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Southern Alps Trek for Climate Action
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Southern Alps Trek for Climate Action

  • ms-plus-southern-alps- adventure
  • ms-plus-southern-alps- adventure
  • ms-plus-southern-alps- adventure
  • ms-plus-southern-alps- adventure
  • ms-plus-southern-alps- adventure

Need to know

  • Date: 25–30 March 2023
  • Group size: 10–18 travellers
  • Challenge grade: 3/5
  • Registration fee: $495
  • Fundraising target: $3,500 per person
  • Flights: At own expense
  • Accommodation: Twin-share rooms in lodges
  • Single supplement: $540 (subject to availability)
  • Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)

Tour from AUD: $3,280

*Subject to change. Refer to Soulful Concepts Terms and Conditons. Book now

Contact us

    Find out more

    Enter your details below and receive the in-depth information pack and booking details via email

    Subscribe to Soulful e-newsletter

      Find out more

      Enter your details below and receive the in-depth information pack and booking details via email

      Trip at a glance

      From Christchurch to Queenstown, as part of this adventure, you’ll experience the history and majesty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s scenic South Island. Travelling north to south, by day you’ll trek and cycle through awe-inspiring landscapes, from native bushland and expansive plains to cities, canyons, countryside and coast.

       

      You’ll gaze upon the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, marvel at glaciers on Mount Sefton and stand in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest mountain. You’ll cycle along quiet canal roads before crossing the Lake Ohau weir, and weaving your way around this glacially-fed natural wonder. 

       

      In Wanaka, you’ll explore vast wilderness areas of beech forest intersected by crystal clear rivers and alpine lakes, and enjoy 360º views from Isthmus Peak. Finally, following the Rob Roy Track, you’ll make your way towards Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. At night, you’ll relax in comfort in the company of like-minded travellers committed to urgent climate action. 

       

      Most significantly, this is your chance to travel with purpose and help propel Australia towards bold, effective action to cut carbon emissions and reachnet zero by 2035. 

       

      You’ll walk away with treasured moments and the knowledge that you were part of something life-changing! We hope you can join us on this journey.

       

      Give back

      Are you worried about the state of our planet? Are you frustrated with previous federal government inaction on the climate crisis? Do you want to do more to help safeguard the future of our world?

       

      The Climate Council exists to provide authoritative, expert advice to the Australian public on climate change and solutions based on the most up-to-date science available. As an independent voice on climate change, the Climate Council is driving home the urgency of the climate crisis through a loud drumbeat of cut-through voices and commentary about extreme weather and other climate impacts through strategic media interventions, hard-hitting reports and briefing policy makers. But they need your help!

       

      Put your support in action as part of the Climate Council’s Southern Alps Trek for Climate Action.

       

      The funds you raise on this adventure will help power the Climate Council to fight misinformation with facts, secure national climate change news coverage and push for urgent action at all levels of government. You’ll support the latest climate science research and foster proactive engagement with those facing the brunt of extreme weather impacts, including first responders, unions, industries and First Nations peoples.

       

      Here’s how your fundraising can make a difference: 

       

      • $50 can create a rapid fire media release to respond to misinformation from politicians in the media and fight back with the facts. 
      • $250 can fund the creation of compelling digital content and ensures it reaches a wide audience.
      • $500 can write a climate conversation guide to empower Australians to confidently speak about extreme weather.
      • $2,500 can fund a media training session to empower Australians to talk about their experiences of climate change and the urgency of our situation.
      • $5,000 can create a video highlighting the urgency for action and demonstrating the impacts of extreme weather fuelled by climate change.
      • $15,000 can pay for meetings with key stakeholders for a year.
      • $20,000 can power the research and media launch of a report.

       

      Every fraction of a degree of avoided warming matters and will be measured in lives, ecosystems and species saved. We must match the urgency and scale of the problem. This is your opportunity to leverage the growing global momentum for climate action and help power bold, effective climate action in Australia this decade.

       

      Fundraising

      a_z_fundraising Guide

      There are many creative and fun ways in which you can fundraise. To help get you started we have created an Online Fundraising Resource Hub containing an A-Z guide of fundraising ideas, “how to” guides for certain events and sample press releases and corporate sponsorship letters. You will also have regular support from the Soulful Concepts team, who will help you develop a fundraising plan tailored to your network. In addition you will also be supported by the Climate Council.

       

      Fundraising component: $3,500 per person

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Saturday, 25 March 2023 — Christchurch to Methven
      Welcome to Christchurch! Your local guide will meet you at 8am at the Rydges Latimer Christchurch, located at 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central City. 

       

      From Christchurch, we drive across the Canterbury Plains to our first hike at Mount Somers. Of volcanic origin, this mountain and the adjoining range stand out from the neighbouring mountains with stunning rocky tors and a deep canyon. The hike climbs through beech forest and traverses high tussock slopes that have a distinctly ‘Middle-earth’ feel. Stopping for lunch at the well-placed Woolshed Creek Hut, we then follow the Rhyolite Ridge Track, enjoying spectacular views down into the canyon as we climb high above on the slopes of Mount Somers. In the afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation in the nearby village of Methven, a ski town during the winter and a chilled rural Canterbury town for the rest of the year. Tonight you’re free to relax before a team dinner.

       

      Accommodation: Ski Time Lodge

      Meals: L,D

      Trekking distance: 5–6 hours, 10km

      Day 2: Sunday, 26 March 2023 — Mackenzie Country and Lake Tekapo
      Today, we drive south along the edge of the Canterbury Plains before heading into Mackenzie Country towards Lake Tekapo, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd perched daintily by the lake. On arrival at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook, we stretch our legs on a relatively flat hike up the Hooker Valley, enjoying spectacular views of the glaciers looming above on Mount Sefton and The Footstool. We take time to take in the imposing south face of Aoraki/Mount Cook before turning around at Hooker Lake.

