A SLICE OF KIWI: 7 day SLACKPACK in NEW ZEALAND

1. From Atlanta, fly into Auckland (North Island) or Christchurch (South Island).

2. From Auckland or Christchurch, fly, take a bus, or drive to Queenstown, NZ.

3. Meet us on November 1, 2026, in Queenstown, NZ, at that place, that time TBD!

2. WEATHER: 

November in New Zealand is late spring, bringing generally mild, warming weather with long days, wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures (often 15-20°C/59-68°F). Expect cool nights, warm days and strong sun, with warmer northern areas and cooler southern spots still possible. Of course, there is always the possibility of showers - weather is a fickle friend - and your best remedy is a positive attitude, and good-quality performance clothing/raingear! Think layers for variable weather (merino wool, fleece, waterproof shell).

7. COST

The following costs are based on 2025 rates; The outfitter will post 2026 rates in January 2026. I will email participants as soon as I have the 2026 rates, so in the meantime, use the 2025 rates as a guideline.

The amount you pay depends on your choice of accommodations. You have THREE options (See photos below):

                                                                          2025         2026

1. Shared 6-person Dorm (per person):             $3340            TBD

2. Shared 2-person Room (per person):            $4373            TBD

3. Single Room (per person):                            $7629            TBD

7a.  OUTFITTER FEE INCLUSIONS:  

8 days | 7 nights of accommodation (Nov 1 - Nov 7)

All meals (breakfast - lunch - dinner)

Transport from Queenstown, NZ to the trailhead and return to Queenstown.

All Park entrance and trekking fees

Guides

Emergency Medical Kit

Logistical support, and 

Tips/gratuities/surprises. 

7b. OUTFITTER FEE EXCLUSIONS (Participants are responsible for the following):

1. All transportation (flights, train, bus, etc.) to and from the event

2. Cost of the Visas - the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)

3. Travel insurance (highly recommended)

4. Hotel stays before Nov 1 and on/after Nov 8.

5. Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, etc.

6. Tickets to sites and attractions, and

7. Personal/incidental expenses

8. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

1. According to the Outfitters regulations, your reservation is YOU-specific (created in your name, with your information) and therefore it is NOT TRANSFERRABLE to another AOC member. Therefore...

2. If a member chooses/needs to cancel, he/she will forfeit the $25 AOC fee, and based on cancellation date, pay the following cancellation fee:
     a. Between registration and 60 days before departure: $200;
     b. Between 59-31 days before departure: 50% of the paid amount;
     c. Within 30 days of departure: 100% of the paid amount.

AOC members are therefore STRONGLY urged to purchase trip insurance to cover the cost of the trip, in the event of an unforeseen cancellation, or medical event.

9. DISCLAIMER:

The Trip Leader for this event has elected to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay. With the exception of the $25.00 AOC administrative fee, no funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event. Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.