Guided Half Day Walk - Nature Walks
Guided Half Day Walk - Nature Walks
Description
Guided Nature Walks philosophy is to give our guests an interactive nature experience - a hands on understanding of every component of New Zealand's South Island wilderness.
Experience the passion and knowledge of New Zealanders who are actively involved in nature education and conservation.
Visitors to Queenstown & Wanaka have a choice of expeditions on foot, either Privately Guided walks specially tailored to their requirements and ability, or half and full day hikes in small groups.
Guided Nature Walks specialises in nature interpretation. The area is steeped in natural history with river valleys covered in ancient native beech forests, mosses, ferns and alpine flora and a variety of native birdlife is close at hand.
Come for an invigorating guided walk with us into the beautiful New Zealand backcountry and discover what really makes New Zealand different with our cheerful and knowledgeable local guides.
Lakeshore Forest and Bird
This half-day walk is most suited to a morning departure and is our easiest walk. It combines the best of native flora and fauna with magnificent lake and mountain views. Native birds are readily seen and heard, in and around the edges of the forest.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours (optional)
Walking time: 2 to 3 hours (optional)
Walking distance: 2 to 5kms (optional - easy walking)
Track: Well-formed, flat surface, some steps
Departures: Summer: 8.00am & 1:30pm (September - May)
Winter: 10.00am (June - August)
Highlights: Spectacular lake and mountain views and a variety of bird life close at hand and easy to view
Miners Forest Retreat
This half-day walk begins in native Beech forest with the track climbing through the forest and grassy meadows following a clear mountain stream. Native birds are readily seen and heard in and around the edges of the forest.
Duration: 4 hours
Walking time: 3 hours
Walking distance: 6kms (optional - average fitness required)
Track: Well formed with some short steep sections
Departures: Summer: 8.00am & 1:30pm (September - May)
Winter: 10.00am (June - August)
Highlights: Early gold mining history and stone goldminers cottage and magnificent mountain views
Magical trip to Paradise
We depart at 8.00am or 1.30pm from your accommodation in a luxury six seat four wheel drive vehicle and your driver/guide will give a commentary on the area as you travel.
On the way to Glenorchy, a small town at the north end of Lake Wakatipu, we pass by the location of 'Amon Hen' and also the site used to portray 'Ithilien Camp'.
We take the road to Paradise and visit places where scenes of 'Lothlorien' and 'Isengard' are easily recognisable with the 'Misty Mountains' as a backdrop and the mighty peak of 'Methedras' towering over the valley.
On entering the forest we drive on a narrow track through areas reminiscent of the 'Old Forest' or 'Mirkwood the Great', we cross streams and traverse golden tussock clearings before arrival at the Dart River, where we will leave the vehicle for an hour of easy walking in the forest and clearings surrounded by the 'Misty Mountains. On return to the vehicle we drive back to Queenstown arriving around 12.30pm or 5.45pm.
Duration: 4 1/2 Hours
Walking time: 1-2 Hours
Walking distance: 2-5km (optional – easy walking)
Departures: Daily at 8.00am or 1.30pm (all year round)
Highlights: Visit secret places few others get to see with spectacular snow-capped mountain and lake views, a variety of bird life and super-natural ancient native beech forest, mosses, lichens and ferns
Departures
- 8am and 1.30pm (September - May) all year for Trip to Paradise walk
- 10am (June - August)
- Pick up from your hotel or central Queenstown
Other Information
- Maximum of 7 clients per guide
- Child price is under 14 yrs
- Please wear sensible footwear and bring a warm/sun hat, wet/wind/warm clothing for changeable weather and a small daypack
- A reasonable level of fitness will ensure an enjoyable walk
- You are provided with snacks (including tea/coffee biscuits)
- Friendly knowledgeable local guides
- Interpretative commentary of flora, fauna, history and geology
- Small day packs and some wet weather gear is available on loan
- Contact us for private guided rates
- Full day walks are also available
- Miners and Lakeshore walks cost less in summer as they don't include a picnic lunch
Prices & Options
- Adult (summer): Lakeshore Forest & Bird $98.00
- Adult (winter): Lakeshore Forest & Bird $130.00
- Adult (summer): Miners Forest Retreat $98.00
- Adult (winter): Miners Forest Retreat $130.00
- Adult: Magical Trip to Paradise $140.00
- Child (under 14 yrs) (winter): Miners Forest Retreat $75.00
- Child (under 14 yrs) (summer): Miners Forest Retreat $55.00
- Child (under 14 yrs) (winter): Lakeshore Forest & Bird $75.00
- Child (under 14 yrs) (summer): Lakeshore Forest & Bird $55.00
- Child (under 14 yrs): Magical Trip to Paradise $75.00
