wild women on top moonlight track & queenstown …...wild women on top moonlight track & queenstown...

trip highligh tsExplore stunning Queenstown at your leisure

Relax in the comfort and beautiful setting of Moonlight LodgeExclusive backcountry hike on a private stationHike beneath mountains, over golden tussock

ridges and through native beech forestsOvernight wilderness camping with views of Skippers Canyon

Explore goldmining history and alpine flora and faunaHeli‑hike to the dominant peak of Mt Gilbert

Summit Ben Lomond (1748m) with views over Lake WakatipuLearn about NZ high country life from station

owners John and Ginny Foster

Kia Ora from Adventure SouthThank you for your interest in our Wild Women on Top Moonlight Track & Queenstown Backcountry Hike adventure. It’s a superb adventure and we hope you can join us. Adventure South has been operating active holidays throughout New Zealand since 1992. Thanks to our experience we’re confident to say that we offer the very best cycling, trekking and adventure travel itineraries available in New Zealand today. There’s simply no other collection of New Zealand itineraries that can match the geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of our active New Zealand adventure holidays. An Adventure South holiday aims to take you beyond the more popular and busy trails to provide you with a truly unique New Zealand wilderness experience. We’re here to show you that there are many, many more trails and cycling routes in our great country that are the new frontiers in adventure tourism ‑ beautiful, scenic, and without the crowds. We aim to explore these delicate environments in a sustainable manner to ensure we leave as little impact as possible from our visit. We’d be honoured to introduce you to the wide variety of natural wonders that New Zealand is famous for. Go forth, go south ‑ join us on this amazing small group, value packed adventure!

why travel with Adventure South?• When you join a Wild Women On Top partner adventure, you are accompanied by a coach and become part of an incredible team of women, training and hiking together to maximise everybody’s enjoyment and success. Wild Women On Top support you to get the most out your Wild Adventure, making it a truly transformational challenge.• We offer unique, small group expedition adventures that allow you to enjoy the natural wildlife and scenery of some of the world’s most spectacular and pristine shorelines. • We provide authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. • We are leaders in responsible adventure travel, with a commitment to supporting local communities at every level of the operation. • With a focus on discovery, cultural immersion and personal achievement, our trips will challenge and inspire you while you bond with other like minded travellers who also share a love for exploring new places and cultures.

1 – © 2019 Adventure South ‑ Bec Leorke 8/12/2019 11:11:18 AM

wild women on top moonlight track & queenstown backcountry hike

Trip Duration 7 days Trip Code: MOOGrade Moderate to ChallengingActivities TrekkingWilderness CampingHeli‑hikingAccommodation 5 nights lodge, 1 night wilderness camping


An exclusive high country hike through remote and varied landscapes with a rich and fascinating past

the tripThis exceptional five day walk is a fabulous way to experience the rugged ranges behind Queenstown within the high country property of Ben Lomond Station. The walk extends through a variety of spectacular landscapes from tussock ridge lines high above the Shotover River to an exciting heli‑hike on the sub‑alpine summit of Mt Gilbert (1787m). You will explore abandoned gold mining relics, water races, razorback ridges, beautiful beech forests, and river valleys right until the finish with an optional summit of Ben Lomond (1748m). Accommodation in Queenstown is at Blue Peaks Lodge. On trek you’ll stay in the well appointed Moonlight Lodge where the comfortable lounge room has views of nearby peaks and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the delicious three course meals and kiwi‑hospitality from the Foster Family who own the station. The walking experience is completed by spending a night wilderness camping on a secluded spot in the Shotover Canyon then a utilising a jetboat for a scenic upriver transfer which gives access to remote trails.This exclusive getaway is one not to be missed!

about your leader/escortOur guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of professional qualified hiking guides (ratio ‑1 guide for 8‑9 pax, 2 guides for 10 plus pax). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.

why we partner with wild women on topWhat Wild Women On Top gives you:‑ A Wild Women Coach who trains and supports your team, shares Wild Women culture andtraditions, assists you in your preparation and accompanies you on your adventure.‑ An exclusive itinerary tailored to exactly what women want, prioritising magic moments, delicious food, natural exhilaration and confidence building challenges.‑ A T.E.A.M: Together Everyone Achieves More approach to adventure‑ Training and preparation to ensure all your teammates are perfectly prepared and fit for theadventure (that means you must be, too!). If there’s no Trek Training in your location, youcan prepare with Wild Women’s 12‑week online training program, join a Coastrek Team Trekking Challenge in your nearest capital city and check in with your coach remotely.‑ Everyone must be an Adventure Member of Wild Women On Top so you’re guaranteed your teammatesunderstand our culture and have like‑minded goals.‑ The Golden Rules to create a loving, successful and supportive environment during your adventure. (See below)‑ Private Facebook groups to connect you with the Wild Women Community and your team as well as give you direct access to your coach.‑ A complimentary copy of “How To Prepare for World Class Treks” by Di Westaway. (please contact the WWOT Office if you’d like a hard copy)Please note: World Expeditions guides and staff are responsible for delivering your extraordinaryexperience during your adventure. Please direct all pre, mid and post trip feedback to World Expeditions. Your Coach is not the tour operator, guide, navigator or first aider.


