New Zealand South Island 2018 - HF Holidays

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New Zealand South Island 2018 - HF Holidays
New Zealand
South Island
2018
               1
New Zealand South Island 2018 - HF Holidays
brochure for these walks is available
             Itinerary                          on request.
                                                Day 1: Depart UK

                                                Day 2: Overnight flight to Christchurch

                                                Day 3: Christchurch

                                                After arrival in Christchurch, we will be
                                                met at the airport to enjoy a scenic
                                                transfer to our hotel. We will have the
                                                opportunity to explore this beautiful
                                                city, or just to rest and relax after the
                                                journey.

                                                Accommodation: Elms Hotel (1 night)

                                                (Meals included: dinner)
The magnificent Southern Alps form              Day 4: Christchurch – Picton
the backdrop to this exciting holiday
itinerary - encompassing several                Early morning departure for our drive
national parks, mighty glaciers, a wild         north along the east coast to the
coastline, jagged peaks and excellent           seaside settlement of Kaikoura,
tracks among untouched nature. New              situated against a backdrop of
Zealand’s South Island is truly a
                                                majestic snow-capped mountains.
walker’s delight.
                                                There is the option to view whales,
Departure dates have been chosen                dolphins and a wide variety of
when the temperatures for walking are           seabirds on a 3 hour marine adventure
usually most suitable and fewer                 (at additional cost). Our walk is along
people are on the walkways. Our                 the Kaikoura Peninsula Trail with
walks provide ample time              for       excellent views of the seaward
photography and observation of New
                                                Kaikoura range, ocean and coastline
Zealand’s unique range of plant life,
native birds, insects and (harmless!)           to South Bay. We continue north to the
reptiles. Most walks have longer and            pleasant town of Picton.
shorter options, and there is usually a
choice of two different walks during            Please note, State Highway 1 between
the days spent in the national parks.           Christchurch/Kaikoura/Picton was
                                                closed by an earthquake in November
For anyone wishing to walk the famous           2016. State Highway 1 is scheduled to
Milford or Routeburn tracks, we offer           re-open in December 2017. Should this
the option of leaving the group on              re-opening be delayed an alternative
Day 13 to walk the Milford Track, or            route may be inland via Lewis Pass
Day 14 to walk the Routeburn Track. A           (with a possible stop at Hanmer
                                                Springs).

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New Zealand South Island 2018 - HF Holidays
Accommodation: Beachcomber or                  Day 7: Abel Tasman National Park
Park Regis Picton (2 nights)

(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)

Day 5: The Queen Charlotte Walkway

We cruise to Ship Cove, the site of
Captain Cook’s favourite base in the
Queen Charlotte Sound. Today the
cove is clad in much the same native
bush as existed in Cook’s day. After           A great day out in one of the world’s
exploring, we set off on a classic             most beautiful coastal parks. We cruise
section of the Queen Charlotte Track           into the heart of the National Park for
to Resolution Bay and through lush             a trail walk from Medlands to
forest to Furneaux Lodge.                      Anchorage, along golden beaches,
                                               around rocky headlands and through
                                               lush subtropical forests, rich in birdlife.
                                               There are good possibilities to view
                                               penguins, seals and dolphins (6.6
                                               miles/ 10.6km / Ascent/descent: 328ft/
                                               100m /). There are shorter variations of
                                               the above with different boat pickup
                                               points.

                                               (Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
There are wonderful views of the
Marlborough Sounds throughout this             Day 8: Nelson – Punakaiki
walk. (9 miles/14km. Ascent/descent:
                                               Today we travel across country,
1,700ft/520m /). A shorter walk option
                                               through the rugged Buller Gorge, to
is possible from Resolution Bay.
                                               the West Coast. In the morning we
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)            stop at the beautiful Lake Rotoiti in the
                                               heart of Nelson Lakes National Park.
Day 6: Picton – Nelson                         During the afternoon there will be a
                                               visit to dramatic Cape Foulwind and a
Travel via Queen Charlotte’s scenic
                                               walk in Paparoa National Park.
drive to Nelson, the sunshine capital of
New Zealand. Following an orientation          Paparoa is a wonderful limestone
of the town, we ascend Botanical Hill          landscape of fluted rock formations,
to follow the ‘Centre of New Zealand           natural arches and cave systems
Walkway’ for outstanding views of the          which are still being shaped by rain
area (2-3 miles /3-5km /. Ascent /             and underground rivers.
descent: 482ft/147m).
                                               Cape Foulwind Walkway: A coastal
Accommodation: Trailsways Hotel (2             walk reflecting the rugged beauty of
nights)                                        the West Coast with a chance to see
                                               a colony of fur seals en route (2 miles/
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
                                               3km).

