NEW ZEALAND WALKING AND WINE

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

EX QUEENSLAND

  • Our holiday fun begins as soon as you step on the plane at your departure point from Australia. Don't forget your passport and your smiles to equip you for a week of self indulgence, gigantic vistas, gentle mossy forests, sweeping ridges, delicious cuisine and did we mention New Zealand wine...?

    Arriving in Queenstown you will make your own way to a convenient hotel in which to rest for the evening before our activities begin the following day.

    We come together in the early evening in Queenstown for a short wander if time permits, before heading out to a local restaurant for a fun and casual dinner.

    Easing in to your time with GirlsTrek your head will hit the fluffy pillow on night one and you regular life will feel a million miles away!

    Meals: Dinner

  • Cycle: Arrowtown

    After breakfast we set off to the gorgeous Arrowton where we pick up our e bikes and head off to spend the morning exploring the local area on two wheels.

    Perfectly planned for cyclists there will be no need to worry about busy roads. Dedicated cycling lanes, bike trails and quiet country roads are part of our journey.

    We make many stops and enjoy the gorgeous views up to the Remarkables and rushing clean waters of the Kawarau and Arrow Rivers.

    The e-bikes really make cycling life very easy providing that extra power as you turn the pedals. We may not be able to clock the times of Cadel Evans however your Strava feed will look mighty impressive!

    Back in Arrowtown we return the bikes and wander around town to view the cute shops and galleries before grabbing a venison pie from the Arrowtown Bakery (they are famous!). At about 1:30pm we take a private transfer back to our accommodation.

    With your bags waiting, the Hump Ridge track buses collect us for our transfer to Tuatapere at approximately 2:30pm. The journey is two and a half hours with a short break half way. It starts with a drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and then through farming land. It is a very scenic drive and not too windy!

    The little town of Tuatapere is a very quite little joint. Our accommodation tonight is clean and comfortable with a delicious home style meal onsite. We also meet and receive a full briefing from our local guides tonight.

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner

  • Trek: Tuatapere to Okaka Bay 11 -14kms

    At 8:30am, after breakfast we are collected for our 9:00am scenic helicopter ride over Te Waewae Bay to deliver you to the start of the Hump Ridge walk. You will climb up to the top of the Hump Ridge, experiencing beautiful bush first hand as it changes dramatically with elevation as you head up the ridge to the Stag Point where the trees part and you are welcomed by the beautiful bay once more - this time from a different perspective. Not far to the top of the ridge now and on a nice day you can see many of our neighbouring islands off the South Coast and of course the Fiordland mountains and lakes nearby.

    When you arrive at Okaka, our lodge 'on top of the world' all you have to do is unwind and admire the views, settle into your private room with super king bed and, of course, take a hot shower. You will feel at home with a nourishing dinner and hospitality.

    For our first night on the track enjoy a 'champagne' celebration on GirlsTrek.

    Note: You will be able to stow extra luggage in Tuatapere for the duration of your trek if needed.

    Wine and beer is available for purchase at Okara and Port Craig lodges

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Trek: Okara Lodge to Port Craig Lodge 19 -21 kms

    After breakfast you wander down the Hump Ridge, with 360 degree views of Te Waewae bay, the South Coast, Waitutu terraces and mountains behind them. While you are walking over the mighty wooden viaducts on the way to Port Craig Village, consider the men who built them almost a century ago. Our guide will share many stories from the days when Port Craig was a bustling sawmill town in the 1920's.

    If you are interested in the history and relics that surround Port Craig, choose to take the interpretive trail or just meander down to the beach and spy our resident Hector's dolphins who live at the old wharf poles in the surf. Awaiting you at the lodge, a friendly lodge manager will welcome you to your room and you can put your feet up and once again enjoy their hospitality while taking in your new coastal backdrop. For the brave and time permitting you can wander down for a swim in the ocean at a near by bay.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Trek: Port Craig Lodge to Tuatapere 19 -21 kms

    To complete the track, you will first walk out under native bush canopy, then along our beautiful golden beaches - one named Blowholes because of the ring of rocks the waves blow up though as they come to shore - a spectacular finish to a fantastic trip. The final section is a flat beach walk that you flew over on day one.

    We arrive back in to Tuatapere in the mid afternoon and at 4:00pm our transfer back to Queenstown departs.

    We expect to arrive around 7pm traffic dependent and check in to our Queenstown Hotel. Now walking distance from all the fabulous bars and restaurants in this global resort town we are set to make the most of the next 48 hours!

    With a late arrival in to town we choose to eat casually this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Winery day and long lunch

    The chance for a sleep in !! Breakfast at leisure at the hotel. Early birds have the chance to explore the beautiful Queenstown gardens and grab a coffee 'downtown'.