Christchurch

Queenstown

South Island

trip dates

2020 03 Feb - 09 Feb

fast factsSingles:

A single supplement is available for this trip*

Leader:Escorted and supported by a Wild Women

On Top coach and expert local guide

Advice for people with limited mobilityThis trip is not suitable for people

with limited mobility.*Ask our staff for more information

If you are travelling alone, we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share,

a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.




Wild women on top golden rules;Wild Women On Top inspires and empowers women to lead adventurous lives they love through shared hiking adventures. These golden rules were developed by our Hard Core girls in 2005 to ensure that everyone has a magnificent experience. When we follow the Wild Women On Top Golden Rules, remarkable things happen.1. Set challenging adventure goals, write them down, train hard and you will achieve them [No excuses!]2. Stay positive at all times3. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More4. Expect the unexpected5. If you have a gripe, handle it discretely, or air it politely [Don’t let it fester!]6. Buy quality gear [This will save you money and could save your life]7. Don’t come home from training or trips tired. Be energized & happy.8. Leave no trace (The wilderness is sacred!)9. Bring MORE than you take away. [Including chocolate!]10. Happy endings guarantee the next leave pass! [this one is secret!]

at a glanceDAY 1 ARRIVE QUEENSTOWNDAY 2 DEPART QUEENSTOWN. COMMENCE HIKE TO MOONLIGHT LODGEDAY 3 MOONLIGHT LODGE TO BLUE JACKET HUTDAY 4 BLUE JACKET HUT TO MOONLIGHT LODGEDAY 5 EXPLORING MOONLIGHT CREEKDAY 6 HELI‑HIKE ON BEN LOMOND. DESCEND TO QUEENSTOWNDAY 7 TRIP CONCLUDES

what’s included Delicious home cooked meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners) while trekking 2 nights Blue Peaks Lodge in Queenstown (twin share) 3 nights Moonlight Lodge (twin share) 1 night wilderness camping using a private mountain hut for meals (shared

facilities) Professional qualified hiking guides (ratio ‑1 guide for 8‑9 pax, 2 guides for 10 plus

pax) Scenic jetboat transfer on day 3, heli‑hike on day 5, Skyline Gondola descent on

day 6 of tour Luggage transfer (15kgs max) on day 1 and day 5 Snacks and water while hiking Private vehicle transport to trail head Packs and poles (on request if required) ‑ please let our staff know in advance Trip escorted by Wild Women on Top coach New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

what’s not included International or domestic flights and taxes Arrival and departure airport transfers Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

responsible travelWe all have a responsibility to minimise the

impact we have on the environment and communities we visit when we travel.

Since our beginnings this has been a cornerstone of our company.

The New Zealand travel industry has become a world leader in developing an

external audit process which monitors tourism businesses based on quality,

safety and sustainable experiences. We’re very proud to have received

a Gold Qualmark rating, having met standards designed to protect what

makes New Zealand unique and special.Being responsible when we travel isn’t

about a single process or project but rather a way of thinking and then doing.We started this journey many years ago and although we are not perfect, we are striving to continually learn and improve.

trip grading Moderate to Challenging

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of

factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass

crossings and the length of the trip. While part of this itinerary does utilise

formed tracks, some days the hikes involve untracked scree and tussock. The walking is ‘easy‑gradual’ but without a formed track to follow. The sense of isolation and wilderness

is a strong feature of this trip. For you to be able to really enjoy this trip we recommend

that you are confident walking across uneven terrain and are able to walk comfortably for

a few hours at a time (with breaks included).We recommend 90 minutes of aerobic

type exercise, (either cycling, jogging or power walking) three times a week for the

three months leading up to your trip.




All beverages, other than breakfast Sleeping bag and sleeping mat for camping (can be rented, please let us know in

advance) Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or

hydration system) Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, alcohol, shopping etc) Travel insurance Visa (if required) Tips

detailed itineraryDAY 1 Arrive QueenstownOn arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The remainder of the day/evening is at your own leisure. Overnight Blue Peaks Lodge (or similar)meals: NIL

