NEW ZEALAND with PAGANELS оn jeeps
DATES
× group is full
20.01.2024 - 05.02.2024
1 GROUP
DATES
20.01.2024 - 05.02.2024
THE COST
3290 Euro
GROUP
28 people
COST AND CONDITIONS
TYPE OF RECREATION
normal physical fitness, the right to drive a car of international standard, the presence of a New Zealand visa.
LEVEL OF PREPARATION
adventures, jeeps, trekking, acquaintance with authentic
GUIDES
Expedition leader, photographer, filmmaker
.jpg){kind=small}
Expedition leader, photographer, translator
DESCRIPTION
For several years, the Paganels have been traveling around New Zealand. In 2020, we lived for several months in this country, having covered almost 13,500 km on it. We have something to show you, and we know how to make it as bright and rich as possible. The 2024 Paganels Expedition in New Zealand will be in jeeps. We abandoned the bus format in order to be as mobile and efficient as possible, to see even more.
New Zealand is the most remote country from Europe; it is located exactly on the other side of the globe from Spain and England. We are waiting for amazing nature in the country "on the contrary." It is very far to fly there, so we decided to have time to see everything, well, or almost EVERYTHING, the program is very rich, we have to see the very best that is possible in such a short time.
New Zealand does not need to be advertised. This incredibly beautiful and unique land has preserved its virgin nature and originality. Our journey will combine the most interesting, from our point of view, places on two islands of New Zealand at once, which can last 17 days.
We will start the expedition in the North Island, where we will see Auckland; incredible caves of fireflies, where we will climb in helmets and with lanterns and make a unique Black Water Rafting. We will visit the Maori village, where we will dance the famous Haka war dance; we will visit the hobbits in Hobbitonia and get to the edge of the Wai-o-Tapu geysers; we will climb a copy of Fujiyama - the Taranaki volcano, and after moving to the South Island, we will continue to get acquainted with New Zealand.
In the South, we have to see and “touch”: beaches, animals and birds, the city of extreme entertainment Queenstown, Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, sung in songs, Aoraki Park, Mount Cook and Lake Matheson, Franz Josef Glacier, Pinakaiki and much more.
The second group will follow this route in reverse order. They will start in Christchurch and finish in Auckland.
It will be a very beautiful, eventful, interesting journey! You are lucky if you see all this with your own eyes.
EXPEDITION COST INCLUDES:
- transfers according to the itinerary;
- accommodation in comfortable hotels and motels of 4-3 stars level (double accommodation);
- rental of jeeps for the entire duration of the trip; - car insurance;
- fuel for 3700 + km of the way (namely, this is how much we have to wind up during our expedition);
- entrance tickets to national parks and private territories according to the program; - a tour to the Waitomo firefly cave with the Black Water Rafting program and the rental of the necessary equipment; - Entrance fees to Hobbiton Village;
- entrance tickets to Waiotapu Park;
- entrance fees to Redwoods Park;
- entrance fees to Whakarewarewa Thermal Village;
- entrance tickets to Waikite Thermal Pools;
- entrance tickets to Orakei Korako Park;
- visiting the Museum of New Zealand;
- visiting Marlborough Valley;
- Milford sound cruise
- entrance tickets to Mitai Māori Village;
- healing session with a shaman and Haka martial dance lesson;
- entrance tickets to the village-museum of gold mining;
- paid parking according to the program;
- excursions according to the program;
- boats and ferries along the route;
- services of local guides and helpers;
- services of a local professional English-Russian speaking guide at all stages of the expedition;
- services of guides of the Paganel Studio team.
EXPEDITION COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- international air travel from your home to New Zealand and back;
- visa;
- meals (please note that in New Zealand breakfasts and other meals are not included in hotel stays);
- personal insurance;
- Supplement for single occupancy;
- surcharge for additional events, wine testing, excursions outside the main program.
IMPORTANT!
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ROUTE
ITINERARY
Day 1
20.01.2024
Flight from your home to Auckland. Due to the fact that our trip starts and ends in different places (Auckland - Christchurch), we recommend buying a flight on airlines flying to both cities: Emirates, Southern China, Singapore Air, etc.