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New Zealand South Island 2018 - HF Holidays
Paparoa National Park: Short walks to           Day 11: Mount Aspiring National Park
see the famous Pancake Rocks and
blowholes at Dolomite Point (1¼ miles/          Today there is a choice of walks from
2km).                                           an easy lakeside track to a climb to
                                                Diamond Lake and Rocky Hill for
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort,                excellent views of the surrounding
(1night)                                        mountains. Both climbs offer excellent
                                                alpine vantage points.
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
                                                Diamond Lake and Rocky Hill: This
Day 9: Punakaiki – Fox Glacier                  track is promoted as the finest half-
South along the coast to 'glacier               day walk in New Zealand. Views from
country'. We travel through the old             the summit are spectacular and give
gold mining settlements of Hokitika,            an idea of how the Ice Age glaciers
Ross and Hari Hari to Franz Josef for           carved and shaped the landscape
lunch. There will be an afternoon walk          (5 miles /8km. Ascent/descent:
to the Franz Josef glacier and the              1,670ft/500m).
possibility of an optional helicopter
flight, or if you prefer free time before
spending the night in a nearby hotel.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz
Josef (1 night)

(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)

Day 10: Franz Josef – Wanaka
                                                Eely Point: This is a pleasant short walk
Along wild coastlines we climb steeply          beside Lake Wanaka, through to
via the Haast Pass into Mount Aspiring          Brenner Bay and Beacon Point (3
National Park. Our first stop is at Lake        miles/5km).
Matheson, for a walk through
                                                (Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
Kakikatea, Korimiku and Lacewood
forest, along the water’s edge. The             Day 12: The Matukituki Valley
lake produces brilliant reflections of
the Southern Alps in the early mornings
(1 mile/2km return)

In the afternoon short stops maybe
taken at Lake Paringa, Monroe Beach
or Haast.

Accommodation: Edgewater (3
nights) Tel (0)3 443 0011,
reservations@edgewater.co.nz

(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)

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From Wanaka we drive out to                      seen roving through the deep dark
Cameron's Flat for a full day walk               water.
along the west branch of the
Matukituki River. Walking across open            (Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
river terraces we have superb views of           Day 15: Routeburn Track
the Rob Roy Glacier, Mount Tyndall
and the Shotover Saddle. (If conditions          A short drive from Te Anau to the
are favourable we may offer a                    Divide on the scenic Milford Road.
variation from the main route, to visit          From here we climb on a well graded
the glacier).                                    track to Key Summit, where we can
                                                 view a myriad of miniature plant
(12 miles /19km . Ascent/descent:                communities. We then descend to
500ft /150m ). A shorter version of the          Lake Howden for a picnic lunch. Late
walk, returning from Cascade Hut, is             afternoon return to Te Anau. (5 miles
also possible. (9 miles /14km /.                 /8km. Ascent/descent: 1,270ft /387m ).
Ascent/descent: 300ft/ 90m).
                                                 (Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
                                                 Day 16: Te Anau – Queenstown
Day 13: Te Anau
                                                 In the morning travel to Queenstown
A drive south to Te Anau, our base for           for afternoon walks.
exploration of the Fiordland National
Park.                                            Walk possibilities include:

A boat takes us out across Lake Te               Lake Dispute and Moke Lake: These
Anau to Brod Bay, the starting point of          trails offer fine views of the Wakatipu
our walk along the Kepler Track, one             shoreline and surrounding peaks (9km
of the most popular walkways in New              / 6 miles return. Ascent/descent: 720ft
Zealand (3½ miles 5 km ).                        220m ).

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel (3              Bob’s Cove: A sheltered, secluded
nights) Te Anau                                  bay, 14km (8 miles) from Queenstown.
                                                 An enjoyable lakeshore walk through
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)              beech forest, home to a variety of
Day 14: Te Anau – Doubtful Sound                 wildlife (3 miles/4½km).

