About the Experience
Each day on the South Island will be one giant bite of authentic New Zealand’s remote landscape and glacial marvels–and you’ll experience it on foot, pedalling and paddling!
You’ll see other parts of the isle in the most dramatic way–by jet boat on the Dart River and on a seriously scenic flight into Mt. Aspiring! The hikes are challenging and unforgettable–check off biggies like the Devil’s Punchbowl, Haast Pass, Routeburn, Kepler and the behemoth, Ben Lomond Track. These routes slice through glacier-scraped valleys, along snaking silver rivers and into the thick of beech and plum pine forests.
Visit two knock-out national parks on this 12-day adrenaline-infused adventure: Mount Aspiring and Fiordland. Birders will be bonkers for the endemics and remarkable species like the New Zealand fantails, kea parrots, swamphens and tomtits.
From the startling face of Franz Josef Glacier to the “Cloud Piercer” (Mount Cook), the torrents of waterfalls, skyscraper peaks and fictional teal Blue Pools will keep your head on a swivel.
In Queenstown, situated on Lake Wakatipu, sop up the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Queenstown is the hopping off point for bungee jumpers at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension bridge and jet boaters on the Shotover and Dart river–it’s also a very cosmo base for exploring the region’s coveted vineyards and historic gold mining towns.
Jump from biking the Milford Sound Bike Queenstown Trail and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (New Zealand’s Longest) to hiking hidden pockets of wild to sea kayaking in the sanctuary of the Okarito Lagoon among the white heron rookery.
Come, explore New Zealand’s South Island with Wild Women and feel the supernatural rush of this destination.
About the Experience
Each day on the South Island will be one giant bite of authentic New Zealand’s remote landscape and glacial marvels–and you’ll experience it on foot, pedalling and paddling!
You’ll see other parts of the isle in the most dramatic way–by jet boat on the Dart River and on a seriously scenic flight into Mt. Aspiring! The hikes are challenging and unforgettable–check off biggies like the Devil’s Punchbowl, Haast Pass, Routeburn, Kepler and the behemoth, Ben Lomond Track. These routes slice through glacier-scraped valleys, along snaking silver rivers and into the thick of beech and plum pine forests.
Visit two knock-out national parks on this 12-day adrenaline-infused adventure: Mount Aspiring and Fiordland. Birders will be bonkers for the endemics and remarkable species like the New Zealand fantails, kea parrots, swamphens and tomtits.
From the startling face of Franz Josef Glacier to the “Cloud Piercer” (Mount Cook), the torrents of waterfalls, skyscraper peaks and fictional teal Blue Pools will keep your head on a swivel.
In Queenstown, situated on Lake Wakatipu, sop up the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Queenstown is the hopping off point for bungee jumpers at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension bridge and jet boaters on the Shotover and Dart river–it’s also a very cosmo base for exploring the region’s coveted vineyards and historic gold mining towns.
Jump from biking the Milford Sound Bike Queenstown Trail and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (New Zealand’s Longest) to hiking hidden pockets of wild to sea kayaking in the sanctuary of the Okarito Lagoon among the white heron rookery.
Come, explore New Zealand’s South Island with Wild Women and feel the supernatural rush of this destination.
DAY 1 KIA ORA (HELLO!) CHRISTCHURCH
To properly ramp up for this adventure-amplified trip, most Wild Women choose to arrive a day or two early to shake off the pesky grip of jetlag.
There are no scheduled activities today so take advantage of this slow-motion day to wander and reset. We’ll rendezvous in the evening (in the hotel lobby of Sudima Hotel, where the Wild Women group is staying) for a trip orientation and icebreaker welcome dinner. It’s time to pinch yourself–you’ve arrived! Your New Zealand dreams are unfolding!
Note: When booking flights, please choose Christchurch International Airport (CHC).
Meals included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Sudima Hotel
Day 2 – HIKE ARTHUR’S PASS
Today we’ll travel from the east coast into the western granite folds of the Southern Alps (a 2 hour drive) to hike Devil’s Punchbowl in Arthur’s Pass. We’ll slice through the erratic limestone boulders of Castle Hill Basin en route–an area that the Dalai Lama deemed one of the most spiritual places in the world.
