• 27 January 11 to 2 February 11

7 days / 6 nights

During the program we will discover some of the diverse and interesting natural and cultural history of the Canterbury section of the Southern Alps of the South Island, New Zealand. The Alps have a dominating influence on:-
- The landscape - during the ice ages the Canterbury Plains were formed from the glacial outwash gravels of massive glaciers.
- The weather - the mountains form a barrier to the prevailing westerly winds resulting in the famous föhn-type Canterbury Norwester.
- Communications - tracks & roads over high mountain passes, tunnels, & viaducts connect the western & eastern sides of the South Island.

The program is based on day trips in a comfortable 4WD coach. There will be some walking each day - but none of it is of a too strenuous level.

We will visit and explore nature and scenic reserves (Maori Lakes, Lake Heron, Lance McCaskill & Cave Stream), conservation parks (Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti, Craigieburn, Hakatere & Korowai Torlesse) and the South Island's oldest national park (Arthurs Pass).

We will be based at three sites for two nights each - Staveley (near Hakatere Conservation Park) Arthurs Pass Village and Flock Hill.

Itinerary at a Glance & Site / # NightsProgram commences in Christchurch, Day 1 - The Port Hills of Banks Peninsula - the eastern most part of the Banks Peninsula volcanic massif. Travis wetlands and the Canterbury Plains, Day 2 - Hakatere Conservation Park - a 65 000 hectare park in the Mid Canterbury high country, Day 3, 4 & 5 - Arthur's Pass National Park, Day 6 - Craigieburn Conservation Area, Craigieburn Road, Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park, Day 7 - Cave Stream Reserve, Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill Conservation Area. Korowai Torlesse Tussocklands Park. Program concludes in Christchurch.

Program Includes

• 6 nights accommodation share twin rooms and some singles
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners daily
• Transport as per the standard itinerary
• Services of a study leader/local guide for the duration of the program
• Sightseeing including entrance fees and permits
• Entry fees, permits

Program Excludes

• Return economy/international class domestic airfares to and from Christchurch
• Departure taxes applicable to the standard itinerary
• Optional activities
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Costs of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry.

Program Leader
The program will be led by Warren Jowett - he and his wife Marita run an ecotourism venture in the Canterbury high country. Warren studied botany and geography at the University of Otago and has a M.Sc (hons) degree in biogeography. He has a lifetime of interest in conservation and was the founding president of the New Zealand Association of Environmental Education. Warren worked for many years as a teacher of science and biology and for nine years was a secondary school principal. He has written educational books on ecology and mountain beech forest. He is a skilled natural history photographer and is a licentiate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand.

Program Summary: Southern Alps Splendour