The Gut Cancer Foundation Plains to Peaks Trek
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The Gut Cancer Foundation
Plains to Peaks Trek
Trip Highlights
Hike some of the lesser known areas of the Southern Alps
Explore the interesting rock formations
in the Kura Tawhiti Reserve
Experience mountain vistas, waterfalls and crystal
clear rivers in Arthur’s Pass National Park
Be greeted by the curious Kea as we climb to Temple Basin
Admire the huge Waimakariri Valley and the alpine
peaks from a vantage point on Bealey Spur
Marvel at the patchwork quilt landscape of the Canterbury
Plains from the summits of Little Mt Peel and Mt Somers
Raise vital funds to improve outcomes
for gut cancer patients in NZ
Trip Duration 7 days Trip Code: SOG6582
Grade Moderate
Activities Trekking
Summary 6 nights motel/lodge
Supporting Your Cause Your Huma Challenge
The Gut Cancer Foundation’s purpose is to fund world class, We’ve been operating quality active trips in New Zealand since 1992.
innovative research and clinical trials into the causes, treatments, Our unrivalled range of active holidays across the North and South
prevention and detection of gut cancers. Alongside this, we are Islands has helped travellers to journey to the very heart of these wild
working to raise awareness of the causes and symptoms of this and mysterious landscapes.
group of cancers. Our unique range of guided small group active holidays travel well
Gut Cancer includes the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, beyond the standard popular trails to help you discover the true
pancreas, bowel and colorectal cancers. Collectively, gut cancers essence of New Zealand’s famous wilderness.
are the most common type of cancer in New Zealand, with more On our adventures in New Zealand you can also expect the right,
than 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. More than half of those proven equipment is provided for your tour; the food is delicious,
diagnosed, will not survive beyond 5 years. plentiful and can be catered to your dietary requests; your guides are all
Your support through this trek will help to bring global clinical trials to First Aid trained; that the itinerary you have chosen has been carefully
New Zealand, giving New Zealanders with gut cancer access to new crafted from decades of personal experience in the New Zealand
treatments faster, and will ensure more people understand the causes wilderness, not from a guide book recommendation.
and symptoms of gut cancer so they can get help sooner.
1 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 3/06/2020 6:57:35 AM
The Gut Cancer Foundation
Plains to Peaks Trek
Join the Gut Cancer Foundation team on a dramatic
trek through spectacular mountain landscapes
Charity Challenge Payments Your Adventure
Joining Christchurch from Travel Cost Twin Share:$2850 Traverse the vast Canterbury Plains from the garden city of Christchurch, to reach wide
braided rivers, glacial valley systems, remote lakes and alpine peaks of the impressive
Minimum charity donation/fundraised amount: $2000 Southern Alps. Admire the splendour of Arthur’s Pass National Park and Canterbury High
All prices are per person Country from lofty vantage points. This challenge begins with a visit to the unusual limestone
Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Rocks and then a trek up a local peak that affords panoramic views
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will
of the Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges. We continue towards Arthur’s Pass where we climb
arrange for you to share accommodation with high to enjoy alpine vistas, waterfalls and rocky chasms. We are challenged to hike up 3
another traveller of the same gender and if we can peaks on the edge of the plains, giving views far and wide from the Pacific Ocean to Aoraki/
not match you up we will provide a single room at Mount Cook. Be surprised by the majestic landscapes that Canterbury has to offer, while
no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single keeping off the beaten track.
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
Please refer to our website for the additional cost. This trip has been designed to push you to meet your hiking potential, whilst enjoying
amazing scenery and comfortable lodgings at the end of every long day.
Trip Dates
About Your Escort
2021 21 Mar - 27 Mar Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of
these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of
Group Size Min: life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun
10 and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two
guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first
Group Size Max: aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.