The Punchbowl is an easy walk that slips through tall stands of native beech forest to the pounding rush of the powerful 131m(430ft) waterfall. Be on high alert for the chicken-sized kiwis–though they are nocturnal. These comical-looking flightless, tailless endemics are the national icon (and unofficial emblem) of New Zealand. We’ll also be in the company of the impressive cinnamon-breasted fantail and tomtits, a small species of bird with a distinct large head and short tail (also endemic to NZ!).
After the Punchbowl, we’ll wind down the coast to Franz Josef. The town of Franz Josef is the nerve centre of New Zealand’s glacier country and is located just 5km (3.1mi) from the famed glacier face.
Fun fact: Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) was first explored by local iwi. In 1865, geologist Julius von Haast named it after the fabulously mustachioed Austrian emperor.
We’ll spend an extremely elemental night in the verdant subtropical rainforest in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The Rainforest Retreat strongly adheres to the sacred Tiaki Promise. Tiaki means to care for People and Place and this sustainably-minded property is committed to being a generational guardian. Extra bonus: there’s a hot tub!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
The skinny on today’s hike: 2 km (1.2 mi), 0.5-1 hour, elevation +/- 100m (330ft)
How much further? 3 to 4 hours (driving)
Day 3 – FRANZ JOSEPH GLACIER
This morning we’ll take a short journey over to Okarito (a 30-minute drive), a bijou beach community on the coast. We’ll slide tandem sea kayaks into the sheltered tidal lagoon and paddle towards the reflection of the snowy peaks mirrored in the water. This one hour, beginner-friendly activity is optional of course! For geology junkies, you’ll appreciate learning about how this Southern Alps region is continuing to grow (in land mass, not population) due to the movement of tectonic plates.
Okarito is home to the only native white heron colony in New Zealand. Their mating dance of the heron is an elaborate one–once a female is attracted, the pair preen each other and intertwine their long necks, wings and bill.
The herons (kōtuku) are symbolic and integral in Māori myth and folklore. The rarest species of kiwi, the Okarito kiwi or rowi, is also found near the town of Okarito in a kiwi sanctuary (one of two on the South Island). Under Operation Nest Egg, the Department of Conservation collects kiwi eggs from the wild and hatches them in captivity where they are raised in “crèche sites” until the juveniles are independent enough to be released into the wild.
After lunch we’ll be hiking to the Franz Josef Glacier. With more than 140 glaciers inching their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is known best as glacier country.
Few sights rival the natural spectacle of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier’s frozen rivers grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 250m (820ft) above sea level. This hike will take us along the Waiho riverbed up into the valley to the jaw-dropper terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier (*if time permits).
From Franz Josef, we’ll travel down the coast through the velvet forest and over the divide to a small mountain village called Makarora. Here, we’ll kick back and taste some authentic local fare at the Wonderland Lodge where the surroundings are truly a wonder. Enjoy the bird soundtrack (chatty fantails and boisterous tūī ) and later, the star-speckled squid ink sky above our rustic chalets.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
The skinny on today’s paddle: 1 hour
The skinny on today’s hike to Franz Josef Glacier: 4.8 km (3 mi), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 20 m (66ft). Note: There will be two guides so if you wish to opt out of the hike, you may travel onward to the lodge instead.
How much further? 30 minutes (driving)
Day 4 – SIBERIA VALLEY FLIGHT + JET BOAT
We’ll be on the move early today, driving two hours to Makarora Village. Soon, we’ll be buzzing and jangly from more than just a second cup of coffee after a 20-minute super scenic mind-blowing flight into Mt. Aspiring National Park. We’ll have a true bird’s eye view of the tarns and iced caps of the lower Southern Alps before landing in the remote Siberia Valley and its glacial ribbons.
Note: You will be guaranteed to have WET FEET today as the hike involves a river crossing. Due to the rocky nature of the river bottom it’s not advisable to cross the river barefoot. You may wish to bring an additional pair of shoes for this hike or take it all in stride.
