A wonderful opportunity to see and be part of as well as understand the
special significance of this remote southern land, the world renowned
Waitutu Forest. An emphasis will be on food obtainable from our wild places.
Waitutu Forest Lodge, in conjunction with Wairaurahiri Jet, has a superb
overnight guided excursion in Southern Fiordland, traveling across
mysterious Lake Hauroko, down the wild Wairaurahiri River, through the
primeval Waitutu Forest to the remote South Coast of the South Island
of New Zealand.
Your Hosts are Johan Groters and Joyce Kolk QSM of Wairaurahiri Jet,
who have been operating in this pristine environment for more than
twenty-five years. They have won numerous awards for their
conservation efforts over the years and accumulated a wonderful
amount of local knowledge of history and flora and fauna.
Accommodation is at the comfortable backpacker style Waitutu Forest
Lodge, two days walk from the nearest road, nestled on the banks of the
Wairaurahiri River, ten minutes’ walk from the Coast overlooking
Foveaux Strait.
Minimum numbers apply. Parties of up to 12 can be accommodated.
The format of your adventure
– Introduction: Safety briefing, then depart by boat across mysterious
Lake Hauroko with stops for interpretation of the landscape and history.
– Jet Boat down the Wairaurahiri River: Then a 30 kilometre,175-meter
descent Jet Boat ride down the wild Wairaurahiri River with stop/s in
Waitutu forest, to include interpretation on Geology, Flora and Fauna,
with emphasis on changes to forest, pest control efforts and challengers.
Also, an explanation on early Maori relationship with the forest and coast
regarding their sustenance and livelihood. We will see examples of food
sources first hand.
The meals are of the best of local fare, wild and farmed and will be themed on Southland and Fiordland.
– Picnic Lunch in the forest (weather dependent)
– Proceed to accommodation at Waitutu Forest Lodge. Stroll down to the
Coast or along the river.
– Over dinner and afterward – an evening of storytelling and poetry.
Your host from Waitutu Forest Lodge, Alan, will give an in-depth
interpretation of the Waitutu journey, past, present and aspirations for
the future…..
-Next day
– Breakfast, day activities, (Optional) may include, tall timber forest walk,
beach walk, views of Solander Islands and Stewart Islands across
Foveaux Strait, coastal clean-up story, bird spotting (bird book).
– Lunch
– Depart Lodge, travel back upriver and across Lake back to Boat Ramp
afternoon.
All meals supplied as a set menu, with an emphasis on local food. Any
dietary requirements will be by arrangement.
Please feel free to bring your own liquid refreshments and snacks if you
wish.
Bedding supplied.
Please contact Johan and Joyce of Wairaurahiri Jet with any enquiries or to book:
Email: info@wjet.co.nz | Web: www.wjet.co.nz | Phone: 027 2277 223.
Start point Lake Hauroko Boat Ramp.