BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Plone.org//NONSGML plone.app.event//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:US/Pacific
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Global Adventure - Backpack New Zealand’s Best “Great Walks”
  and Tramping Trails
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270209
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270210
DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260501T141250Z
UID:29441409bbdc4192bcf61c264e79e926
CATEGORIES:Backpacking,Global Adventures
DESCRIPTION:CLOSING APPLICATIONS 2-3-2026 - 22 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECE
 IVED.  WILL OPEN AGAIN IF NEEDED AFTER HUT PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOOKED.  Our 
 18-day main itinerary\, which includes 11 days of moderate to strenuous hu
 t trekking up to 12 miles and 3500 feet of gain/loss per day\, will start 
 with two of the best of the country’s ‘Great Walks’ – the Milford 
 and Kepler tracks – based out of the adventure town of Queenstown and th
 e quiet lakeshore town of Te Anau.  After the Milford Track we'll cruise u
 p the Milford sound under innumerable waterfalls to the Tasman Sea\, watch
 ing for seals\, dolphins and penguins!  Next we’ll venture southeast to 
 the rolling golden hills and wild coastline of the Otago Peninsula to seek
  out Royal Albatross and penguins in their breeding sanctuaries.  Then we
 ’ll drive west along the scenic south coast to Tuatapere\, gateway for t
 he Hump Ridge Track\, featuring lush tree fern forest\, high alpine tussoc
 k with limestone spires and tarns\, and beach walking along the Southern O
 cean.   After the Hump Ridge we’ll shuttle back to Queenstown for flight
 s home.  During our treks we’ll stay in backcountry huts and carry overn
 ight packs (no tents or stoves but all other overnight gear and food).  An
  optional 8-day pre-excursion on the North Island (Feb 1-9) will be offere
 d to people registered for the main itinerary\, including highlights of Au
 ckland\, Rotorua\, Taupo\, Waitomo\, and the Tongariro Northern Circuit "G
 reat Walk" (31 miles\, 6000 feet of total gain and loss\, max 11 miles and
  1500 feet gain per day\, carrying tents\, food and overnight gear to camp
  along the way).   \n\nNOTE:  This itinerary can't be confirmed until Grea
 t Walk permits can be obtained in May of 2026\, so registration won't open
  until after that\, but you must submit an advance application at the link
  in the Registration section below and be approved by the leader to be inc
 luded in the permit.  LEADER PERMISSION REQUESTS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT!\nNOTE
 : The Member fee of $1850 shown is for the 50% deposit for the 18-day Main
  Itinerary only\; the total price is $3700.   Those electing to go on the 
 North Island extension will be asked to pay an additional $1300 after regi
 stering for the Main Itinerary.
LOCATION:Backpack New Zealand’s Best “Great Walks” and Tramping Trai
 ls
URL:https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/activities/global-adventure-ba
 ckpack-new-zealand2019s-best-201cgreat-walks201d-and-tramping-trails-2
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR