Fitness level

Our nature tours can be designed to suit the fitness level of participants. Each involves some walking - between 2 and 8 hours depending on the options chosen. Each also involves some travel in our modern 4WD minivan. For more physically demanding nature tours there is more walking and less driving. For example the climb of Mt Somers involves 8 hours hiking and an altitude gain of 1200 metres. The alpine flowers tour to Mt Hutt also involves 1200 metres altitude gain - but in the minivan!

Stay as a group

We always keep together as a group on the tours. We walk together and frequently stop to look, listen, feel and smell the environment we are part of. And, of course, we have frequent snack stops, morning tea and lunch to look forward to! We insist on group cohesiveness not only for sociability and interpretation but also for safety - weather can change rapidly in the areas we visit.

Interest and enthusiasm

Our nature tours take you to areas where you will see few if any people. You need to be a person who likes "getting away from it all" and keen to learn about the fauna, flora and the landscape. You are not at Queenstown or Milford Sound - and nor are you amongst hordes of other people! The tracks you walk on may not be as smooth as the Milford Track but the scenery is no less impressive. The tracks may be a little rough and slippery in places and for this reason you need to have sturdy footwear.

In summary then, you need to be reasonably fit to gain maximum enjoyment out of the nature tours but they also can be tailored to suit someone who is not able to undertake a lot of physical activity. And there is no age limit! We have had 80 year old clients who have had a ball.

What to bring:

Because New Zealand's weather is changeable you need to be prepared for hot or cold, wet or windy weather.

Clothing and Footwear

• A good quality waterproof parka
• Warm clothing - vest, woollen jersey, gloves, warm hat.
• Back pack (small)
• Hiking boots or stout walking shoes.
• Sun hat, sun screen, sun glasses, insect repellent
• Drink bottle (1 litre).

Optional

• Binoculars, camera, walking poles.

Food

All food is supplied.  This includes: "on-the-track" snacks; morning and afternoon teas and lunch out in the field; dinner supper and breakfast back at the Lodge.

Personal care

Injuries

Some of the tracks we hike on are uneven and can be slippery after rain. We need to know if you have had previous injuries to ankles or knees (bring a good reliable knee or ankle support) Walking poles are supplied.

Insects

We do have sandflies (but not of the Milford Sound size). The more serious insect problem is the common wasp which can build up in numbers during the summer in mountain beech forest. If you are allergic to wasp stings it is important that you carry your own medication and that we are informed before the trip.

Sunburn

All New Zealanders are encouraged to be "sunsmart". Thanks to the big hole on the ozone layer which develops over New Zealand every summer we have to take care of our skin. A good sun block, sun hat and sun glasses are all essential items to carry with you.

Water

A drink bottle is an essential item to take on nature tours. The water in our mountain streams is great to drink - we are still giardia-free. However a water bottle enables you to reduce dehydration and the problems that that can cause on a hot, sunny day.

Toilets

The nature tours do have toilets at strategic places. Sometimes however you can be "caught short" while hiking. Care must be taken to ensure that all excrement is buried and is well away from water ways.