New Zealand New Zealand is often described as "God's
Own Country," a testament to its friendly people and
Kiwi. (New Zealand)
diverse natural beauty. The South Island is a veritable
adult adventure playground, home to the high peaks of the Southern Alps,
the fiords of the southwest coast and the rugged wilderness areas of the
west. The North Island is famous for its hot thermal geysers, numerous offshore
islands and stunning bays ringed with sandy beaches. Any number of adventure
activities are available in New Zealand, ranging from hiking, mountaineering
and sea kayaking, to whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, caving and skiing.
New Zealand's North Island also offers excellent trout fishing. New Zealand's
indigenous people, the Maoris, have a fascinating culture. We invite you
to come to New Zealand and learn the "Haka!" Adding to New Zealand's
luster as a travel destination, its wines have in recent years carted off
many of the world's top awards.
Queenstown Queenstown, with the appearance of an alpine village
resort, is the gateway to the South Island's rugged forests, glacial mountains
and majestic fiords. Queenstown is nestled beside the deep blue glacial
waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the usually snowcapped Remarkables
mountain range. Recognized internationally as the home of high action
adventure and extreme sports (such as jet boating through icy rapids,
rafting, bungy jumping and parasailing), Queenstown also offers plenty
of "easy" and laid-back activities, including trout fishing,
golfing and hiking.
Nelson The Nelson region is the sunniest place in all
of New Zealand, with over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually! The region
boasts a beautiful coastline and golden beaches, but it also offers
Beautiful secluded beach stop on our kayaking
tour. (Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand)
mountains, lakes and forested areas as well. There
are three national parks in the area: Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson
Lakes National Park and Kahurangi National Park. Populated by 80,000 people,
the Nelson region is renowned for its fishing, horticulture, forestry and
cultural tourism industries.
Abel Tasman National Park The Abel Tasman National Park, on the northern
coast of the South Island, is New Zealand's smallest national park. Its
granite coast has eroded into rocky headlands and stunning golden beaches.
Sparkling tidal lagoons reach inland where they meet the thick temperate
forest. Several small uninhabited islands, which are sanctuaries for seals,
penguins and abundant wildlife, lie just offshore.
The national park is named
after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who was the first European to explore
New Zealand. His ship sailed the rugged west coast of the South Island
until it found a place to drop anchor in the calm sheltered bays of this
area. These sheltered bays were inhabited by the native Maori people.
The first interactions between the Europeans and the Maori people
Kayaking with seals. (Abel Tasman National
Park, New Zealand)
resulted in a fatal confrontation, and Abel Tasman
and his men were quick to depart. Subsequent European explorers were also
attracted to the area's sheltered bays, and they were more successful in
establishing relations with the Maori people. The beautiful bays of the
Abel Tasman area are still being explored more than 350 years after that
first historic meeting. However, modern explorers choose sea kayaks to recapture
the thrill of discovering a natural paradise.
Vineyards Blenheim, in the Marlborough region adjacent to
Nelson, is New Zealand's largest wine-producing area. Nelson itself has
become the third largest grape-growing region in the South Island, with
more than 30 growers. A visit to this region affords the opportunity to
tour its amazing vineyards famous for their floral sauvignon blancs, chardonnays,
fruity rieslings and Methode Champenoise styles.
Southern Alps The Southern Alps of New Zealand are one of the
most pristine and remote mountain ranges in the world and are renowned
as the training ground where a young Sir Edmund Hillary learned the skills
that took him to the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Rugged, challenging
terrain accentuated by widespread glaciation is the principal reason why
the Southern Alps are recognized as an ideal preparation site for climbers
moving on to any other mountain region in the world.
Mount Aspiring, Mount Cook and Mount
Tasman Ascents of New Zealand's famous peaks are coveted
as highlights in the career of any climber. New Zealand's alpine environment
ensures a realistic entry into mountaineering and helps to establish a
sound skill base for a safe and enjoyable climbing career. Our guides
can impart these skills, along with an approach to the mountains that
only experienced guides can offer. Our operations extend throughout the
Mount Aspiring, Mount Cook/Aoraki and Westland National Parks, offering
spectacular scenery and diverse climbing venues to veterans and novices
alike. We offer a summit climb of Mount Aspiring, one of New Zealand's
highest mountains and a majestic peak
West face of Mount Aspiring at sunset. (Mount
Aspiring, New Zealand)
often referred to as "the Matterhorn of the
South." In the Maori tongue, this soaring mountain is known as Tititea,
or "glittering peak." Ascents of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman can
also be arranged for more experienced climbers.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers The Fox Glacier, the longest of the mighty New
Zealand west coast glaciers, offers a wide range of mountaineering opportunities
for beginners and experienced climbers. At its head rise more peaks with
elevations greater than 9,750 feet (3,000 meters) than can be found anywhere
else in New Zealand. This mighty river of ice zig-zags its way down the
valley to its terminus in a lush, temperate rainforest, a mere 813 feet
(250 meters) above sea level and only 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the
sparkling Tasman Sea. So special is this wonderful mountain and forest
environment that it has been recognized as part of the South West New
Zealand World Heritage Area.
The Franz Josef Glacier is the other famous glacier
that courses through the Westland National Park. Nowhere in the world,
at this latitude, have glaciers advanced so close to the sea.
