Ecosystems of the Trail: Running Experience in New Zealand

Nov 10 to Nov 15, 2024

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Ecosystems of the Trail: Running Experience in New Zealand
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

Embark on a thrilling adventure exploring the untouched splendor of Mount Aspiring National Park, featuring glaciers, snowfields, mountains, valleys, and diverse wildlife. Immerse yourself in the rich local flora and fauna during a peaceful five-night stay at Kinloch Lodge in Glenorchy, your base for exploration.

Refresh in nature’s ice baths found in alpine-filled lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Discover serenity through meditation and yoga experiences, harmonizing with the natural surroundings. Indulge in nourishing meals crafted from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, cooked in the open elements. 

Discover the world through running

We are committed to helping humanity gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship to nature and to others, by designing experiences, sharing stories, and creating a diverse and inclusive community around a new and sustainable vision of life. 

About

Transportation throughout the whole experience.

Specially designed trails along the magical landscapes of New Zealand.

Carefully curated culinary experiences.
*We can accommodate all dietary preferences.

Exclusively designed yoga and meditation sessions.

All meals and accommodations for the duration of the experience.

Entrance tickets to all national parks and attractions are included in the experience.

Knowledgeable and professional local guides.

Merchandise.

Complimentary La Familia Global Community Membership ($25 value)

Dedicated sports and action photographer to capture your moments.

Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to New Zealand.

Travel Insurance. We highly recommend securing personal travel insurance for your peace of mind. 

Alcoholic beverages and any additional meals beyond the provided ones.

Lodge in Glenorchy: A beautifully restored heritage listed property, which comprises a communal dining area and beautiful yurt for our yoga practice. 

Standard accommodation option involves twin or triple shared lodging. However, you have the choice to enhance your experience by upgrading to private accommodations at check-out.

"In late 2022, Matt ran the Routeburn Track, inspired by childhood moments and a deep connection to the land. Motivated to share this experience, we collaborated to design an incredible journey deep into the heart of the National Park, surrounded by mountains with rich folklore. Now, the trail awaits participants to bring their unique energy and form ecosystems of the trail."

- George, Local Partner And Designer Of The Experience

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About The Host
Matt

Matt

Matt was born and bred in Dunedin, spending most summers and winters exploring Central Otago, New Zealand. Matt studied Ecology at the University of Otago. He spends his spare time trail running, taking photos, and creating well-being experiences for his community. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome at Adventure Capital 7-10 km Hike in Glenorchy - Sunset at Lake Wakatipu

As we arrive in the Adventure Capital, we will feel embraced by the majestic mountains and serene lakes surrounding us. Our journey will start with a Welcome Gathering in the charming town of Arrowtown, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. 

Embarking on a 7 to 10 km hike and taking us around 3 hours, we will gently immerse ourselves in the terrain, as we get acquainted with the beauty of our new surroundings. As the day unfolds, we will transition to the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu to witness the mesmerizing sunset. 

Meanwhile, our first crew meal is thoughtfully prepared back at the lodge, offering a perfect conclusion to our inaugural day of exploration. 


Accommodation: Lodge, Glenorchy | Twin or Triple occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 2: Morning Yoga Session - 6 to 8 km Shakeout Run - Optional Lake Dip - Cultural Workshop

As we wake up in our accommodations at Kinloch Lodge, our day begins with a revitalizing morning yoga class in the lodge’s heavenly yurt. A nourishing breakfast awaits, setting the stage for a laid-back trail run along the lake, followed by an optional dip for those inclined to take a refreshing plunge. 

Shifting gears, we’ll ease into a workshop designed to immerse us in local customs and traditions, taking a momento to slow down and absorb the rich cultural experience. 

Later, there will be ample time to relax and retreat before we gather for our evening meal.

Accommodation: Lodge, Glenorchy | Twin or Triple Occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 3: Optional Cold Water Immersion & Breathwork Practice - 10 km Rees River Run

As we greet the morning, a refreshing opportunity for cold water immersion and breathwork practice awaits, grounding our mind, body, and spirit for the day ahead. Fueled by locally sourced produce, we set out for our initial exploration in our outdoor playground. Following the riverside trails, we venture out and back, prospecting the surrounding mountains for the adventures that await us in the coming days. 

We will share a delightful lunch by the riverside before we return to Kinloch for a soothing hip-opening yoga flow, preparing us for a relaxed wind-down in the evening. Today is about immersing ourselves in the natural beauty that surrounds us, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection with the environment. 

Accommodation: Lodge, Glenorchy | Twin or Triple Occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 4: 15 km Routeburn Track Run

Today, we will embrace our inner adventurers on this remarkable day, embarking on the renowned ‘Routerburn Track’. Our trail commences at Routeburn Shelter, meandering gently beside the crystal-clear river. Passing Sugarloaf Stream, we climb to Bridal Veil Waterfall, continuing above the gorge. Crossing a swing bridge, we find ourselves on open grassy flats, culminating at the Routeburn Flats Hut.