Our day excursion into this pristine fjord       The Mount Crichton Scenic Reserve: A
begins with a cruise across beautiful            looptrack walk through mountain
Lake Manapori to West Arm. We then               beech forest and green pastures.
board a coach to travel the Sub                  Good views of the western edge of
Alpine Road over Wilmot Pass, pausing            Lake Wakatipu (3 ¾ miles/ 6km .
along the way to experience the                  Ascent/descent: 1215ft /370m ).
dense Fiordland rainforest and view              Accommodation: Copthorne Lake
Doubtful Sound glistening far below.             Front Hotel (2 nights) Queenstown
Wildlife sightings are common on
Doubtful Sound. Fur seals bask on                (Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
rocky outcrops and the fiord’s resident
pod of bottlenose dolphins is often

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Day 17: Queenstown                            Walk possibilities include:

                                              Hooker Valley: the most popular walk
                                              in the park. The route leads up the
                                              valley towards Mount Cook, crossing
                                              swing bridges, and continuing to the
                                              Hooker Glacier (9 miles/14km return
                                              (shorter options available) Ascent:
                                              440ft/135m).

An excellent full day walk over the Ben
Lomond Saddle to follow the
Moonlight Trail, the trail of the early
gold diggers who sought their fortunes
in the Moonlight and Moke Creek gold
fields. In good weather there are
magnificent views of the Wakatipu
region (9 miles/14 km. Ascent:
2120ft/645m. Descent: 3,465ft/1,060m).        Kea Point Walk: This walk gently winds
                                              its way through subalpine grasslands
In the evening, we’ll have dinner at          to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall.
the Skyline Restaurant, reached by            There are stunning views of Mount
gondola lift.                                 Sefton and Footstool, the Hooker
                                              Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)           Aoraki/Mount Cook (1.7 miles/ 2.8km /
Day 18: Queenstown – Mount Cook               return. Ascent: 633 ft/193m).

We drive north for outstanding walks in       Accommodation: MacKenzie Country
the Hooker Valley. At 3,755 metres            Inn (1 night) Twizel
Mount Cook is known to the Maoris as          (Meals included: breakfast, dinner)
‘Aoraki’ – the cloud piercer – and
dominates a national park where               Day 19: Mount Cook – Lake Tekapo –
there are some 20 peaks over 3,050            Christchurch
metres.

                                              From Twizel we travel to Lake Tekapo
                                              for walks along the shoreline and a

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short ascent of Mt John to enjoy               Day 15: Milford Track
superb views of the whole Mackenzie
Basin. In the afternoon cross Burkes           Today we gain the upper reaches of
Pass and continue across the                   the Clinton River passing Mirror Lake
Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.             and Avalanche Creek, before the
                                               slow climb up the McKinnon Pass in a
Accommodation: Elms Hotel (1 night)            series of long zigzags.
(Meals included: breakfast, dinner)

Day 20: Christchurch

Early morning departure for our return
flight home. (Please see section under
visas)

(Meals included: breakfast)

          Milford Track option

Guests participating in the Milford            After lunch at Pass Hut (probably with
Track walk depart from the main                Kea parrots in eager attendance) we
itinerary on Day 13 to start the walk.         continue around the base of Mount
                                               Balloon, under the sheer face of the
Day 13: Wanaka -Te Anau Downs -                Jervois Glacier and across Roaring
Glade House                                    Burn and Moraine Creek. We then
                                               pass through the rainforest of Arthur
Transfer by coach to Te Anau Downs,            Valley to the Quintin Hut.
prior to your afternoon cruise to Glade
House. From the Wharf it is a short walk       Finally we take a short visit to
to the lodge where you will be                 Sutherland Falls, the highest falls in the
greeted with afternoon tea (1 mile             southern hemisphere (9 miles (15km)
(1.5km) with 130ft (40m) of ascent)            with 1,640ft (500m) of ascent).

