This hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing tour of New Zealand's South Island offers the perfect combination of excitement, adventure and relaxation! Each day we will be surrounded by exquisite scenery as we hike and paddle into some very special off the beaten path locations in New Zealand. We will be staying in a variety of accommodations – B&B’s, country inns, private campsites, backcountry lodges and a night on a cruise ship in Milford Sound.

Our tour activities begin in Abel Tasman National Park, one of the most spectacular sea kayaking destinations in the world. We will enjoy paddling double kayaks in calm crystal clear water. No previous kayaking experience is needed.

A real highlight of the trip will be a three day wilderness journey on the Hollyford Track. This splendid guided hike takes us from the mountains to the sea. The ever changing scenery is spectacular - snow capped mountains, glaciers, rainforests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, reefs, sand dunes and surf. In addition to the great hiking, the wildlife observation, historical tales and a jet boat ride will add to your memories of New Zealand. Our grand finale is a magnificent scenic flight to Milford Sound where we spend the night on a cruise ship in Milford Sound.

MARCH 15 - Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to our hotel. That evening we will have an orientation and welcome dinner.
 
MARCH 16 – Van transfer to Abel Tasman National Park and take a water taxi to our campsite. We will have an opportunity for a lovely hike when we arrive. Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches and sculptured granite cliffs. Camping
 
March 17 – Morning kayak orientation (no kayaking experience is needed) and then we will paddle double kayaks that will easily carry all of our gear for an overnight stay in the Tonga Marine Reserve on Onetahuti Beach. This beach is reputed to be the most beautiful camping spot in Abel Tasman National Park. Camping
 
March 18 - We paddle past Bark Bay and finish in Anchorage where we catch our water taxi back to Marahau. A van transfer will take us to Murchison where we stay in a country hotel.
 
March 19 – During our drive to Paparoa National Park we walk to the headland at Cape Foulwind to visit a New Zealand Fur seal colony. In the afternoon we hike on the Truman Track to the Porari River Canyon. Hotel
 
March 20 – Today our full day hike follows the Inland Pack Track from Bullock Creek through to Fox River Canyon and out to the Coast. We'll visit a local pub for dinner tonight and return to our hotel.

March 21 - Today is a full day beginning with a hike to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The rocks are remarkable pieces of natural sculpture and the blowholes provide a great demonstration of the sea's mighty power! Next, we drive to Okarito for an afternoon kayak trip in a lagoon to view migratory birds and paddle into the rainforest. That evening we will cook dinner on the beach before driving to our B&B accommodation in the town of Fox Glacier.

March 22 – Today we will go with the professional glacier guides from Fox Guides on a breathtaking guided walk onto the world famous Fox Glacier. In the evening we return to our B&B in Fox Glacier and eat at a local restaurant.
 
March 23 – After a morning hike around Lake Matheson, we drive over Haast Pass to Makarora. On the way we will stop at Ship Creek to look for the rare Hectors dolphin. Overnight in chalets.
 
March 24 – In the morning we'll hike up to the Rob Roy Glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park. Our afternoon drive takes us to Queenstown where we spend the night in a B&B. That evening we will have an orientation with our trekking guide for the Hollyford Track. B&B
 
March 25: After departing Queenstown, we travel along the beautiful Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. From there we head for the Hollyford Valley to the start of the Hollyford Track where we retrace the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River. The hike undulates through a native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls. On route we can enjoy interesting historical tales and interpretation of the forest and its bird life and in the evening we can visit a nearby glow-worm colony. We spend the night at Pyke River Lodge. Hiking Distance: Approx. 17kms (10.5 miles).

March 26: The day begins with a short walk to Lake Alabaster to learn about the history and geology of this stunning area. Next, we cross Fiordland's longest swinging bridge and then enjoy a captivating jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown, the proposed capital of the South Island in the late 19th century. After leaving Jamestown, we walk through an ancient forest of Podocarp pines with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines. Near the fur seal colony at Long Reef we may also see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. We spend the night at Martins Bay Lodge. Walking Distance: Approx. 12kms (7.5 miles).