Ball Pass The Ball Pass is an alpine crossing of the Mount
Cook Range, leading from the Tasman Valley into the Hooker Valley. The
route over Ball Pass allows those without mountaineering experience to
enjoy close views of New Zealand's highest mountains and most spectacular
alpine scenery. The trek across Ball Pass summit offers the chance to
experience rich alpine vegetation and unique
Climbers navigate a serac field. (Southern Alps,
New Zealand)
bird life in a setting comprised of breathtaking
views of Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains, glaciers and valleys.
Lake Tekapo Lake Tekapo is located in the center of the South
Island, at an elevation of 2,300 feet (710 meters) above sea level. Lake
Tekapo's Maori name derives from Taka ("sleeping mat") and Po
("night"). Finely ground rock in the glacial melt waters that
feed the lake create the beautiful turquoise color of its waters. The
central location of Lake Tekapo makes it ideal for a wide range of summer
and winter activities. The township (population 300) is sheltered from
rough coastal weather by the Southern Alps to the west and the Two Thumb
Range to the east. The area enjoys one of the highest averages of sunshine
hours in New Zealand.
West Coast Sandwiched between the Tasman Sea and the Southern
Alps, everything about the rugged west coast is dramatic. Advancing glaciers,
dense rainforests, fiords, fish-filled rivers, boulder-strewn beaches
and a history that includes the hunt for precious greenstone (jade), gold,
coal and timber await west coast explorers.
Fiordland In 1986, Fiordland was recognized as one of the
world's foremost natural landscapes by virtue of its inclusion in the
South West New Zealand World Heritage Area - Te Wahipounamu.
Fiordland National Park Fiordland National Park is bordered on its eastern
flank by the stunning glacial lakes of Manapouri
Kayaking at Crooked Arm. (Doubtful Sound,
New Zealand)
and Te Anau and on its western shores by the
fourteen fiords that give the park its name. Its geography of mountains,
valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and fiords, when combined with its
weather, its beech and rain forests, its wildlife (including many endangered
species), its marine mammals and their unique underwater habitat, all
conspire to make Fiordland a wilderness area ideal for sea kayaking, hiking
and exploring. It represents intense and primeval life on a dramaticscale.
Sea Kayaking Sea kayaking is the natural way to experience
the essence, the grandeur and the spirit of this place. Fiordland is known
as the most challenging environment in New Zealand in which it is possible
to undertake commercial sea kayaking.
Milford Track Walkers on the track to Milford Sound encounter
Fiordland at its most spectacular. Deep lakes, silent fiords, luxuriant
forests and sheer canyons carved from imposing granite define this awe-inspiring
landscape. On sunny days, there are picture-postcard views around every
corner. But only when it rains, when torrents of water cascade down the
mountainsides, do visitors truly experience
Swingbridge on the decent from Mackinnon Pass.
(Milford Track, New Zealand).
the magic of the Milford Track. The trekking surfaces
of the Milford Track vary dramatically, ranging from well-formed paths to
steep rocky declines, with the occasional river-fording adventure thrown
in for good measure during periods of heavy rainfall.
Routeburn Track The Routeburn Track traverses wild and scenic
mountain country between the Hollyford and Dart valleys, situated at the
base on New Zealand's Southern Alps. Since the 1880's, the Routeburn Track
has proved one of the more accessible and popular journeys into New Zealand's
forests and mountains. The Routeburn's passage through a variety of landscapes
offers opportunities to learn something of New Zealand's forests, its
alpine flora, its unique wildlife, and the land-shaping processes of mountain
building and glaciation. The trekking surfaces of the Routeburn Track
vary dramatically, ranging from well-formed paths to steep rocky declines,
with the occasional river-fording adventure thrown in for good measure
during periods of heavy rainfall.
People New Zealand's population now stands at approximately
3.8 million, being comprised largely (about 75%) of New Zealanders of
European descent (Pakehas) and of the minority Maori population (about
14%). The Maoris are descended from Pacific Island Polynesians and Asians.
New Zealand is very sparsely populated by world standards, but is much
more densely populated than its neighbor, Australia. Over the past 20
years, New Zealand's economic stagnation has led to a significant level
of emigration to Australia and points beyond. However, improving economic
conditions in recent years have helped to slow this mass exodus. English
and Maori are the two official languages. English is more widely spoken,
although the Maori language has increased in popularity in recent years.
Temperature/Weather New Zealand's climate is temperate and welcoming
to visitors year-round. That being said, most of the country's premier
adventure activities (sea kayaking, hiking, mountaineering, etc.) are
best enjoyed during New Zealand's summer months (U.S. winter months).
However, Global Adrenaline has also designed a winter itinerary that takes
advantage of the best of New Zealand's winter activities, including glacier
hiking and cross country ski touring. The Southern Alps of the South Island
act as a barrier for the moisture-laden winds from the Tasman Sea, resulting
in a wet climate on the western side of the mountains and a relatively
dry climate on the eastern side. Incredibly enough, the rainfall on the
west coast is nearly 20 times greater than that on the east coast!
Reading List In order to make the most of your trip to New
Zealand, the following reading lists will help you gain a better understanding
of the landscape, culture and people. Here you can also purchase any books
you might need for your Global Adrenaline trip!
Global Adrenaline, Inc.
25 East Washington Street, Suite 1458
Chicago, Illinois 60602
USA
Tel: +1-866-884-5622 (toll free in USA)
Tel: +1-312-863-6300 (outside USA)
Fax: +1-312-873-4440
Email: info@GlobalAdrenaline.com
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