Self-transfer to a cozy and comfortable 4* hotel, which is located near the airport. Introduction to guides. Rest after a long flight.
In the evening, we gather in the hotel lobby for a briefing. Check if maps and waypoints are installed along the route. Crews get to know each other.
Day 2
21.01.2024
Packing up in the morning. We are packing. Drivers are busy getting jeeps. Having completed all the formalities, they return for their crews, who are patiently waiting at the hotel. We load things into cars. We put swimsuits and towels that we will need soon on top.
We receive the latest instructions on the schedule and route of movement and move towards the legendary Rotorua, the most geothermal city on Earth. However, before Rotorua, we have to experience an amazing and very interesting, a little extreme adventure in the Waitomo firefly caves. Moving about 190 km.
We arrive at the base, where we go through a detailed briefing. The group is divided into 2 parts. The first and second part of the Paganel detachment will go to the caves with a difference of 30 minutes. We change into bathing suits and swimming trunks. We get wetsuits with a thickness of 5 mm of neoprene (the water temperature in the underground river, where we have to dive, is about 12-15 degrees Celsius). We try on boots, helmets and lanterns. We get special inflatable circles, on which we will sail along the underground river. We train with local instructors-guides on the topic of overcoming obstacles in caves, jumping from waterfalls, etc. We leave phones and cameras for storage in our jeeps (local guides will take pictures of you inside the caves). We load into a special shuttle bus and drive to the place where our Black Water Rafting tour begins.
We will not describe what will happen to you there. I can say it will be a very unusual and bright adventure you will remember. The total time of the event will take us about 3 hours. We climb caves a lot, swim in underground rivers, jump into small waterfalls, admire stalactites, stalagmites and glowing famous mosquitoes - Titivai, whose larvae “cry” and give off light, and not just for lighting, but also as a bait for insects, perhaps their own relatives. And the more the larva is hungry, the stronger the light. Looks very nice and cosmic. We get out of the caves. We rent wetsuits, helmets, flashlights, boots, take our towels and go to take a hot shower. After a shower, we go to a local cafe, where we will eat a delicious soup with bagels. We get into our cars and continue on our way.
Moving about 140 km. Upon arrival in Rotorua, we check into a hotel where we will spend the next three nights. We will get ourselves in order. We will go for a walk around the city. Those who wish can go to the thermal springs for which this region is famous.
In the evening, we get together and spend the traditional evening of acquaintances of the Paganels. We hand out expedition t-shirts and badges. Dinner. Rest.
Day 3
22.01.2024
We get up early. We will have breakfast with our supplies. Today we have a new beautiful busy day. First, we will visit the cult Hobbiton :) After breakfast, we take only cameras, good mood, sun cream, we load into jeeps and rush 75 km to the same Shire - the hobbit village from the Lord of the Rings movie, thanks to which the whole world recognized the beauty of New Zealand.
The village is incredibly popular with tourists, because everything is arranged in such a way as if hobbits actually live in the village.
Hobbit houses were built in New Zealand for the filming of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's story impressed director Jackson so much that he decided to build a life-size set from real materials.
After negotiations with successful farmers, the film group was given permission to build a real village. Construction work began in 1999.
The director decided to make authentic even the gardens and orchards of the hobbits. Just as a child is born, Hobbiton was born. Jackson's team built the village for 9 months. To lay the road from the parking lot to Hobbiton, the director involved the New Zealand military. After filming completed, fans of The Lord of the Rings began to come to the real village. Local farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that they were distracted from work by tourists. After some time, tours began to be organized in Hobbiton. The guides took on the role of storytellers, and the farmers breathed a sigh of relief, because now they could safely go about their business.
The tourist village consists of 37 houses with round facades and carved windows. The village has a bridge over the lake, a garden, and pasture for animals. The windmill and hedgerow add charm to the rustic surroundings. Hobbiton has a Green Dragon Bar where you can have a delicious lunch or dinner with simple but hearty dishes. In the same place, ale is poured into mugs for everyone.