16
Leader: Itinerary at a Glance
Expert local leader DAY 1 CHRISTCHURCH TO FOREST LODGE - CRAIGIEBURN HIKE
*Ask our staff for more information DAY 2 ARTHUR’S PASS - TEMPLE BASIN
DAY 3 ARTHUR’S PASS - BEALEY SPUR
DAY 4 LAKE COLERIDGE - PEAK HILL
DAY 5 LITTLE MOUNT PEEL HIKE
DAY 6 MT SOMERS SUMMIT CLIMB
DAY 7 RETURN TO CHRISTCHURCH
What’s Included
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
6 nights motel/lodge accommodation on a twin share basis
Private vehicle transport
Professional driver/guides
Airport drop off at Christchurch airport at end of tour
Water and snacks while trekking
Packs and poles (on request if required) ‑ please let our staff know in advance
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)
What’s Not Included
International or domestic flights and taxes
Airport transfer at start of tour
Pre‑tour accommodation in Christchurch
All beverages, other than with breakfast
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Water bottle (help us save the environment and
bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
2 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 3/06/2020 6:57:35 AM
The Gut Cancer Foundation
Plains to Peaks Trek
Join the Gut Cancer Foundation team on a dramatic
trek through spectacular mountain landscapes
Responsible Travel Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (eg Rakaia jet boat)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
The natural environments that you’ll travel Travel insurance
through are fragile; the cultures and traditions Visa (if required)
precious and often the communities we Tips
pass through are reliant on tourism. It is
our responsibility as visitors to minimise Detailed Itinerary
the impact of our presence, protect what
is precious and where we can leave a DAY 1 Christchurch to Forest Lodge - Craigieburn Hike
positive impact. Learn how you can We will collect you from a central city location in Christchurch at around 9:00am before we
do this by downloading the Thoughtful drive across the vast Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps. Our first stop is to explore
Traveller booklet from our website. the incredible Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill Rocks, a scattering of hundreds of weathered limestone
tors that erupt from golden tussocky hills. Known as a karst landscape, these ancient rocks are
Trip grading smooth, sculpted, spectacular, and irresistibly photogenic. We then travel a little further towards the
Craigieburn Forest Park, a popular ski resort in the winter. Our second walk gives us a chance to find
Moderate our tramping legs and starts gently through a mountain beech forest. We then climb steeply up to
To determine the grade of a particular Lyndon Saddle and to the top of Helicopter Hill (1256m) for panoramic views of the Craigieburn and
adventure we consider a number of Torlesse ranges and the limestone outcrops of the Castle Hill Basin. We descend back down to our
factors. These include the condition of the
vehicle and transfer to our first nights accommodation at Forest Lodge.
terrain, the altitude, the number of pass Today’s Walks:
crossings and the length of the trip. Castle Rocks – approx 5km, 300m ascent, 1-2 hours
While part of this itinerary does utilise Helicopter Hill Circuit – approx 5-6km, 450m ascent (Peak is 1256m), 3 hours
formed tracks, some days the hikes involve meals: L,D
untracked scree and tussock which is
steep in places. The sense of isolation DAY 2 Arthur’s Pass - Temple Basin
and wilderness is a strong feature of this After breakfast we drive across the vast Waimakariri Valley and onto Arthur’s Pass for our first views
trip. For you to be able to really enjoy this of the vast snowy Southern Alps. Our walk today starts from above the bush line at the Temple Basin
trip we recommend that you are confident car park, and zig-zags steeply up the hill to an open tussock basin and the ski-club buildings. On a
walking across uneven terrain and are clear day we will get magnificent views of Mt Rolleston/Kaimatau across the valley. There is also a
able to walk comfortably for a few hours good chance we will be greeted by a cheeky Kea or we’ll spot them soaring overhead. We return the
same way down to the valley and then take a track through native bush. Here we will see the Bealey
at a time (with breaks included) with a
Chasm, the Bridal Veil Falls and walk onto the impressive Devils Punchbowl Falls before arriving at
day pack in all weather conditions. Arthur’s Pass Village. Tonight we will overnight at the comfortable Bealey Hotel with amazing views
We recommend 90 minutes of aerobic over the Waimakariri River.
type exercise, (either cycling, jogging or Approx 10km, 700m ascent, 5-6 hours (option to do side trip to Devils Punchbowl falls – adds extra
power walking) four times a week for the 45 mins, 2km, 150m ascent)
three months leading up to your trip. meals: B,L,D
DAY 3 Arthur’s Pass - Bealey Spur
Todays walk gives us further extensive vistas of the huge braided Waimakariri River valley and
surrounding snowy mountains from a track that climbs gently up a ridge known as Bealey Spur. We
walk through mountain beech forest, where we might also see the red-flowering mistletoe/pirirangi.
At one point the track comes close to a cliff with a dramatic view down to Bruce Stream. Higher up,
the track passes through tussock grasslands and sub-alpine scrub and passes near several tarns.
The track ends at a historic hut, used by musterers in the days when this area was used for summer
grazing for sheep. Here we enjoy our picnic lunch taking in the stunning mountain vistas before
descending down back down to the valley floor. We spend a second night at the Bealey Hotel and
have a free evening to relax.
