Bellbirds and fairy glades: itinerary
If you have a vehicle, you drive and meet us at 9am sharp in front of the 'Real Journeys' building at Pearl Harbour in Manapouri. Pearl Harbour is clearly signposted from the centre of Manapouri, which is a small village south of Te Anau on the Manapouri highway. (If you do not have a vehicle and need transport from Te Anau this can be arranged - just let us know using our query form. This is usually free but if there are less than four people on the trip there may be an extra small charge.)
From Pearl Harbour you will be met by your skipper and your guide and taken on a stunning short boat trip across Manapouri Lake to access the Back Valley.
After disembarking on a wilderness beach, your wilderness adventure in the Back Valley will begin.
Your guide is a keen conservationist and knowledgeable about the unique biodiversity of this amazing place (check out our Back valley gallery), and loves to pass on stories and knowledge. You'll discover extraordinary trees and birds in an area famed for its giant fuchsia and manuka groves and bird song. You'll feel you've been away a week and touched the living heart of Fiordland.
The day includes walking on rough tracks and off track, fairtrade snacks, and a hearty packed lunch (provided in your trip price).
You meet your skipper at 4pm for your return boat ride back to Manapouri.