New Zealand Plan

Our journey starts in Aukland, New Zealand, with the first activity to spend the night in Tiritiri Matangi, a small island accessed by ferry from Aukland. The island is known to be predator-free and one of the best places to see kiwis, one of the goal birds. We're spending the night in a small bunk house (getting this reservation was not easy) to allow for a night walk to increase the chances of seeing the flightless birds. From there we're planning to see Hobbiton and the glow worms at Waitomo (I hope to see several species of glow worms) then some day hikes. We're booked to hike Tongairo Crossing, but will have to check on weather and snow before we go as it's going to be late winter and the hike can be prone to avalanches.

Then it's down to South Island and Arthur's Pass to see Keas, an alpine parrot known for destroying cars, Lake Tekapo for gentle hikes and star-gazing, and hopefully Hooker Valley Trail. Then we're booked on a 3-day backpacking trip to Stewart Island/Rakiura at the very south end of the island. Then it's back to Queenstown briefly before starting on the Milford Track - rated as one of the best hikes in the world and certainly one of the most difficult trail reservations to get. It took over an hour on-line at the specified time and the cost of nearly $1,000.00 for the privilege of hiking in what will likely be pouring rain and freezing cold, staying on bunk beds in crowded, little huts without heat or showers for 4 days. We definitely know how to have a good time.