After visiting the Shire, we return about 75 km to the capital of geysers throughout New Zealand, the city of Rotorua. We have lunch in one of the restaurants in the city, and then we have a walk in a beautiful and very unusual place called Red Woods.
Redwoods is a large piece of forest of California redwoods and native ferns that grow beautifully among giant trunks. It is named after the famous American Giant Sequoia Park in California. The Redwoods area is part of the large Whakarewarewa forest. In 2015, about 700 meters of tracks were hung here at a height of ten to fifteen meters. Now you can walk along the hanging paths among the giant trees.
In December 2016, night walks in the hanging park are available. One advanced New Zealand artist David Trubridge created the design of the night park, placed huge lanterns on the trees and various thematic lights. It just became cosmically incredible.
Next, we buy snacks for breakfast in the supermarket. Dinner. Rest.
The total mileage is 160 km. Overnight in Rotorua.
If there is strength left, then optionally we will again go swimming in the Polynesian thermal Spas known to the local sophisticated public.
Day 4
23.01.2024
This day will be no less interesting than the previous one. Rotorua is a city surrounded by several extinct volcanoes by the lake, famous for its geysers, lakes, and, of course, the history of the warlike Maori tribes. In the Maori language, the name of the city sounds quite simply - "the second great lake of our chef Kaumatamomoi." This ancient Kaumatamomoi was the nephew of a respected man, a chief.
In the morning, we go to the Wai o Tapu geyser park or visit the "devil". We do not promise to see him himself, but we can feel the situation. "Gates of Hell", "Devil's Inkwell" - we will definitely visit all these amazing places. Impressionable Europeans gave to the geysers the English names and the Maori called these places more romantically - "Sacred Waters".
All this is an area with high geothermal activity. Having finished the walk, we buy souvenirs at a local shop, and we leave for lunch in Rotorua at the local authentic pub "Pig and Whistle".
After lunch, we will meet with a real Maori shaman and healer in the only Maori residential village in the world located in the valley of geysers. We will see the full cycle of the eruption of the highest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pohutu, hear the magical healing sounds of flutes and other wind instruments, and learn the Haka war dance.
After lunch we return to Rotorua, have a little rest, and then we have an evening visit to the stylized Mitai Māori Village, where we can get to know the warlike natives of New Zealand better, talk "for life", maybe dance and sing a little.
We will listen to the legendary martial song of Haka.
We will try some of the Maori Honi cuisine. We can take another hundred beautiful photos.
Night in Rotorua.
The total mileage is 90 km.
Day 5
24.01.2024
We have a big and eventful day today. We have to do everything, so we wake up early. We have breakfast on our own. We are loaded into jeeps. We run cars. We put points on the maps. First, we go to Waikite Thermal Pools, where we bathe in thermal pools for an hour.
Then we move, and then we swim across by boat to a very beautiful geothermal park Orakei Korako. We will go for a walk to Ruatapu Cave. There used to be a Maori settlement nearby. In their Orakei language, Korako means "sparkling ornament". Ruatapu Cave and Pool of Mirrors were sacred to Maori women, men were forbidden to enter.
Maori women used these places for ritual ceremonies dedicated to the birth of children or preparation for marriage. They sang waiata songs that could be heard on the other side of the river due to the special shape of the grotto. Other than that, Ruatapu cave is unremarkable, it is just a grotto in the rock, but the forest around is just incredibly magical.
In 1900, a special ceremony was held to allow men to enter the cave, and after that, the entire park of Orakei Korako was opened to tourists. Until the 1930s, visitors were transported on traditional waka boats, then on ordinary boats, and in the second half of the 20th century already on motor boats. In 1937, a resort was opened here, which still exists today. We have lunch in the park.
Moving 286 km to the city of New Plymouth. On the way, closer to sunset, we look at the Three Sisters place, well-known among photographers, and if the tide allows, then we walk on foot near these beautiful rocks and arches.