Finding our land legs, we’ll hike downstream along the Wilkin River, through serene silver beech forests to our jet boat. It will be a thrilling 45-minute jet boat ride back on the glacial river to Makarora for dinner and a celebratory drink at the local pub. Tonight’s sleep will be in the fun and rustic A-frame cottages of Wonderland Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
The skinny on today’s hike: 9.5 km, +/-50 m, 2-3 hours
How much further? 20 minute flight, 45 minute jet boat, 2 hours driving
Day 5 – THE BLUE POOLS
This morning, we’ll head back towards the West Coast with a stop at the Haast Pass Lookout. The trail has a steady treadmill incline and doesn’t offer any plateau until we reach the tip top. The views above the tree line are startling and worth every huff and puff.
On our way back to Makarora, we’ll check out the iconic teal Blue Pools pocketed among the mature beech and podocarp (plum pine) forest. These pools of fictional deep teal water and trout eventually flow into the Makarora River and encourage a reflective moment. Listen for the brilliant yellowhead (bird) in the canopy.
Alternatively, you can indulge in a sleep-in and spend the morning absorbing the mountain views. We’ll regroup (early birds and sleepyheads) in Makarora for a picnic lunch before taking a gorgeous drive through the spectacular glacier-carved valleys. The landscape transitions rapidly from dense beech forests to semi-arid mountainous terrain.
In Wanaka, we’ll take a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to Arrowtown, a small historic gold mining village established in the 1800s. If time permits, we’ll elbow up to the bar of the Cardrona Hotel “home to over 150 years of good stories.” Rumor has it that this historic hotel is the most photographed building in all of New Zealand. Early settlers floated beech wood down the river and lake over 100km (62 miles) to build the now-legendary bar back in 1863.
We’ll hop on bikes and tear up a portion of the Queenstown Bike Trail. The trail is a well-packed surface and winds parallel to the Arrow River. We’ll follow the Arrow Bridges Trail through to Morven Ferry Car Park or the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge, depending on the group’s pace and enthusiasm. For those who don’t wish to participate in the ride, you can jump in the bus shuttle. You may also ride partway and take advantage of the shuttle at any point.
After our ride, we’ll head on to the alpine town of Queenstown (a 10 minute drive)and Lake Wakatipu’s captivating views. We’ll be spending two nights at this lakefront hotel so you can unpack a little!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Queenstown Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
The skinny on today’s hiking options:
Haast Pass Hike: 3.5 km (2.2 mi), 1 hour return, elevation +/- 107m (351 ft)
Blue Pools Hike: 1.5 km (0.9 mi), 1 hour return, elevation +/- 54m (177 ft)
The skinny on today’s pedal: 7.5-13 km (4.6-8.1mi), 1-2 hour, elevation +/- 127m (416 ft)
How much further? 90 minutes (driving) to Arrowtown via Wanaka
Day 6 – HIKE BEN LOMOND TRACK
Today our group can entertain two tempting options: a full day hike or a totally free day in Queenstown.
For those keen on the challenge of an alpine hike, we’ll meet our guide at reception at 9AM to make tracks on the famed Ben Lomond Track. To save our quads a little, we’ll take a short gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak to the Ben Lomond trailhead, which hovers 450m(1,476ft) above Queenstown. From the skyline, we’ll split through alpine tussock-land towards the daunting summit or “saddle” of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point, we’ll be spoiled with incredible views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and the immensity of Mt. Aspiring.
For those who want to be free range chickens, there’s lots to explore in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world! This cosmo city has endless restaurants, sweet sidewalk cafés, modern lounge bars, day spas and boutique shops to pop in and out of. There are also optional activities that our guide can help arrange including horse trekking, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, jet boating and skydiving.
Our guide can also help point you in the right direction with some info about their favourite hot spots for food and drink tonight. Dinner is NOT included today so you can follow your cravings and indulge as you wish. Our hotel is located less than 2km (1.2mi) from downtown Queenstown where there are several tempting options from empanadas to NZ beef burgers to craft beer, Indian and Thai menus.