This day promises a collective exploration of Routeburn’s scenic grandeur, fostering shared memories and a deep connection to nature.  Today unfolds with the majority of our hours spent amidst the trail’s beauty. Please refer to the packing list for necessary gear.

Elevation gain: 350 m

Accommodation: Lodge, Glenorchy | Twin or Triple Occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 5: 16 km Lake Rere Trail Run

Embarking out into the wilderness, we traverse through native bushland, gradually ascending to reveal astonishing views. 

Weather permitting, our gaze will be captivated by the Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi sitting atop of Lake Wakatipu in the distance. 

**Please note that Days 3, 4 and 5 are interchangeable, ensuring flexibility based on weather conditions.

Additionally, tailored options for distance and pace will be available to accommodate the varied preferences of the group.

Elevation gain: 445 m

Accommodation: Lodge, Glenorchy | Twin or Triple occupancy

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Day 6: Maori Sound Healing Practice - Farewell

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Queenstown stopping along the way to bid farewell to the National Park.

Together, we will conclude our journey with a profound Maori Sound Healing Practice, hosted by Aaron. Immerse yourselves in the traditional melodies crafted by Aaron, who, guided by his koroua (grandparents), learning the art of creating his own instruments. 

His unique performance promises to leave us feeling not just connected, but also aligned with the energy and essence of this transformative retreat.

Breakfast & Lunch: Included

Things to keep in mind

Cancellations and Refunds.In the event of a cancellation, either by the User and/or Participant, or by Activ Retreats, the following shall apply:

1. Cancellation by the Client:
In the event that the Client decides to cancel an Experience subsequent to its booking, such cancellation shall be governed by the following terms:
a. Cancellation of Experiences with a duration of 4 (four) or more days:

Notification period prior to the start of the Experience

Fee charged by Activ Retreats

180 days or more

$0.00 USD

91 days or more

30% of the Experience total cost

90 to 60 days

60% of the Experience total cost

59 to 0 days

100% of the Experience total cost

b. Cancellation of Experiences with a duration of 3 (three) days or less:

Notification period prior to the start of the Experience

Fee charged by Activ Retreats

91 days or more

$0.00 USD

90 to 60 days

60% of the Experience total cost

59 to 0 days

100% of the Experience total cost

In case of cancellation by the User, the User shall be entitled to be reimbursed, subtracting the outstanding commissions, non-refundable deposits and the corresponding cancellation fee, in accordance with items “a” and “b” above.

2 Cancellations by Activ Retreats
In the event that Activ Retreats cancels an Experience, whether for lack of minimum participation or for any other reason, the User may take the following actions:
I) Request the transfer of the deposit to a different Experience, up to two times, as long as the transfer date is at least 90 calendar days prior to the start date of the Experience. In the event that the Experience preferred for reimbursement has a higher amount of Consideration than the originally contracted Experience, the User and/or Participant must pay the difference between the two prices.
II) Request a refund, from which any expenses, cancellation costs or commissions made to suppliers on behalf of the Participant will be deducted.
In the event that a Participant abandons the Experience by his/her own decision, he/she will in no case be entitled to a refund and Activ Retreats will not be obligated to reimburse any additional amount.

In the event that Activ Retreats cancels an Experience during the course of the Experience, due to acts of God or force majeure, Activ Retreats shall not be liable to carry out the refund of any amount to the Participants, however, it may offer, at its own discretion, voluntary compensation.

In the event that the User and/or Participants have contracted travel insurance, they should review the terms and conditions of such insurance in order to carry out the corresponding reimbursement process.

Activ Retreats shall not be liable for any expenses, expenses and/or losses incurred by the Participant in connection with the booking of the Experience, including but not limited to, obtaining visas, vaccinations, flights, trains, car rental, gasoline, travel expenses and any other expenses incurred by the Participant.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed as an obligation of Activ Retreats to provide the Services, but Activ Retreats shall provide the Services as it sees fit.

3 Refunds
In the event that the User wishes to request a refund from Activ Retreats, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions, the deadlines for the execution of the refund will be as follows: (i) International Refund up to 10 (ten) calendar days; (ii) Domestic Refund up to 5 (five) calendar days from the approval of the request.

4 Credit Roll-outs
90 days prior to the retreat start date:
Clients have the option to transfer the payment credit to a different Retreat or Getaway upon request. The credited amount must be utilized within a maximum of 365 days from the original purchase date. An administrative fee of $100 USD per person will be applied for this transaction.

This agreement describes the general terms and conditions (hereinafter, the “Terms and Conditions”) that regulate the use of the set of digital media made available to the users of the said media (hereinafter, the “Users”) by the company called Activ Retreats (hereinafter, “Activ Retreats and/or the Holder”), through the Website located at: https://activretreats.com/ (hereinafter, the “Website”). The Website is called “Activ Retreats”, and may be accessed through any Internet browser. Any person wishing to access or use the Web Site and/or any of the Services offered therein (as such term is defined below) may do so subject to these Terms and Conditions.