Upon arrival in the city, we check into the hotel for 2 nights. Dinner. Rest.
The total mileage for today is 370 km.
Day 6
25.01.2024
Our day today is not easy, but surprisingly beautiful. We will make pre-dawn trekking to the incredibly beautiful Taranaki volcano. We get up at night long before dawn. Moving 20 km to the starting point of the track, where we park the car, take flashlights and for about 2 hours we go to a very beautiful mountain lake on the slope of the volcano, from where you can photograph incredible views of the dawn over Taranaki.
With a height of 2518 meters, the Taranaki volcano is one of the most symmetrical cones in the world and bears a strong resemblance to Fujiyama, thanks to which he played one of the main roles in the movie The Last Samurai along with Tom Cruise. Those who have been to Japan will appreciate the similarity of these two volcanic peaks when they get here. Maori say that Mount Taranaki arose on this site as a result of a love quarrel. Taranaki once lived in the center of the North Island, but he constantly fought with another mountain warrior, Tongariro, for possession of the mountain maiden Pihanga. Taranaki was defeated. He retreated to the southwest, cutting through a gorge along the way - the valley of the Wanganui River.
Taranaki has a middle name, Egmont. In 1642, the Dutch navigator Tasman sailed by, probably on a cloudy day, since he does not mention this mountain. Only on January 10, 1770, Mount Egmont appeared before the eyes of a European; it was Captain James Cook, who gave the mountain the name of the former First Lord of the Admiralty, John Percival Egmont, who helped Cook a lot in organizing his round-the-world expeditions, was his sponsor and just a good person. For centuries, no one, except for the Maori, set foot on the slopes of the mountain.
Now the area around the volcano is the Egmont National Park. The park was established in 1900, making Egmont one of New Zealand's oldest game reserves. The park has an unusual shape in the form of a circle, as you can see by looking at the pictures taken from space. The area of the reserve is approximately 335 km².
Having met the dawn, enjoying the amazing views, we slowly descend through a very beautiful forest to our parking lot, get into jeeps and go to the hotel for a rest. We have lunch in the city. Relax. At sunset, a short drive (47 km) to Cape Egmont to take beautiful sunset shots, capturing the colorful Fujiyama-Taranaki volcano and the stylish lighthouse of Cape Egmont in one photo. Return to New Plymouth. Dinner. Rest.
The total mileage is 140 km.
Day 7
26.01.2024
We wake up, have breakfast on our own, refuel the cars and drive towards Wellington. Those who wish can again meet the dawn with a view of Taranaki, but in a different quiet place near Lake Mangamahoe.
Moving to Wellington 360 km. On the way, we will visit the Tongariro National Park - from the side of the Oakune ski resort and walk along the path to the highest volcano in New Zealand - Ruapehu and further to the waterfall - the set of one of the plots of The Lord of the Rings.
In the Maori language, the places where modern Wellington is located were called - "Great Tara Bay or Maui's Fish Head". The city is considered the windiest capital in the world.
We try to arrive in the city for lunch. We immediately go to the embankment to visit the chic local museum of local lore, which is really worth seeing.
There are many artifacts and photographs from the history of the development of New Zealand and the life of the Maori tribe.
It is also worth paying attention to the unique expositions on the ground floor of the building dedicated to New Zealand's participation in the First World War.
Check-in at the hotel in the central part of the city. Dinner. Rest.
Day 8
27.01.2024
Getting up early again. We are waiting for the morning first ferry. We drive the jeeps to the collection point in the port in advance. We do check-in. We are loading onto the ship. We swim across the strait and arrive at the South Island. The Wellington-Picton Ferry is more than just a ship carrying passengers, cars, huge container ships and wagons across the roaring Cook Strait. According to tourists, this is a beautiful and exciting cruise of 3.5 hours of sea passage, the decoration of which is the deep Marlborough Fjords. The ferry moves slowly and majestically along the banks covered with bright greenery, which gives us the opportunity to admire them from the open deck. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see playing killer whales or dolphins.
