2008 Guided New Zealand Expedition Saturday, April 26 - Monday, May 5, 2008

Treat yourself to an unforgettable outdoors adventure-two days of Paradise and Mallard duck hunting in the Waikato region of the North Island and a four-day excursion to the southwest tip of the South Island where you will renew your spirit, clear your mind and experience the unique nature of New Zealand in utter tranquility.

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New Zealand is truly the "World's Greatest Outdoor Playground." Its spectacular landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. It is comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado and Japan and has over 9,800 miles of coastline. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year-round holiday destination. New Zealand is an easy overnight flight from Los Angeles.

This is a one-of-a-kind trip that is only available to our clients because Mike has connections with private land owners who offer the finest duck hunting in New Zealand. Mike also has connections with the owners of a large, private, secluded lodge nestled among the thick rainforest along Preservation Inlet in the unspoiled wilderness of New Zealand's largest National Park. The Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Area designated by the United Nations encompassing 3.3 million acres.

Make plans to join a small group of no more than six people and go down under for a 10 day, 9 night complete package personally escorted by Mike Kuchera. Mike has spent a considerable amount of time in New Zealand over the past 25 years, and you can rest assured that you will be well taken care of.

Trip Length: 10 days, 9 nights

Costs: Contact Mike for cost per person or for your group for an all-inclusive package as outlined below with the exception of your air fare to and from New Zealand.

Time Difference: New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day. It is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). For example, New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of the United States Central Time Zone.

All-Inclusive Package Includes:

• 9 nights lodging in highly rated accommodations, private room per person.
• All meals and gratuities (breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinner) including some of the best and freshest seafood in the world, superb beef and lamb, New Zealand specialties such as farm-raised venison (cervena), blue cod, crayfish, scallops, oysters, exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, including a traditional Maori dinner "hangi".
• All fees for hunting, fishing and touring, shells and use of fishing equipment.
• Vehicle support and land transportation and air transportation while in New Zealand.
• Transfer to and from the airport.
• Professional guides, personally escorted by Mike Kuchera and knowledgeable local partners and experts. People in New Zealand (Kiwi's) are known for their friendliness and hospitality.
• Arrangements by our professional service and assistance with clearing customs and proper transportation of your firearm.
• Detailed itinerary of trip.
• Upon deposit, pre-departure and packing information.

Sample Itinerary - Subject to Change

Day 1 - Arrival into Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Welcome and Orientation
Arrival into Auckland, New Zealand's gateway to international visitors. Auckland, the "Bay City" and world famous for the America's Cup, is the country's largest and most cosmopolitan city with a plethora of prestigious museums and galleries, classy restaurants, wine bars, and excellent stores. After clearing customs we will take an early morning shuttle to our hotel to freshen up and rest. In the afternoon, we will meet for a welcome get-together. We will tour this beautiful city and visit the Auckland Museum, housing extensive displays of Maori arts and culture. Maori were Polynesians and the first people to colonize New Zealand who emigrated in large masses in the 14th century arriving in Great War canoes. One of these canoes is on display. We will enjoy a traditional Maori song and dance performance. We will dine together at a great Auckland restaurant and go back to our hotel for an early evening.

Day 2 - Depart Auckland, via Christchurch and Invercargill and scenic helicopter ride into lodge at Fiordland National Park
Early flight from Auckland to Invercargill via Christchurch (3 hours flight time). Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and sprawls across wide open plains almost at the tip of the South Island and the area is home to millions of sheep and some of the world's biggest sheep farms. Southland is a sparsely populated region. We will be escorted on a private van ride taking the Southern Scenic route along the beautiful and desolate coastline stopping at a quaint little coast side village for refreshments and then on to Tuatapere. From here we will take a scenic helicopter ride by a professional veteran helicopter pilot over the spectacular coastline or the rugged forests and valleys to our destination at Preservation Inlet.