Meals Included: Lunch (*Note: a boxed lunch will be provided for the hikers, but if you choose a free day in Queenstown, your lunch will be independent.)
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Queenstown Heritage Hotel, Queenstown
The skinny on today’s hike: 8km (5 mi), 4-5 hours, elevation +/- 978m (3,208ft)
How much further? A short gondola ride + hike or endless wandering in Queenstown!
Day 7 – HIKE KEPLER TRACK
This morning we’ll make our way (2.5 to 3 hours driving) around Lake Wakatipu, leaving behind the towering Remarkables (how great is that name?) to head west through the pastoral landscape to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. This region is home to the stunning takahē (a flightless swamphen).
In the afternoon, we’ll double-knot our hiking shoes and experience a section one of New Zealand’s Great Walks– the famous 60km (37 mile) Kepler Track. We’ll follow the trail through mountain beech forest and along the Waiau River–this is not a strenuous hike by any stretch.
Tonight, we’ll stay on the edge of Lake Te Anau, and sop up the scenery and tantalizing local fare.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
Hiking: 9.5 km(6 mi), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 50m (165ft)
How much further: 2 hours and 15 minutes (driving) from Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau
Day 8 – MILFORD SOUND AND ROUTEBURN TRACK
It’s an early bird start this morning as we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland.
After a short drive through Darran mountain range’s 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long Homer Tunnel we’ll emerge at the top of a spectacular glacier-carved valley for a memorable descent to the shore of Milford Sound (approximately 1.5 hours, driving).
Rudyard Kipling deemed this fiord as the eighth natural wonder of the world–the steep, 1000m tall (3,281ft) granite walls disappear into the depths of the Tasman Sea with snakes of waterfalls gushing over the vertical rock faces. Some boat captains insist their passengers try a “free glacial facial.” Just ask!
We’ll jump on board the first boat cruise (90 minutes) of the day to avoid the crowds and journey out to the entrance of the fiord. We may be lucky enough to have an encounter with the curious fur seals and bottlenose dolphins that sometimes frequent the area. The Fiordland Crested penguin is a truly rare sighting as are whales but Mother Nature always has surprises up her sleeve.
After our sneakingly educational boat excursion, we’ll explore the Fiordland wilderness on foot again, with a hike to Key Summit on the famous 32km (20 mile) Routeburn Track. The panoramic views are indelible. On this tramping track we’re also bound to encounter New Zealand’s notoriously cheeky and hyper intelligent alpine parrot, the kea parrot. This hike is more physical due to the steep and quick elevation gain.
After this exhilarating out and back tramp, we’ll head out of Milford Sound to spend our last night on the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Matai Lodge, Te Anau
The skinny on today’s hike: 3.4 km (2 mi), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 380m (1,246ft)
How much further? 1.5 hours (driving) from Fiordland NP to Milford Sound Shore, 1.5 hour cruise
Day 9 – ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive back through Queenstown and head north, cutting through the tussock-country of Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki (a 2.5 hour drive). Here, we’ll break up the drive and stretch our legs by biking a flat and beginner-friendly section of the well-groomed (gravel) Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail around the alpine lake with views across to the startling Aoraki Mount Cook. This 300km (190 mile) trail is New Zealand’s longest–it unspools from Mount Cook Village, through the magnificent Mackenzie Basin and down the Waitaki Valley to end at Oamaru by the Pacific Ocean. On this ride we’ll learn more about the native plants of this area from a Maori perspective.
This supernatural ride is a colourful one, dotted with native plants like the brilliant yellow blooms of the Kowhai (it’s a popular one with the endemic Tui birds), flax and tussocks. The trail then slices through farmland across the Mackenzie Country basin before we muscle our way back to Twizel. We’ll bike straight to our accommodation for the last two nights where we’ll have stunning views that stretch like open arms across the Southern Alps. We’ll be sleeping in the cloak of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve which means light pollution is strictly controlled in the area. This makes for even more stars to wish upon!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s sweet sleep: Mackenzie Country Hotel
The skinny on today’s pedal: 24 km(15 mi), 2-3 hours
How much further? 2.5 hours (driving) from Queenstown to Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki
Day 10 – HIKE THE CLOUD PIERCER
Mt. Cook (named Aoraki or ‘Cloud Piercer’ by South Island Maori), is the highest mountain in New Zealand–it has 23 peaks over 3,000m (9,843ft) high!
