PRE - 08 Mt Cook / Tekapo - Mountain Backdrop to Lakeland Scenery
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PRE – 08 Mt Cook /
Tekapo
Mountain Backdrop to Lakeland Scenery
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand
the youngest country on earth.
New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape draws many visitors to our shores. From fiords to rainforests, ocean
beaches to volcanic cones, the relatively untouched landscape is breathtaking, but what makes the visit so special for
many is the people they meet.
Māori people believe in the concept of ‘Manaakitanga’ this loosely translates as ‘hospitality’ – a concept that Kiwi people
have embraced as part of the New Zealand experience. Kiwis are a friendly bunch and the care, engagement and
hospitality we show our guests is based on pride and a genuine belief that this country offers something of everything.
New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s preferred destinations not just because of its dramatic scenery, wide
open spaces, extreme adventure, clean air, enticing food and wine, creativity and flair but also because of the ‘can do’
attitude.
Haere Mai. Welcome and enjoy your stay.
Customs and MAF requirements
On arrival you will need to complete both customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requirements before you
can officially enter New Zealand. MAF is responsible for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, safe food, a protected
environment, the wise use of the land and the creation of clean, green product. MAF protect farms and wildlife from
imported pests and diseases by minimising the number of foreign pests and diseases entering New Zealand.
You will be required by law to declare any food or organic material you are carrying.
It is important not to ignore this as significant fines can be given to those who do.
IMPORTANT:
Please use the final itinerary provided in your media pack on arrival in New Zealand. This will include any adjustments and
additional contact details crucial to your itinerary
The arrangements shown in this itinerary have been made especially for you with the generous support and co-operation
of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Air New Zealand, accommodation and product suppliers as detailed.
Tourism New Zealand will cover the costs of your accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities and meals as
outlined in the itinerary. Please pay all minibar, telephone expenses and laundry yourselves, prior to check out from your
accommodation.
NOTE: check in for a domestic flight is 40 minutes before departure and requires photo identification. Baggage allowance
is 20 kilograms. Excess baggage for film equipment only, will be charged back to Tourism New Zealand with prior
arrangements.
Please remember that the operators will be expecting you. Please be punctual and phone ahead should you be
running late.
Regional Tourism Operators Contact Details
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
Contact: Kelly Wilkes
Address: PO Box 2600
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Tel: 03 378 2385
Mobile: 021 763 559
Fax: 03 365 0787
Email: kelly.wilkes@christchurchnz.com
Website: www.christchurchnz.net
PRE - 3 nights/4 days:
Friday 4 Nov to Monday 7 Nov, 2011
Mt. Cook / Tekapo: Mountain Backdrops to Lakeland Scenery
Aoraki, also known as Mt. Cook, means “cloud-piercer” in Maori and is a perfect name for New Zealand’s tallest peak. Mt.
Cook and the Southern Alps served as a training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary before he became the first man, along with
Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, to conquer Mt. Everest. The Southern Alps also serve as a spectacular backdrop for nearby
Lake Tekapo, which is a brilliant turquoise colour due to the “rock-flour” created by local glaciers. The clear and
unpolluted night sky above Tekapo has been proposed for World Heritage status.
Itinerary
The four-hour drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo is flush with scenery, with stops in small towns along the way.
Arrive in Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a favorite subject for photographers. At night we’ll visit
the Mt. John Observatory—regarded as the most beautiful, easily accessible observatory in the world—for a tour and a
chance to view (and possibly photograph) the southern night sky. Travel on to Aoraki/Mt. Cook the following day, stopping
by the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and getting up close and personal with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the
Tasman. Weather permitting we’ll embark on a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and, after traveling back to Tekapo,
stop to soak and relax in the hot pools of Alpine Springs and Spa, with views over the lake.
Difficulty Rating: EASY
Story angles:
• Sir Edmund Hillary angle – Hillary museum at Mt. Cook, history of his summits of Mt. Cook to train for Everest (he
was the first to summit Everest, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay). There are stories of the early pioneers and
mountaineers living in this area, particularly the intrepid women. The Hermitage: Interesting history. It was built
126 years ago and has flooded, burnt down, and been owned by the government.
• Mount John Observatory – southernmost (and most accessible) observatory in the world, with lots of interesting
facts and related story angles. For instance, the Mt. Cook/Lake Tekapo area has applied for World Heritage
status, meaning it would be the first place in the world where the sky is protected.
