Nelson Multi-Adventure

This trip is designed to be a "soft adventure" with the activities and route making it a true journey, with a sense of achievement and completion. While it's accessible to most, there is an element of challenge in it, along with opportunities for relaxation and reflection. The varied geography of the Nelson region enables you to take in alpine/mountain, coastal/sea, native bush and river environments in a compact area in a region with a moderate climate.


Day 1. Your journey begins early as we helicopter through an alpine wilderness to a mountain ridge. Then it’s an 18km mountain bike downhill, a sail across Tasman Bay into Abel Tasman National Park, a swim from a golden sand beach, and dining on the deck of our yacht, while watching the sun slip below the hills. You sleep overnight on board.

Day 2. The journey continues... through the Abel Tasman National Park, one of the finest sea kayaking areas in the world - golden sand beaches, clear water lagoons, sculptured granite cliffs, wildlife close-up. Spend the whole day kayaking, relaxing and taking it easy or maybe a mountain bike ride down the Rameka Track to a comfortable rural lodge and a hearty home cooked dinner.

Day 3. Westward ho . . . by helicopter through the spectacular mountains of the Kahurangi National Park to trek a section of the Heaphy Track, one of the world’s classic walks, trailing out onto a wild and dramatically remote coastline, to be delivered finally to your lodge in Karamea, New Zealand’s most isolated village. Relax there, wine in hand and watch the sun set over ocean surf.

Day 4. The next day brings a helicopter flight up the remote and beautiful Karamea Gorge, an astonishing white water rafting experience through true wilderness and finally a scenic flight back to Nelson.

Grade B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

The tour is designed for an active traveller between 25 and 70 years of age. It incorporates an element of challenge but allows you to omit a section and be transported by alternative means through nearly all segments. However, it is our challenge that you are able to complete the entire journey (without causing you undue discomfort). The mountain biking is largely downhill with only short sections of flat or uphill. We keep the grade at or below 3 out of 6. Sea kayaking is with experienced guides and is relatively leisurely. The hiking section is a good distance, but is over largely flat ground on an excellent track, and along the beach. You will carry only a small day pack. The rafting is done as a team working together. You will receive training, and the guide's navigation will combine to provide an enjoyable river experience.

All guides have current emergency medic qualifications and we have procedures that cover injury and sickness on each leg of the journey. We carry a satellite phone, meaning we can make contact with emergency services.

A copy of the safety plan is available for reading on the Chatham Clipper.

Set out below are suggestions for gear you will need. If you are experienced you will know what you favour for these activities. While each night we are on the yacht or in lodge type accommodation, during the day we are in alpine or “outside” environments, often away from immediate shelter and you must have appropriate clothing should the weather be adverse.

Our philosophy around appropriate clothing is the principle of layering. Firstly a next to skin layer of wool or polypropylene type garment, secondly an insulating layer of wool or fleece type material garment and finally a windproof and rainproof outer layer of Goretex type material. While New Zealand has a relatively temperate climate, the weather can change quickly and it is essential to have correct clothing.

Mountain Biking

Bike top (long sleeve if winter)

Wool or polypropylene, singlet or t-shirt if cold

Cycle shorts

Light wind jacket

Socks

Bike shoes or trainers
(Note - We provide helmets)

Trekking/Walking

Wool or polypropylene type t-shirt/underwear

Synthetic quick drying shirt or t-shirt (we recommend not to use cotton)

Comfortable walking shorts (quick drying)

Wool or fleece style jacket or pullover

Wool or fleece long underwear for winter Journeys

A high quality waterproof Gore-tex type rain jacket

Wind and rain proof trousers (optional)

Light windproof jacket (optional)

A cap or hat

Walking socks (use good quality to avoid blisters)

Light walking boots or trainers

Gloves (optional but useful in winter months)

Sea Kayaking

Wool or polypropylene type t-shirt

Wool or polypropylene long underwear

Fleece or wool type top

Swimsuit

Shorts

Water shoes or sandals
(Note - We provide lifejackets and paddle jackets. We will also provide wetsuits and neoprene booties depending on the weather conditions.)

Rafting

Wool or polypropylene type t-shirt

Swimsuit
(Note – We provide lifejackets, paddle jackets, wetsuits, long sleeve polypropylene shirts, wetsuit booties, woollen hats and helmets).

Sailing/Cruising, Jetboating and Helicopter travel
Gear from the lists above is appropriate

Evening

Bring appropriate informal casual clothes, for example shorts during summer months, long trousers during winter months.

Other Gear

Sunglasses

Personal toiletries/ personal medication

Sun cream lotion and lip protection

Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing

Binoculars

Camera

Diary/Sketchbook

Paperback book
(Note - We supply a daypack and an overnight bag)

Essential Items

Wool or polypropylene type t-shirt/underwear

Synthetic quick drying shirt or t-shirt (we recommend not to use cotton)

Comfortable walking shorts (quick drying)

Wool or fleece style jacket or pullover

A high quality waterproof Gore-tex type rain jacket

A cap or hat

Walking socks (use good quality to avoid blisters)

Light walking boots or trainers

Wool or polypropylene long underwear

Swimsuit

Cycle shorts

Bike top

Water shoes or sandals

Bike shoes or trainers

Various means of transport are used on the tour, many that are personally fuelled - mountain biking, sea kayaking, walking. We also make use of Eurocopter and McDonnell helicopters, Cessna Caravan and Gippland Aeronautics Airvan aeroplanes and a 25 metre clipper. We travel by motor vehicle very little, however, due to adverse weather or other circumstances we may need to use vehicles more extensively.

