Island Hills High Country Guided Hike - Boys Adventure

Taking some time to stop and admire the beauty of Island Hills | N Tambolash

Not just about the walking, but the local produce as well

No better place to spend the night then in amongst nature | N Tambolash

First night in the high country is a stay at the Cook House

Taking some time to stop and admire the beauty of Island Hills | N Tambolash

Not just about the walking, but the local produce as well

No better place to spend the night then in amongst nature | N Tambolash

First night in the high country is a stay at the Cook House

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

3 day guided walk

Accommodation

3 nights huts, 1 night boutique accommodation

Meals

3 Dinners
3 Lunches
3 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$NZD

View Inclusions

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Bike Information
Accommodation
Trail Surface
Suggested extensions
Related articles
Grading
Departure dates
Essential information
FAQs
Videos
Trip reviews
Why walk with us
Similar trips

Trip Code: SOG8303

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Trip highlights

Learn about high country life, the history of the land and its conservation from fabulous local guides
Arrival barbecue dinner and 4WD tour with your hosts
30 kilometres of private trails with limited visitor numbers
Fresh farm produce and wildfood meals
Diverse range of landscapes and vegetation throughout the walk
Adaptable itinerary depending on group interests, tailored as you walk
Truly remote high country New Zealand experience, no WiFi, TV or Phones
Groups can be 2 or 10 people, small and personal

There is no better way to really explore New Zealand than on a remote and truly back country experience. Your guides will explain the history of the area, show you the diverse range of landscapes and walk with you day to day, catering to your needs and making the days walk as difficult or easy as you like. The private track is part of a working sheep, cattle and honey farm that has its own private conservation reserve. The walk will see you explore 30kms of trails amidst the high mountains of Island Hills where your nights are spent surrounded by the stars and the wild in amongst the bush on a QEII conservation covenant, deep in the heart of the Canterbury high country. Spaces in the bush lodges are limited to 10 people, so you will never feel crowded and will be able to experience the wild and remote nature of the land. You will arrive to a fabulous BBQ dinner and farm tour. Before you start your hike, a track ranger will give you a history of the conservation projects and surrounding area. By the time you finish your walk, you will have truly experienced high country life and learnt a little about the history from those that live and breathe this land. A truly uniquely New Zealand experience!

Itinerary

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Day 1
Transfer Christchurch to Island Hills

After meeting with your driver at around 11.30am, your journey north begins through rural Canterbury to Island Hills High Country Station. On arrival, familiarize yourself with the Cookhouse accommodation and facilities. You will have the opportunity to do some target practice this afternoon - before taking on a night hunt. Dinner this evening is a hosted barbecue. The farm museum on site, provides you with a sure memory of your childhood and a glimpse into high country station life many years ago.

Meals: D

Day 2
Heli flight, mountain hiking, climb of Skedaddle.

This morning will start with a heli-flight up to the high reaches of Island Hill Station. The day will be tailored to suit your needs, whether that's an easier or more challenging walk, or should you wish to learn about the surrounding area and local conservation projects. We will aim to do some mountain hiking in the high reaches of Island Hills Station, and if the conditions are favorable, will also aim to climb the highest peak on the station - a beauty known as Mt Skedaddle. Mt Skedaddle sits at 1704 metres and is a great climb with sweeping views over the region. Tonight will be camping under the stars and in amongst nature.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Walk down to Valley Camp

Today we will hike from the high reaches of the station, down to our favourite hut accommodation at Valley Camp. Some of the sections will be narrow with rough, uneven surfaces and careful footing will be required. There will be time for a refreshing swim in the Organ River or just a general relax and hut festival celebrating your last night on the trail.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Walk Valley Camp to Cook House, transfer to Christchurch

Embrace a disconnect from the outside world, while embarking on your final guided walk through the high country. The walk today can be a shorter option, or if we are sticking with the challenge, .18.5kms via Bush Hut - through to the Cook House. You will be collected from the Cook House at 2.00pm for your transfer back through to Christchurch and your overnight accommodation.

Meals: B,L

Day 5
Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude this morning after check out from your accommodation.

Meals: Nil

Inclusions

What's included

Return transfers from Christchurch to Island Hills
2 nights country hut accommodation (1 night twin share, 1 nights shared single bunks)
1 night camping under the stars in tents
3 Breakfasts, 3 packed lunches, 3 dinners (including wild and local fresh produce)
Helicopter to the high trails of the station
Professional local Guide
Hot drinks (tea/coffee)
Sleeping bag and liner hire
Drinking water (available from huts and motel/hotel)
1 night accommodation in Christchurch (twin share)
$25 per person donation to the predator free Mandamus Preservation Reserve
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

What's not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary and trail snacks
Drinks other than those mentioned
Water bottle (help us save the environment by bringing your own drink bottle or hydration system)
Personal equipment such as rainwear, gaiters, walking boots, walking poles etc
Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, wi-fi, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel Insurance
Visa (if required)

Trail Surface

Bush Track

A narrow formed trail that is approximately a single person width. These are usually smooth, compacted earth surfaces which can be pleasant underfoot in dry weather but muddy and slippery in places after rain. This type of path can also include wooden bridges, stone or timber steps, tree roots, small rocks, and sometimes large boulders to scramble around or over.

Back Country Trails

The majority of the track is well graded, but there are a few challenging short ascents and descents, plus uneven surfaces and narrow sections in parts. The ground may be rough and uneven and careful footing is recommended.

Accommodation

Country Huts

These huts all have kitchens which are fully equipped with gas cookers, small fridge/freezers, cutlery, plates, pots, pans, coffee plungers, tea towels, items for washing up and lots more. All huts have BBQ's. Shared bathroom facilities with hot showers. All the beds are fitted with comfortable high grade mattresses, bedding protectors and pillows with your own daily fresh pillow case. Multi share bunk rooms.

Boutique Accommodation

Accommodation is on a twin share basis in modern rooms and in a central city location. Rooms features broadband internet access, a flatscreen TV with Sky Channels, a work desk and an ensuite bathroom and have coffee/tea making facilities, kettle and mini-refrigerator.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. The majority of the track is well graded, but there are a few challenging short ascents and descents, plus uneven surfaces and narrow sections in parts. Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.

Departure dates

Notes

Base Price

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Priceper person from

$NZD

Options & Supplements*

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Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Island Hills High Country Guided Hike - Boys Adventure trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.