Classic New Zealand Adventures
Posted on May 21, 2008 under Tips & Advice |Rob Roy Glacier Track
This excellent day tramp in Wanaka takes you up to the head of Rob Roy Stream, amongst the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. The shattered faces of Rob Roy Peak are exposed beneath massive ice falls. There is an open basin at the head of the valley, which is a brilliant place to spend a hot summer’s day. This trip is one of the most spectacular day walks in the region and takes 4-6 hours return.
Skippers Canyon
For an excellent day ride with lots of variety and brilliant scenery, try Skippers Canyon. Head out of Queenstown on Arthurs Point Road and ride up to Skippers Saddle (930 m). From there you can take the old pack track to the right of the road. It’s a neat little single track that rejoins Skippers Road about a third of the way to Skippers Bridge. At the bridge you can watch bungy jumpers plummet 71 metres into the canyon. Over the bridge and 1 km further on is a picnic and camping area with fresh tap water. From there several adventurous day trips can be done. All you need is a map and a keen sense for exploration.
Shotover River Rafting
This is the most commercially rafted river in the South Island. The commonly rafted section is from Deep Creek in Skippers Canyon to Arthurs Point. With medium to high river flows, it’s an excellent grade IV rafting trip. At low flow, however, it’s not what the marketing videos would have you believe. Following the Mother Rapid, the final thrill is rafting through the pitch black Oxenbridge Tunnel - an old gold mining water race. The river is run by every rafting company in Queenstown. Just walk down the main street to get an idea of who offers what in terms of trips and prices. The approximate cost is $55 for a 2 hour trip.
Skippers Bungy Jump
Bungying is the process of leaping from a colossal height with a high tech rubber band tied around your ankles. Ten years ago it would have probably turned up in our lunatic category.
Looming 71 metres above the Shotover River, Skippers Bridge is first glimpsed by many through the bow spray of a Skippers Jetboat. Peering up from the bottom of this dark canyon will probably fill you with dread rather than joy.
With an insane cheerfulness your name is called. Your feet are then attached to the end of that famous umbilical cord. Any urge you may have had to throw yourself irrationally from a high place disappears completely. Madly hoping that thoughts are the only thing about to go through your head, you inch your way out on the little board extending from the bridge. Peer pressure is a baffling thing, and very soon you’ll notice that your brain has told your body to leap. Whistling air is followed by relief and you’ll realise, with the courage of hindsight, that the secret behind its success is making something that is completely safe look utterly lethal.
Jump costs start at $145, depending on your choice of transport. A smaller jump at the Kawarau Bridge costs $89. Book through any adventure office in Queenstown. Remember, to be cool in Queenstown use your initials only - definitely no first names.
Tandem Paragliding
A tandem paraglider enables two people to fly together. Absolute beginners can fly with an instructor, riding the thermals above Queenstown for up to 45 minutes. Flights cost from $150 for early bird bookings. Contact Queenstown Tandem Paraglide for an exhilarating paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola, which overlooks stunning Queenstown and the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Rees-Dart Track
A popular intermediate tramp in the Queenstown area is the 4-6 day (70 km) Rees-Dart track. After walking up the Rees Valley you cross over Rees Saddle (1506 m), and descend into the headwaters of the Dart River. From here the track follows the Dart River down valley, amongst spectacular scenery.
There are four huts, plenty of secluded camping spots and several rock bivouacs. From the shelter of the bush deep within the mountains, keen trampers can do some great day trips. On a good day you could zip up to Cascade Saddle for some great views, checking out the Dart Glacier on the way.
This area has more than its share of sand flies. The road ends, 20 km drive from each other, are well serviced by public transport from November to April. For more information contact DOC in Queenstown.
Routeburn Track
The historic Routeburn Track was once part of the route connecting Queenstown with the now-defunct settlement of Jamestown on Fiordland’s west coast. In recent times it has become one of the country’s most popular alpine walks.
Most trampers take 2-3 days to cover the 40 km track across Harris Saddle (1280 m) to the head of Lake Wakatipu and the Milford-Te Anau Road. This high quality track slips through some dramatic alpine country as it crosses over the main divide to the rainforested Hollyford Valley in the west. From Harris Saddle there are stunning views across to the Darren Mountains. This section of track is also exposed to the full brunt of any foul weather, so go well equipped. You may find some solitude if you wander off on side trips (such as Conical Hill) but if you want to avoid crowds, go elsewhere. Try the Greenstone or Caples valleys, they’re not so crowded and there are plenty of camp sites.
From November to April there is plenty of public transport servicing both ends of the track. A winter crossing requires alpine equipment and skills. Camping within 500 metres of the track is prohibited. For more information ask DOC in Queenstown.
Eyre Mountains
The Eyre Mountains, just south of Queenstown, provide excellent wilderness opportunities for the experienced ski-tourer. There are no public huts so tents, or a snow shovel for snow caving, must be taken. Access permission must be obtained from the Landcorp stations Cainard, and Eyre Creek. You can drive about 10 km from Highway 6, up either Mataura Creek or Eyre Creek, from where you may have to walk several kilometres - it all depends on the snow level.
Milford Track
The Milford Track, in Fiordland National Park, connects the head of Lake Te Anau with Milford Sound. From Lake Te Anau it follows the West Branch of the Clinton River up to Mackinnon Pass (1073 m), before descending to Milford Sound, via Arthur River and Lake Ada to Milford Sound. Its international fame, combined with its magnificent beauty, has made this trip so popular that it has become the first of New Zealand’s tramps to need restrictions on the number of walkers. This has stopped the place being trampled to death and gives walkers more space to enjoy themselves. Bookings need to be made well in advance through the Tourist Hotel Corporation - March to April is the quietest time. If you feel this is a bit much bureaucracy for a get-away-from-it-all trip, you’re not the only one.
The walking season is from November to April. During winter, transport is scarce, the pass is treacherous and avalanches are a danger. Camping within 500 metres of the track is prohibited. For more information ask DOC at Te Anau.
Percy Pass
Percy Pass, just southwest of the spectacular Lake Manapouri, is one of the most challenging mountain bike routes in New Zealand. From Manapouri township catch the tourist boat to the West Arm of the lake. Then simply follow the pylon track, under the power station transmission lines, to the top of Percy Pass. The track ends here, and to continue you must carry/drag your bike through thick bush for 1.5 uncharted kilometres. If you use the transmission lines above as a guide then you’ll pick up another pylon track that heads southeast to Monowai. From there it’s about 40 km back to Manapouri. The whole trip takes about two days.
The day trip from West Arm over to Doubtful Sound and back again is also very rewarding.
Kayak Dragging
For a full-on out of control adventure, try kayak dragging. This is a highly evolved version of water skiing. Substitute the skis with a plastic kayak, the boat with a car and use a wet paddock as your lake.
Sit in the kayak, but leave your legs sticking out over the front deck. This means that if you wipe out, you can vacate your plastic missile quickly - kayaks don’t come with roll bars (yet). Grab hold of a 10 metre tow line and ask someone you trust to drive the car. Never tie the rope to yourself or the kayak, just hold on to it.
This is a great spectator sport. It’s interesting to see which destructs first; car, kayak or kayaker.