We arrive at the port of Picton, located in the depths of the Fjord. On the ferry you can sleep a little, as well as have breakfast and drink coffee. After disembarking from the ship, we drive 26 km for lunch and wine testing in the famous Marlborough Valley for its sauvignons.
We visit 3-4 wineries recommended by the Paganels. We enjoy fragrant wines and do not forget to buy a few bottles of our favorite wines.
Then a short transfer to the neighboring town of Blainem. We go to the supermarket and buy food for breakfast. Check in hotel. Dinner. Rest.
Day 9
28.01.2024
Rested, we wake up, have breakfast on our own, refuel the cars, hold a short briefing on the route. We place dots on the maps. Today is a big move. We drive west to Lake Rotoroa, then along the gorge of the Bulla River to the western shore of the South Island, to the roaring Tasman Sea. Further already to the South to the world-famous "Pancake Rocks". In the Maori language, this place is called Punakaiki. Here we will walk for 30-40 minutes. We will stretch our legs.
We will take a dozen beautiful photos, drink coffee and have a snack at a local cafe.
Another 46 km on a very scenic road to the town of Greymouth. We have supper. After dinner, drive 36 km to enjoy an unusual spectacle in the dark. You and I will get into the gorge, where thousands of fireflies already familiar to us shine in the night.
They are not located on the ceiling of the cave, but in the open air, on the walls of the gorge covered with mosses and small ferns. It is important to keep quiet and not scare the fireflies with lanterns.
Further, the final small transfer to the town of Hokitika. Check in hotel. Rest.
The total mileage for today is 525 km.
Day 10
29.01.2024
We get enough sleep. We have a leisurely breakfast and drink our coffee. We load things into jeeps and go to wash gold☺. We will start this day like real gold diggers. A short drive and we find ourselves in an open-air museum of gold diggers.
We will visit a whole town of gold miners, which has been specially preserved for future generations. Here you can wander among the old houses in which the utensils of that time lie, go to the church, ride along the ancient railway on the same ancient train.
The first West Coast New Zealand gold rush broke out in the 1860s. The settlements of Hokitika and Ross, the setting for The Luminaries, for which Eleanor Catton won the Booker Prize in 2013, have grown rapidly.
At the height of the fever, there were 72 hotels in Hokitika and almost no women. It was in those days that the "wild West Coast" earned its reputation as a place of lawlessness and became a real lure for enterprising pioneers and various eccentrics.
As today, in those days, prospectors kept secret any information about their cherished mines, in every possible way confused the tracks on the way to them, spread false rumors in order to ward off competitors from rich areas.
More than a century has passed since then, and Hokitika continues to be a town where many gold shops thrive, and trays and other mining equipment can be easily bought or rented there.
In these places, they wash gold and now...
In New Zealand, 17 official mining sites are open for free visiting and prospecting. As a rule, they are easily accessible by ordinary road, the main interest in such a pastime comes from people with hobbies and tourists, since only the simplest equipment - trays and shovels can be used there. Mining anywhere else requires a permit, and to date, about 400 have been issued in the country.
After extracting a few grains of treasured gold, we drive along the West Coast towards the famous New Zealand Southern Alps. We are in a hurry to get to Lake Matheson by sunset in order to take such beautiful shots from a special point, when the evening sun turns the two main peaks of this country in orange: Mount Tasmana (3497 meters) and Mount Aoraki (3724 meters). And they, in turn, are reflected on the mirror surface of Lake Matheson.
After sunset, we move to FOX GLEICIER. Dinner. Rest. Night at the motel. The total mileage is 236 km.
Day 11
30.01.2024
Early rise. Those who wish can meet the dawn on the shore of the Ocean to see the dawn of the Southern Alps right from the edge of the sea or take a walk again to Lake Matheson. At dawn, it is also incredibly beautiful there.
Further, if the weather permits, a small trek to the observation deck, where we will admire the breathtaking view of the Southern Alps, forests, glaciers and the highest peak of New Zealand - Mount Cook.
