Trekking in Southern New Zealand - Two Great Walks - Routeburn and Kepler January 17th to 28th, 2020 - People's Liberation Front ...
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Trekking in Southern New Zealand Two Great Walks - Routeburn and Kepler January 17th to 28th, 2020 Trip # 2006 1 AMC Adventure Travel
The islands of New Zealand lie 1,400 miles off the south-eastern Contents
coast of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. The Maori people have
About New Zealand..................2
called the islands home for over 1,000 years and their culture is a
core part of New Zealand’s national identity. European explorers Trip Itinerary................................4
arrived in the late 1600s and the Treaty of Waitangi made New Trip Logistics...............................9
Zealand a British colony in 1860. The country became fully inde-
The Fine Print............................10
pendent in 1947. Today, New Zealand is similar in size to Great
Britain or Japan, but with a population of only 4 million vast Packing List................................11
tracks of land have been left untouched.
About Us....................................13
The North Island is sub tropical and dotted with farmland, smaller
mountain, and the central Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic
and thermal area. The South Island is dominated by the massive
Southern Alps, which form a spine running along the length
of the island. The foothills of the mountains are lush temperate
rainforests, while farther to the east is vast, flat Canterbury Plains.
New Zealand is home to the largest national park system in the
southern hemisphere, and has preserved a third of its landscape Above: View towards the Routeburn
© Reji James, 2017
as parks or wilderness areas. There is no better way to explore
the rugged mountains and stunning coastline than by tramping Cover: Trekking in Fjordland
(aka hiking). © Elizabeth Ryan, 2017
2 AMC Adventure Travel
Weather Early summer weather in New Zealand is moderate, with day time temperatures around 18oC (64oF) and night time lows around 7oC (44oF). Weather on the South Island is unpredictable. Although it will be summer, you should expect cooler tempera- tures and lots of precipitation. Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, receives a mean annual rainfall of 6,412 mm (252 in / 21 ft) each year, making it one of the wettest spots in the world. Queenstown and Te Anau are nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps at the southern tip of New Zealand and have a more moderate and rainy climate. If you plan to spend more time in Nelson or father north in Auckland you will be able to enjoy New Zealand’s sub-tropical weather. 3 AMC Adventure Travel
Trip Itinerary
The Trip
This multi-day trip will include a day hike (near handed out. So please ensure that you have
Queenstown) and six days of hut to hut trekking enough space to carry your individual dinners
on the South Island. This includes tramping (dehydrated meals) and some group food. Also,
along an extensive track-and-hut system in you will have to bring your utensils and cups.
Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Parks (the
3) Since this trip is geared towards the outdoors
Routeburn and Kepler Tracks). You will also have
adventurer, the accommodations reflect this.
some free time to explore Queenstown and
We will be staying in backpacker hostels and
Te Anau.
backcountry huts, which allows us to keep the
This trip is very physical and will involve many trip affordable yet comfortable. The backcountry
days hiking. While there are small breaks in be- huts on the Routeburn and Kepler Tracks are
tween, most of the time you will be “out there.” beautiful and clean, and they rank as some of
the nicest backcountry facilities in the world.
1) You should have at least intermediate to In Queenstown and Te Anau we plan to stay in
advanced backpacking (or hut-to-hut) skills. You YHA hostels.
will be required to carry all of your hiking and
overnight gear yourself while on the trail. There On the following pages you will find a detailed
will not be any luggage transfer hut to hut (a itinerary and brief descriptions of the tracks
front country transfer is provided). For more that we will explore during the trip. If permits
specific information about the kind of experi- for the tracks cannot be obtained for the dates
ence we are looking for, please read the requested we will change the order in which we
“Experience and Risks” section below. do the tracks or substitute another track.
Participants should plan accordingly.
2) You will be planning your own lunches. Leaders
will purchase group breakfast and dinner. Prior Above: Ben Lomond
to getting on the trail, the group food will be © Reji James, 2017
4 AMC Adventure Travel
Detailed Itinerary Routeburn Track. Our luggage Day 9 – Sat, January 25th
will be sent along to Te Anau. We will depart Te Anau and
Conditions may require us to
We follow the Track from to transfer to the start of the
alter these plans.
Routeburn Falls Hut where we Kepler Track. Departing from
Day 1 – Fri, January 17th will spend the night. Brod Bay, we have a steep
Included meals: Breakfast and climb to Luxmore hut where
Depart the United States for Dinner
New Zealand. we will spend the night.
