Hump Ridge AWLS
We are pleased to announce our second extended AWLS course incorporating a 3 day tramp along one of New Zealands best tracks.
Wednesday 5th- Sunday 9th December 2012
The Hump Ridge track is, without doubt, one of New Zealand’s finest walks. Situated in Southern Fiordland near the town of Tuatapere, the track presents an incredible diversity of challenges and scenery. Participants will be the only trampers on the track for the duration of the course. Multiple ecosystems are passed through. There are gentle paths alongside near deserted beaches with only the roar of the breakers of the great southern ocean to accompany us. There are native bird songs as we walk through temperate rain forest and up into moss covered beech forest. Finally there is New Zealand alpine scrub with the sound of the westerly wind usually in our ears. The huts (or lodges) at which we stay are well equipped, comfortable and extremely hospitable. We will spend three days and two nights on the track itself.
Our first day begins at sea level and ends at the top of a tough climb at the Okaka Lodge. With magnificent alpine vistas to enjoy after a hard climb through the forest, here we will do some low key discussion groups and learn a few practical skills in the evening. If we are in luck we may be joined by a few inquisitive Keas’, New Zealand’s native Mountain Parrot.
After a walk along an exposed ridge to start day two we descend slowly to near sea level where we follow the remains of a disused railway from the logging days of the 1920s and 30s. After crossing impressive wooden viaducts, we eventually arrive at our second Lodge at Port Craig village, a long abandoned logging settlement. Here we are likely to be joined by native Robins and Fantails, as well as the rather more troublesome Sandflys. For the brave, and if the day has been hot, there will be a chance to swim in the bracing sea, possibly with the beautiful dolphins that inhabit this sheltered area of the coast. Again there will be discussion group learning and some practical sessions at Port Craig village.
Day three is our walk out back to “civilisation”. A beautiful track through native temperate rainforest with hidden beaches and longer beach stretches near the finish. This is an easier section with time to enjoy the magnificent and seldom visited coast.
Itinerary
Tuesday 4th December
7.45pm Welcome Dinner at Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
Wednesday 5th December
8.00am Introduction
8.15am Patient Assessment
8.45am Wound Management/Dislocations
9.45am MORNING TEA
10.15am Animal and Insect Bites/Stings
11.15am Heat and Cold
12.15pm LUNCH
1.15pm Medical Kits
1.45pm Submersion Injuries
2.15pm Lightning Injuries
2.45pm AFTERNOON TEA
3.15PM Head, Eyes, Ears, Neck, Throat
END OF DAY 1
Transfer by coach to Tuatapere.
Stay at Waiau Hotel (twin share); Dinner, bed and breakfast provided.
Humpridge track briefing in Tuatapere.
Thursday 6th December
Humpridge Track Day 1: Rarakau Car Park to Okaka Lodge 7-9hrs (19km)
Lunch, dinner and snacks provided
NB: Bunk room accommodation
Friday 7th December
Humpridge Track Day 2: Okaka Lodge, Percy Burn Viaduct – Port Craig Lodge 7-9hrs (19km)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks provided
Saturday 8th December
Humpridge Track Day 3: Port Craig Lodge – Rarakau Car Park 5-7hrs (17km) Breakfast, lunch and snack provided
There will be discussion groups and practical skills stations during the tramp.
Transfer to Invercargill
Accomadation at Ascot Park Hotel, dinner provided.
Sunday 9th December:
8.30am Altitude Illness (HAPE/HACE)
9.30am Avalanche
10.00am Water Treatment
10.30am MORNING TEA
10.45am Dive Medicine
11.45am BREAK FOR LUNCH
12.30pm Hands-On Practical Scenarios
2.00pm AWLS Written Exam
3.00pm AFTERNOON TEA
Details
Included in price
Accommodation Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill Tuesday 4th and Saturday 8th December.
Welcome Dinner Tuesday night, Breakfast on Wednesday 5th and Sunday 9th December.
AWLS certification.
Transfers to Tuatapere.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Waiau Pub, Tuatapere.
3 day Humpridge Track All food is provided during the walk Each hut has hot showers.
Sleeping bags, liners, pillows and towels are provided.
Helipacking Day 1 is included.
Additional upgrades available
1) Waiau Pub, Tuatapere: Premium upgrade to single room. Cost $100.
2) Helipacking /days 2 & 3. Cost $70 per sector, 15kg limit.
3) Humpridge Track: upgrade to premium room with king sized bed. All linen provided. Cost $100 per night per room.
Please email us your upgrades, payment can be made by cheque or direct credit.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation of confirmed booking is to be in writing. The following penalties will apply: 60-30 days prior to the course/tramp; loss of 50% of Registration fee. Less than 30 days prior to the course/tramp; loss of 100% of Registration fee.
Travel Insurance for all International participants is mandatory and advised for all NZ participants. We strongly recommend you take out personal travel insurance at the time you pay the course/tramp fee to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances. You are required to advise us of your policy number and Insurance Company.
The Hump Ridge Track crosses some challenging terrain. You therefore need to have a reasonable standard of physical fitness and be free of physical ailments.