March 27: While traveling by jet boat along the seven kilometer Martins Bay Beach we will learn about its history and its plant, sea and bird life. We return to Martins Bay Lodge and then take a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the Track route, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak. In the late afternoon we board the Milford Wanderer for an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. This ‘once in a lifetime’ experience is your chance to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery and wildlife of this world-renowned fiord after most of the other boats have returned to port. As we eat dinner, we can keep a lookout for marine mammals, especially fur seals basking on the rocks. There is also an opportunity for a short evening exploration off the boat in kayaks. As the shadows deepen, the Milford Wanderer will return to Harrison Cove for the night. Accommodations on the boat are 4-person cabins with bunk beds and shared bathrooms.

March 28: We arrive back in Milford in the morning and depart by coach for a scenic ride back to Queenstown. We will arrive late that afternoon, check into our hotel and have our farewell dinner.

March 29: The tour ends after breakfast. You might choose to spend additional time in Queenstown or elsewhere in New Zealand before returning home. Contact us for suggestions.

ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.

DATES: 15 days, March 15 - 29, 2009

PRICES: $4,650 US/pp double occupancy in hotels & B&B's

GROUP SIZE: 8 people

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 14 nights accommodations/double occupancy, (hotels, B&B's, cruise ship and camping), 13 breakfasts, 8 dinners, 11 lunches, all camping equipment, all guiding fees, all equipment used for kayaking and glacier walking, all boat, bus, water taxi and van transfers. Single supplement cost: $650 US.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Gratuities for local guides, alcoholic beverages, international flights, meals in Christchurch and Queenstown, Trip Cancellation Insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!).

TRIP BEGINS/ENDS: This tour begins in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown, New Zealand. You will be crossing the international date line, so make sure that your flight will arrive in New Zealand by March 15th! You will lose a day at the beginning of the tour and you will gain a day when returning home.

CAN I CHARTER THIS TOUR? Yes! This tour can be chartered with a group of 8 people. Call us for information and availability, 800-648-8488.

WHO COMES ON A NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS TOUR? You can expect a spirited mix of singles and couples in their 20's to 70's from all corners of the US and a few international locations as well. Many have accompanied us on numerous tours in the past. All seem to share the common bond of an active lifestyle, an appreciation for the outdoors and a love for fun. We will gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.

THE GUIDES: Our New Zealand staff includes naturalist guides on the kayaking and hiking portions of the tour. The owners, Chuck and Judy Nichols, will accompany this trip. Chuck and Judy supply a comfortable style that brings folks together like a group of friends having a great time on an unforgettable vacation.

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, PACK LIGHT & ARRIVE A DAY EARLY. If you travel to New Zealand a few days before the tour, you will eliminate jet lag and be more comfortable in your new surroundings. Contact us for additional hotel reservations.

AVOIDING TRAVEL DELAYS: For international flights, it is necessary to arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure (check with your carrier to make sure). Also, make sure you ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME BETWEEN ALL CONNECTING FLIGHTS so both you and your baggage will make it. Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control. If you miss your flight and we need to provide a special shuttle for you to meet up with the group, you will be responsible to pay for all extra costs.

ADDITIONAL LODGING: If you would like to reserve additional nights at the hotel in Christchurch before the trip or Queenstown after your trip please CALL US TO MAKE YOUR ARRANGEMENTS EARLY as hotels are busy this time of year.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY ON THE HIKES: Any fit hiker who enjoys a good day's walk in hilly terrain with a moderate daypack will do fine on this trip. While the hiking parts of this tour are done at a relaxed pace, please keep in mind that this is an active, off the beaten path adventure, and at times we will be traveling over rough terrain with some stream crossings. Our longest hiking distance will be 10.5 miles.

SELECTING THE RIGHT DAYPACK: Your daypack should fit comfortably and have adjustable shoulder and waist straps. It needs to be large enough to carry your rain gear, sweater, water, snack, camera, toiletries and a change of clothes for the night. On the Hollyford Track, we will be sleeping in lodges with beds, but we will be carrying our clothing in our daypacks from lodge to lodge for two nights. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND PURCHASING A DAYPACK WITH A HYDRATION SYSTEM or adding one to your existing daypack. For rain protection of your pack’s contents, use either a waterproof pack cover or a sturdy trash compactor bag to line the INSIDE of your pack. Another solution is to use waterproof stuff sacks for your clothing and non-waterproof items. (Chuck & Judy use both a waterproof pack cover & waterproof stuff sacks for the pack's contents.)