Directly opposite to the mountain, we’ll set off on a stunning hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier through the Sealey Tarns and along Mueller Ridge to the famed Mueller Hut. It’s a challenging route with formed rock stairs but the glacier view and peaks will remain like a tattoo on your heart.
The weather conditions in this area are typical of an alpine climate and notorious for sudden shifts. If weather impacts this hike, we will opt for the Mueller Glacier hike, or depending on the group’s interest, there’s an easier and flatter (but still impressive) hike up to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of the Hooker Glacier.
After logging some unforgettable miles, we’ll find easy inspiration at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at the Hermitage Hotel. This gallery tribute to one of the world’s greatest explorers also houses the world’s southern most digital dome planetarium.
Inspired by Hillary’s achievements, we’ll head back to our accommodation for a little pampering and a simmering sunset over the Southern Alps.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Mackenzie Country Hotel
The skinny on today’s hikes:
Mueller Ridge Hike: 7.2 km (4.4 mi), 5-6 hours, elevation +/- 975m (3,200ft)
Hooker Glacier Hike: 9km(5.6 mi), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 100m (328ft)
Day 11 – CHRISTCHURCH CHILL-OUT
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Christchurch (a 4 hour drive), have lunch en route and check-in at the Scenic Hotel Cotswold. We can also stop at a salmon breeding farm and opt for hyper local fish on the “barbie” tonight if the group is game.
We will have a free afternoon to poke around Christchurch–you may wish to visit the Botanical Gardens, take a punt down the River Avon, ride the vintage tram or take the cable car aboard a gondola.
Just a reminder–this is your last chance to try Jaffas, pineapple lumps and hokey pokey—vanilla-flavored ice cream with small lumps of honeycomb toffee dispersed throughout it.
We’ll swap pics, stories and laughs tonight over our last celebratory dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s sweet sleep: Scenic Hotel Cotswold
How much further? 4 hours (driving)
Day 12 – DEPARTURE
Invigorated and challenged from the hikes, paddles and pedals, it’s time to unwind on the flight home. Hug your Wild Women crew tight and figure out when you’ll walk together again!
You may book flights out of Christchurch International Airport (CHC) at any time today. The hotel staff can help arrange a taxi transfer to the airport (not included).
Meals included: Breakfast
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: In the window seat of the plane, on the way home!
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!
Christchurch Airport (CHC) is located 25 minutes from the town center. Transport is easy to arrange on arrival from outside every New Zealand airport. You can either catch a taxi or there are door-to-door airport shuttles. The shuttle takes a little bit longer, however it’s an economical option for solo travelers.
Public Transport | NZ Airports – Christchurch Airport
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: Day 1
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Location: Hotel lobby of the Sudima Hotel – Christchurch, 49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013
- Date: Day 12
- Time: Depart from here anytime today
We recommend using this link to coordinate your departure transfers.
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
- Visa
You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the New Zealand Consulate for up-to-date information.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
- Customs and Immigration
Once your international flight arrives in New Zealand, you’ll proceed through immigration to have your passport checked and be issued your visitor’s permit. You should then collect your luggage before proceeding through customs.
Rules / Regulations | NZ Airports – Christchurch Airport
- Biosecurity
New Zealand is very strict about checking high-risk biosecurity items so it’s a good idea to:
- Scrub your hiking boots clean and pack them at the top of your luggage. You’ll be asked to declare them and it’s highly likely that they will be inspected. As biosecurity is such a serious threat to our country, you can be fined up to $300 NZD for dirty boots. Check out New Zealand Biosecurity if you’d like to know more about New Zealand’s customs requirements.