DAY 2 Depart Queenstown. Commence hike to Moonlight LodgeThis morning we will collect you from your hotel at around 09:00am and drive the short distance to the Moonlight Track trail head to commence todays walk. The Shotover Valley was an early Maori trading route to the West Coast which then became the site of one of the world’s most significant 19th century gold strikes. A narrow but well defined trail follows one of the most dramatic and scenic valleys in the Wakatipu Basin. The walk initially traverses high above the Shotover River, once called “the richest river in the world”.Our route descends into the old gold mining settlement of Sefferstown which was a gold rush tent village with over 3,000 occupants at its peak in 1863. Named from its occupation by the large Seffers family (of Crimean/Russian origin) and contained several stores, a hotel, post office and library. Following Moonlight Creek, the trail undulates beneath bluffs with views of soaring tussock covered ridges and native forest before coming to a plateau where the impressive Moonlight Lodge is located, overlooking sweeping tussock terraces and stunning beech forest. As day turns to night we savour the sun setting behind mountain silhouettes and a star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our hosts, John and Ginny Foster.The lodge consists of comfortable double/twin ensuite rooms along with open plan lounge and dining areas (licensed bar) which are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the large stone fireplace and commanding views.Please Note: Tomorrow night we will be wilderness camping near to the historic Blue Jacket Hut. You will need to carry your clothing and personal items you require for one overnight and the following day. Tents and cooking equipment will be waiting onsite.Hiking distance: approx. 14km - Time: approx. 6hrs with breaksmeals: L,D

adventure travelBy its very nature adventure travel involves

an element of the unexpected. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are mentally flexible, positive and

eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability

for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent.

important noteThese trip notes represent the most

current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the

current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary

should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and

other circumstances beyond our control.




DAY 3 Moonlight Lodge to Blue Jacket HutFrom the lodge we climb along a ridgeline which separates the Shotover River and Moonlight River valleys and offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.After lunch we drop off the ridge and descend via steep switchbacks to cross Blue Jacket Creek and follow a rough trail to our campsite, located on a terrace overlooking the Shotover River. 2 person tents will be supplied and meals will be prepared and enjoyed in the rustic hut before enjoying the ‘star show’ once the long evening night sky turns dark. Those who have paid for a single supplement will get their own tent. Please Note: There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo with a view! The hut is fully equipped for cooking, yet has no facilities for sleeping. It provides a homely and unique setting for our night in the outdoors.Hiking distance: approx. 11km - Time: approx. 8hrs with breaksmeals: B,L,D

DAY 4 Blue Jacket Hut to Moonlight LodgeAn early morning breakfast prepared by our guides will fuel us for another day of hiking along the exclusive high country trails of Ben Lomond Station. We follow trails back to Moonlight Lodge via the Stoney Creek water race. This spectacular water race was built nearly 150 years ago to carry water to the Skippers gold sluices and in places is carved out of sheer bluffs (fenced for your safety of course!). The majority of this part of the walk is on well-formed tracks, passing through native beech forests where the song of bird calls is clear. We return to Moonlight Lodge where a well deserved cold drink and shower awaits and can be enjoyed along with another delicious meal and warm hospitality from the Foster family. Does life in the mountains get any better?Hiking distance: approx. 18km - Time: approx. 10hrs with breaksmeals: B,L,D

DAY 5 Exploring Moonlight CreekTodays hike will take us deep into beech forests, exploring mountain streams and waterfalls. We discover the remnants of the gold mining times whilst walking along the historical water races and Moonlight Creek where a cooling swim is possible.After a picnic lunch we return to our accommodation where the remainder of the afternoon can be spent enjoying the comfortable surrounds of Moonlight Lodge and the mountain vistas.Hiking distance: approx. 7km - Time: approx. 4hrs with breaksmeals: B,L,D

DAY 6 Heli-hike on Ben Lomond. Descend to QueenstownAfter a final hearty breakfast, we farewell our hosts and leave Moonlight Lodge by helicopter. Todays hike and magical views have the potential to be the highlight of the trip. A heli-hike takes us trekking far from the valley floor and into the extraordinary sub-alpine environment of Ben Lomond (1748m). The skilled pilot will land us on the north west ridge of Ben Lomond and then we are left in silence. Depending on the prevailing weather and group ability, we will aim to walk through the tussocks up

a broad ridgeline to the summit of Ben Lomond. From here there are awe-inspiring panoramas of Lake Wakatipu, the distant Remarkable and Richardson Ranges, along with the mountains and valleys we have been exploring over the past days. We descend until we reach the Skyline Gondola, which provides a quick ride down into Queenstown and then a short walk to the central luggage collection point. A final drink together to celebrate our Moonlight adventure concludes the trip.Hiking distance: approx. 11km - Time: approx. 5 hrsPlease Note: The flight is subject to weather conditions; if todays weather forecast is poor we will attempt to reschedule the helicopter to earlier in the itinerary - subject to availability.Overnight - Blue Peaks Lodge (or similar)meals: B,L

DAY 7 Trip concludesYour trip concludes today. You will need to make your own way to the airport for your flight home.meals: NIL