FOOTWEAR: For hiking, you can use either a sturdy hiking shoe or a light weight hiking boot. You do not need a heavy boot! We will be hiking in hilly, uneven terrain with loose rocks and occasional wet conditions. Your footwear should provide good ankle support, be in good repair and have a traction sole. Make sure to check old boots for worn laces, cracked leather and delaminating soles, and we suggest waterproofing all leather footwear before the trip. Be sure your footwear is well BROKEN-IN, (BUT NOT BROKEN DOWN) BEFORE THE TOUR. Blisters, caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common, painful problem encountered on hikes.

GOOD SOCKS: Pay special attention to your sock selection to help prevent blisters. Many hikers wear a thin liner sock that hugs the foot to eliminate abrasion. A thicker outer sock is worn over the liner to provide cushioning. What ever you decide to use, it is advisable to test it out on several hikes at home before the trip.

WHAT ABOUT COLLAPSIBLE HIKING POLES? They are fantastic! Collapsible hiking poles increase safety and ELIMINATE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS of pressure from your knees and ankles per day, helping reduce muscle fatigue and joint pain. We recommend using TWO POLES rather that only one for smoother walking. Once you start walking with a good lightweight pair of poles, you will never be without them on the trail again! The lightweight collapsible models easily fit into your baggage for travel. We recommend removing the baskets, you will not need them, and only bringing the rubber tip guards to protect your baggage from the sharp points. Remove the tip guards for hiking.
 
USING HIKING POLES FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY: If you are serious about bringing home great photos, but concerned about the weight of a tripod, purchase a pair of collapsible HIKING POLES WITH A CAMERA MOUNT built into the handle and use one as a monopod. These poles are light, easy to transport and perfect for stabilizing your camera. Check out Komperdell and Leki for hiking poles with a camera mount.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: ALWAYS INSTALL NEW BATTERIES AND BRING REPLACEMENT BATTERIES FOR YOUR CAMERA! Whether you shoot a digital or film camera, bring more media storage capacity than you think you need. For film cameras, we suggest an assortment of ASA 100 - 400 films for the varying light conditions. If you have a good camera, bring it, but make sure you have a good WATERPROOF CASE for hiking and kayaking. Many of your photos will be wide angle shots of the magnificent scenery, but if you have a 200mm lens (8-10X for digital cameras) it will be handy for the animals you will see. Bring a lightweight tripod to stabilize your camera or use a hiking pole (see above - USING HIKING POLES FOR BETTER PHOTOGRAPHY). In addition, a second camera body or a “point and shoot” camera as a back-up might save the day if your camera malfunctions. Other useful items are lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.

FILM WARNING FROM TSA: See the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm for complete details at. Equipment used for screening both checked and carry-on baggage at airports will damage your undeveloped film. You should REMOVE ALL UNDEVELOPED FILM FROM YOUR CHECKED AND CARRY-ON BAGGAGE and have it hand inspected. To expedite the screening process, carry your film in clear canisters or take the film out of solid colored canisters and put it in clear plastic Ziploc bags. Digital cameras and digital media are not affected by the screening machines.

EXCHANGING MONEY: We will be in small towns along the route that do have ATM machines. Master Card and Visa are widely accepted at ATM’s. We suggest traveling with 2 or more credit cards (in case you have trouble with one), and that each card has a PIN# that can be used in an ATM. Be sure you ACTIVATE THE PIN# at home and CHECK THAT IT WORKS IN AN ATM IN THE USA BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR TRAVELS. Also, notify your credit card company of your travel itinerary so they will allow charges to your card outside the USA. TRAVELERS CHECKS can be problematic and we do not recommend bringing them.

MONEY NEEDS DURING THE TOUR: We suggest exchanging the equivalent of $200 for tips for the New Zealand staff of guides, drivers and lodges and $100-200 extra for shopping, alcoholic beverages, etc.

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS: All travelers need a PASSPORT (check the date of expiration to make sure that it does not expire within 3 months of the completion of your trip).

MAKE COPIES OF PASSPORT & OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: We recommend making 2 photocopies of your Passport’s Photo Page, the Final Trip Letter (which lists the hotels on the trip) and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored separately from your passport. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.

