Tramps in New Zealand: Volcanos, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, Rainforest and Mountain Tops

Join us for a 13-day adventure to one of the most exotic and beautiful places in the world. Our journey will include 4 days of backpacking, plus 8 days exploring some of the unique features and famous landmarks of New Zealand’s North Island,

We will spend 12 nights in cabins, cottages, and group lodges and we will have a couple of days to explore New Plymouth, Napier and Rotorua. Our scenic 900-mile journey will start and end in Auckland and along the way we will see spectacular rainforest waterfalls, lakes, soaring mountains above alpine valleys, volcanoes, hot pools, geysers, hot mud and the isolated beaches of the wild Tasman Sea.

The maximum group size for this event is 12. Given the daily elevation gains achieved during this hike, along with the challenge of multiple back to back hikes, only intermediate and advanced hikers with significant D4 and D5 experience should register.  All registrants shall initially be placed on the wait list so that the Trip Leaders can evaluate the registrant’s fitness and experience level. 

We may do this trip in a different order from this Itinerary, it all depends on Hut passes for the Tongariro Circuit, so please be prepared to be flexible! I will be available at the January & February 2016 AOC Social to answer any questions before registration opens. We will also have at least 2 pre-trip meetings to finalize everything before we depart.

Please read the following carefully:

Mon 7th Nov Day 1: Pick up from Auckland Airport and Drive to Taupo  

We will shop for groceries in Taupo and do a short walk to the Huka Falls.

Tues 8th Nov Day 2:  Tongariro Northern Circuit: Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut Miles: 5.2

An easy first day on the Tongariro Northern Circuit from Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/tongariro-taupo/tongariro-circuit-brochure.pdf

Wed 9th Nov Day 3: Tongariro Northern Circuit: Mangatepopo Hut to Otuere Hut Miles:  12-13 miles.

This will be an excellent day climbing up through the valley and across sections of old lava flows to the top of Mangatepopo saddle. When we reach the Red Crater we will take the side track to the top of Tongariro summit (Weather Permitting). After summiting we will return to the track and head to the Emerald Lakes stopping here for a short time before descending to Otuere Hut.

Thus 10th Nov Day 4:  Tongariro Northern Circuit:  Otuere Hut to Waihohonou Hut Miles: 4.6

An easy day to our third hut, crossing a number of stream valleys and then open gravel fields then over a ridge and down into the beech clad valley for our third night and a relaxing day.  

Fri 11th Nov Day 5: Tongariro Northern Circuit:  Waihohonou Hut to Whakapapa Village Miles: 11

We follow a stream out of camp before climbing up and over the Tama Saddle. We will then take a side trip to the Tama lakes. After this we will back track and continue our trip back to the van and drive to New Plymouth.

Sat 12th Nov Day 6:  New Plymouth

A recovery day in New Plymouth, where we will stay overnight, take a rest day and maybe do some local hikes and maybe visit a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sun 13th Nov Day 7: New Plymouth

Climb Mount Tranaki - Weather Permitting.

Rising above the clouds, the 2518 m (7080 feet) summit of this dormant volcano offers spectacular views to those who make the challenging climb to its peak.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/wanganui/mt-taranaki-summit-route-factsheet.pdf

This is a challenging climb and we may not reach the summit due to conditions on the mountain, however there are many alternative tracks in the park so we will still hike in this area. 

Mon 14th Nov Day 8: Napier

Scenic drive to Napier with stops. Approximately 5 hours. 

Tues 15th Nov Day 9: Napier

Kiritaki Hut – Day Hike - This day trip over the southern range passes through rimu and mountain forests and the largest, unbroken mass of leatherwood in New Zealand. There are no open tops and the track is well defined, although the area is exposed and it is often windy and cloudy. 

Wed 16th Nov Day 10:

Day Hike and Drive to Rotorua.

Sentinel Rock Hike

A challenging climb to an isolated rock outcrop in the Kaimai Ranges that offers spectacular views across the valley.

Thurs 17th Nov Day 11: Rotorua – Relaxing Day in Hot Springs and other related stuff.

Rotorua is the Thermal Capital of New Zealand, this is a free day to enjoy the sights, maybe take in the Hot Pools, visit Te Puia, hike the Redwoods Forest, ride the Luge, spend a day at the Spa or maybe visit a Marae. 

Fri 18th Nov Day 12: Rotorua

Waiere Falls Track - A spectacular Waterfall hike. Short but well worth it. 

Sat 19th Nov Day 13:  Drive to Auckland for Flights back home. Own accommodation etc.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Accommodation

The following are examples of the accomodation we may be staying in:

New Plymouth - Beach House

Napier - Hawkes Bay Heaven

Rotorua - Homestead

Passport

To enter the country you must have a passport and it must be valid for at least three months past the date that you intend to leave New Zealand.

US Citizens do not need a visitor visa to enter New Zealand. However, they are still required to provide travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements, and evidence of funds for maintenance.  You are responsible for knowing the immigration laws for your own particular citizenship status.

Visa-waiver countries

United States of America - http://gloss ary.immigration.govt.nz/visafreecountries.htm 

ARRIVAL – YOU MUST READ THIS WEBSITE –

http://www.customs.govt.nz/inprivate/onyourarrival/Pages/default.aspx

Travel Insurance:  Is strongly suggested.