- Declare/dump any food items, especially those that contain produce, meat, fruit or dairy.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum of two people per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner.
- Private Upgrades
If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom, you have the option to upgrade to a private room. We’ll then arrange for you to have your own bedroom for all 9 nights. If you have already indicated your preference, we will email you a quote once availability is determined. If you are now interested, please email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com to request your upgrade.
- Bathrooms
Generally speaking, in most places you stay, you’ll have an ensuite or private bathroom attached to your bedroom. In some places, we use two bedroom units, in which case you may be sharing a separate bathroom between two to four people. In certain places, there may be a large bathroom with private cubicles which is shared by everyone at that accommodation.
- Internet / WiFi
Internet cafés are everywhere in cities and most towns so you can rely on having access a couple of times a week during the trip. If you have WiFi, then you’ll be able to use your cell phone about 60% of the time during your trip, and 3G/4G is available too for accessing the internet from a smartphone or tablet. WiFi is available at some of the accommodations that you’ll be staying at, usually for a small cost so check this at each location when you arrive.
- Potable Water
Tap water throughout New Zealand is drinkable.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection
- Electricity
New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and uses the angled two orthree-pin plugs (the same as Australia).
- Timezone
New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) is the time zone for New Zealand. It is +12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
March and April are wonderful months for hiking and walking in New Zealand, particularly in the South Island. For hikers (or trampers as they are called in New Zealand) April remains a favorite hiking month for many as the autumn colors (particularly around Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown in the South Island) are so beautiful.
The temperature in April fluctuates between hot days and cold nights, but April weather is generally known for its lack of wind, lack of rain and its long, fine spells. Popular hiking routes tend to be less crowded although there can be occasional storms leaving snow on the ground, as well as shorter days and frost on the ground.
Queenstown Weather – NZ Weather Forecast from MetService.com
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. New Zealand banks are open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday. Some are also during weekends.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.
International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
Travellers cheques in any of the major currencies (British pound, Euro, US dollar, Australian dollar) can be exchanged into New Zealand dollars on arrival and are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Budgeting
Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items:
- A hotel breakfast: $15-$40 NZ
- Dinner: $25-$70 NZ per main meal
- Lunch snack/sandwich: $5-$10 NZ
- Cafe lunch: $10-$25 NZ
- A postcard stamp to anywhere abroad: $2 NZ
- Cappuccino: $3.50-$4.50 NZ
- Souvenirs: $40 NZ per t-shirt
- Drinks: $5-12 NZ per juice/beer/wine
- Goods and Services Tax
All goods and services are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however, when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor’s home address the GST will not be charged.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Hill training.
The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Practice ‘backpacking’.
Grab your backpack (or borrow one) and head for the hills! If you’re bringing your own backpack, practice adjusting the various straps so you know how it feels in different positions. We aren’t multi-day hiking every day, but you’ll be carrying a day pack almost everyday, so it’s well worth a bit of practice. Backpacks sit differently and so change your centre of balance when it’s full of gear so make sure you put a few pounds of weight in it in training.
- Break in your hiking boots.
Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
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BOOK NOW -
Starting At$7,995Deposit$995Duration12 DAYS
- 🇺🇸USD PRICEFOREIGN EXCHANGE FEES MAY APPLY
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What's Included
- 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners (*please note that the WWE guides will be preparing all meals except for 4 restaurant dinners)
- Drinking water, snacks
- 11 nights shared accommodation (jungle lodge, 4-star hotels)
- All ground transportation (minibus) from Christchurch hotel on Day 1 to Christchurch hotel on Day 12
- Two awesome, expert female kiwi guides
- Guided hikes on classic routes like the Routeburn, Ben Lomond and Kepler Track
- Entry to Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Park
- Bikes and helmets
- Franz Josef Glacier Cruise
- 20 minute scenic mountain flight to Siberia Valley
- 45 minute jet boat ride in Mt Aspiring National Park
- Tandem sea kayaks and paddling safety equipment Okarito Lagoon
- Hiking poles available for rent ($50US)
- Private upgrade upon request and subject to availability