Prajnaparamita in New Zealand
1st February -2nd March 2010
                        
                  
 
Aotearoa
land of the long white cloud
Prajnaparamita visits New Zealand 2010
Feburary 1st-March 2nd
 

Come embark on a mystical and magical four week journey. An awe inspiring spontaneous adventure of the North and South Island.
 
Information and registration: nzeeland2010@gmail.com
 
All sangha members need to be settled in Auckland by  1st Feb 2010. Please arrive a few days before this date in order to get over the jet-lag
 
Unfortunately booking as a group does not give us a significant discount, so please make your own individual booking. Prajnaparamita has the final say on who can and cannot come on the trip. Everyone joining the trip to New Zealand does so at his of her own risk and liability. It is strongly advised to take a good travel and cancellation insurance. 
 
 
You can find more information and contact with other people who go to New Zealand  on facebook:
 

Travelling Schedule
 
February 1-3 AUCKLAND (Three days)
Embrace the natural spirit and energy of Aotearoa- experience a Maori welcome
Explore dense rainforests, thermal springs and deserted beaches within an hours drive from the heart of the city.
Two evening satsangs in the "City of Sails".
Possiblity of daily satsang in nature.
 
February 4 (35 min ferry to Waiheke Island)
 
February 4-7 WAIHEKE ISLAND (Four days)
Emerald waters lap at rocky bays.
Experince the rich beauty of this stunning island.
Celebrate Waitangi Day 6th february- The nations birthday, marking the coming together of indigenous Maori and Pakeha (white people)
Be part of maori ritual, ceremony, dance and song.
Cycle Waiheke's arts trail, encompassing 26 authentic galleries.
Rest in two public evening satsangs with possibility of daily satsang.
Possiblility to be welcomed onto the local marae (an indigenous meeting house, which often embodies an ancestor, a sacred place where issues are discussed, milestones celebrated and the dead fare welled
 
On the 6th of feburary- We are invited to attend waitangi day celebrations held on the local Marae; a celebration of Maori spirit. The day commences with a tradditional maori welcome (powhiri) followed by powerful ceremony, dance and song.
 
February 8 (Ferry back to Auckland) Drive to Coromandel
Kilometres= 168 km
Hours = 2.5 hrs
 
February 8- 11 (Coromandel ) Four days
In splendid isolation, receive natural blessings on the spectacular shores of this area.
Sitting on the beach of this enchanted coastline, satsang willl be offered.
Lose yourself along large tracks of untamed native bush, rich in birdlife.
Take a swim in crystal clear wates.
Explore deep coves.
Visit the Mahamudra centre, a serene tibetan buddhist haven.
Experience authentic local music in remote rural cafes where large selections of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, organic and fair trade delights await.
 
February 12 (Drive to east Coast of Nth Island) Te Urewera National Park
Kilometres= 374 km
Hours= 5 hrs
 
February 12-15 Te Urewera National Park (Four days)
Stroll along the shores of alluring Lake Waikaremoana, shrouded in mist.
Absorb profound silence, resonating deep within sacred virgin forests.
A primal wild area - rich in maori history.
Possibility to dissolve into the wisdom of a powerful elder, leader and healer - the sharmanic guardian of this mystical area.
 
February 16-17 Drive to Wellington
kilometes= 506 Km
Hours = 7 hrs
 
On route, experience New Zealand's wild central plateau.
Three sacred, active volcanoes : Mt Tongariro,Mt  Ngarahoe,and Mt  Ruapehu tower before you.
Stay in Jerusalem , a village on the shores of the Whanganui river, a historical ecclesiastical hot-spot .
Many come here on pilgrimage.
 
February 18 -21 Wellington (Four days)
New Zealands vibrant capital - a free moving, aristic central hub.
Experience New Zealads festival of the arts; an alive bohemia.
Explore low key beach villages , less than an hour away, or the wild and remote west coasat.
Three public evening satsangs with possibility of daily satsang.
 