HEALTH ISSUES & IMMUNIZATIONS: Be sure that you have a current tetanus shot. The most definitive source for current requirements and suggested immunizations is your State Health Department.

PLEASE PURCHASE TOUR CANCELLATION INSURANCE!! Due to the limited number of people we are taking on this tour, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GIVE A REFUND FOR ANY CANCELLATIONS UNLESS WE ARE ABLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Please make sure your current insurance policy covers both MEDICAL AND ACCIDENT RISK, and that it will cover you in New Zealand. If not, consider subscribing to the Travel Insurance Policy you receive with your confirmation material for this tour.

ELECTRICITY: Voltage in New Zealand is 240V AC, so check to make sure all your appliances and battery chargers will accept that voltage. You will need to purchase a 3-PIN NEW ZEALAND OUTLET ADAPTER (several if you have numerous rechargeable appliances.)

THE WEATHER: Temperatures range from 50 - 80 ° F during the day and 40 - 60 ° F at night. RAIN IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY! By following the equipment list closely, you will be prepared for fun in all of the weather conditions we could encounter in New Zealand.

FOOD AND WATER: The food is great and there is a wide selection of fruits, fresh vegetables, meat and fish. Vegetarian diets can easily be accommodated with advanced notice.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Patagonia - the top source for outdoor clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your outdoor gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting sports sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com

For clothing, use the layered approach with synthetic fabrics such as pile, supplex, capilene and coolmax that launder easily and dry quickly. Gore-Tex rain gear is the best for outerwear, and yes, you need BOTH PANTS AND JACKET WITH A HOOD! Daytime temperatures should be 50 – 80° F, with night lows of 40 - 60° F. RAIN IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY, and eveningwear is strictly casual. By following the equipment list carefully and leaving out unnecessary items, you will have all you need to travel light!

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Make 2 photocopies of your PASSPORT and the FINAL TRIP LETTER (which lists the hotels and their phone numbers) and any other IMPORTANT PERSONAL DOCUMENTS you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy of each document stored separately from your passport. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.
__ PASSPORT - make sure that it DOES NOT EXPIRE WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF THE COMPLETION OF YOUR TOUR!
__ Passport / money pouch - for carrying your documents around your neck or on a belt

CLOTHING:
Evening dress is always casual.
__ Sunglasses with strap - if prescription, bring a spare pair
__ Prescription glasses, contacts, reading glasses - bring spares, contact lens solution, spare contacts
__ Brimmed hat or baseball cap - for sun protection
__ Bandanna – sweat control & a washrag, too!
__ T-shirts - 4 light wt. synthetic t-shirts, you can wash them & hang to dry
__ Long-sleeved shirts – 2 light to medium wt. synthetic zip-front turtlenecks
__ Pile shirt or sweater
__ Underwear
__ Swimsuit
__ Shorts for hiking – 2 pr., synthetic quick drying, can replace swim suit for men
__ Long pants – 2 pr., synthetic quick drying fabric, zip-off leg convertible pants can also replace shorts
__ Rain suit - BOTH JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, Gore-tex or waterproof nylon

FOOTWEAR:
__ Tennis shoes - for travel & evening wear
__ Hiking shoes / light boots – sturdy hiking shoes or light weight boots in good repair that provide good ankle support & have a traction sole, be sure they are WELL BROKEN-IN BEFORE HIKING. Blisters, caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common & painful problem encountered on hikes!
__ Socks & liner socks – 2-3 pr. each, wear a thin liner sock that hugs the foot to eliminate abrasion & a thicker outer sock over the liner to provide cushioning
__ Sandals – that can get wet on the kayak trip, also for travel & evening wear, wear with thin socks to avoid getting blisters from straps, can replace tennis shoes