Many glaciers descend from the highest mountain in New Zealand, some of the most famous are Fox and Franz Josef. They are famous for their unusual location - they start far in the mountains, and then they flow through the rain forests and melt almost near the ocean.
We are moving south along a very beautiful and picturesque road. There are fewer and fewer people, the trees are getting taller and taller! We stop for a few walks in a beautiful fern forest.
We will see a real high New Zealand coniferous forest as dinosaurs saw it. New Zealand nature is unique, most of the local plants and animals are not found anywhere else on the planet. This archipelago separated so long ago from the ancient supercontinents and was isolated by the ocean from the rest of the land for so long that evolution here went on an independent path. Many of the local plants are very archaic, related species on the continents died out many millions of years ago. But tree ferns are the same as in the rest of the sublunar world.
We cross the Southern Alps from west to east, following the course of the mountain rivers Haast and Makarora. Very beautiful wild places. The forest grows on almost vertical rocks.
We will stop and walk along the path to one of the waterfalls. The forest here is already completely different from that one on the coast. The roots of the trees do not immediately go deep, but first they crawl along the surface like snakes.
Exactly as you saw in the Lord of the Rings movie! In the evening, we arrive in the picturesque town of Wanaka.
The total mileage for today will be 285 km.
Check-in at a motel. Dinner. Rest.
Day 12
31.01.2024
This day is dedicated to one of the most famous New Zealand tracks Roys Peak Track. We wake up, have breakfast, prepare boots and trekking poles. Transfer from the motel to the starting point of the track is 8 km. We climb to New Zealand's most famous Instagram hotspot where we take photos over mountains and clouds.
The track will take us about 5 - 7 hours. The total mileage of the hike is about 15 km. By lunch, we go down to the parking lot and return to the town of Wanaka.
We walk a little around the city, drink coffee and have lunch. Taking routine photos of the famous Wanaka Tree.
Then drive 70 km with stops for photos in beautiful places to the world capital of adrenaline, the city of Queenstown. We check into the hotel for 2 nights. We walk around the evening city and the embankment. Dinner. Rest.
The total mileage by car today is 86 km.
Day 13
01.02.2024
We are all tired and need to rest a bit. The last couple of weeks have been extremely eventful. Therefore, this day is free. You can spend it based on your own desires and preferences. Queenstown is not without reason called the adrenaline capital of the world, bungee jumping (bungee jumping), zorbing and much more were invented here.
Queenstown is a popular ski resort in winter (when it's summer in Europe), and in another time trekking and rafting, bungee jumping and hang-gliding, races along the seething mountain rivers in high-speed boats; parachute; paraglider; rock climbing and more.
If adrenaline is not your style, then the city will not leave indifferent the lover of a quiet life. Lake Wakatipu, the Botanical Garden, golf, a lot of jewelry and souvenir shops, a cable car to the top of the observation hill, boat trips, horseback riding - in a word, there is a choice. Or you can just lie in bed until 12, and then walk around the best restaurants in the city while drinking the famous Marlborough Valley Sauvignon.
However, we recommend that you do the following: book breakfast in advance by phone at a restaurant at one of the local wineries (for example, in the old town of Arrowtown, which is located 20 km from Queenstown). Then take a walk along the streets of Arrowtown, return to Queenstown and there already plenty of ride on the famous red Jet boats along the mountain river, and for dinner take the cable car to the observation deck, where you can eat with a view of the evening city.
Alternatively, you can visit another interesting place: GLENORCHY - or New Zealand HOLLYWOOD - a small village around which are scattered the most famous filming locations of The Lord of the Rings and Narnia, The Hobbit and Wolverine, King Kong and Where Dreams Lead ". Lunch in one of the local cafes, where the actors of the above blockbusters probably stayed too long.
Rest. We spend the night in the same hotel in the central part of the city.
Day 14
02.02.2024
We have a busy day again and today we will see another cult place in New Zealand - the legendary Milford Sound or the Disappearing Peaks Fjord. This fjord called by Kipling "the eighth wonder of the world", in Maori it is called Piopiotahi Bay or "Lonely Thrush" in our opinion.