Included meals: none Included meals: Breakfast and
Day 6 – Wed, January 22th
Dinner
Day 2 – Sat, January 18th We will continue the Track,
hiking to our next overnight at Day 10 – Sun, January 26th
Day lost crossing the Lake Mackenzie hut. On this
International Date Line. We continue the Kepler Track,
day we hike over the Harris hiking along one of the more
Saddle, the high point on the strenuous segments of our trip
Day 3 – Sun, January 19th
track. over the height of the track
Arrival in Auckland and domestic Included meals: Breakfast and and down to Iris Burn Hut.
flight to Queenstown. Transfer Dinner Included meals: Breakfast and
by bus from the airport to the
Dinner
hostel. Check into the back- Day 7 – Thurs, January 23rd
packer’s hostel and take some We will complete the Track, Day 11 – Mon, January 27th
time to rest, prepare for the hiking to The Divide. From
hikes and explore the city. From Iris Burn we descend
there we will transfer by bus from the alpine environment to
Group dinner in the evening to to Te Anau, check into the
formally start our trip. the wetlands along the Waiau
Backpacker’s Hostel, and River to reach our transfer
Included meals: Dinner retrieve our luggage. Included point at Rainbow Reach. We
meals: Breakfast and Dinner will check back in to the same
Day 4 – Mon, January 20th
Backpacker’s Hostel in Te Anau
Day hike to Ben Lomond, on Day 8 – Fri, January 24th
and enjoy a final group dinner
the outskirts of Queenstown. We will have a relaxing day together in town.
Weather permitting, the slopes off the trail to recharge and Included meals: Breakfast and
of Ben Lomond will afford us enjoy the spectacular Milford Dinner
views of Queenstown and the Sounds. Weather permitting,
surrounding countryside. Re- we’ll take a boat cruise along Day 12 – Tues, January 28th
turn to the backpacker’s hostel the lake and learn about the
to complete preparations for Transfer to Queenstown by
geological and ecological bus for return flights. Most
the first trek. wonder that is Fjordland
Included meals: Breakfast and flights go through Auckland
National Park. We spend the before traveling on to the
Dinner. night in Te Anau and prepare United States. Depending on
to head out on the Kepler your flight, it may take another
Day 5 – Tues, January 21st
Track. day to reach the East Coast.
Check out of the hostel and Included meals: Breakfast and Included meals: Breakfast in
transfer to the start of the Dinner Te Anau
5 AMC Adventure Travel
Included in the Trip Cost
• Accommodations in Queenstown and Te Anau • Hut and backcountry permits
• Most breakfasts and dinners, as outlined in the • AMC major excursion fee
trip itinerary
Personal expenses, including lunch and snacks
• Transfers to and from Queenstown airport on the trail, are NOT included. You should
estimate about US $200 for additional meals.
• Ground transportation for all group activites
• Luggage transfer from Queenstown to Te Anau If you have any questions, please contact the
leaders.
• Milford Sound boat cruise (and bus transfer)
6 AMC Adventure Travel
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn, one of NZ’s best-known tracks, is a moderate 24
mile hike over the Southern Alps’ Main Divide, linking Mt Aspir-
ing and Fiord¬land National Parks. The track winds through thick
rainforest, where red, mountain and silver beech form the cano-
py, while ferns, mosses and fungi cover everything below. Tra-
verses of alpine sections reward hikers with spectacular views of
Martins Bay, Hollyford Valley and the Eglin¬ton and Greenstone
River Valleys. Before Europeans arrived, Maori used to frequent
this route in search of greenstone, which they used for weapons
and tools. There is a rich diversity of birdlife along the track with
Riflemen, Bellbirds, Robins, Yellow Crowned Parakeets and many
others in the brush, while in the sub-alpine zone you are likely to
see rock wrens, New Zealand falcons and the mischievous moun-
tain parrot, the kea.
Day 1 Hike from Routeburn Falls Hut to Routeburn Shelter
6.2 mi, 1600ft gain, approximately 4 hours, moderately difficult
Day 2 Hike from Routeburn Falls to Lake Mackenzie Hut
7 mi, 1500ft gain, approximately 6 hours, strenuous
Day 3 Hike from Mackenzie Hut to The Divide
7 mi, approximately 4.5 hours, moderately difficult
Previous: Beech Forest, Fjordland,
New Zealand
© Elizabeth Ryan, 2017
Above: Mackenzie Hut
© Life at B, 2014
Right: Routeburn Track map
© New Zealand Walks, 2018
7 AMC Adventure Travel
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is an adventure in one of New Zealand’s
finest alpine regions. A challenging climb from the shores of Te
Anau bring us above treeline on our first day. From there, hikers
are treated to tussock-covered ridgelines and panoramic views
across the south fiord of Lake Te Anau to the Murchison
Mountains. Descend through a gorge and lowland beech and
podocarp forest, to reach the shore of Lake Manapouri. The
track continues down through a unique and fragile wetland
before following the Waiau River to the end at Rainbow Reach. Above: Luxmore Hut
© Reji James, 2017
Day 1 Hike from Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut.