PERSONAL ITEMS:
__ Keep all prescription meds. in their original, labeled containers, bring these in your carry-on luggage
__ Earplugs – 2-3 pr. foam, a MUST for sound sleep
__ Toilet kit - normal toiletries in small travel sizes, feminine hygiene products, bath soap & small shampoo, skin lotion, foot powder, ZIPLOC BAG ALL LIQUIDS & CREAMS
__ Waterless hand sanitizer - 2 oz. bottle for hand sanitizing before eating, your first defense against getting sick
__ Personal first aid kit: anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhea, anti-acid, anti-biotic ointment, antihistamine & decongestant tablets, oral anti-biotic for traveler’s diarrhea (Cipro or Levaquin), Vaseline, hydrocortisone cream, assorted band-aids, eye drops, sunburn ointment (sm. aloe vera gel), 1" white athletic tape, moleskin & second skin for blisters
__ Sunscreen & lipscreen - SPF 30 min., sweat proof so it will not run in your eyes
__ Insect repellent – small non-aerosol, products containing DEET recommended
__ Small flashlight with extra batteries - headlamps with LED bulbs are most versatile
__ Small travel alarm clock with new batteries
__ Portable laundry kit - pack 1 cup powdered laundry detergent in 1 qt. Ziploc bag, 8-10 clothes pins p/p & 25 feet of light nylon cord for clothes line
__ Small amount of toilet paper & a few extra 1 qt. Ziplocs (for used paper), pack all in a 1 qt. Ziploc bag
__ Spare Ziploc bags – freezer wt. are strongest, assorted sizes, for dirty laundry, damp clothing and dirty shoes
__ Water bottle or hydration system - many daypacks come with hydration systems built in, 2-quart minimum
__ 2 light weight collapsible hiking poles - a MUST to save your knees, especially on descents, 2 poles work MUCH better than one - really!
__ Binoculars - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 7-8 power to really bring the animals in close, and we suggest investing in a good pair that work well in low light

OPTIONAL ITEMS:
__ Camera – ALWAYS INSTALL NEW BATTERIES AND BRING EXTRA BATTERIES, bring lots of film or media cards, camera case or freezer wt. Ziploc bag, lenses could be up to 200mm, light weight tripod or mono-pod hiking poles, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.
__ Portable battery powered hard drive or extra media cards for your camera - to download & store digital images
__ Paperback book, journal, sketchbook
__ Guidebook
__ Energy snacks – energy bars or liquid gels from home
__ Small "hotel size" sewing kit
__ Address book
__ Small calculator (for calculating exchange rates)

PACKS & BAGS:
With 2 bags you can travel light and have plenty of room for all the items on the equipment list, and your bags will easily fit in the vehicles.
__ Medium size duffel bag with wheels or a medium size suitcase with wheels, use this for your checked bag on the airlines
__ Daypack - large enough to carry your clothes & toiletries on the trek along with a 2 qt. hydration system, padded shoulder straps & a comfortable waist belt, use for your carry-on bag on the airlines
__ Waterproof daypack cover (external) or a heavy plastic trash compactor bag (to line the inside) - to keep pack contents dry & dust free
__ Waterproof nylon stuff sacks or large freezer wt. Ziploc bags to organize all of your clothing and gear and keep it dry

PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
TRAVEL LIGHT AND BRING ONLY THE ITEMS ON THE EQUIPMENT LIST.
See TSA Security Regulations http://www.tsa.gov/public/ for procedures and suggestions for expediting your experience in security. In addition, if you change carriers on route to New Zealand, make sure you allow plenty of time for going through any additional security and for your checked baggage to be transferred to the new carrier.

DAYPACK – make this your carry-on bag with your hiking boots (you can wear them on the flight), toilet kit (NO SHARP INSTRUMENTS), essential medications, travel clothing and necessities for a day or two should your other bags be delayed.

DUFFEL BAG / SUITCASE– your checked bag for the rest of your clothing and gear.

Packing Hint #1: Freezer weight Ziploc plastic bags are lightweight, inexpensive, and see-through. They are indispensable for packing items like books, toilet kits and cameras, and to prevent spilled liquids & creams in your baggage.

Packing Hint #2: Travel-size samples save space and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles that can be purchased in the size you need. Remember to plastic bag all lotions.

Packing Hint #3: Think multiple use garments. Convertible pants with zip off legs save bringing an extra pair of pants. Quick dry shorts double as a swimsuit. A rain jacket over a sweater replaces bringing a bulky jacket. Hiking poles can be a camera support and replace a tripod. Be creative and keep that baggage light!

Packing Hint #4: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you can easily wash it and hang it to dry.

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.