• Quirky: In Geraldine, people will see the Giant Jersey, the largest jersey in the world (knitted and sewed by shop
owners Michael and Gillian Linton). Michael and his daughter Rachel also created a 138-foot-long tapestry made
from 2 million pieces recycled from knitting machines (where Michael used to work—he recycled materials from
thousands of disks discarded by his old company). The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066
and is supposedly the only completed one of its kind and also the most historically accurate version.
Unique photography opportunities presented:
• Llong-exposure star photos (catching photo trails) and photographers will also be able to attach their cameras to
a 3” telescope and shoot deep space (an option for those using SLR cameras). The observatory should have all
the attachments for Nikon and Cannon cameras, and possibly others.
• No flashes allowed up at the observatory, only red light.
• Mt. Cook and the mountains surrounding The Hermitage are absolutely stunning—we’ll be there for sunrise and
sunset shots.
• Icebergs up close, the face of the Tasman Glacier, and a glacial lake.
• The stone and oak Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo offers a unique photo op: The altar frames a
stunning view of the lake and the mountains.
• Shots of the mountains and glacier(s) from ski planes or helicopters.
Components requiring some exertion:
• People need to be able to do a 3 km roundtrip walk on loose, pebbly terrain (mostly level, but one short hill at the
end) to access the boat for the Tasman Glacier excursion. They can skip this excursion, but there’s no real way
to avoid the walk; there’s no alternative transportation to the boat launch, unless we make special arrangements.
Special clothing or gear participants must bring:
• Warm clothes for lots of the activities (e.g. warm jacket, hat, gloves, footwear for the observatory), rain gear, dry
bag for camera gear (for lake cruise, although they will give people a spray jacket that they can use to put over
their camera gear – still, I would take a dry bag to be safe)
Friday 4 November
Auckland to Christchurch
0730 Meet your tour group at the SATW tour desk located in the arrivals hall of the Auckland international airport
0900 Auckland – Christchurch on NZ509 (1 hour 20 minute flight time)
1020 Arrive to Christchurch International Airport where you will be meet by Kelly Wilkes (021 763 559) your
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism Escort and Johnston’s Coachline Driver. They will be holding a sign saying “Society of
American Travel Wriiters”
Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
About 3 hours but will allow 4 hours for media – Great photo opportunities along
the way
On the road to Lake Tekapo, stop in Geraldine:
A beautiful village with a thriving arts and culture community nestled at the foot of
soft rolling hills and bisected by the tranquil Waihi River.
The pretty main street with its venerable trees, gardens and historic buildings is
always bustling with visitors and locals alike.
Did You Know that Geraldine is:
• Home of the Giant Jersey - The giant jersey is another must see, recognised
by The Guinness Book of Records as the largest jersey in the World, and
knitted and sewn by Michael and Gillian Linton, owners of the knitwear shop
where the jersey is on display.
• Home of The Medieval Tapestry - This 138-foot complete re-creation of the
Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Battle of Hastings in 1066, was created
out of 2 million pieces of spring steel and took more than 20 years to
construct.
Website: www.southisland.org.nz
** Escort to phone ahead to confirm the time for this evenings stargazing tour.
Lunch
20 minutes past Geraldine is the town of Fairlie, where you will be stopping for
lunch.
The pretty farming town of Fairlie marks the beginning of the Mackenzie Country.
Just west of here, Burke Pass takes you into the high altitude, tussock-covered
expanses that characterise the region. The Mackenzie Country is named after
Jock Mackenzie, the legendary Scottish sheep rustler who once roamed the hills.
There are several ski fields close to Fairlie, and recently created Lake Opuha is
popular for boating and fishing. The Raincliff Historic Reserve is the place to see
Maori rock art. Resident artists and potters provide craft buying opportunities.
Have lunch at Eat Deli and Bar
Eat Deli and Bar is a wonderful venue for a lunch, brunch or just a coffee stop.
The food is fresh and tasty and the atmosphere is warm and friendly.