February 22 Ferry crossing to South Island
Duration: 3 hrs
 
February 22  From Ferry in Picton to Abel Tasman National Park
Kilometres= 110 km
Hours= 1 hr 35 mins
 
February 22-25 Abel Tasman National Park (Four days)
Surrounded by native bush, overlooking golden sandy beaches, satsang will be offered.
Kayak the coast alongside dolphins and seals.
 
February 26-01 March
Explore the remote west coast,  or
be amongst the deep waters of Fiordland national Park
 
Five days for travel
Possibility for daily satsang
Also...
Be with local Iwi (tribe)
Drive on surf -battered coastal highways
Navigate coastal hamlets
Imagine glacial sculptured canyons
Jaggared misty peaks
Limestone caverns and lagoons
Deep glistening fiords
 
End our journey in deep rest and silence, fully disolved in the sublime beauty of this diverse land.
 
March 02 Queenstown
Return rental vehicles
 
The last night of accomodation in Aotearoa will be the 2nd of March.
Flying out of Queenstown on the 3rd.
 
Fly from Queenstown to Auckland .
Auckland International to Home country
 
 
 
                          
 
 
Very special information:

On the first of February we will receive a Powhiri from Ruth Makuini Tai. Ruth is a peace ambassador of Aotearoa (Aotearoa also means eternal light). Modern language scholar, Writer and Key note speaker.
 
A powhiri is a ceremony of welcome extended to visitors by Maori, The Indigenous people of New Zealand. Powhiri provides an insight into the unique and Spiritual world of the Maori. Which is as important today as in the past. The Various elements of the Powhiri serve to ward of evil spirits and unite both visitor and host in an environment of freedom and peace.
 
The word Powhiri encapsulates two important concepts to Maori. PO can be translated as an adventure into the unknown or a new experience while WHIRI experience of exchanging information or knowledge.
 
Ruth is passionate about nature humanity and The Maori Language. Ruth will share (Tohuna) insights and peace teachngs of the Maori.
 
On the 6th of February we are incredibly fortunate.                                                
We have been invited by Puawa Ormsby to spend the day on Piritahi Marae Waiheke Island. We will be part of another Powhiri followed by Rich Maori cultural expereience. It will be Waitangi Day 2010.
 
This will be a day where one can join in all things Maori. Weaving, Waka Ama, Kapa Haka and Hangi. WAKA AMA- Racing of Ancient tribal Maori water craft/canoe. KAPA HAKA-Maori Performing arts or the cultural dance of the Maori people. KAPA HAKA is an avenue for Maori people to express their heritage and cultural identity through dance and song. Dates back to pre european times. Presented in a synchronisation of action, timing, posture, footwork and sound. HANGI-traditional Maori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.
 
Marae is a sacred place (wahi -Tapu) where culture can be celebrated. Maori language is spoken, Intertribal obligations can be met, where customs are explored and debated, Family occasions such as weddings and birthdays are held. Important ceremonies such as welcoming visitors or fare welling the dead can be performed.
 
Waitangi Day is a significant day in the history of Aotearoa. It is a public holiday. It celebrates the signing of the treaty of Waitangi, New Zealands founding document signed in 1840. The Treaty made New Zealand part of the british empire guaranteeing Maori rights to their land and gave Maori  the rights of British citizenship.
 
Around the 12th and 15th February we will travel over to the Te Urewera National park. There is a possibility to spend time with a Maori Leader, Elder, and powerful Shaman- Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere. A formidable Maori Leader and Ambassador for Maori. Dr Rangimarie is strongly influenced by Maori teachings that go back over 12,000 years.
 
Dr Rangimarie holds the energy of the Kahukura-The violent flame and Nga Waiahuruhuru -The cherishing waters to help transmute Negative energy to help protect the balance between Mother and Father energies. Dr Rangimarie will share ancient teachings. She is a Tohuna(Wisdom keeper)born into the ancient birthing nest.
 
On the 14th of February( During our stay in Lake Waikaremoana) we will be visiting Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere.
 
