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From here we head to the Otira lookout for views of the incredible Otira Gorge. At this point we encountered a visit from the world’s only alpine parrot, the kea. Its cry is like its name – "keeee-aaaa". The juvenile birds are so curious and mischievous that they will try to eat anything, including your car!
We drive for a short journey and then walk to the Bealey Chasm. The pace and atmosphere is relaxed and interactive. Brian points out the lichen on the forest floor and talks about the algae and fungi relationship. All around us the forest is southern mountain beech. The leaves of the beech have a natural antifreeze and remain evergreen despite the alpine climate. The chasm offers a chance for a fantastic photo opportunity, one of many.
For lunch we go to The Bealey Hotel for a New Zealand country cultural experience. With a back drop of the magnificent Southern Alps, we enjoy a superb lunch accompanied by a sample of the local ale. After lunch, we take some more walks and are introduced to more of the distinctive trees, shrubs and ferns. A walk along part of the old stagecoach road gives an insight into the tenacity of the 1865 road builders and the hardships of travel in the late 1800’s.
All along the pace is relaxed and slowly the images, history and stories of New Zealand come together to paint a picture that is unique and compelling.
Brian’s tours are designed with variety in mind, to encompass everything that makes New Zealand unique – ecology and natural history; activities – guided walks, kayaking, glacier walks, greenstone fossicking; and the culture, the people – Maori and Pakeha (European), lifestyles, current affairs and history. Brian designs and markets the tours and also guides. This hands-on approach with the guide creating the itinerary produces tours that are flexible, making best use of time, terrain, local activities, accommodation and changing seasons.
In Brian’s own words: "A guide has the ability to heighten people’s awareness – to see and experience aspects of the environment that would normally go unrealized. And we can only truly understand nature when we experience this reality. Talking about it is just not the same – like experiencing a rainy day in a rain forest! My philosophy is to rarely travel more than 45 minutes without stopping to explore our surroundings. It may be a giant tree, greenstone on the beach or an historic miner’s trail. This provides people with a sense of freedom and a real chance to get to know New Zealand".
Meeting the people and experiencing the "real New Zealand" is the emphasis of Canterbury Trails. Spontaneity is a top priority and, as their name suggests, each tour is personalized. This is the ONLY way for your clients to experience New Zealand’s South Island.
CLICK TO RETURN TO THE SWAIN EXPERIENCE NEWSLETTER
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GETTING THERE: Air New Zealand is the flagship airline of New Zealand and they offer twice daily non-stop service from Los Angeles to Auckland and once daily non-stop service from San Francisco to Auckland. Easy connections are available from Auckland to Christchurch in New Zealand's magical South Island which is where Canterbury Trails' expeditions commence.
WHEN TO GO: Ask Brian from Canterbury Trails when it’s best to visit New Zealand and his answer is "anywhere between 1 January and 31 December"! New Zealand is a year round destination with a broad diversity of landscapes and weather. The March / April timeframe is special because it is the beginning of the fall colors, the weather is usually more settled and the main tourist "rush" has usually passed. August and September mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring and again, the weather is usually settled, although there is still a chance of experiencing a “winter blast”. The scenery is marvelous and this is when you get the snow capped mountains, crystal clear days and the "picture-postcard" vistas. The added bonus is that there are hardly any tourists! Dress warm though, as the days can be crisp.
WEATHER: New Zealand's seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere's – summer starts in December, fall in March, winter in June and spring in September. New Zealand's maritime climate is temperate with an average of 2000 sunshine hours a year. January and February are the warmest months, with July the coldest. Average temperatures range from 40ºF in winter to 60ºF in summer, although in many places, summer temperatures can reach the 90s. Annual rainfall varies greatly from less than 2 inches in Central Otago to more than 470 inches in the Southern Alps. December, January and February tend to be the hottest months, but they can have some rain. November can be the rainiest month. No matter what month you travel in New Zealand, you can encounter sunny hot days, bitterly cold winds or a mixture of both in one day!
WHAT TO PACK: As there are guided walks on these tours, it is advisable to bring along sturdy walking shoes or boots, and because the weather can produce "4 seasons in one day", it is suggested that you bring along a wind proof jacket and clothes suitable for cooler weather. It is also advisable to bring along a rain-proof jacket for the rainforest walks. Essentials to pack would include: a warm jacket (preferably rain proof), hat, sunscreen, flat soled walking shoes, camera and film, binoculars (although the Canterbury Trails vehicles generally carry them) and a notebook or diary. Forget the formal clothes, as New Zealand is a very relaxed and generally informal destination. Neat and casual clothes that are comfortable are more than suitable. Avoid wearing white clothes out in the bush where it can be muddy. Open collared shirts for men are a good idea as some of the evening meal locations have a ‘neat-casual’ dress standard. Solid hiking boots are generally excessive however light weight hiking boots are good. Bring a jacket always – mountain weather can change rapidly even in the middle of summer.
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