Day 14: Milford Track                          Day 16: Milford Track

We cross the Clinton River after               The last day on the track takes us
leaving Glade House, and walk amidst           down a long steep hill named Gentle
beech forest to lunch at Hirere Falls.         Annie where we gain views of the
We continue onto a grassy plain                lovely Lady of the Snows, a distinctive
known as the Prairie and gain                  mountain at the head of Green
spectacular views of Clinton Canyon.           Valley. The route continues to
A rocky climb takes us to Marlene’s            Dumpling Hill, Sandy Flat, Racecourse
Creek and then to Pompolona Lodge              Flat, Bell Rock, Mackay Falls, Giants
(10 miles (16km) with 1,300ft (400m) of        Gate     Waterfall    and    the    final
ascent).                                       destination, Sandfly Point. We travel on
                                               to Mitre Peak Lodge for the end of

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walk celebrations (13 miles (21km) with        Extras to take include handkerchiefs
400ft (125m) of descent).                      rather than tissues; a collapsible
                                               walking stick if you feel you might
Day 17: Milford – Queenstown                   need support on the downhill sections,
                                               and a small torch as lights are put out
After breakfast we board one of the            at 10pm in the lodges.
famous red boats for an exploration of
Milford Sound. This is followed by a           Your main luggage will be waiting for
scenic coach transfer to Queenstown,           you at the hotel in Te Anau.
arriving late afternoon.

                                                       Routeburn Track Option
Included in the cost:
    Coach return transfer to                  The Routeburn Guided Walk is a
      Queenstown                               superb 3 day/ 2 night Alpine
    Fully catered lodges, hot                 adventure through Fiordland and
      evening meals, generous                  Mount Aspiring National Parks.
      breakfasts
    Hot showers, soap and                     Day 14: Te Anau - The Divide - Lake
      shampoo at lodges                        Mackenzie
    Toilets along the track
    Guide escort for duration of
      track walk, with briefings
    Daypack, raincoat, bedsheet,
      towel
    Comfortable lodge bunkrooms,
      with duvets, sheets, fresh towels
      and hairdryers. Please note:
      bunkrooms may be mixed sex
    Warming fires                             Travel from Te Anau to the Divide on
    Excellent picnic lunches and              the scenic Milford Road. From here
      afternoon teas                           you climb a well graded track to Key
    Last night at Mitre Peak Lodge            Summit, where you can sit among the
    Certificate of achievement and            Alpine plants and enjoy the first of
      other ‘extras’                           those breathtaking Routeburn views
                                               with a panorama of the Hollyford,
Walkers carry their own sheet, picnic          Greenstone and Eglington Valleys.
lunch and personal clothing each               Descend to Lake Howden for a picnic
day. The Track operators supply a              lunch, before gradually climbing
plastic   pack    liner  but   it   is         through lush silver beech forest to the
recommended that clothes also be               base of Earland Falls. You will look over
put in plastic bags for added rain             the Hollyford Valley and on to the
protection.                                    glaciated Darran Mountains before
                                               descending to Lake Mackenzie and
A small bag of clothing for use at Mitre       our lodge for the evening (9 miles
Peak Lodge will be sent, by road, from         (13km) with 835ft (250m) of ascent/
Queenstown.                                    descent).

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Day 15: Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn           columns of red beech trees to the
Falls                                         road end. A coach will take you back
                                              to Queenstown to meet the main
Today leave the forest and enter the          group, stopping at the small town of
alpine world of daisies and buttercups        Glenorchy on the way (6 miles (10km)
high above the Hollyford River. Here          with 1,000ft (300m) of descent).
you have a full vista of the Darran           Please note: Once booked,
Mountains across the Hollyford Valley,        cancellation of the Track walks in New
which slices through Fiordland to the         Zealand will incur additional charges.
distant Tasman Sea at Martins Bay.
                                              The tracks can be walked by anyone
After lunch at the Harris Saddle              who is fit and in good health, aged
(1,277m) you can ascend Conical Hill          from 10-70. People over 70 are
for    panoramic     views  of   the          advised to consult their doctor to
surrounding peaks. Walk around Lake           check physical fitness. Terrain varies
Harris and descend to the Upper Basin         considerably with some easy sections
of the Routeburn Valley.                      but there are some moderately steep
                                              climbs and descents.

Spend your second night at the
Routeburn Falls Lodge where you will
be treated to a special celebration
dinner (9 miles (15km) with 1,000ft
(300m) of ascent and 1,670ft (500m) of
descent).