This will begin with a traditional Maori welcome at 10 am on the Marae of Dr Rangimarie. This will be followed by a three hour kura(Offering of ancient Maori wisdom) followed and concluded with a meal at 1pm.
 
Generally Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere only links in with her students from her Kura Huna in her own home but has agreed to have us visit.
 
Dr Rangimarie is a Tohuna(Wisdom keeper)A priestess who is a sower of the sacred seeds of Knowledge. Dr Rangimarie comes from the Kura huna The Mystery school of the ancient people of Aotearoa.
 
Dr Rangimarie can trace her ancestry back over 12,000 years.
 
Cost for the morning(10-1pm) including shared Vegetarian Lunch  £20 each.
 
www.youtube.com  type in Dr Rangimarie Rose Pere or Rose Pere for more of an introduction if you would like.

 
Public Satsangs
 
February 1st: Powhiri from Ruth Makuini Tai (more: very special information)
 
Auckland-Wellpark college(school of Natural therapies)
              Grey Lynn
              6 francis street
              Auckland
Tuesday 2nd Feburary      6pm-8pm
Wednesday 3rd Feburary  6pm-8pm
 
Waiheke Island-Omiha memorial hall(Rocky Bay hall)
              2 glenbrooke road
              Omiha
              Waiheke Island
Friday 5th Feburary          6pm-8pm
 
On the 6th of February Piritahi Marae Waiheke Island. Powhiri followed by Rich Maori cultural expereience. It will be Waitangi Day 2010. (more: very special information)
 
Waiheke Island-Omiha memorial hall
Sunday 7th of Feburary    6pm-8pm
 
On the 14th of February( During our stay in Lake Waikaremoana) we will be visiting Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere. (more: very special information)
 
Wellington-Wellington central library
               Mezzanine room
               level one
               Victoria street
               Wellington
Friday 19th feburary          6pm-8pm
Saturday 20th feburary      1pm-3pm
Sunday 21st feburary        1:30pm-3:30p
 

Practicalities
 
AIRFARES (current lowest price) RTN
Depart 28th January London Heathrow to Auckland Intl Airport
Return 03 March London Heathrow
 
www.airnewzealand  Air NZ               £809.80
www.netflights.com  Royal Brunei       £752.50
 
-Please be careful when you want to bring your drum, a sacred pipe, or instrument to New Zealand. It could be a problem with the doane, because it contains animal skin.
We advise to contact the ambassady of New Zealand and your travel company about this issues.
-When you want to bring medication in your hand luggage, ask for a medication passport (your doctor or the hospital can make it).
 
You can find more information on restrictions in import and export on facebook
 
VEHICLE RENTALS (Based on 30 day hire)
Hire Car with own tent 
www.gorentals.co.nz  "Super Cheapie"  £8 p/day
                               Total = £240
Pick up Auckland airport
Drop off in Queenstown
 
www.jucy.co.nz         £12.85  p/day
                              Total = £384
 
Upgrade to a "crib" - mattress in back of car, with utensils and bedding included
                             £17.30 p/day
                             Total= £516
 
Pick up Auckland Airpot
Drop off Queenstown Airport
Fee for drop off to Queenstown £60-80
 
www.rentalar.co.nz   4WD (large vehicle)
 
                             £22.50 p/day
                             Total = £672
 
SLEEPERVANS
Like a campervan, but more compact in size. Space in back for double mattress. Utensils, gas stove and linen usually provided in total price
 
www.sleepervans.co.nz   £27.70 -36.00 p/day
                                  Total = £930     ...if shared with 2 people, price reduced to £465 each
 
www.zorbsleepervans.co.nz  ...similar company, check out website
 
 
CAMPERVANS
www.freedomcampers.co.nz  "Pathfinder" 2/3  berth HI- TOP  (Comfortably sleeps 2 adults/1 child)
 
                                  Total (1 person ) =  £1272    ...if shared with 2 poeple, total = £ 636 each 
 
Other websites to checkout:
www.bedmobils.com
www.drivenz.co.nz
www.jucy.co.nz
www.campervans.co.nz
 