1. General Data of the Holder

Activ Retreats is a company legally incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the United Mexican States (“Estados Unidos Mexicanos”), fully empowered in accordance with its corporate purpose to provide the services detailed in this Terms and Conditions.

The present Terms and Conditions are directed to clients of Activ Retreats and/or any of its controlling entities, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of Activ Retreats that use the Website and/or any other extension of the platform, property of Activ Retreats

2. Definitions

a. Privacy Notice: Refers to the privacy notice of Activ Retreats, drafted in terms of article 28 of the Regulations of the Federal Law for the Protection of Personal Data in Possession of Private Parties (“Ley Federal de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de los Particulares”), and article thirty-eighth of the Privacy Notice Guidelines (“Lineamientos del Aviso de Privacidad”), by means of which the User expressly grants or denies the processing of his/her personal data.

b. Activ Retreats: The company named Activ Retreats and/or any controlling entities, subsidiaries, subsidiaries and/or affiliates of Activ Retreats.

c. Website: All digital media, people and physical means made available to the User in order to promote the Services, in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

d. Parties: It refers jointly to Activ Retreats and the User.

e. Participant: Refers to the natural persons who are registered as participants in the booking of Experiences or those persons who will participate in the contracted Experience through the Website.

f. Services: Set of services offered by Activ Retreats in compliance with these Terms and Conditions, comprised by the activities set forth in these terms and conditions, as well as the use of the Website.

g. User: Refers to any natural person who wishes to acquire rights and obligations with Activ Retreats, in relation to the Services offered by Activ Retreats.

3. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

The access and/or use of the Website, and/or any other extension of the platform, property of Activ Retreats, implies the acceptance by the User (as such term is defined below) of all the clauses and policies established in these Terms and Conditions. Likewise, by using the Website you will be communicating with Activ Retreats through electronic means, so you agree to receive communication under this modality using various mechanisms such as: email, notices, phone call and WhatsApp (software made available by the company WhatsApp, LLC., hereinafter, “WhatsApp”); by virtue of the foregoing, the User acknowledges that the forms, contracts, notices, messages, as well as any type of notification and/or communication sent by electronic means satisfy any legal requirement and have full legal effects and validity.

Any person who does not accept these Terms and Conditions, which are mandatory and binding, must refrain from using the Website, and/or any other extension of the platform, owned by Activ Retreats.

4. Services
Activ Retreats offers Customers and/or Users, through the Website, the possibility to access and/or acquire services consisting of experiences that may include, but are not limited to, the following activities (hereinafter, the “Experiences”):
1. Planning of trips and retreats; 2. Planning and management of sports activities; 3. Planning and management of recreational, social and cultural activities; 4. Planning and management of culinary activities; 5. Booking of accommodations.6. Booking of means of transportation at the Experience site. 7. Specialized guides at each destination.Photography services. The User accepts and acknowledges that the activities listed in this Clause may vary in each of the Experiences offered by Activ Retreats, therefore, the User must review in the Activ Retreats Website which activities are included in the Experience that the User wishes to book.

5. Operation of the Website and General Conditions
5.1 Catalog of Experiences
In case the User wishes to contract an Experience offered by Activ Retreats, he/she may do so by entering the Website. Once logged in, the User must select the “Experiences” tab, where the User may view the catalog of Experiences that are available at that moment. The Experiences will be catalogued in one of the following categories:
(i) Retreats; and (ii) Getaways, which will depend on the duration of each Experience. The User must select the Experience he/she wishes to hire, and once selected, he/she will be redirected to the specific tab of each Experience, in which he/she will find the information and specifications of the selected Experience, including but not limited to: (i) Information regarding accommodation; (ii) Itinerary of the Experience; (iii) A recommended list of items for the trip; (iv) A list of services and resources included and/or not included by Activ Retreats within the Experience; (v) Specifications of the Experience; and (vi) Relevant informative notes about the Experience.

5.2 Booking of Experiences
To book an Experience, the User must select the “Book Now” button within the specific tab of each Experience.

Currently, New Zealand’s International Borders remain open.

A valid passport is required for entry

Foreigners might be required to present a return ticket.

NZeTA visa might be required depending on nationality.

Weather

November heralds the peak of the adventure season in New Zealand, and Glenorchy beckons with its diverse weather conditions. Positioned amidst nature’s beauty, the temperature typically fluctuate between 55ºF (13ºC) and a low of 39ºF (4ºC). This time of year offers a moderately chilly atmosphere complemented by a gentle breeze, creating an inviting environment for outdoor exploration and discovery.



Activity level: Nature’s Rhythms (Intermediate) - Ranging daily from 6 to 17km