Cell phone:  International rates are high and most US phones will not have coverage in NZ.  A cheap cellphone can be picked up from Dick Smith in NZ ranging from $39 upwards on either 2degrees or Telecom New Zealand. http://www.2degre esmobile.co.nz/prepay/pricing

Exchange Rate: approximately US$1 buys NZ$1.16 (Subject to change).

Banking: Please inform your bank/and or credit card company that you will be travelling to NZ so they do not block your card.

Meals and Food costs: Eating out is expensive, around $20 - $35 NZ for a main (entree) at a restaurant. Groceries are expensive.  You should plan to budget about $80 NZ per day for food to be on the safe side. We will have time for grocery shopping on the first day in Auckland/Rotorua and again when we get to New Plymouth and Napier. Some of our overnight accommodations will have cooking facilities, which will allow our group to prepare shared meals.  On the days that we prepare group meals, we will split the cost of the grocery bill among the group.  

Weather conditions: The average temperatures in the North Island during the month of November range from a high of 75 degrees F down to a low of 50 degrees F (think of Atlanta in the Springtime). Although it will be summer in New Zealand, the weather can change rapidly, so pack for a variety of conditions.   

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and- recreation/plan-and-prepare/weather/

Burn Time: New Zealand has a hole in the Ozone directly above it; therefore “Burn Time” or the time it takes for a serious sunburn to occur, can be as short as 10 minutes!  Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher is a REQUIRED ITEM.  Bring twice as much as you think you may need, especially if you are fair skinned. 

Banned food products and other plant materials:   It is illegal to import most foodstuffs. This could be something as simple as a piece of fruit, a sandwich, preserved sausage or a cheese snack. Go to prohibited and restricted items for more information.

Clean boots: Please clean and remove all soil and traces of plant material off your boots before entering New Zealand. All boots/camping equipment should be declared to NZ customs for inspection. For information on how to properly clean your boots, please read http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/pests/didymo/info-for- trampers.pdf

Our route:

Registration Requirements

Given the daily elevation gains achieved during this hike, along with the challenge of multiple back to back hikes, only intermediate and advanced hikers with significant D4 and D5 experience should register.  All registrants shall initially be placed on the wait list so that the TLs can evaluate the registrant’s fitness and experience level.

Any registrant who does not have a recent resume of D4 and D5 hikes in the AOC likely will not be placed on the event list unless the registrant can demonstrate to the TLs an appropriate fitness and experience level gained outside the Club.  The TLs also reserve the right to consider any registrant’s social history within the AOC and to make the final determination as to whether the registrant is an appropriate candidate for this event.  

Luggage Requirements

As there is limited space in the van, please try and limit yourself to one back pack and one day pack.

1. Transportation in a rented 12 seat passenger van from Auckland, New Zealand Airport (AKL) to Taupo and to all designated points on the itinerary, with transportation to the AKL on the last day.

2. 9 nights accommodation in group lodging facilities, including 3 nights stay in huts.  Some group lodging facilities may include communal showers and group cooking facilities.  Depending on the availability of beds in the lodging facilities, you may expect to share a queen bed with another member of our travel group.  If this is a problem, you may reconsider whether you are suited for this trip.

3. Some food including snacks, cereal and some lunch items. 

Cost does not include: Airfare from Atlanta to Auckland (up to $2,300.00); most food or meals for the duration of the trip; additional paid activities in Auckland, New Plymouth, Napier or Rotorua; personal expenses and incidentals, such as laundry or internet; cell phone service; any additional nights stay in New Zealand.  Our itinerary will include time to shop for provisions at the beginning and during the 13 days.  Plan to spend approximately $80 USD per day for food.

Price changes:  The price of this event is based upon the current fuel prices and currency exchange rate at the time of this write-up.  Further, the price is also based upon a minimum number of participants sharing transportation costs.  We will attempt to lock in costs as quickly as possible.  However, fuel prices and/or currency fluctuations in the interim, or a smaller group than expected, can create a slight increase in price.  Please do not register if you are unable to pay a small price increase, should it become necessary.  Your TLs will make every effort to avoid a price increase, and, if one is necessary, to keep it as small as possible.

Additional Payment Information:  Payment in full is due 21 days after you signup or March 15th - whichever comes first.   You will be moved to the waiting list if you fail to meet this deadline. 

Payment may be made via PayPal, PC Banking or Check. It is your responsibility to get the deposit payment and/or balance payment to the AOC by the due dates. Allow two days processing for PayPal and PC Banking and one week to mail a check.

If you cancel on or before April 30th, you will receive a full refund less a $35 administrative fee.  There will be no refunds for cancellations after July 1st, unless someone (approved by the trip leaders) replaces you from the wait list and pays in full. If you are replaced, you will receive a full refund less the nonrefundable fee of $120.00 for the Hut Fees and the $35.00 administrative fee. There are limited spaces available in the New Zealand hut system. Once all the spaces are filled on the Tongaririo Crossing, we will be unable to add a replacement for any cancellations.  Once this happens, there will be no refund for any cancellations. There is no partial payment for partial attendance.