Day 16: Routeburn Track and on to
Queenstown

After a last look at the falls, descend
to the alpine pastures of the
Routeburn Flats, before following the
river through a gorge. Walk by clear
emerald pools, under stately red
beech trees and through meadows.
The track shadows the river as it roars
through a magnificent gorge. From
here it’s a gentle walk through

                                          9
Travelling west we stay at the
       Accommodation                              Punakaiki Resort (1 night), where we're
Our first accommodation is just a short           greeted by breathtaking ocean views.
hop from the airport at the                       Situated only 300m south of the
welcoming Elms Hotel, Christchurch (1             famous     Pancakes       Rocks     and
night), or Chateau on the Park. We                Blowholes, the Resort is surrounded by
also spend our final evening here. The            the Paparoa National Park and is only
rooms are all en-suite and have                   a stone's throw from the beach. All
tea/coffee making facilities, fridge,             rooms are modern studio units, with
telephone,     Sky   TV,  hair   dryer,           en-suite    bathrooms,       tea/coffee-
iron/ironing board etc.                           making facilities, Sky TV and Wi-Fi.
                                                  www.punakaiki-resort.co.nz
www.qualityhotelelms.co.nz

Beginning our journey, we head north
to the Beachcomber, Picton (2 nights).
Located right on the waterfront, each
room offers fantastic views over this
beautiful harbour from either the patio
or balcony. The views are just as good
from the relaxing vantage point of the
hotel's outdoor swimming pool.
                                                  Our next stop is the Scenic Hotel (1
www.pictonhotel.com
                                                  night) at Franz Joseph, where we
                                                  enjoy comfortable cosy rooms in this
                                                  stunning setting. There is a swimming
                                                  pool here for use too, if you'd like to
                                                  relax after your day exploring.
                                                  www.scenichotels.co.nz

                                                  Reaching Wanaka,         our   hotel is
                                                  situated on the shores of the lake. At
                                                  the Edgewater (3 nights), we can relax
                                                  in the spa or sauna, or take a stroll to
                                                  admire this picturesque panorama.
                                                  Their lawn stretches right down to the
On to Nelson and for a warm                       shore      of      Lake       Wanaka.
welcome at the Trailways Hotel (2                 www.edgewater.co.nz
nights). Trailways Hotel is located in the
centre of this quaint town, ideal for
exploring. If you'd rather relax, there's
a pool here too for you to enjoy, or sit
and enjoy a drink in the restaurant bar,
with its river views.

www.trailways.co.nz

                                             10
Another lake-front location again
when we arrive at Te Anau, and the
comfort of the Distinction Hotel (3
nights). Only a 10 minute walk from the
town centre, we're in the ideal place
for our walks. The hotel also offers a
heated swimming pool, spa and
sauna for guest use.

www.distinctionhotelsteanau.co.nz

After visiting the Copthorne Hotel in
Queenstown (2 nights)
www.milleniumhotels.com , our
penultimate stay is in the MacKenzie
Country Inn (1 night), peaceful
accommodation set amidst the
magnificent mountains of the
Southern Alps. All rooms here have
fabulous views from the patio or
balcony. The welcome glow of the
roaring fires in the lounge areas makes
an excellent place to relax after your
walks too. www.mackenzie.co.nz

Our final journey takes us to back to
Christchurch for one evening, before
our flight home.

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Please try to keep luggage to a
    Before your holiday                        minimum as you will need to carry it
                                               yourself at airports and between your
We hope you find this information
                                               transport and your hotel.
comprehensive – if not please visit our
website for more details or contact us.              Walking boots – (worn in) with
                                                      good ankle support and spare
All details correct at time of writing                bootlaces. NB Boots must be
(revised Apr 2017). Passport and visa                 clean of soil/mud before
requirements are subject to change;                   entering NZ immigration
please check with your consulate                     Walking sandals/flip flops
before you travel.                                   Walking socks
                                                     Lightweight fleece
We would advise that you check your                  Lightweight waterproof trousers
government’s travel advisory before                   and jacket
travelling. For UK travellers, please                Shorts
check www.fco.gov.uk                                 Long trousers and long-sleeved
                                                      light coloured shirts with collars
In all instances during your holiday,                 to protect from the sun − your
your first point of contact should be                 clothing should ideally be pre-
your HF Holidays’ leader or local                     treated with insect repellent and
leader. If for any reason this is not                 in-built sun protection (available
possible, HF Holidays’ emergency                      from specialist clothing stores
contact details are as follows:                       such as Rohan, Cotswold
                                                      Outdoor)
Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm                                  Sun hat
Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558                              Comfortable clothes and shoes
or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas)                for evenings and sightseeing
Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am                                  Sun protection – sunglasses, high
Tel +44 (0)7918 737777                                factor sunscreen and lip
                                                      protection
  Airport parking & accommodation                    Water bottle – at least 2 litre
                                                      capacity
If you require airport                               Lightweight survival bag
parking or                                           Small/medium rucksack (30 litre)
accommodation                                         – a bin liner will keep contents
before your flight, we                                dry if it rains
recommend our partner Holiday                        Soap and hand sanitizer gel
Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote                 Insect repellent
HX031 or book online at                              Universal adaptor plug
www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays                   Universal sink plug
                                                     Personal first aid kit including:
                                                      personal medication, tissues,
                                                      plasters, blister kit, painkillers,
                                                      antiseptic wipes, Imodium,
           Suggested Kit List                         rehydration sachets

