Women's New Zealand Hiking & Kayaking Trip // 19th March 2020

Today we start early with leader Monique to hike the 11km return Bon Lomond Hike (8 hours). It's a steep climb to the summit but well worth the views of Queenstown. On the way back down, we catch the Gondola back into town before resting our legs at Pinewood Lodge. Accommodation: Pinewood Lodge Grade: Moderate to hard (steep hill and uneven rocks) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hiking snacks

Wake up early (6am). We will be collected from our accommodation at 7.00am to meet our New Zealand leader Sarah. It's a stunning drive south towards the Hollyford Valley. It's a fabulous hike with plenty of scenery, adventure and beyond tourist tracks to make you feel like your in the wilderness. In the afternoon, we take the stunning drive into Mildford Sound for our nights accommodation at the cute "Gunns Camp" cabins by river. Hiking: Lake Marian (8km - 4 hours return hike) Graded: Moderate. Some steep sections when walking up the hill and some uneven surfaces Accommodation: Gunns Camp in Mildford Sound. Shared accommodation Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner + hiking snacks

We wake up early (5.15am) for breakfast then drive further into Mildford Sound to meet our guides for kayaking at 7.15am. This is the best way to experience the majestic waterfalls, cute little seals and wildlife in the area. You don't need any previous kayaking experience. You will be in a double kayak with another lady. After your kayaking experience we set out hiking the Key Summit Track with views of Lake Marian from the previous day. After a busy day adventuring we drive to Monowai Cabins. These are our favourite on the trip! At night, we prepare for our overnight hiking adventure to Green Lake for the next day. Make lunches are re sort our bags. Kayaking: 4 hours (easy. You don't need any previous experience and we provide you with thermals + gear) Hiking: Key Summit Track (3 hours return // 8km) Graded: Easy - moderate. Accommodation: Monowai cabins. Ladies will have their own bed and cabin. 2x ladies will need to share. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, hiking snacks Dinner: At groups own cost in town at Teanu

We prepare for our first overnight hike at the cabins this morning, making lunches and finalising our bags, before taking the short drive up to Borland Saddle. Beech forest aligns the track before we meet the tussock. We navigate through the tussock, enjoying striking views of the granite peaks of southern Fiordland across the dark colours of Green Lake. Tarns (small mountain lakes) are dotted along the route and wild deer are prominent in the area. Eventually we reach the Green Lake hut, which leads us to a cosy mountain nights in the wilderness. Feel free to take a dip in the frigid waters of the lake before settling down in front of the hut fire for the night. Question: What is an alpine hut? Answer: An alpine hut is operated by the Department of Conservation in New Zealand. They are shared by the public and for Green Lake, it is one room for up to 15 people to sleep. It is best to bring ear plugs with you. These huts are absolutely amazing and Green Lake is heated by a fire. *Note: Your boots WILL get wet on the hike. We are off the beaten tracks and walk through tussock areas. God hiking boots and merino socks must be worn. *Note: The weather can change in New Zealand rapidly. If there is snowfall in November we may not be able to drive to the start of this hike and will make immediate alternations for other hikes in the area. Hiking: Green Lake Hut Walk 3 hours // 6km Accommodation: Green Lake Hut (or camp) Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner + hiking snacks

We wake up early this morning and enjoy this remote setting while having breakfast before we hike back to the road following along the lake then through beech forest and areas of alpine tussock. Then sit back this afternoon and enjoy the drive to Wanaka. Arrive Wanaka late afternoon for dinner in town at groups on cost. Hiking: Hike out from Green Lake Hut - 6km // 3 hours Graded: Easy- moderate. The trail has uneven surfaces, roots and is wet. This makes it a moderate experience. Shuttle time: 5 hours to Wanka (have a nice sleep!) Accommodation: Wanaka Altamont Lodge (twin share) Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and hiking snacks

This morning we re-pack our bags for another hike to an alpine hut. Mt Aspiring Hut via Rob Roy Glacier. After making our lunches and stocking up on snacks, we leave our accommodation for the start of the Mt Aspiring Walk. We enjoy a steep side trail up to the glacier for our lunch stop. Tonights accommodation is at the Mt Aspiring Hut which has 360 degree views of the stunning valley. Its a flat walk into the hut with waterfalls and mountains soaring above either side. Hiking: Mt Aspiring National Park- 6 hours // 18km, via Rob Roy Glacier Graded: Moderate Shuttle Time: 50 minutes to the start of the trail Accommodation: Mt Aspiring National Park Hut Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks

Early departure from Mt Aspiring Hut and walk back on the return trail before arriving at the shuttle. We then get prepared for the journey back to Queenstown, laughing, singing and reminiscing about our hikes. Hiking: Hike out from Aspiring Hut - 3 hours // 9km Graded: Moderate Shuttle Time: 3 hours Accommodation: Groups own cost and arrangement. We will drop at one central point in Queenstown. Ladies to make their own way to their accommodation in Queenstown from this central point.