Overview

 Highlights


  • Cycle through forest and along side the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps
  • Snowshoeing in the Two Thumb mountain range
  • Two nights at exclusive Fox Peak Lodge under the Southern Alps
  • An exhilarating boat ride down the Kawarau and Shotover rivers on the K-Jet
  • Learning avalanche rescue techniques and snow cave building
  • Cross country skiing

In 9 days, you’ll learn the ropes of a range of new outdoor alpine activities in the South Island of New Zealand, discovering unforgettable winter landscapes following the paths of early NZ mountaineering pioneers as you go. We’ve included a fun and action-packed line up that will leave you feeling challenged and inspired from start to finish, all while putting your outdoor education skills to the test in a real-life setting. From Queenstown to Christchurch, this journey covers everything from nordic skiing, cycling, snowshoeing, avalanche rescue, hiking, jet boating, a visit to the Sir Edmund Hilary museum at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and even building your own snow cave. This tour has been designed to be human powered, so you travel as much as possible by foot and bike to discover the wonders of the Southern Alps. As Sir Edmund Hillary once said; “you don't have to be a hero to accomplish great things”, so let's get out there and enjoy it!

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Melbourne

Grading:Moderate   


After the months of planning and preparation the wait is finally over! You will need to check in at the International Airport 2 hours prior to your flight. On arrival you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Your guide will run through a full trip briefing and team introduction before we'll prepare our first group meal of the trip together. Once the sun has set, we will embark on a night hike to the top of Bob's Peak for some jaw dropping views over the township under a stary night sky. Walk: approx 1.5-2 hours

Meals:  D

After breakfast, we get set up on our bikes and then head out along the Queenstown trails to the historic gold mining village or Arrowtown. Here we learn about the history of a Chinese gold mining settlement before following the Arrow River trail to arrive at the famous Kawarau Bungy bridge to watch the bungy jumpers plunge towards the deep blue Kawarau River. We then return to Queenstown along the cycle trails following the shore of Lake Wakatipu. Once back in Queenstown we embark on an exhilarating jet boat ride of the narrow Kawarau and Shotover Rivers complete with 360 degree spins. When we return to the pier, we visit the Underwater Observatory to get up close and personal with rainbow trout and other lake life. Cycle Distance: 50km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we pack up and head to Mt Pisa Snow Farm where we are kitted out with our skis and snow gear. We’ll receive instruction about how to nordic ski from our experienced guides and we’ll have plenty of time in the morning to practice our technique. We’ll then set out on a traverse to a remote backcountry hut for a picnic lunch, you’ll experience the stunning alpine environment as you gradually climb and descend the rolling hills of the Pisa Range. In the late afternoon, we drive down to Cardrona where we can see the iconic hotel, store and post office. We then hop on our bikes for a downhill ride to Wanaka, taking about 1 hour. We arrive at our accommodation in the early evening and prepare another group meal together. Nordic Skiing: 4-5 hours Cycling Distance: 25km

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a morning of mountain biking through Sticky forest where a fun network of single track winds its way through Pine Forest in Wanaka’s township. There are over 20 tracks to choose from; from the technical switchbacks of Stumpy and Yumpts, to the beautiful berms of Venus, to Crankin' Fine's legendary uphill corkscrew, these trails are expertly designed to be enjoyed by beginners and pros. We then leave Wanaka and drive over the Lindis Pass to Oamarama. Here we visit the Clay Cliffs, and learn about the pinnacles that were formed by layers of silt and gravel deposits by the glaciers over one million years ago. After visiting the historic woolshed at Quailburn, we then get back on our bikes and join the famous Alps to Ocean cycle way (an off-road cycle trail that heads 300km from Mt Cook to the sea at Oamaru). We ride one of the most scenic and most challenging sections of this cycleway over the Tarnbrae Track, rising up to a high point of 900m. Our descent rewards us with stunning vistas across Lake Ohau to Lake Ohau Lodge and our accommodation for the night. Cycle Distance: 20-30km

Meals:  B,L,D

The backdrop of a snow covered Aoraki/Mt Cook (NZ’s highest peak) against turquoise waters is a sight you’ll never forget. After breakfast, we head to the World Heritage area, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and enjoy one of a number of walks determined by the weather and snow conditions. Walks could include a hike up to the Red Tarns or along the amazing glacial Hooker valley to admire the alpine environment, other options include a walk to see Tasman Glacier and to traverse alongside the lateral moraine. Here we learn about the striking glacial geomorphology in the region and witness the very landforms carved by recent glaciation. Hike: 2-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive through the Mackenzie basin to Fox Peak Ski Field where we will spend two nights. From the lodge we jump back on our bikes and ride up the ski field access road to the base station where we meet our avalanche accredited snow guides. Today we put our snowshoes back on and trek to suitable location where the guides will teach us avalanche rescue techniques and we will practice with use of avalanche transceivers, snow probes and dig snow pits to understand snow packs. We even have the chance to work up a sweat and build our own snow caves. We return to Fox Peak Lodge where we enjoy a communal dinner. Hike/Snowshoe: 4-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we wake up under the towering peaks of the Southern Alps and enjoy another day to learn about the snow and enjoy being in the alpine. Depending on conditions your guides will provide instruction and safe snow travel techniques to visit a new part of the range. We return to Fox Peak Lodge for our accommodation. Hike: 4-5 hours Cycle Distance: 4-8km

Meals:  B,L,D

Our last day sees us crossing the Canterbury Plains and driving back to Christchurch. We will stop at our depot and the students will help the guides clean down all the equipment. Depending on our finishing time (and the weather!) we may be able to head down to New Brighton Beach for a game of volleyball or beach football and fish and chips. We will head to bed early tonight as we have a very early morning wake up for our flight to Melbourne.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we wake very early and transfer to Christchurch Airport for our flight back to Melbourne. Breakfast will be served on the plane.

Meals:  Nil


Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.


Inclusions

  • International Airfares including tax and fuel surcharges ex Melbourne to Queenstown / Christchurch to Melbourne
  • 7 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
  • 6 nights lodge/backpacker accommodation in a dorm with shared facilities
  • 2 nights in a private mountain hut (shared facilities)
  • Professional qualified driver/guides
  • Teachers from Brighton Grammar accompanying the group
  • Private vehicle transport including all airport transfers
  • Nordic skiing at the Pisa Snow Farm
  • Hire of skis, snowshoes, waterproof boots and gaiters
  • Hire of avalanche transceivers and snow craft equipment
  • Mountain bike hire and helmet
  • Water and snacks on the trail
  • Dept of Conservation concessions fees
  • NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)

  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Water bottle (please help us save the environment and bring your own water bottle or hydration pack)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance

About Your Leader

Our 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 two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides. To check out more about our guides see ‘Our Team’ page on our website (www.adventuresouth.co.nz).


Grading

Moderate

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude and the length of the trip. Cycling, trekking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing all require some physical exertion. However, these are all conducted at your own comfortable pace and ability level.


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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