DISTANCES
www.tikitouring.co.nz
www.aatravel.co.nz
Distances is in Kilometers (KM)
Start of journey to end of journey
Auckland -Queenstown = 1572 Km/24 hrs
 
North Island
Auckland -Wellington = 639 Km/9.5 hrs
 
South Island
Nelson - Queenstown = 850 Km/13 hrs
 
PETROL COSTS
Petrol;  0.65 p/litre
Diesel:  0.39 p/litre
 
FERRY CROSSING NORTH TO SOUTH ISLAND(Wellington to Picton)
Duration : 3 hrs
www.interislander.co.nz
 
Price £ 110
Based on one way
Per adult
Includes standard sized campervan
Online booking possible
 
www.ferrytickets.co.nz
www.bluebridge.co.nz
 
FERRY AUCKLAND-WAIHEKE ISLAND
www.sealink.co.nz
 
INTERNAL FLIGHT
www.airnewzealand.co.nz  You can book online from the Netherlands/NZ provided you have a credit card.
 
ORGANIC FOOD/BIOLOGICAL /SHOPPING LIST
www.fourcorners.co.nz This website will give you typical NZ prices on food
 
ORGANIC NEW ZEALAND DIRECTORY
This site is excellent for all your organic (biological) requirements .
 
A few recommendations:

Auckland
** Harvest Whole Foods
     Huckleberry Farms
     403-407 Richmond Road
     Grey Lyn (Satsang area)
     www.huckleberryfarms.co.nz
     Ph) 0064 93 76 3107
**Earth Seed Organics
    1 Glen Road
    Glen Eden
    Ph) 0064 9 818 0411
**East-West Organics
    273 West Coast Rd
    Glen Eden
    Ph)0064 9 818 9524
 
Waiheke Island
**Ostend Markets (every saturdays)
    Time: 0800 -1200 hrs
    Fresh Organic fruit and vegies
    Ostend Rd Waiheke
    www.ostendmarket.co.nz/food.htm
**Waiheke Organic Food
    20 Tahi Rd Ostend
    Waiheke Island

Coromandel (on route)
** Thames Organic supermarket
      736 Pollen Street
** Whitianga 1 Monk Street
                    Monk St markets
                    www.whitianga.co.nz

Rotorua - on the way to Waikaremoana
**Back to Eden  Organics
    1155 Puketua St
    Rotorua

Taupo - on route to Wellington
** Earths Way
     14 Tuwharetoa St
      Taupo ( town centre)
 
Wellington
**Commonsense Organics
     260 Wakefield St
     Te Aro
     Ph) 0064 +4 384 3314
 
Nelson
**Organic Supermarket
    69 Collingwood Street
    Nelson
 
Takaka
**Golden Bay Organics
    47 Commercial St
    Takaka 
 
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visitors from the Netherlands may visit for up to three months without requirement for visa/visitor permit.
Visitors from Britain/British passport may vsit for up to six months without requirement for visa/visa permit.
 
SATSANG COSTS:
Will follow shortly
 
ACCOMODATION/CAMPSITE INFORMATION 
It is recommanded to start booking your campsite in Auckland due to this
being the last weekend of the school holidays (29-31st Jan) and also
Waiheke Island, (being waitangi weekend)
This means that it is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY...which means children and lots
of people who will want accomodation in Auckland, and  in Waiheke Island.
 
Auckland:
You will need to book for the Muriwai campground (Auckland) when you can. This site has powered and unpowered sites .
Details: www.muriwaimotorcamp.co.nz
             Powered sites: $25.00 for 2 people
             Tent sites: $12.00 per adult
             email: info@muriwaimotorcamp.co.nz
 
Also, this site is very close to where Prajnaparamita is staying, and is 35 min away from downtown Auckland. There are other camp sites, or you can choose to "freedom camp" ....as you like.  This site is chosen for the proximity to Prajnaparamita.

 
WAIHEKE ISLAND INFO:
Waiheke Island is a very popular place for people in Auckland to get away during the busy summer holidays, and peak events, such as Waitangi day, as mentioned briefly above.
 