The road is very beautiful. Around are the peaks of the Remarkable Mountain Range, it is called Remarkable.
Its dizzyingly steep slopes bite into the sky with a succession of rocky peaks. The road itself is famous for its views and is unofficially called the Avenue of Vanishing Peaks.
To get to Milford we pass through a narrow dark tunnel.
It was cut through the imposing vertical wall under Home Pass; the length of the tunnel is 1270 meters, the height above sea level is 945 meters; no lighting, no cladding.
Rough stone, utter darkness and dripping water from the walls! In general, horror. It is impossible for vehicles moving towards each other to pass in the tunnel. Yes, and it is not necessary. During this waiting time at the traffic lights before entering the tunnel (15-20 minutes), you can see Kea snow parrots.
They are as big as two crows; the top plumage is green, and the wing liners are bright orange. He earned the reputation of a very smart and inquisitive animal that can ruin your car in the parking lot while you are walking in the mountains. He likes to tear rubber bands, mirrors, plastics, etc. out of cars. This is the only parrot that lives and breeds at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level and above.
Non-migratory bird, moving only at local altitudes to search for food. Young birds are more mobile than adults are. Skilful fliers, noisy, highly visible flocks often circle high above the mountain valleys, especially in strong winds before a storm.
Accustomed to humans and extremely inquisitive birds in search of leftover food sometimes harm cars, their awnings and cabins. Listed in the International Red Book. The number is from 5,000 to 15,000 according to various estimates.
The good news is that you can see them quite easily on this section of the road to Milford! They love to interact with people.
We are coming to Milford. We put the cars in a special parking lot, and we ourselves go for a ride on a boat, where we have already bought tickets ahead of time.
Cruise around the bay. We will see bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, waterfalls, rocky islands, bird colonies.
If you are very lucky, then penguins. Along the way, the captain of the ship will still try to dip us into a waterfall falling from the mountains into the waters of the fjord.
Upon our return, we get into jeeps and make our way back to the town of Te Anau.
If time permits, we stop for several beautiful walks and mini trekking.
By late evening, we reach the place of spending the night. Dinner. Rest.
The total mileage for today is 408 beautiful km.
Day 15
03.02.2024
We wake up calmly. We have breakfast. We are loaded into jeeps. Today we have a move of about 420 km.
We move deep into the South Island, to the shores of the glacial blue lake Pukaki along a very beautiful road past mountains, lakes and waterfalls.
We spend the night in the area of the Aoraki National Park, overlooking the highest point of New Zealand, the beautiful peak of Mount Cook, to which we have now crept up, on the other hand.
Dinner. Rest.
Day 16
04.02.2024
We wake up calmly. We have breakfast. Those who wish (optionally and, if the weather permits, difficult in these places) can fly around Mount Cook and the adjacent glaciers by helicopter.
The rest of the squad after breakfast picks up things from the hotel and packs them into jeeps. A short drive to the entrance to the National Park. We park cars. We put on trekking shoes, take water and cameras and go for a walk along the equipped trail for 3-4 hours towards Mount Cook, which in Maori is called Aoraki, which means, according to one version, “big white cloud”.
In 1851, Captain John Lorth Stokes gave the summit its English name in honor of James Cook, who explored the islands of New Zealand in the 70s of the 18th century, sailing around them on ships. However, during this expedition, Cook did not see the mountain, in the name of which his name was later immortalized.
After walking and taking pictures, we again get into our cars, stop for lunch at a restaurant at the hotel inside the park, refuel and head towards the capital of the South Island - the city of Christchurch.
Saying goodbye to Mount Cook/Aoraki. We stop at the lookouts by the road and at the famous Church of the Good Shepherd to take another dozen or two beautiful shots.
Moving about 340 km. In the evening, we arrive in the city. Check in hotel. Rest.
Farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 17
05.02.2024
After breakfast, we say goodbye to each other and guides. The expedition to amazing New Zealand is over. Tears of parting. Drivers drive cars to a special parking lot. Then private transfer to the airport. Flight home.
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club-family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
.png)