Below: Kepler Track map and
5 mi, 2600ft gain, approximately 6 hours, strenuous
elevation profile
Day 2 Hike from Luxmore Hut to Iris Burn Hut. © New Zealand Walks, 2018
9 mi, 1200ft gain, 2600ft loss, approximately 7 hours, strenuous
Day 3 Hike from Iris Burn Hut to Rainbow Reach.
13 mi, 1200ft loss, approximately 8 hours, moderate
8 AMC Adventure Travel
Trip Logistics
Flights Along the tracks, we will stay in Department
of Conservation huts. The huts provide bunks
The leaders recommend that you make your
with mattresses (between 40 to 50) in a com-
own flight arrangements. Once tickets are pur-
munal sleeping layout. There is potable water,
chased and changes should be made directly
flush toilets and sinks, but no showers. Cooking
with the airlines. Leaders will advise you when
facilities with fuel, stoves, tables and seating are
to purchase tickets. Do NOT purchase tickets
shared with the other visitors to the hut.
until you are approved for the trip and given a
final meeting time. No accommodations will be finalized until the
exact group number is determined.
Note that the trip will begin in Queenstown and
end in Nelson. You can use frequent flier miles, Luggage
a normal travel agent, an airline, or any discount
Participants will have the option of leaving extra
wholesaler (Travelocity, Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz,
luggage and gear in the hostels while hiking
PriceLine, etc.). The leaders will be available to
the tracks. However, please try to limit yourself
assist with these arrangements.
to your trekking pack and one soft sided duffel
Transportation to and from Queenstown airport or equivalent. You should be able to carry all
is included in the trip. of your luggage to and from the bus departure
points. Luggage transfer will be arranged from
Accomodations Queenstown to Te Anau. All valuables and im-
The accommodations provided on this trip will portant documentation (i.e. passports) should
be a combination of backpacker hostels and be carried on the track for security.
backcountry huts. Although all accommodations
will be very clean and comfortable, they will
not be luxurious. In the hostels, rooms will be Above: Milford Sound
shared between four or more people. © Reji James, 2007
9 AMC Adventure Travel
Food Breakfasts and dinners are included in the trip cost. New Zealand has a thriving food scene with wild game, fresh seafood, and locally sourced produce. Restaurant meals do not include alcohol nor dessert and will have a price limit. Alcoholic beverages and anything above this limit must be covered out of pocket. Lunches are not included in the cost of the trip. While on the track, the group will share in the responsibility of carrying and preparing meals. The huts are equipped with cook- ing facilities, though cookware is not supplied. We will not stop to cook lunch, so sandwiches and other prepared foods will be more suitable while hiking. A detailed breakdown of included meals is provided in the day- to-day itinerary. Fine Print Trip Cost The approximate cost for the trip is $2,475. Airfare can range from $1,600 to $2,200 round trip. Please note that these costs are estimates. The final trip cost will be adjusted in accordance with the best arrangements the leaders can make. Any savings achieved will be returned to you and any cost increase will be also be passed on. Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders’ costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip price also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel trips, including the trip’s publication in AMC Outdoors for several Above: Alpine flowers, Fjordland, months. The overhead charge amounts to 10-12% of participant New Zealand land costs; neither air travel nor leader costs are included in © Reji James, 2017 calculating the overhead charge. To apply, please contact the leaders for the required forms. You must complete and submit the Application, Confidential Medical forms, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release forms, and a registration deposit of $1,300. You will not actually be accepted, and your check will not be deposited, until the leaders have determined by telephone conversation with you 10 AMC Adventure Travel
that you and the trip seem to be a good match.
The remainder of the trip fee will be due by Oct
1, 2019. Please make payments by check payable
to the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Experience And Risks
Lugging a heavy pack (approximately 30lb)
over steep mountain passes is physically very
demanding. The combination of physical exer-
tion and steep terrain require that we pace
ourselves and pay attention to proper nutrition
and hydration. People wishing to participate in
this trip must have previous overnight (back-
packing or hut-to-hut) experience, at the
intermediate level or higher. Although the hiking
will be at a moderate pace, this is not a trip for
beginners or people who have not backpacked
for several years.