Prajnaparamita will be staying in Rocky Bay.
The Whakanewha Regional park is also in Rocky Bay.
 
Whakanewha Regional Park  has about 60 TENT ONLY sites...with the possibility of staying there for 7 nights. Here , you can just tun up, and the wardens will come around and collect  the fee. You can reserve a spot in the campground (including campervan) for our entire  stay. You have to provide credit card details over the phone, in order to confirm reservation here.The otherway is to pay by check . (not ideal) The site has cold showers, flushed toiles and drinking water available
 
Regaring the campsite in Rocky bay. Google; whakanewha reg park nz (Click on whakanewha at the top) alot of information is given about the park that could be very useful.
 
Analternitive option could be to freedom camp somewhere lovely /idyllic on the island and just ROAM !!! ...or there is a possiblity of booking two nights accomodation of your choice.
Here, you will need to book soon for these two nights if you choose to stay in hotel/backpackers.
 
The rest of the campsite options throughout the rest of our journey,(located in close proximity to Prajnaparamita) will be posted to the website in the next two weeks.
 
  
 
 
For your interest, Rach and I have compiled a list of campsites local to where Prajnaparamita will be staying, in each area. Of course, this is just a guide, and by all means, you also have the choice to "freedom" camp wherever you are.
 
The campsites are listed in order of preference, so the best/most local campsite to Prajnaparamita , is at the top of the list for each area.
 
All prices are in New Zealand currency (Dollars $)
 
 

North Island
 
Auckland  (Arrive Jan 28  Depart Feb 04 2010)
Prajnaparamita is staying in Muriwai, Auckland
 
(Prajnaparamita arrives on 28th January. Your choice to arrive any time before or after this date, but make sure you are in Auckland  by the 1st Feb ...thanks )
 
1.) Murawai beach Motor Camp
www.murawaimotorcamp.co.nz    Ph) 0064 + 9 4119262
 
Powered sites : $25.00 per night (based on 2 people)
Camp sites: (unpowered) : $12 per adult
                                           $5 per child  (pre-schoolers are free)
Powered sites in total : 66
Tent sites: 100
 
Visa/mastercard accepted
Communal toilets/showers
 
****Remember to book this site as soon as possible due to end of school holidays ****
 
 
 
Waiheke Island  Arrive Feb 4th  depart 8th Feb   (4 nights)
Prajnaparamita is staying at Rocky Bay
 
1) Whakanewha Regional Park (Rocky Bay)
www.arc.govt.nz                                      Ph) 0064 + 9 366 2000
Picturesque but basic.
This is called a BASIC campsite. 
 
This site has an unusual way of booking. You must provide your credit card details over the phone, as some have already found this out ....
Good luck with this particular site.
 
Total sites (tents) ; 80
Price: $10 per adult
         $ 5 per child
Site has toilet, cold shower (brrrrrr...) and drinking water.
 
*******Waiheke Island is predicted to be busier at this time, due to Waitangi weekend  *******
 
2) Hekerua Lodge (Little Oneroa)
www.hekerualodge.co.nz   Ph) 0064 + 9 3728990
 
This is a backpackers lodge, surrounded by native bush. It has a  small area for tents.
 
Capacity: 12 tent spaces
Price $12 per person 
*******BOOK EARLY AS POSSIBLE*********
 
3) FREEDOM CAMPING
The most adventurous type of camping.....!!
Find your own way around the beautiful Waiheke Island at your own time, at your own pace.
 
In Waiheke Island you may want to park up your campervan and  stay n a bed and Breakfast/hotel/independent self-contained unit, due to the limited options to stay in a powered site.
 
Try to choose a campervan with a LONG battery life....some rental specialise in this, for those who like to freedom camp. 
 