Website: www.eatdeliandbar.co.nz
1430 Arrive at Lake Tekapo Lake Tekapo is about three hours (allow 4 hours for media) drive southwest of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise-coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) that is suspended in the water. Website: www.christchurchnz.com 1430 On arrival at Lake Tekapo check into accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort Located near the shores of Lake Tekapo and surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Southern Alps. Inspired by the lake's characteristic turquoise-blue hue, Peppers Bluewater Resort offers luxury accommodation with essential modern comforts. Timber and leather textures reflect the earthy tones of Mount Cook National Park, while moods are reflected in the calming blue waters across the foothills of the Southern Alps. Contact: Dinesh Gandhi Address: State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo Tel: 03 680 7000 Website: www.peppers.co.nz Afternoon Have some time at your leisure to look around and see the Church of the Good Shepherd Take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront and look through the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. The church was built in 1935 from stone and oak and there is a spectacular view of the Southern Alps framed by its altar window. The other notable reminder of the past is a statue of a collie dog - the symbol of pioneering sheep farming in the Mackenzie. 1530 Alpine Springs & Spa Set amongst native flora and rock with stunning views, the facility has three large beautifully appointed hot pools overlooking Lake Tekapo. The hot pools are pure glacial spring water heated to between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius (96.8 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit). If you wish roller skating is also offered. Contact: Cathy Hemsworth Address: 6 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo Website: www.alpinesprings.co.nz
1900 Enjoy dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort 2100 (escort to phone ahead to confirm time) Depart to Mount John Observatory for a night startgazing tour with Earth & Sky Mt John is regarded internationally as the most beautiful, easily accessible observatory in the world, just 15 minutes from Lake Tekapo. Experience one of the darkest night skies in the southern hemisphere. You may be able to see star clusters like the beautiful Jewel Box, awe inspiring planets, immense clouds of gas and dust, and distant galaxies which test the limits of human imagination. Photographers will have an opportunity to do long-exposure star photos (catching photo trails) and, for those with DSLR or SLR cameras, possibly attach their cameras to a 3” telescope and shoot deep space (contact in advance for latter, to make sure correct equipment is on hand for tonight). Website: www.earthandsky.co.nz Stay Peppers Bluewater Resort Saturday 5 November Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook 0830 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check 0930 Depart Lake Tekapo and drive to Mount Cook (allow 2 hours for stops along the way) En route, visit Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon: Take a side road with views of Mt Cook if you leave SH8 and follow a road on the right (Salmon Farm brown sign). The highest salmon farm in the world! Contact: Nicolet Simon Tel: 021 380 039 Website: www.mtcooksalmon.com 1130 Arrive at Aoraki Mt Cook village. Mt Cook At 3,754 metres (12,316 feet), New Zealand’s tallest peak is known as Aoraki by Māori. According to legend, Aoraki was a young boy in the canoe Te Waka a Aoraki, which was stranded on a reef and tilted to one side. Aoraki and his brothers climbed to the high side and sat on the wreckage. The south wind froze them and turned them into stone, creating the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. In 1851 Captain J. L. Stokes, sailing down the West Coast, gave the mountain its European name, Mt Cook, in honour of the English navigator Captain James Cook. www.christchurchnz.com and www.mtcooknz.com
Check into your accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel The Hermitage Hotel The Hermitage has been a world-renowned tourist destination since 1884. Qualmark for star plus and Enviro-gold rating. Contact: Andrew Cleverley Address: Terrace Rd, Aoraki Mt Cook Village Tel: 0800 686 800 Website: www.hermitage.co.nz 1215 Enjoy an early lunch at The Old Mountaineers Café in Mount Cook Village A locals’ favourite, this wooden building has a warm atmosphere and serves organic food. Owner Charlie Hobbs is a mountaineer and guide, a wonderful man to meet and talk to. Contact: Charlie Hobbs Address: Aoraki Mount Cook Village Tel: 03 435 1890 Website: www.mtcook.com If time allows enjoy a tour of the Department of Conservation visitor centre and find out more about the Mt Cook area. 1340 Check in for your Glacier Explorers experience at the activities desk within The Hermitage Hotel An up-close encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. This trip provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and some of the best photographic opportunities. Website: www.glacierexplorers.com 3 hours total trip - Pick up from Hermitage Dinner Dinner this evening will be at the Panorama Restaurant at The Hermitage Hotel. Panorama is a fine dining restaurant in a fine décor. Website: www.hermitage.co.nz Stay The Hermitage Sunday 6 November Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo 0730 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation. 0815 Check out of The Hermitage and store your luggage in the coach 0900 Check in for your glacier landing flight with Mt. Cook Ski Planes Experience a touch of adventure with Mount Cook Ski Planes. No zoom lens required, your flight with us begins in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, flying past our highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook and landing you on the Tasman Glacier. You will then fly across the Main Divide of the Southern Alps to view the sweeping coastline and stunning alpine vistas of the Fox and Franz