Packing List
• Backpack (approximately 40 to 60 liters) • Non-cotton hiking clothing, tops and bottoms
• 15-20 degree sleeping bag • Warm jacket (down, synthetic or fleece)
• Nalgene bottles/Camelback (2 liters total
• Warm hat and gloves or mittens
capacity)
• Headlamp and spare batteries • Long pants
• Fork, spoon, cup and bowl • 2-3 pairs of hiking socks
• Sunglasses • Hat or bandana and sunglasses
• Stuff sacks for food storage
Optional Gear
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Waterproof pack liner (can be bought in • Tevas, crocs or sandals
New Zealand) • Casual clothing for in town, post hike, sleep,
• Personal first aid kit (leaders will have and travel
group first aid kits)
• Gaiters (for rain)
• High-energy trail snacks (can be bought in
New Zealand) • Hiking poles
• Camp towel and regular bath towel
Personal Clothing
• Broken-in hiking boots (preferably waterproof) • Bathing suit
• Waterproof rain gear (tops and bottoms) • Camera
11 AMC Adventure Travelcoastal weather fronts. However, we will not
proceed in any activity if the hut wardens
prohibit it, and unless everyone is comfortable.
Insurance
Basic medical and evacuation insurance is
included in the cost of the trip. Upon official
registration the leaders will provide you with
more information about this coverage.
Cancelation insurance is not included. It is
optional and must be arranged by you.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy is based on several
considerations. First, your cancellation will not
be allowed to raise the cost to the other partic-
ipants or to the leaders. Second, we will charge
Several of the days are long (10+ miles) and you for the expenses already incurred on your
strenuous. You should be in excellent physical behalf and any unavoidable future expenses
condition at the time we depart. Since it will that will be incurred as a result of your registra-
be winter here in the US and summer there, tion, unless they can be applied toward another
you need to be prepared to commit yourself to acceptable participant. Third, to discourage
keeping shape between the time you sign up uncommitted people from applying to the trip,
for the trip to the time you depart on it. we have a schedule of minimum cancellation
penalties: zero before August 1st, $150 from
When you participate in this activity, you August 1st through August 30th, $300 after
should be prepared both physically and mentally, July August 30th. Refunds after the October 1st
and equipped with the appropriate gear. You payment deadline will only be made if another
should always be aware of the risks involved participant can be found to take your place.
and conduct yourself accordingly. We are not
responsible for your safety; you are. Prior to This trip is likely to fill quickly. If you are interest-
your being accepted as a participant in this trip, ed, you should register as soon as possible.
you will be asked to discuss your capabilities When registration is complete, we will send all
and experience with us. Please do not be participants the names, addresses, and phone
offended by our questions. numbers of all those going on the trip. We are
New Zealand is a very safe country. There are good communicators and will try very hard to
no predators, such as bears or poisonous snakes. keep everyone well informed. We will be using
The weather is perhaps the most dangerous email as our primary source of communication.
thing we may encounter, and an occasional If you have any questions, please call us so that
kea (parrot), who is likely to eat your boot if we can discuss them.
it’s left unattended. Much of the hiking will be
done in a rain forest, so you should expect rain. Above: Kea parrot along Milford Track
Likewise, Abel Tasman receives its fair share of © Jason Schlarb, 2014
12 AMC Adventure TravelTrip Leadership
Reji James
leader
Reji James is an Adventure travel leader, as well as a four-season
leader with the AMC Hiking/Backpacking Committee. He has
been leading AMC trips since 2001. In the past he has led Major
Excursions to Iceland, New Zealand, Alaska, Glacier National
Park and Patagonia. He is an avid runner, hiker, mountaineer and
photographer. And while doing that, he has climbed Kilimanjaro,
climbed the glaciated peaks in the Pacific North-west, and hiked
the Julian Alps in Slovenia, the Italian Dolomites, Macchu Picchu
and the Swiss Alps. Currently, he lives with his wife and two boys
(6 and 9) in Seattle, WA.
Contact at james.reji@gmail.com
Elizabeth Ryan
co-leader
Elizabeth Ryan is a four-season leader with the AMC’s Boston
Hiking/Backpacking Committee. She has been leading trips since
2013. She has completed the New Hampshire 4000 footers, ex-
plored some of the glaciated peaks of the Pacific Northwest and
hiked in the Scottish Highlands, Iceland, Newfoundland and New
Zealand.
Contact at ryan.ej03@gmail.com
Additional Information
About the Tracks
Department of Conservation - Routeburn Track
Department of Conservation - Kepler Track
Traveling in New Zealand
Travel New Zealand
Air New Zealand
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