 
 
Coromandel  (Arrive Feb 8   Depart Feb 12th) 4 nights
 
Prajnaparamita is staying in Hot Water Beach
 
1) Hahei Holiday Resort    41 Harsant Ave
                                         HaHei Beach
                                         Whitianga
 
Hahei is the next bay around from where Prajnapramita is staying.(approx 20 mins drive). This campsite is our 1st choice. There is more going on here ...cafes, activities are plentiful in this area.
 
www.haheiholidays.co.nz  Ph) 0064 + 7 866 3889
Huge camping area with powered sites sites available.
I have been having some problems with this site, as it leads me to "cathedral cove villas", which is incorrect.
 
May be best to send them an email to :
info@haheiholidays.co.nz
 
..also there is a little information on the camp site at :
www.aatravel.co.nz.
 
Rach and I have been to this site before. The very best spot is camping with tent as close to the beachfront as possible.
 
2) Hot Water Beach Holiday Park     790 Hot water Beach Rd
                                                         Hot water Beach
                                                         Whitianga
(2nd choice) ...not as much to do around here...although there is a chance to dig yourself your own hot water pool at the beach edge, at Hot Water Beach) ...we will explain in more detail about this in our up and coming activities guide!
www.hotwaterbeachholidaypark.com  Ph) 0064 + 7 8663116
This site is brand new, so I'm not sure what it is actually like
 
Powered sites: 75   plus tent sites . (not specified)
Prices: $16 per night (unpowered)
            $18 per night (powered)
            $10 children per night
Cabins: $30 per night.
 
 Further afield....(see below)
**The following places to stay are approx 1 - 1.5 hrs drive from Hot Water Beach, however we do recommend you visit the Coromandel Penninsula, as this area is absolutely stunning...
 
3) Coromandel Holiday Park
www.coromandelholidaypark.co.nz  636 Rings Rd
                                                         Po Box 86
                                                     Coromandel   Ph) 0064+ 7 8668830
26 Powered sites $12-24 per  person
40 tent sites        $12-24 per person
Well-kept and welcoming . Busy in the summer
 
4) DOC campsites
 
There are a number o scattered DOC (Department of Conservation ) sites north of Coromandel. Beautiful areas, although some distance from where Prajnaparamita resides (around Hot Water Beach) .
 
Some sites are as far away as 40-50 km north of Coromandel township.
Here are a couple :
Waikawau Bay (standard site)
Fantail Bay Campsite (23 km north of Colville)
For  more information on DOC campsites visit :  www.doc.govt.nz
 
5) North Coromandel (Colville)     (25 km north Coromandel town)
Colville farm    2140 Colville Rd    Ph) 0064 + 7 866 6820
www.colvillefarmholidays.co.nz
 
A range of interesting accomodation, bush lodges and self-contained houses. Includes tent sites .
 
6) Mahamudra Centre  0064 +7 866 6851
www.mahamudra.org.nz  
A serene Tibeten Buddhist retreat that has a stupa, meditation hall and courses.
Simple but comfortable.
Check website if interested.
 
 
Lake Waikaremoana  (Te Urewa National Park ) Arrive Feb 12th  Depart Feb 15 th (3 nights)
 
Prajnaparamita is staying on outskirts of Lake Waikaremoana
 
1) Lake Waikaremoana Motor Camp    Ph) 0064+ 6 837 3826
www.lake.co.nz
A DOC owned camp site, nestled right on the shore of the lake.
 
Powered sites: $12 adult
                         $5 child
Tent sites:        $12 adult
                         $5 child
Loads of sites ...it shouldn't be a problem to book this camp.
 
2) Big Bush Holiday Park   SH 38         Ph) 0064 + 6 837 3777
 
www.lakewaikaremoana.co.nz
email: bigbush@paradise.net.nz
 
Close to Onepoto trail head .
Tent sites: $12 pp
Powered    $15 pp
Backpacker: $25 pp
 
 
 
Feb 15th -18th  (3 days)
 
At the moment you have 3 free days to explore the east coast and central plateau. Keep free the possibility of a
Whanganui River journey (maori led) . This is yet to be confirmed.