       

      Accommodation: The Hermitage

      Meals: B,L

      Trekking distance: 3–4 hours, 10km 

      Day 3: Monday, 27 March 2023 — Hooker and Mueller Glaciers
      Today we hike up the famous steps to Sealy Tarns (all 2,200 of them) to soak up the vista of the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers and the ice-carved summits of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Sefton and The Footstool. If conditions permit, we can continue up onto the Sealy Range and along to Mueller Hut. Here, we can rest for a while and enjoy the rewards of our climb – 360º views of the glaciers, ice cliffs and vertical rock faces of Aotearoa New Zealand's highest mountains. 

       

      Accommodation: The Hermitage

      Meals: B,L 

      Trekking distance: 6–7 hours, 10km

      Day 4: Tuesday, 28 March 2023 — Alps to Ocean cycle and Lake Ohau
      ​​After breakfast, we continue our journey south to make the most of the outdoor opportunities on offer. Driving to the nearby town of Twizel, we pick up our bikes* and ride a section of the impressive Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. Along quiet canal roads, we ride across the Lake Ohau weir before weaving our way around the lake on a purpose-built cycle track. The views are amazing and there’s plenty of time to stop, take photos and admire the mountains and the beautiful blue of the glacially-fed Lake Ohau. Our ride ends at Ohau Lodge, where we can relax or head off on a guided afternoon hike, a great opportunity to enjoy more incredible views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and rivers. In the evening, we enjoy another team dinner together at the lodge restaurant.

       

      Accommodation: Ohau Lodge

      Meals: B,L,D

      Cycling distance: 3 hours, 38km

      Trekking distance: 2–3 hours, 5km

      Day 5: Wednesday, 29 March 2023 — Lakes Wanaka and Hawea
      After a hearty breakfast, this morning we drive over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region and on to Wanaka, a resort town set alongside its namesake, Lake Wanaka. This town is the gateway to a vast wilderness area of beech forests, glaciers, pristine rivers and spectacular lakes. Arriving in the late morning, we have time to relax and enjoy lunch and a quick stroll along the lakefront before heading off on our afternoon hike to Isthmus Peak. Following a well-marked trail, we climb steeply on to the main range between Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. From the summit, the views of the lakes and mountains of Central Otago are spectacular. 

       

      Accommodation: Altamont Lodge

      Meals: B,L

      Trekking distance: 5–6 hours, 9 km

      Day 6: Thursday, 30 March 2023 — Rob Roy Track to Queenstown
      On the final day of our adventure, we hike one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most beautiful trails, the Rob Roy Track. Starting off with a stunning drive up the Matukituki Valley, passing large sheep, cattle and deer farms along the way, we then trek from Raspberry Flat across a suspension bridge over the Matukituki River. From here, we climb through beech forest alongside the raging boulder-strewn Rob Roy Stream. Eventually, the track emerges above the tree line in a delightful alpine meadow with a superb view of the Rob Roy Glacier. We enjoy lunch here before wandering back down the valley to our waiting vehicle. Via the Crown River Range, we make our way to Queenstown, a city famous for its majestic vistas, vineyards and adventure activities. Arriving at approximately 4:30pm, we recommend booking return flights no earlier than 7pm although also recommend staying a few extra days to soak up Queenstown if you are able. 

       

      Meals: B,L

      Trekking distance: 4 hours, 10km

      • What's included:
      • Local guides (mountain safety first aid-trained)
      • Transport, including pickup in Christchurch and drop off in Queenstown
      • Meals as indicated in the itinerary, with snacks throughout the day
      • Twin-share accommodation
      • Bike hire with helmet
      • National park entry fees
      • What's not included:
      • Pre and post-tour accommodation
      • Airport transfers
      • Airfares
      • Single supplement: $540 (subject to availability)
      • Optional tours and excursions
      • Tips and gratuities
      • Travel insurance and vaccinations
      • Items of a personal nature
      • Other services not listed in the inclusions column

      * Travellers are responsible for valid visas throughout the duration of the trip

      View full itinerary  
      Book now  Download the info pack  

      Unique experiences

      • Discovering Aotearoa New Zealand’s scenic South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown
      • Exploring awe-inspiring landscapes, from countryside to cities, canyons to coast, mountains to glaciers
      • Standing in the shadow of Aoraki/ Mount Cook and gazing at glaciers on Mount Sefton
      • Going the extra mile for climate action and helping power the Climate Council’s urgent work.

      Need to know

      • Date: 25–30 March 2023
      • Group size: 10–18 travellers
      • Challenge grade: 3/5
      • Registration fee: $495
      • Fundraising target: $3,500 per person
      • Flights: At own expense
      • Accommodation: Twin-share rooms in lodges
      • Single supplement: $540 (subject to availability)
      • Minimum age: 18 (younger ages considered on application)

      Tour from AUD: $3,280

      *Subject to change. Refer to Soulful Concepts Terms and Conditons. Book now

      Contact us

        Find out more

        Enter your details below and receive the in-depth information pack and booking details via email

        Subscribe to Soulful e-newsletter

          Find out more

          Enter your details below and receive the in-depth information pack and booking details via email

          Unique experiences

          • Discovering Aotearoa New Zealand’s scenic South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown
          • Exploring awe-inspiring landscapes, from countryside to cities, canyons to coast, mountains to glaciers
          • Standing in the shadow of Aoraki/ Mount Cook and gazing at glaciers on Mount Sefton
          • Going the extra mile for climate action and helping power the Climate Council’s urgent work.

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