Josef glaciers. You choose how you would like to experience this spectacular scenery with us from our fleet of aircraft including; PC6 Pilatus Porter Ski Planes, Cessna 185 Ski Planes or our B2 and B3 Squirrel Helicopters. Website: www.skiplanes.co.nz Activities today are weather dependent. If the morning flight with Mt. Cook Ski Planes is cancelled enjoy a tour with Argo Tours and depart for Lake Tekapo. Tasman Valley - 4WD & Argo Tours - OPTIONAL A 4WD and Argo adventure tour that you won't forget! Guaranteed to be both memorable and enjoyable providing some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Stopping at several vantage points overlooking the Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lake. (3 hour trip duration) Website: www.mountcooktours.co.nz See the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre with your Explorer on arrival back to the hotel or at your leisure. A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. Designed to educate and entertain, the centre features a spectacular state-of-the- art 3D movie, New Zealand's first full-dome digital Planetarium and Museum which documents the pioneering heart of the region and features the impressive Hillary Gallery. Located adjacent to The Hermitage Hotel in the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is an opportunity to explore and celebrate the cultural characteristics New Zealanders hold dear. 1200 Enjoy lunch at the Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe & Bar at The Hermitage Providing a unique and inspiring atmosphere in which to refresh, refuel and relax. Specialising in classic Kiwi fare with a modern twist, the café & bar also offers floor to ceiling views of Aoraki Mount Cook, from indoor or outdoor seating. 1300 or 1430 departure depending on the morning’s activities Tasman Valley - 4WD & Argo Tours – If Ski Planes went ahead in the morning enjoy the 4WD & Argo Tour in the afternoon A 4WD and Argo adventure tour that you won't forget! Guaranteed to be both memorable and enjoyable providing some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Stopping at several vantage points overlooking the Tasman Glacier and Terminal Lake. (3 hour trip duration) Website: www.hermitage.co.nz Or
Mount Cook Encounter Guided Walk The Mount Cook Encounter Walk is a guided tour of the Hooker Valley, providing breathtaking views of some of New Zealand's highest and most enthralling peaks. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will tell you all about the unique flora and fauna of the region and the local history as you trek through this amazing landscape. Website: www.hermitage.co.nz If time permits this afternoon stop in at Glentanner to have a quick look en-route to Lake Tekapo. Glentanner Park is the holiday park accommodation, flightseeing and activity centre, and the only fully equipped campground and campervan park for the Mount Cook region, New Zealand. Website: www.glentanner.co.nz Return to Peppers Bluewater Resort and check into your accommodation. 1900 Enjoy dinner at Pepe’s Pizza this evening Tonight is a back up for star gazing at Mt John Observatory. A second night of star-gazing may be available. Stay Peppers Bluewater Monday 7 November Lake Tekapo to Christchurch 0800 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out. 0900 Depart Lake Tekapo for Christchurch (approx. 3.5 hours) There will be plenty of time for photography along the way. 1230 Arrive in Christchurch Have lunch at Untouched World Garden Cafe. Untouched World was the first fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability. Focusing on fresh, lush and plentiful produce, the experienced and dedicated kitchen and café staff source suppliers who have sustainable practices or grow organic produce. The courtyard area is akin to a mini-New Zealand country experience, with running water, ferns and native trees. Contact: Peri Drysdale Address: 155 Roydvale Avenue, Christchurch Tel: 03 357 9499 Website: www.untouchedworld.com
1400
Visit the International Antarctic Centre
Christchurch's leading attraction, located right next to Christchurch International
Airport.
Experience the ‘Antarctic Storm’, climb aboard the amazing Hagglund all-terrain
vehicle, visit the ‘Penguin Encounter’ and enjoy a stunning high definition feature
movie… soon to be replaced by a unique 4D experience!
DID YOU KNOW? Christchurch is an official gateway city to Antarctica. It is the
starting point for many Antarctic expeditions and is home to the Antarctic
research offices of New Zealand, United States and Italy.
Contact: Kat Bushman
Address: Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport
Tel: 03 357 0519
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz
1540 Check in for flight to Wellington
1610 Christchurch – Wellington on NZ5092 (55 minute flight time)
1705 Arrive at Wellington airport
We hope you enjoyed your stay in
Aotearoa New Zealand
Ka kite ano! See you again!
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