Day 3, 4, 5 - Fiordland National Park Adventure, South Island, New Zealand
We will spend the next few days in utter tranquility. This is a magical place where you can work your muscles, clear your mind and renew your spirit. It is the land where "Lord of the Rings" was filmed and is known for its mighty fiords and rare plants and unique wildlife. The lodge is set back in a dense rainforest with a picturesque path to the sandy beach of the bay. During your stay at the lodge, you will experience a new sense of well-being as you explore the unique nature of the area, viewing the unspoiled wilderness that is barely touched by humankind. You will truly feel as if you are in the land "down under" as you take part in activities such as fishing, hiking, hunting, bird-watching and nature viewing, photography, boat cruising on the fiords, accompanying the commercial fishermen as they check their crayfish pots for their catch, diving for crayfish and scallops or viewing the rare black coral reefs or simply relaxing in the splendor of this remarkable setting. The guests will be delighted to dine on fresh seafood caught only hours or minutes before right out of the clear waters of the fiords. We will eat our fill of crayfish, mussels, oysters, fish, scallops and other seafood delicacies and specialties of the area. We will also have a selection of other foods and meats along with wines, beer and liquor. Our knowledgeable experts and guides can explain the various species of wildlife and plants leading us on hikes in the area through the lush forests and along the coastline. It is great fun fishing for ocean fish such as blue cod, trumpeters and other species native to the area. The Fiordland National Park covers 3.3 million acres, and our lodge in situated close to the very south part of this massive park, home of the Milford and Doubtful Sounds. It is known as the "Walking Capital of the World" as there are great hiking trails in the park and is ecotourism at its best. The park is protected by the United Nations with a World Heritage listing. Other areas in the world with a World Heritage listing include the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef and parts of the Amazon Rainforest. Some of the nature of the area includes the albatross, bottle nose dolphins, rare species of trees and birds, seals, penguins, whales; and underwater, the coral reefs, giant kelp forests, multitudes of fish and the rare black coral reefs.

Day 6 - Departure day and flight to Rotorua, North Island
Weather permitting we will fly out of the lodge in the morning by helicopter with a short ride over the southern Fiordland National Park to Tuatapere and then a road trip back to Invercargill. We will catch a 3 hour flight with a stop at Christchurch to Rotorua. Rotorua is located about 3 1/2 hours southeast of Auckland. Rotorua is one of New Zealand's favorite tourist destinations. It is a wonderland of hot springs, boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, trout-filled lakes, rushing waterfalls, fine sandy beaches and vast underground limestone grottos. This is an area whose volatile volcanic past has left a legacy of thermal spas and natural wonders, a place where nature's antics can be fascinating, weird and sometimes scary. Upon arrival at Rotorua, we will check in at our lodging property and spend some time resting and refreshing ourselves. The balance of the day will be spent on our own free time relaxing in the warm mineral springs or exploring the fascinating Maori culture, sheep shows, trout and wildlife parks or cruises on the lake. Later in the day, we will meet together for an evening dinner.

Day 7 - Duck hunting destination and touring of area
We wake up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the morning and early afternoon relaxing and enjoying the area. In the afternoon, we will be met by a local guide and take a scenic three hour drive across the North Island to Te Awamutua, the town closest to our duck hunting destination. Te Awamutu is located in the Waikato region of the North Island and is in one of the richest farming districts in the country thanks to its fertile volcanic topsoil and high rainfall. The grass is always green with its rolling farmland and pastoral landscape. The Waikato, the longest river in New Zealand meanders through this area. You are on sacred grounds as this was the scene of many bitterly fought battles during the New Zealand intertribal wars. You will view the many dairy and deer farms along our way. Once settled in at our luxury motel in TeAwamutu, we can either relax there or we can venture out for an orientation tour of the duck hunting spots and viewing the Paradise ducks in their native habitat.

We are full of surprises today as we get to know the local people when our friends who control the duck hunting ponds will give us a tour of their three-generation farm and now large deer farm and introduce us to local culture.

Optional Tour Options (some available at an additional cost): For those adventure seekers, we can take you to one of the top attractions in New Zealand, the Waitomo Caves, whose cathedral-like caverns have long attracted sightseers, but now also cater to thrill seekers exploring the underground streams and shafts. Glide through the darkness on a water-borne barge and admire the beauty and grandeur of the caves and glow-worms overhead. If time allows in the schedule, the more adventurous may try tube rafting on an underground stream or abseiling (rappelling) 100 m into the Lost World and the Haggas Honking Holes (no previous experience is required). If shopping is your thing, we can take you to a town that has more antique shops than people and you can pick up your New Zealand souvenirs here as well. If you are into horses, you may want to tour the Bloodstock/stud farms at Matamata.

Day 8, 9 - Duck Hunting Opener and a New Zealand Maori "Hangi" Feast
You are in for the "paradise duck hunting experience of a lifetime" as you sit in short sleeve shirt weather in a comfortable mai-mai (Maori word for duck blind). Our local duck hunting guides will call in the birds over decoys, and you shoot a very liberal limit as they come to you. There are Mallards mixed in with the Paradise duck as well. Just a little about these ducks-Putangitangi, the Paradise Shelduck, is endemic to New Zealand, that is it is found nowhere else in the world. They are a large duck and are always seen in pairs except during the moulting season. Unusual among ducks, the female duck is more eye-catching than the male. The drake has a black head with a greenish gloss, the body being dark grey barred with black. The undertail and tertials are orange chestnut. The female duck has a white head and the body is a bright orange chestnut. Paradise duck remain together from year to year, returning to the same nesting area. Their calls are diverse, a deep "zonk zonk" from the male and a shrill "zeek zeek" from the female. They feed on grass, grain and insects. Paradise duck hunting is exciting as these large ducks drop almost straight down out of the sky onto the duck ponds. The duck hunters will be pampered with fresh coffee or tea and muffins delivered to the duck blinds in the morning, a break for a delicious lunch of local New Zealand cuisine. After lunch, we will relax or take a nap and then head back out to the duck blinds for the evening shoot. Saturday night, we will be delighted to take part in a special Maori "Hangi" dinner and celebration. The people native to the area will get together and put on this "hangi" for our enjoyment. We will get to sample many different new dishes. We will spend the night back at the motel in Te Awamutu.