Approx: 12km, 650m ascent, 5-6 hours, (fitter groups can continue higher up the spur and return the
same way)
meals: B,L
3 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 3/06/2020 6:57:35 AM
The Gut Cancer Foundation
Plains to Peaks Trek
Join the Gut Cancer Foundation team on a dramatic
trek through spectacular mountain landscapes
Adventure Travel DAY 4 Lake Coleridge - Peak Hill
This morning after breakfast we start with a drive back through the Craigieburn Ranges and towards
By its very nature adventure travel involves Lake Coleridge. Our walk today takes us to the summit of Peak Hill (1244m) high above the lake.
an element of the unexpected. In remote At the top we are rewarded with sweeping views of snowy alps and the impressive Rakaia and
and developing countries do not expect Wilberforce river valleys.
standards you are used to at home. Remote In the afternoon we enjoy another walk through the Rakaia Gorge along glacial and river-carved
areas are sometimes unpredictable and terraces to a stunning lookout point. The walkway follows the rim of the gorge where we will
itineraries may be altered. To get the most encounter spectacular geological areas, including lava flows, before descending into a gully under a
out of your adventure it is important that forest canopy to the Snowdon coal mines. The entrances to several coal mine tunnels can be seen
you are flexible, positive and eager to here, along with the remains of equipment used for extraction. Here there is an option to take an
take on all the challenges that arise. If you invigorating jet boat ride through the Rakaia Gorge back to the start of the track (additional expense).
are uncertain about your suitability for Once at the bus, we drive to nearby Methven and check into our lodge and accommodation for the
this trip we recommend that you speak following 3 nights.
with your consultant or travel agent. Peak Hill (Summit is 1240m) - approx 6km, 650m ascent, 3 hours
Rakaia Gorge Walk: Up to 5km one way (can turn back at any point), option to take jet boat one way
Important Note through gorge
These charity challenge notes represent the meals: B,L,D
most current information for this itinerary,
DAY 5 Little Mount Peel Hike
and may supersede any other supplied
information, including but not limited to Mt Peel is known for its magnificent views towards Mt Somers, Mt Hutt and across the whole
Canterbury Plains to the coast. After breakfast we will drive the short distance to the ancient Peel
the itinerary and price. The itinerary should
forest where todays ascent starts. The early part of the track passes through Mills Bush, 16.2
be seen as a guide only. This challenge hectares of virgin podocarp forest containing giant lowland totara, matai and kahikatea trees,
itinerary may change at any time due to many of them around 1000 years old. We follow the well made Deer Spur Track up a ridge up to
inclement weather, forces of nature and the summit 1311m. We will take a break at the shelter just below the summit to admire the views
other circumstances beyond our control. before descending via the steep South Ridge Track, with a couple of rocky scrambles. We will see
Emily Falls on the way down. We return to Methven for a second night in the small resort and are
free to make our own dinner arrangements.
Approx: 9km, 900m ascent, 5-7 hours
meals: B,L
DAY 6 Mt Somers Summit Climb
Todays hike is the ultimate challenge of the week’s adventure and takes us up to the alpine peak of
Mt Somers (1687m). The summit and surrounding plateau offers 360 degree views of the mountains
and coastal plain, on a clear day we can see as far as Aorkai/Mt Cook. We set off from the Sharplin
Falls car park and climb through beech forest, ascending first to Hookey Knob and then to Staverly
Hill. Here we emerge from the bush out into alpine tussock and are greeted with amazing views.
The track becomes rocky and exposed then climbs steeply up a narrow ridge to the summit, but the
panoramas are worth the effort. This is a long day, taking approx 5 hours one-way to hike 4.7km to
the summit. We return the same way. If the weather conditions are not favourable or for an easier
option we can walk to the historic Woolshed Creek Hut via the Rhyolite Ridge Track and return via
the Miners Track, which traverses through a landscape of waterfalls, deep icy pools and rocky tors.
Tonight we have our final group dinner together where we celebrate our South Island adventure and
the week’s hiking achievements.