                                          12
   Passport (and copies); booking            New Zealand – please see
       confirmation; insurance cover             https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for details of
       note; HF Holidays’ registration           other countries included in the VWP.
       form                                      Citizens of VWP countries are required
                                                 to obtain travel authorisation prior to
Optional: trekking poles, camera,                travel. You can register for
umbrella, binoculars, swimming                   authorisation online through the
costume and towel.                               website above.
Please ensure you have access to                 Currently the return flight connects
emergency funds should you need                  through Sydney where there is a
them; carrying a credit card is                  connection time of approx 6 hours.
probably the most convenient                     Should there be a scheduled flight
method.                                          change which means that time in
Please note that your HF Holidays’               Sydney exceeds 8 hours, you will need
leader reserves the right to refuse to           to apply for an Australian visa.
take any guest on a walk should they             Canadian and US citizens require an
consider that a lack of suitable                 ETA (electonic travel authorisation).
clothing/footwear may affect safety.             These must be applied for in advance,
                                                 and cost AUS $20. Please go to
         Baggage allowance                       www.eta.immi.gov.au or consult your
                                                 embassy for advice. British and EU
1 piece checked-in luggage (max                  passport holders need an eVisitor visa
23kg).                                           (subclass 651). To do this you need to
Please check details of your airline’s           create an Immiaccount via
baggage allowance, as shown on                   https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login .
your e-ticket. Remember to also check            There is no charge for an eVisitor visa.
any connecting flights you may have              Please see
booked.                                          https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-
                                                 1/651- for further information.
            Passports & visas                    Alternatively you can buy one on
                                                 check in at Christchurch, which will
Passports must be valid for at least             cost approx $NZ 50. This visa allows you
three months after leaving New                   to leave the airport in Sydney.
Zealand. Visas are not required for
UK, Australian, Canadian and US                             Travel insurance
passport holders. Other countries
should consult the embassy for advice.           If arranging your own travel insurance,
                                                 please ensure it is adequate for your
Our with-flight option currently transits        specific itinerary.
via Singapore, but if you are transiting
via the USA, you will need a visa or                         Health advice
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel               This is subject to change and we
Authorisation). No visa is required by           would highly recommend that you
citizens with full right of residence in         consult your doctor before travelling.
visa waiver programme (VWP)                      For further information on country
countries. This includes UK, Australia,          specific advice, visit

                                            13
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or                              tablets on the flight; this will
www.traveldoctor.co.uk                                  reduce your mobility and make
                                                        you feel sluggish
Tetanus vaccine is recommended.                        Protect your ears. If you
Please note: the use or possession of                   experience discomfort due to
some common prescription or over-                       the cabin pressure changes,
the-counter medicines is banned in                      suck a sweet, chew, or hold
some countries. If you will be carrying                 your nostrils and gently blow
medication, please check with the                       through your nose; this should
country’s embassy/ consulate prior to                   equalise the pressure. If you still
travel. As an extra precaution:                         experience problems, speak to
                                                        a member of the cabin crew
      Keep your medication in its                     Drink plenty. Ask a member of
       original packet                                  the cabin crew if you are thirsty.
      Take a copy of your prescription                 Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or
       too                                              carbonated drinks as these will
      If possible, ask your chemist to                 dehydrate you. Instead, try to
       write the name of your                           drink plenty of fruit juices or
       medication in the language of                    water
       the country that you’re visiting                Eat light. Avoid heavy meals
                                                        and foods – air expands at
         Dietary requirements                           altitude and heavy meals will
Please contact us as far in advance as                  result in that bloated feeling
possible if you have any specific                      Moisturise. Your skin, especially
dietary requirements. We will do our                    your lips and nostrils, may feel
best to accommodate you. If you                         dry so moisturising creams may
require a specific meal on the flight,                  help. If you wear contact lenses,
please let us know as soon as possible,                 always carry your glasses with
and no later than 96 hours before                       you, as your eyes may feel dryer
travel.                                                 than usual
                                                       Stay loose. Wear loose fitting,
  Travel tips for a comfortable flight                  comfortable shoes and clothes
                                                       Flight socks are recommended
We’ve put together a few simple tips                    to help prevent DVT on long-
to help make your flight as                             haul flights
comfortable as possible, ensuring you
begin your holiday in tip-top shape.                     Lost/damaged luggage