 
Wellington   Arrive  Feb 18 th   Depart Feb 22nd  (4 nights)
Prajnaparamita is staying in Plimmerton  (West coast , 30 mins from central Wellington city)
 
Paekakariki holiday park   Ph) 0064 + 4 2928292 (45-50 mins) from Central Wellington
 
From this spot you can walk to the train station which is close by. (10 mins )
You can catch a train into Wellington (approx 40 mins)...saves you taking your campervans to satsangs etc.
 
email: paekakirikiholidaypark@xtra.co.nz
 
11 acres of park- like grounds with mature native trees.
Powered sites: 150
Tent sites: 40
Power/tent sites: $13 per adult
                             $7 per child
Visa/matercard/eftpos . (Eftpos is for NZ bank cards only)
 
 **There are not many camping options here**...but if you find any, let us know !
 
 
 
SOUTH ISLAND 
 
Nelson/Abel Tasman     Arrive Feb 22nd   Depart  Feb 26th(4 nights)
 
Prajnaparamita is staying at Pohara
1)Pohara Beach Top 10 holiday park   Ph) 0064 + 3 5259500
                                                         Rd 1 Abel Tasman Drive 
                                                         Golden Bay
www.poharabeach.com
This site has powered and unpowered (tent) sites
 
2) Along the Abel Tasman Coast Track there are four walking huts and 21 designated campsites-none with cooking facilities ( i.e pretty basic) This is DOC owned.
Although further away, these campsites are beautiful, and provide you with cheap accommodation if you choose to walk some of the popular Abel Tasman coastal track.
Contact DOC (Department of Conseervation) for information how to buy a Walking Pass/Camping pass for this area.
www.doc.govt.nz   

 
(Arthurs Pass) Castlehill    Arrive Feb 26th   Depart Feb 28th (2 nights)
Prajnaparamita is staying in Castlehill
 
This is a sacred place. The Dalai Lama has said this area is particularly high energy.
Many parts of "The Lord of the Rings" was filmed around here.
 
1) Craigieburn Forest Park (DOC owned)  
   c/- Arthurs Pass Visitor Centre     ph) 0064 + 3 318 9211
      www.apinfo.co.nz
 
This is really a shelter...
Price $3/6
20 tent sites
Campervans allowed. (unpowered)
Amenities: stream water, sink, tables and toilets
Directions: Turn off SH 73 at signpost between Castlehill Village and Lake pearson/Moana Rua
Road conditions: Gravel, narrow and winding.
2)  Free camping possible
* There is free camping sites at Klondyke corner (8 km south of Arthurs Pass)
*There is free camping sites at Kelly shelter (20 km Northwest Arthurs Pass)
Both have toilets. Boil any water available before drinking in this area.
 
3) DOC also have some beautiful sites. These sites are further away form where Prajnaparamita is staying, but worth a look.
Go to  www.doc.govt.nz
 

 
Franz Josef     Arrive Feb 28th   Depart  March 03 (3 nights)
Prajnaparamita is staying around Franz Josef
1) Rainforest Retreat   Ph) 0064 + 3 7520220
                                    46 Cron St
   www.rainforestretreat.co.nz
Unpowered from $14 per person
Powered from $17.50 per person
Cabins from $65 per person
If you want peace and quiet, stay near the back of the camp.
 
2) Franz Josef Top 10 holiday park    ph) 0064 +3 7520 735
www.mountain-view.co.nz
(Not as good looking as Rainforest Retreat)
1.4 km from Franz Josef township .

 
 
March 02 Queenstown
Return rental vehicles
 
The last night of accomodation in Aotearoa will be the 2nd of March.
Flying out of Queenstown on the 3rd.
 
Fly from Queenstown to Auckland .
Auckland International to Home country
 
 
Ideas:
*May I  suggest that it might be worth buying yourselves a good solar shower for the times where the amenities are extremely basic.
 
*It may also be an idea to take a tent with you (even if you have a campervan) as there may be times when you want to explore further, with space only allowing for tents. The ABEL TASMAN COASTAL WALK is one of these times. Make sure you buy your passes for this walk.
 
If there are any queries, just email Bex or Rachel
 
Love to you all.