Hi everyone, my brother is doing a trip on the Dusky track at the end of
December with the Auckland University Tramping Club, so far there are
three people going with room for a few more, he figured they may as well
see if anyone in the VUWTC was keen also.

Here are the details, contact address below for more information :
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*Overview*
What: Dusky Track
When: December 19th - 29th
Where: Fiordland National Park, South Island
Rating: Demanding

*Detail*
I'm tramping the Dusky Track at the end of the year. This is one of the
harder tracks around, but also one of the most scenic, according to
those who've done it. It involves 8 days' tramping, but I'm allowing 2
days in case of flooding (which is quite normal in Fiordland!) Even if
it doesn't flood, we can take a rest day or 2 to enjoy the scenery.

Full track description, and everything you ever wanted to know but were
too shy to ask, is at:
http://doc.govt.nz/templates/trackandwalk.aspx?id=36757

*Itinerary*
Wednesday 19 December: Fly to Invercargill, bus to Tuatapere, stay in a
backpacker's overnight
Thursday 20th : Boat across Lake Hauroko to start of track and first day
of tramping.
Thursday 27th : End of final day of tramping, if no flooding or rest
days (unlikely!)
Saturday 29th : End of tramp, if there has been flooding and/or we've
taken a rest day somewhere along the track.
There are daily boat services across Lake Manapouri, and then a shuttle
to Te Anau. It's up to you what you do after Te Anau - there are bus
services to many interesting places, some of which even have airports.
I'm bussing to Queenstown to spend New Year's there, and flying back to
Auckland on January 2nd .

Yes, the tramp will involve being away for Christmas Day and Boxing Day;
no, I can't change these dates.

Places are limited, so get in quick!

*Costs*
Tuatapere backpackers: $20-90? (yet to confirm) Hauroko boat: $70 ea
Huts: $5-10 per night, free if you own an Annual Hut Pass
Manapouri boat: TBC

Keep in mind that the earlier you book flights, the cheaper they'll
usually be.

*Requirements*
You need to have done a multi-day trip, which includes an 8-hour day
carrying a full pack. At the start of the tramp you'll be carrying food
for 11 days, plus all the gear listed below. River crossing skills are
essential, and I strongly suggest AUTC's upcoming Riverschool. You must
also be confident about your fitness. If you're unsure whether this trip
is for you, it's probably better to pass it up!

If you're keen, email me the following:

1. Name
2. Mobile or other phone number
3. Any medical conditions
4. Any dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian/vegan, allergies, kosher)
5. The trips you have been on this year

If you need it, my cellphone number is 027-391-7946. And feel free to
email me with any questions you may have!

Lloyd Johnson [Lloyd.Johnson@northshorecity.govt.nz]