Itinerary January 21 - February
02, 2009
Led by Paul Beaver
January 21 Wednesday
Depart US, cross Dateline
Arrive New Zealand January 23
Fly Auckland to Nelson
January 23 Friday
Meet your New Zealand naturalist at the Nelson Airport.
At the head of nearby Wairau Valley lies the Nelson Lakes
National Park. The beautiful Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa are
nestled amongst the northern peaks of the Southern Alps.
Surrounding the lakes is New Zealand evergreen Beech forest.
After driving up the valley enjoy short walks in this enchanting
forest. The more energetic may opt to walk up through the
forest to tree line and out into the sub alpine tussocklands
for breathtaking panoramas of the national park, its mountain
ranges and lakes. Stay St Arnaud. L,D
January 24 Saturday
Depart St Arnaud and travel to the Awatere Valley. Here
we drive up to the summit region of the Black Birch Range.
The scenery will take your breath away while at our feet
lie an array of scree and rock outcrop species, herbfield
daisies and cushion plants. The tightly cushioned Raoulia
and Haastia, often growing up to 2 metres in width, are
affectionately known as vegetable sheep– so apt for
this farming country! Back down at sea level we continue
to Kaikoura. Stay Kaikoura two nights. B,L,D.
January 25 Sunday
Kaikoura is a breath-taking place where snow-iced mountains
reach down to a turquoise sea. The continental shelf drops
abruptly very close to shore, resulting in upwellings of
nutrients from the sea’s depths, attracting a rich
and abundant marine life. Marine mammal excursion include
seeking out Sperm Whales, Common and Dusky Dolphins.
B,L,D.
January 26 Monday
Depart Kaikoura and travel south across the Canterbury Plains.
Now one of New Zealand's most intensive agricultural regions
the plains run down from the foothills to the central Southern
Alps. Early afternoon arrive in Dunedin. This afternoon
we embark on an unforgettable cruise on Otago Harbour to
Taiaroa Head, home to a small colony of the giant Northern
Royal Albatross. What a trip highlight as these birds wheel
overhead, then touch beaks with their mate before taking
over nesting duties. And there's more for just below NZ
Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins, and thousands of Shags
roost. Stay Dunedin.
B,L,D.
January 27 Tuesday
Depart for Invercargill via the Catlins coast. A short ferry
trip will convey us from Invercargill to the almost pristine
Stewart Island. We will head out on an evening excursion,
by boat and foot, to experience the Brown Kiwi in its natural
habitat, returning by midnight. We stay in Oban for two
nights.
B,L,D.
January 28 Wednesday
A half day marine charter to Paterson Inlet and into the
South Pacific will invigorate us with opportunities to observe
a rich diversity of seabirds. Among the bays of the inlet
we will scan for two very rare penguin species: the Yellow-eyed
Penguin and the Fiordland Crested Penguin. Out at sea we
may encounter several species of albatross, including Shy,
Black-browed and Buller’s, and the Southern Giant
Petrel, Southern Great Skua, and Broad-billed Prion. We
are also likely to come across large flocks of Sooty Shearwaters,
which breed nearby on the small outer islands. A treat awaits
us on Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary rich in lush podocarp
forest, and ringing with the songs of the Kaka, Tui, Bellbird
and the rare Red-crowned Parakeet. The Stewart Island Weka
is also a popular resident.
B,L,D.
January 29 Thursday
Early morning cross on ferry back to South Island. Travel
northwest to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland World Heritage
Area. At times stunning, at others awesome, and in places
even tranquil this area encompasses New Zealand's largest
national park. Glacially gouged valleys and lakes nestled
between range upon range of mountains characterise the landscape.
We spend the afternoon walking amidst the lush beech forests
in the Eglinton Valley. Stay tonight by Lake Te Anau.
B,L,D.
January 30 Friday
Day excursion to Milford Sound. This morning travel through
to the famed Hollyford Valley. Hike through the alpine grandeur
and botanical treasure trove that makes the Gertrude Valley
so special. Early afternoon drive down to Milford Sound
with time for an optional cruise on this, the northernmost
fiord. Late afternoon return to Te Anau.
B,L,D.
January 31 Saturday
Inland of Dunedin lie the block mountains of Central Otago.
Today we travel through this dramatic landscape of arid
tussock lands of Central Otago. The Old Man Range lies in
the heart of this rocky arid region and will provide us
with a spectacular insight into high altitiude cushion flora.
This afternoon drive over the Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie
Basin. Stay Lake Ohau. B,L,D
February 01 Sunday
A morning to explore the renowned Mount Cook National Park.
At the foot of Aoraki, Mt Cook, lies the spectacular Hooker
Valley. The walk along the trail enables us to study the
changes in vegetation on successive moraines as the Hooker
then Mueller Glaciers are reached. Giant Mt Cook buttercups,
golden Spaniards and sub-alpine shrubs abound amidst unforgettable
landscapes. Afternoon drive to Christchurch. B,L Connect
with flights back to home country.
B,L.
Cost $2,995pp
Single Supplement $570pp
Departs: from Nelson
Includes: Services of tour naturalist.
All tour travel departing in Auckland and terminating in
Dunedin.
All meals as specified.
All accommodation, twin share with private facilities in
qualityhotels and motor lodges.
Admission fees where applicable
Boat charters - Kaikoura, Otago Harbour
Ferry to and from Stewart Island
Kiwi Excursion on Stewart Island
Ulva Island excursion.
Information folio including background ecological information
and species lists for areas visited.
Inter-island ferry
Goods and Services Tax of 12.5%
FOC for Escort in single room
Airfare is not included
Extensions availble:
Milford Trail trek
Australia wildlife expedition
Deposit is $250pp to:
Amazonia Expeditions
10305 Riverburn Dr
Tampa, FL
33647