The food is designed by Sue McNulty, a London City and Guilds Chef. Menu examples from the journey are pumpkin, peanut and coriander soup, seafood chowder, red hot scallops seared and served on salad leaves, charred fillet steak with thyme roasted mushrooms and vegetables, to name a few. The first and last nights are on the Chatham Clipper, where we have our own chef on board. The second night is at the Sans Souci Inn, and the third night is at Karamea Lodge, each with their own local chef.

If you are vegetarian or have other dietary needs, we have no problems catering to your requirements. Please let us know when you book so we can provide you what you need to enjoy your trip.

You will spend two nights aboard the Chatham Clipper, which has five guest cabins and two staff cabins. In the guest cabins, cabin one has a double bunk with shared shower and toilet, cabin two has three single bunks and shared shower and toilet, cabin three has two single bunks and its own shower and toilet, cabins four and five have two single bunks and share a shower and toilet. We will make every effort to ensure couples get their own cabin. Single bookings may be able to have their own cabin on Journeys which are not fully booked otherwise arrangements are share twin/same sex. For lower group numbers (4 people) we use the yacht "Penelope", a 42 ft Moody which was brought to New Zealand via Patagonia and the Southern Pacific ocean. It sleeps 6 in three cabins.

The second night is spent at Sans Souci Inn in Takaka, a small Mediterranean-style adobe brick lodge set in four acres of fruit trees and gardens. Beds are king size, with shared bathroom facilities.

The third night is spent at either Karamea Lodge or The Bridge Farm Motels depending on numbers.

Can you provide cycle clothing?
We provide helmets. We also have “Krank Dirtwear cycle clothing available for purchase. If you would like to order cycle clothing, please supply your details to us prior to your Journey.

Can I bring my bike shoes with clips?
Yes if you are comfortable and practised at mountain biking in them. Our pedals fit Shimano shoe clips. Please advise us if you are bringing bike shoes so we can set up a bike up for you.

What bags can I take on the journey?
Travelling by yacht and helicopter means that space is limited on the Journey. We will provide you with a day pack and an overnight bag at the briefing the night before the start for you to use during the Journeys. You will be able to use your own bags if they are of a similar size or smaller than ours.

Is there room on the yacht to get away from others?
The Chatham Clipper is a large yacht at 26 metres in length and 118 tonnes. It has 2 saloons and at least two large separate deck areas enabling people to have their own space as well as their own cabin areas. Penelope is more compact but very comfortable with 4 guests.

What linen is provided on the yacht?
We provide all bed linen and towels.

Can I have clothes laundered during the Journey?
Yes, limited laundry services are available.

Can I store extra luggage not going on the Journey?
Yes, if it is not convenient to keep it at the hotel you are staying at, then we are able to store it for you.

How long will we be actually travelling at sea?
Depending on sea conditions the first day is around 3 hours. The last day on the journey is a little longer at 4 – 5 hours.

How well will the yacht handle rough weather?
The Chatham Clipper was built to travel between New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, 1000 kilometres from New Zealand in the southern Pacific Ocean. It can handle coastal conditions we meet on the journey with relative ease. The coastal area we sail in while being exposed to certain northerly weather conditions is not known for being particularly rough. Each evening is in a sheltered bay. If you are used to using particular sea sickness medication, bring it with you. We also have sea sickness medication if you do need it.

What type of bike do you use?
We use Giant bikes, Trance 2 and 3 models. They have front and rear suspension, hydraulic disk brake, and we have sizes 20”, 18” & 16”.

Do you have guides on mountain bike sections?
Yes, on every mountain bike section we have two guides.

Do you supply insect repellent and sun cream?
We can provide both, but suggest that you purchase your own personal supply. New Zealand has remarkably unpolluted atmosphere, however it does mean that protection against the sun is very important.

Pre and post tour accommodation is not included.

Alcoholic beverages are available during the tour, but are not included in the price.

You will be required to sign these Terms and Conditions before commencement of the trip. As the person making the booking may do on behalf of others, each trip participant is required to sign these Terms and Conditions before the commencement of the trip.

Responsibility
You agree to accept the authority of our guides and the guides of our contractors at all times.

We will not accept any liability if you contravene any New Zealand or local law or regulation.

You recognise that there are inherent risks in the activities undertaken and the use of the plant and equipment provided on the trip and you assume personal responsibility for your actions during the trip. We will not be liable for any claims against us caused through your actions.

You accept that we reserve the right to remove you from the trip for any breaches of these terms and conditions, with no right of refund.

Information collected
When you supply us with personal information we will only provide to our contracted service providers, and where necessary local or national authorities, information which is required by them to operate or meet legal requirements.

Medical form
A medical form must be completed before commencement of the trip. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you must be satisfied that you are able to participate fully on the trip.

Payment: For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 30% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 1 month prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations: Cancellations will be charged on the following basis:
More than 3 months prior to departure: 90% of any money you have paid us.
Between 1 and 3 months prior to departure: 50% of any money you have paid us.
Less than 1 month prior to departure: No refund

Leaving a trip after it has begun does not entitle you to a refund.

Cancelled Trips
This tour is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. If a trip is cancelled due to low numbers, we will offer an alternative trip or refund any money you have already paid to us. We are not liable for any costs you may incur through cancellation.

Changes to the trip
The trip may be altered from that expected due to local conditions or for group safety or enjoyment. We are not liable to pay any refund or compensation under these circumstances.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you take out your own comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking that at least covers medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, curtailment, cancellation and personal property.

This tour is run in conjunction with another operator.