here.

Last season was a comeback year for Mark, we had pretty much written him off as a guide thinking that he had past his ‘use by date’. But he proved us wrong when he put his hand up for our most challenging trip- the Eastern Epic, and then a Secret South. There were no major complaints from the clients except: “you should let this psychopath out of the office more often” (Eastern Epic client), but that could well be a compliment depending on which way you look at it!

In all fairness Mark was probably due a bit of rest having done a whopping 600 days of safari guiding since he started the company up in 1993. Rata, Mark’s daughter, has already logged up more tramping time than most New Zealanders and she is not even four years old! Won’t be long before we have her out guiding too.

Be warned if you end up with Mark as your guide – he may try and convince you that something quite ridiculous is a good idea, such as racing him up a hill, or even swimming naked in a freezing cold mountain stream. He is also the king of games, so really just a big kid.

We’ll let you know the next time we decide to let him out of the office!

Arthur’s Pass Hike

Growth in short getaways encouraged us to develop a new four-day Great Hike from Christchurch. The Arthur’s Pass Hike is a chance to challenge yourself to a two-day hike and then reward yourself with two days of luxury at Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge. This tour departs and returns from Christchurch, home to the South Island’s major international airport, making it a fantastic short getaway for New Zealanders and Australians. It is also an exciting adventure for those travelling from further afield that can kick start or complete a fly-drive holiday or be combined with one of the many other exciting tours we offer.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps whilst hiking on part of the Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand Walkway). Enjoy canoeing, bird watching, star gazing walks and sheep shearing demonstrations from the comforts of the Wilderness Lodge.

Day 1 – Tour begins Christchurch
6.30 hrs hiking

From Christchurch drive over Porters Pass into Canterbury’s High Country. Hike up the Cass River into beech forest and enjoy a lunch break at a forest clearing overlooking the valley. On a fine day there are excellent views, and Hamilton Hut can be seen in the distance down the valley. Climb above the bush-line to Cass Saddle and views of the Craigieburn Range. Descend slowly down to Hamilton Creek across river flats to Hamilton Hut. Enjoy a bush dinner. Optional evening hike to Mirror lake.

Day 2 - Lagoon Saddle
5.30 hrs hiking

Hike up the Harper River, across river flats and through a small gorge to West Harper Hut. Continue up river and start climbing steadily to a beautiful lunch spot by the stream. For the adventurous the river-bed has several fine swimming holes along the way. Continue climbing to Lagoon Saddle with it’s breath-taking views of Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Waimakariri catchment. Descend through forest right to Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge.

Day 3 –Wilderness Lodge

Begin the day with a canoe on Lake Pearson, one of the few places to view the Southern Crested Grebe. Relax at the lodge and enjoy some of the self guided walks from the lodge. Before dinner attend a Merino sheep shearing demonstration. After a relaxing meal at the lodge, enjoy a star walk before retiring to your room.

Day 4 – Tranz Alpine

Start your day with a dawn birds and beech forest walk. After breakfast pack up for a guided alpine hike up the Otira valley in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Board the Tranz Alpine train in Arthur’s Pass and return to Christchurch.

Price: $1395

Length: 4 days

Grade: C (Medium)

Departs: Christchurch
Returns: Christchurch

Includes: Guided overnight hike, accommodation (1night-backcountry hut, 2nights- Wilderness Lodge, canoeing, all transfers within tour, Tranz Alpine Train), all meals while on tour.

Departures: Every second Thursday (Nov-Apr)

More details on the Arthur's Pass Hike.

If you have been on an adventure through Hiking New Zealand and would like to have your experience published in an upcoming newsletter please let us know. Send your story to:

Info@HikingNewZealand.com

We will be giving away a free merino top with every experience published in our Hiking New Zealand Newsletter.

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