      Move about. Change position               If your bag or its contents are
       and avoid crossing your legs.             damaged or lost while in the airline’s
       Immobility poses the greatest risk        care, this should be reported to the
       in the development of clotting            baggage service agents at the
       disorders. Get out of your seat           airport. They will assess the damage
       and walk around as regularly as           and in some cases the airline may
       possible to improve circulation           decide to settle your claim
      No pills. Unless advised by your          immediately. You will be given a
       doctor, do not take sleeping              reference to quote to your insurance
                                                 company if settlement cannot be

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reached. In many cases baggage                      Please also inform us of any medical
claims can only be accepted in                      situation which may affect your
writing. A baggage claim form must                  enjoyment of the holiday
be obtained from the airport.
                                                          Please listen to any safety
     HF Holidays’ with-flight guests                       instructions from the leader
                                                          Keep group members in view,
For those travelling on our HF Holidays’                   especially if weather or visibility
group flight, please proceed to the                        is poor
arrivals hall once you have passed                        If you become separated from
through passport control, customs and                      the group, please stay where
baggage reclaim, when you arrive at                        you are, the leader will retrace
your destination. Your leader or local                     their steps to find you
leader will assemble the group in the                     Each leader carries a first aid kit
arrivals hall. Look out for the                            but is not allowed to supply any
HF Holidays’ sign.                                         medication including aspirin,
         Independent travellers                            paracetamol, antihistamines,
                                                           and antiseptic cream. You may
If you are arriving ahead of the group,                    wish to bring these items with
and are meeting them at the first                          you
hotel, please leave a message at the
hotel reception for the HF Holidays’                In the unlikely event that your leader is
leader or local leader, detailing your              incapacitated, please use any
room number, and a mobile                           emergency kit in their rucksack and
telephone number if possible. The                   call emergency services on 111.
leader will contact you once the                    Please then call our emergency
group arrives. If you are arriving after            number (see page 12) and let us know
the group, a message will be left for               there is a problem.
you at the hotel reception, welcoming                                Tipping
you and giving details of the time and
place to meet the group. If your flight             Tips have been included in your
arrives before the group flight and you             holiday price for key services such as
would like to join the transfer to the first        local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any
hotel, please contact our Abroad                    additional tips are at your own
Administration team on (0)20 8732                   discretion.
1271. They will have a list of the
relevant transfer costs.                                             Climate

         Safety on your holiday                     All our holidays are planned around
                                                    the New Zealand spring, summer and
Once you have made your booking,                    early autumn when all routes are open
you will receive a pre-holiday                      and the days are long. The warmest
questionnaire where we ask for details              weather is likely to be from November
of next of kin, and insurance details.              to February although October and
We need to have this from you at least              March are also excellent times to
4 weeks before travel.                              travel with fewer tourists and superb
                                                    mountain flora.

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Local currency & money matters

New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Credit
cards widely accepted. ATMs are
widely available and the easiest way
to access cash. Traveller’s cheques
are not advised.

    Suggested reading and maps

2014 Lonely Planet New Zealand
Dan Coxon Ka Mate: Travels in New
Zealand
Witi Ihimaera The Whale Rider

Maps can be obtained in advance
from The Mapshop
www.themapshop.co.uk

               Electricity

230V, flat 3 pin plugs

               Group size

Maximum group size 22 guests plus HF
leader

            Time difference

GMT/UTC +12 hours

                                            HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial
                                            Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK

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