(There has been a high level of interest on this tour and it is now sold out, and a waiting list is now in place. To add your name to the waiting list email [email protected])
Hamish Campbell and Chris Adams have organised, and will lead, a second Friends of Te Papa group to Golden Bay, Wednesday 4 – Monday 9 May 2022.
This excursion is a six-day (5 night) geo tourism adventure to Western Zealandia. You will fly from Wellington to Nelson return, enabling you to commence your journey in Eastern Zealandia and traverse into Western Zealandia. Geological context is everything!
NW Nelson is home to New Zealand’s oldest rock formations, the only dinosaur fossils known in the South Island and New Zealand’s longest sand-spit. You will be based at Ratanui Lodge in Pohara, just out of Takaha, for all five nights. Travel will be by plane, helicopter and bus, taking in as many local delights (natural, historical, cultural) as possible, from the beaches to the mountain tops.
Programme
(Programme days may change because some are weather-dependant)
Day 1: We fly from Wellington to Nelson and spend the morning visiting Boulder Bank, Settlers Park and Nelson Cathedral including looking at the rock types in its construction.
Day 2: To Collingwood, then a drive right along the length of Farewell Spit
Day 3: Parapara Peak, by helicopter, in groups of 5-6. Permian fossils and spectacular views from the summit, then a visits to Waikoropupu Springs, Takaka Museum and Golden Bay Distillery
Day 4: Up the Cobb Valley by bus, taking in the different rock types
Day 5: Whanganui Inlet- Aorere Valley and dinosaur prints
Day 6: Back to Nelson for the flight to Wellington, with a coffee stop or two and the Moutere Gravels
Cost: $3,600.00 per person (gst inclusive) for 6 days and 5 nights, covering accommodation, all travel, all meals and any entry fees. Payment will be due in full by April 6th, and will be made to Hamish Campbell.
Accommodation: Ratanui Lodge in Pohara. The Lodge has 10 rooms and can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. Each room is suitable for couples or two singles. There is a single supplement charge for those who want a room to themselves, or alternatively some may choose to stay across the road in a very comfortable cabin at the Top 10 Holiday Park.
Numbers limited: 18pax
Fitness: The tour will require some walking but all destinations are well within the ability of a fit 80-year-old! Anticipate walking up to 2 km per day.
Clothing: We will be visiting some exposed places. Make sure that you bring good walking footwear and wet weather clothing.
Travel: The tour includes commercial flights by aircraft Wellington-Nelson return. Weather permitting, we will be using a commercial helicopter service to visit ‘alpine’ Golden Bay: Takaka-Parapara Peak return.
Safety: While every care will be taken to protect you, you will be required to sign a waiver that acknowledges risk and releasing your leaders and the Friends of Te Papa from liability.
To express your interest:
There has been a high level on interest on this tour and it has sold out, however a waiting list is in place. Should you wish to record your interest, please send us an email to [email protected].