Sunday will be almost a repeat of Saturday's duck hunt-getting up before dawn and venturing out into the paddocks on our way to the duck ponds. We will enjoy a quiet moment as we watch the sun come up over this heavenly landscape and hear the sounds of the duck calls and wings overhead. What a beautiful way to start a Sunday. We will duck hunt all day and into the late evening. After a great day of hunting, we will be transported back to our motel in Te Awamutu and then pack our things and rest for the next day of departure out of Auckland back to our homes.

Day 10 - Goodbye to our New Friends in New Zealand and Welcome back to Reality
Everyone will be transported back to the Auckland Airport for departure from Te Awamutu. Depending upon your departure times, you may be able to enjoy your free time visiting more sites in the City of Auckland. There are many things you can do in this wonderful city before you depart. Talk to our office about many possibilities. Wahieke Island is a great place to visit and enjoy the local sights and ferryboat ride to and fro if time permits.

Other Trip Information

Activities
New Zealand has so many activities in which to participate. We will find out from our clients what their interests are and try to accommodate them into their trip. Also, we will keep special dietary needs in mind If you plan on doing more strenuous activities such as long hikes we suggest that you begin a physical conditioning program before you come on the trip.

Accommodations
The Auckland property we have selected is a premier airport hotel with many amenities. It is fairly new with 95 rooms, a restaurant, bar and conference center just 5 minutes from the Auckland International Airport. Your accommodations while in Te Awamutu are a very nice, privately owned motel with 15 spacious luxury units with lots of amenities within walking distance to many shops. The Fiordland property is a spacious rustic lodge with access to the adjoining guest rooms from outside the main lodge. Each guest will have a private room, with a private bath with full-size beds. The lodge has a great room with a cathedral ceiling centered around a fireplace. There is a small library available as well as a pool table and a large dining room and kitchen. There is also a laundry room available. Emergency radios are available at this remote site.

Special Requests
Please advise us if you are celebrating a special event as we would like to make this a memorable occasion for you.

Entry into New Zealand
We will be arriving in Auckland International Airport (AKL) which has separate terminals for international and domestic flights. Banking and exchange facilities are available for all international arrivals and departures. The airport is 14 miles from downtown Auckland and only a few miles from our accommodations.

No vaccinations are required. You can enter without a visa, but will need a passport in your possession which is valid for at least three months beyond the date when you intend to leave the country.

If you would like references from past guests, please ask.

Age Limit
This trip is intended for adults only; however, if a parent would like to bring a teen, please ask.

Reserving your Trip
How to Sign Up: Contact our office at (605) 996-1120 or e-mail mkuchera@santel.net and we will contact you. We require a 50% deposit in US check or money order or wire transfer funds to reserve your trip with payment in full 60 days before the scheduled trip. Upon receipt, you will receive a confirmation letter and receipt, and we will send out a registration form for your completion as well as details of the trip. Prior to departure you will be asked to sign a "Release of Liability" form.

Cancellation Policy
On this particular trip if you must cancel your reservation, there is a no refund policy. If final payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation. We would suggest that you obtain Travelers Insurance. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. If Mike Kuchera's South Dakota Guide Service, Inc. would need to cancel this trip for some unknown reason or because of low attendance, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. We are not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any cancelled trip, such as airline tickets, etc.

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Here's what one person had to say about their trip to New Zealand ...

Without question the most well-rounded fun-filled and exceptionally organized tour I have encountered! Mike Kuchera's New Zealand Outdoorsman Adventure had something for everyone. Although New Zealand's scenic beauty is a magnificent backdrop for some of the world's greatest fishing and shooting opportunities, the unique cultural and historical side tours were every bit as memorable, and Mike takes care of every detail!

Thanks for the lifetime experience Mike!

Brad Aelicks
Vancouver, British Columbia

Please contact us for more information.

Mike Kuchera
South Dakota Guide Service, Inc.
135 East 2nd Ave., P.O. Box 10
Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
Phone: (605) 996-1120
Fax: (605) 996-1232
E-mail: mkuchera@sdpheasants.com