    At 10:30 am we assemble for a transfer to a gorgeous organic winery near Lake Hayes for a private wine tasting. We allow time for you to wander before we make our way on foot to our lunch time destination at Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen.

    Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen enables their guests the opportunity to take time, to slow down and enjoy good food and wine with family and friends. Owner and Executive Chef John Pickens, and his team at our restaurant offer hand-crafted cuisine that is made from scratch. We use New Zealand’s finest sustainable ingredients, sourced in and around the four coasts of the South Island.

    The perfect way to round out a girls getaway.

    Late in the afternoon we transfer back to Queenstown and this evening find a fun bar for a sundowner or just enjoy an early night!

    Meals: Breakfast and long lunch

  • After breakfast this morning you have a free time to explore the gorgeous town of Queenstown before making your way back to the airport for your flight home.

    Flight times returning to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne are from mid afternoon.

    For those keen GirlsTrek will organise a Jet Boating trip on the Shotover river or alternatively a ride up the Skyline Gondola.

    Either of these activities you can decide closer to the time and are paid separately to your GirlsTrek trip.

    GirlsTrek recommend the trek to Ben Lomand - approximately 4 hour return to the saddle from the Skyline Gondola.

    An easier hike is to Queentown Hill - approximately 1.5 hour return from the centre of Queenstown

    Your GirlsTrek guide will consult the group and lead you on either of these hikes time permitting.

    Transfers back to the airport are dependant on flight times.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Price includes

    Ex Queenstown

    7 days trekking and experiences fully hosted with GirlsTrek

    Private vehicle transfers to/ from airport

    Hotel accommodation in Frankton & Queenstown (twin share) pre and post trek

    Restaurant dinners in Queenstown

    EXCLUSIVE use of Hump Ridge Trail for 3 days - no other walkers allowed.

    Local NZ Wilderness Guide

    Average of 7 hours per trekking day on the Humpridge Track Tuatapere

    Transfer return to Tuatapere for Humpridge track trek

    Helicopter ride to beginning of track

    All trek accommodation (twin share) in private rooms

    E-cycling tour to Arrowtown and private transfers (Day 2)

    Winery Tasting at Noakies Palette

    Long lunch at Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen

    All meals as per itinerary

    Premium New Zealand sparkling wine celebration on trek

    Small group size travel to a maximum of 12

    Currency fluctuation absorbed

    Seasonal Adjustment included

    GirlsTrek Gift

    Trip specific packing list with expert advice and great discounts

    Information get together to detail the trip and answer any of your questions

    At home training programme to prepare for trek

    Price excludes

    Travel to/from destination

    Travel insurance, which is compulsory

    Jet-boating or Skyline Gondola experience Day 7 (Client choice)

    Beverages, optional and personal expenses

    *Single supplement available on request at an additional cost

  • Essential gear

    Daypack - 34L -36L with rain cover

    2-3L Water bladder

    Good trekking shoes

    Waterproof rain jacket with hood

    Hat and sunglasses

    Beanie and gloves

    Buff or kerchief for neck protection

    Refill 600ml+ water bottle - for travelling in buses

    Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent

    Tissues & hand sanitiser

    Personal first aid kit (band aids, compression bandage, pain relief tablets)

    Recommended gear

    trekking poles - we recommend Helinox

    Earplugs

    SOS electrolyte or similar

    Clothing for trek

    You will be wearing or carrying all of these items during the trek

    2 walking shorts, leggings or long pants

    2-3 short sleeve walking shirts - we recommend Icebreaker merino 120 - 150 gsm

    1 light long sleeve shirt for sun protection - we recommend Camixa Linen shirt

    1 long sleeve warm layer - we recommend Icebreaker merino 150 - 200 gsm

    3 walking socks - merino wool to prevent blisters

    Fleece or down Jacket; wool, fleece or down vest

    Gaiters

    Sleeping set - something you can wear to dinner at the cabins and sleep in.

    Waterproof pants (optional)

    Light camp shoes - crocks, or similar

    Swimmers for Port Craig (ocean swim available)

    Clothing for trip

    Casual wear for travel and winery day

    Cycle outfit (leggings and shirt)

    Sandshoes for cycling

    Small backpack/satchel and water bottle for cycling

    Outfit/s for dinners out in Queenstown

    Sleepwear & underwear

    Toiletries

    Minimalist packing is a wonderful way to travel! You are very welcome to wear the same outfit to many dinners and double up on your trekking days.

    Notes: Extra luggage will be held at the Hump Ridge office during the trek. For Aeroplane travel, you will have your backpack as carry on and an extra suitcase in the plane. New Zealand is very fussy about clean gear. Please make sure that your trekking shoes and trekking poles are clean of any dirt or plant matter before you depart.