A very good trip.
Firstly, a bit different from several previous trekking holidays. More expensive, but more inclusive. The accommodation varied from very comfortable to posh, hot showers and ensuites, apart of course by necessity from the Angelus mountain huts. Andy and Mel were central to the success of the tour, working tirelessly to keep us extremely well fed, and helping to mould our geographically diverse group into a coherent unit. The tour itself was a well-tailored sample of South Island highlights, diverse and often stunning, often surpassing expectations formed from the trip notes.
Additionally we were fortunate in several respects. We had outstanding weather, only half a day's liquid sunshine in a fortnight. The group was small (8), and although geographically diverse ( Scots 4, US2, Oz2), were largely of a similar age and fitness. And our leaders Andy & Mel worked very well together, despite this being their first trip together....the group benefitted immensely from this. Their skills were often complementary; Andy shared his extensive knowledge of local natural history, and Mel demonstrated remarkable culinary skills. Finally, the activity selection was varied and well-paced; the tramping of course, but also the kayaking, mountain biking and perhaps most surprisingly, the snorkelling with seals, were all really enjoyable.
I never rate a trip as 100%, because this implies that it cannot be surpassed, and I don't have that knowledge. But definitely 4 1/2, highly recommended, well done to the entire team!!

| January 1970