Approx: 9.5km, 1230m ascent, 6-8 hours
Easier/Bad Weather Option: Woolshed Creek Hut Circuit 10km, 900m ascent, 5-7 hours
meals: B,L,D
4 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 3/06/2020 6:57:35 AM
The Gut Cancer Foundation
Plains to Peaks Trek
Join the Gut Cancer Foundation team on a dramatic
trek through spectacular mountain landscapes
DAY 7 Return to Christchurch
This morning after our final breakfast we return to Christchurch by mid morning. We say a sad
farewell to our guides and hiking companions where we can be dropped at the airport or in the
central city.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any modifications in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our
control.
Fundraising Support
All travel & trip related costs for the Plains to Peaks Trek are to be met by the individual taking
part. As this is a fundraising trek, we request you fundraise/donate a minimum of $2000 to
help improve outcomes for gut cancer patients in NZ.
You will be able to setup your own online fundraising page to help raise your fundraising
target for your Plains to Peaks trek. The team at the Gut Cancer Foundation will be in touch
with you upon registration and provide you with a link and support to set this up.
Consider that the $2000 goal is a $20 donation from 100 people – you can do it!
Country Information
Stretching North to South for over 2000 km, and split into two main islands ‑ the North and
the South Islands ‑ New Zealand is a country of diverse landforms. From the Pacific Island
beaches and rolling farmlands in the north, to the volcanic plateau and then onto the soaring
mountains within view of the sea in the south, and the sub‑Antarctic islands that dot the
South Island coastline, the contrasts are many.
The South Island is the 12th largest island in the world. The west coast is dominated by the
Southern Alps, which contain more mountains than the European Alps altogether, and home
to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook (3754m / 12,316 ft). The Main Divide, the
chain of peaks that forms the backbone of the Alps from Arthur’s Pass to Fiordland, splits the
South Island into east and west. Several ice ages, and the fact that two continental plates are
sliding past each other forming the Southern Alps, means that the scenery is as rugged as the
New Zealand fauna and flora is unique. The largest city in the South Island is Christchurch.
With a population of 4.0 million people, the wilderness areas of New Zealand are many as
most ‘Kiwis’ now live in an urban situation near the coast. The Maori are the indigenous
people of the land and they named it Aotearoa ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ upon their
arrival 1000 years ago. Europeans settled in the early 1800s and the country is alive today
with a market driven economy and a blend of European and Asia/Pacific influences to create
a buoyant South Pacific culture.
Climate
As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for travelling in New Zealand’s
stunning outdoors. One of the most important things travellers need to know about the New
Zealand climate is that it’s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of
larger landmasses.
Thanks to its position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ and mountainous terrain, New Zealand’s
weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the weather can change
so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather
conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and some warm clothing.
You don’t need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper and good thermals
are a must.
5 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 3/06/2020 6:57:35 AMThe Gut Cancer Foundation
Plains to Peaks Trek
Join the Gut Cancer Foundation team on a dramatic
trek through spectacular mountain landscapes
The temperature during the South Island summers range from 10‑30 ºC, with a pleasant 40‑
50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and snowfall is not uncommon
even in summer. The Southern Alps act as a barrier to the moisture laden winds coming west
across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the west side of the mountains and a drier
climate on the east side. The geography also creates a wind pattern, which can in summer be
very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30°C. Minimum
temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around ‑5°C. Weather is
an integral facet of any mountain range and getting to understand and work with this major
environmental factor is what will make you more prepared for your tour – any questions about
what to expect on your tour talk to one of our team.
Dietary Requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets
and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure
you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to
determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please
note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more
expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need
to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and
therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take
all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must
travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering
these medications.
Accommodation on the Trip
The accommodation for this trip has been carefully selected to provide comfort and value in
the best locations possible. We use a couple of budget motel and lodges throughout the tour.
Rooms are based on double or twin share with ensuite facilities. Bed linen will be provided
(except for at Forest Lodge).
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
If you are arriving in Christchurch earlier or would like to spend some extra time at the end of
the tour, we can help booking pre/post tour accommodation. Speak to our staff as they can help
with different suggestions.
What You Carry
A small day pack for personal essentials such as waterproofs, thermal layers, sunscreen, wallet,
camera, snacks etc is all you need to carry. The support vehicle will then take the rest of the
equipment.
Equipment Required
A day pack of sufficient size to carry personal items such as waterproofs, extra thermal
layer, sunscreen, camera, water bottle and snacks. Hiking poles are recommended but not
essential. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support that are well broken in are essential. A
comprehensive gear list is included with your trip confirmation.
6 – © 2020 World Expeditions Travel Group - Natalie Tambolash 3/06/2020 6:57:35 AMYou can also read
