Auckland Global Trekkers

Lets travel to China to explore a place with peculiar peaks, deep canyons, beautiful waters, thick forest, and mysterious caves: Zhangjiajie in Hunan, China. Then we head off a couple of cultural destinations - Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a magical landscape that evokes a sense of mystery and legend. It was designated a national park in 1982, and covers more than 13,000 square kilometres of forested mountains, meandering rivers and stunning views. There are more than 500 species of wildlife and vegetation here, including rare monkeys, gingko trees and thousands of colourful birds. More than 2,000 narrow limestone mountain peaks give this region is exceptional and almost fairy-tale flavour. Ancient footpaths wind through mountains which are named after the people or animals they are said to resemble.

The stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie were the inspiration for the scenery in James Cameron’s hit movie Avatar.

There are cable cars, elevators, shuttles but our plan is to do some hiking in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie (if time permits) and Tianmen Mountain.

After Zhangjiajie we will then travel to Furong and Fenghuang Ancient Towns for some cultural experience. Fenghuang Ancient City offers a fantastic glimpse into traditional Chinese culture and architecture with its old wooden houses and cobblestone streets lining along Tuojiang River.

General plan:
20th June 2025:
Meet at Zhangjiajie West Train. Transport has been prearranged. If weather permits we will do a short hike at Binglang Valley before transferring to Wulingyuan Town. If we are not able to do Binglang Valley, and if time and energy permits - we will do a short hike in ZZJ Forest Park or Baofeng Lake. Alternatively we can explore Wulingyuan itself.
21st to 24th June 2025:
Hiking in ZZJ Forest Park. There are various hiking trails available. On the 21st we are leaving very early and should be at the gate close to park opening time, 7am. We will start with Bailong Elevator for the day. Trail selection for the following days would be made the day before as some of them could be weather dependent. The main areas in the park are Yuanjiajie, Tianzi, Huangshizhi, Yangjiajie etc and each of the areas can take up to a day to hike. You will have the options of using alternative means (like cable car, or elevators) instead of walking. However it is preferred that we hike or explore the same area of the park on the same day.
24th to 26th June 2025:
We will move from Wulingyuan back to Zhangjiajie City by private transfer. On the way we will explore the Grand Canyon, and Baofeng Lake, if not done earlier and if time permits. On the 26th we will explore a new area, Tianmen Mountain. If time permits on we can check out the "72 strange buildings". There is also the option of attending a show that night. Again cable car, escalators are on the agenda. For those who are keen there are the 999 steps (up or down) to Tianmen Mountain.
26th to 27th June 2025:
We will leave Zhangjiajie City by train early in the morning, and travel to Furong Ancient City. There may be the option of hiking in Zuolong Valley for those interested in more adventure. This is to be arranged at Furong Ancient City. Otherwise you can explore Furong Ancient City at your own pace.
27th to 28th June 2025
We will leave Furong Ancient Town by train for Fenghuang Ancient City for the night.
28th June 2025
We farewell each other as this is the day we end this meetup trip. Please arrange your own transport back to your departing airport.

The following would be arranged by AGT.
-Transport to and from Zhangjiajiexi Train Station to Wulingyuan, the town for Zhangjiajie Forest Park.
-Accommodations as from 20th June to 28th June.
-Zhangjiajie National Park Entrance Fee.
-Cable cars and elevators within park (if not included in park tickets, to be self paid)
- Any entrance fee or attractions (to be self paid)

Numbers of Attendees: 4

● Important Notes:
● Payment:
AGT Estimated costs: $1000 - $1500 to cover accommodation and internal transfers. A deposit of $500 will be required to secure your place. Payment will be required in NZD. A buffer will be included to address currency fluctuation risks. More payments could be requested if the buffer is not sufficient to address currency conversion risks.
● You will be directly responsible for any personal costs, like entrance fee, attractions, food etc.
Bank Account for payment is: 12-3430-0791504-00
● Travel insurance and flights to be self arranged.
● Health and Safety Information:
All Auckland Global Trekkers organisers work on a strictly voluntary basis and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury, or loss suffered during the events organised. Each person who participates accepts responsibility for making their own determinations and for their own safety, conduct and well being; recognising that there are hazards in attending group and outdoor activities and by signing up to an event the person agrees to participate solely at their own risk.
● No smoking, animals, children or guests.
● Preparation is the key to having a good trip.
● Meeting Place: Zhangjiajiexi (Zhangjiajie West) Railway Station
● Time Guideline: See general itinerary.
● Refunds:
Refunds will not be issued if you change your mind.
● Capture the Moment:
Share your best photos of the trip. Some will be featured on our Instagram Account.
● It is safer and generally more fun to hike together as a group. We aim to do this with stops at all track junctions for group to regather.

### 1. Essentials Packing

♦ ID & Important Documents: Your valid passport along with copies of it and other documents (such as credit card numbers, embassy contact information). Additionally, consider saving these documents save on a USB thumb drive and your email account.
♦ Visa: Ensure that you obtain a Chinese Visa (if needed) before traveling.
♦ Alternative map: As Google services are blocked in China, download alternative options that Chinese locals use, such as AMap or Baidu.
♦ Money: ATM/credit cards & some cash (because some vendors/shops only accept cash). Download Alipay or Wechat pay and check that the apps work before arrival.
♦ Personal Safety: Travel insurance, please arrange.
♦ Phone: A mobile phone equipped with a SIM card compatible with China is essential. Please note if you use Chinese Esim, access to Google, Facebook etc may be difficult. Alternatively use a phone with Esim. A Mobile Phone loaded with an offline Translator App, currency converter, phrasebook, copies of passport and travel docs, insurance card, contact info for friends, etc.
♦ Transport: No uber in China. Please download Didi app, China Uber equivalent. Trip.com is useful for booking trains, flights and hotels.
♦ Tissues: Public bathrooms and casual restaurants don’t always provide tissues, so it’s wise to always have some on-hand. You can also buy some at supermarket in China. (Notice: In response to environmental protection, all hotels in Zhangjiajie do not provide disposable toiletries.)
♦ Bring a light daypack, so that you could put some food, drink and other necessary stuff in it and just take it when you hike up and down the mountain.
♦ Personal comfort: Insect repellent ( its summer season and where we are heading could have mosquitoes!) Sunscreen.
♦ Summer in Zhangjiajie,Furong and Fenghuang (Jun to Aug), the average max temp is about 33℃ and the average min temp is about 23℃. The weather in mountains can be cooler than in the downtown. Wear something light for summer will be fine, but it may be little cool when the sun set down or in the forest, mountain region. A light jacket or pullover maybe useful. Hats and sunglasses (for sunny days) and umbrella or raincoat for unexpected rain. Comfortable and grippy shoes (waterproof if poss). Furong and Fenghuang could be humid in summer.

ps Dont forget your AGT Tshirt!!

Chris and the Team

“Surely there can’t be anything worth visiting in Panmure” I hear you say..

Well now, I have a few little treasures which may make you change your mind!

We start off by summiting the under-touristed mount Wellington with its eye-catching Panoramic views of the gulf and Rangitoto before making our way down to Panmure basin and get a glimpse of the new Jubilee bridge. You may even catch a glimpse of our lunchtime destination as we are walking on by…

We then traverse the impressive Tamaki river and follow the stunning Rotary walkway on the eastern flank, famous in the NZ running community as the track where the legendary Dick Quax broke the 5k world record.

We then head back into town for lunch and drinks at Peach’s Hot Chicken - a truly iconic Panmure institution. Do you dare take on the extra hot chicken??