This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

country informationStretching North to South for over 2000 km, and split into two main islands ‑ the North and the South Islands ‑ New Zealand is a country of diverse landforms. From the Pacific Island beaches and rolling farmlands in the north, to the volcanic plateau and then onto the soaring mountains within view of the sea in the south, and the sub‑Antarctic islands that dot the South Island coastline, the contrasts are many. The South Island is the 12th largest island in the world. The west coast is dominated by the Southern Alps, which contain more mountains than the European Alps altogether, and home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook (3754m / 12,316 ft). The Main Divide, the chain of peaks that forms the backbone of the Alps from Arthur’s Pass to Fiordland, splits the South Island into east and west. Several ice ages, and the fact that two continental plates are sliding past each other forming the Southern Alps, means that the scenery is as rugged as the New Zealand fauna and flora is unique. The largest city in the South Island is Christchurch.The North Island is the smaller of the two main islands of New Zealand. Its northern location means it enjoys a warmer, more temperate climate than much of the South Island, and is much more vastly populated. The centre of the island is primarily a volcanic landscape with vast forests, volcanic peaks, and picturesque lakes. The eastern side of the island is covered with vineyards. Auckland, also known as the ‘City of Sails’, is the largest city of New Zealand and found on the North Island.With a population of 4.0 million people, the wilderness areas of New Zealand are many as most ‘Kiwis’ now live in an urban situation near the coast. The Maori are the indigenous people of the land and they named it Aotearoa ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ upon their arrival 1000 years ago. Europeans settled in the early 1800s and the country is alive today with a market driven economy and a blend of European and Asia/Pacific influences to create a buoyant South Pacific culture.

climateOne of the most important things travellers need to know about the New Zealand climate is that it’s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of larger landmasses.Thanks to its position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ and mountainous terrain, New Zealand’s weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the weather can change so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather




conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and some warm clothing. You don’t need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper and good thermals are a must. The temperature during the South Island summers range from 10‑30 ºC, with a pleasant 40‑ 50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and snowfall is not uncommon even in summer. The Southern Alps act as a barrier to the moisture laden winds coming west across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the west side of the mountains and a drier climate on the east side. The geography also creates a wind pattern, which can in summer be very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30°C. Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around ‑5°C. Weather is an integral facet of any mountain range and getting to understand and work with this major environmental factor is what will make you more prepared for your tour – any questions about what to expect on your tour talk to one of our sales team.

mountain flightsDuring this tour we will use a helicopter to relocate us. This allows access to or from remote locations, as well as providing spectacular views of the mountain landscapes. Please be aware that heli‑hikes are weather dependent and the itinerary may be re‑arranged if flights are cancelled. We will endeavour to reschedule the flights where possible.

dietary requirementsProvided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

accommodation on the trip

The accommodation is on a twin share basis with private facilities, except for the third night where we camp in 2 person tents. Moonlight Lodge consists of comfortable double/twin and multi‑share rooms all with ensuites. The open plan lounge and dining areas (licensed bar) are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the large stone fireplace and commanding views. Solar power is stored during the day. A generator may be used in the evening if required.If you wish to reserve a room or tent to yourself a single supplement is available at extra cost.

what you carryYour main luggage (Max. 15kg) will be transferred by vehicle to Moonlight Lodge on day 2. On the third day of the tour you will be wilderness camping where you will need to carry an




overnight pack for the day and then back to Moonlight Lodge on the following day. The rest of the walks on this tour are day walks so a small pack with personal essentials is all you will need to carry. The support vehicle will then return your main luggage to Queenstown on the final day.

equipment requiredDay pack of sufficient size to carry personal items and a change of clothes for overnight on Day 3. Hiking poles are recommended but not essential. Sleeping bag and insulated mat is required for the overnight camp. These can be hired for an additional charge. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support that are well broken in are essential. A comprehensive gear list is included with your trip confirmation.

protecting the environmentIn a world where more and more rubbish is produced every year we are trying to do our little bit to help the planet. We encourage you to please bring your own water bottle. If you are a keen coffee or tea drinker you might like to bring your own reusable cup. Also if you think you might do some shopping, it could be useful to carry small foldable reusable shopping bags to reduce the need for plastic bags.

subscribe to our e-newsletterTo keep up to date with the new and exciting trip releases, special offers plus more please subscribe to our free e‑newsletter at www.advsouth.comOr why not view past travellers images and join in on the conversation at http://www.facebook.com/AdventureSouthNZ

follow usFollow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AdventureSouthNZ

how to bookTo book a Wild Women On Top trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function, details of which will be provided at the time of the trip launch with Wild Women On Top. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main trip.Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please go to WWW.WILDWOMENONTOP.COM, ring 0434 027 912 or email [email protected] for more details on training and memberships.




wild women on top moonlight track & queenstown …...wild women on top moonlight track & queenstown...

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