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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
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 journey begins with a scenic helicopter flight, lifting you into the heart of Island Hills, where breathtaking mountain landscapes and untouched wilderness await. The private tracks are part of a working sheep, cattle and honey farm that has its own private conservation reserve. The walk will see you explore the trails amidst the high mountains of Island Hills where your nights are spent surrounded by the stars but in the comfort of your room situated inside a 1870’s historic homestead that has been lovingly renovated for you to enjoy. Spaces are limited each day, so you will never feel crowded and will be able to experience the wild and remote nature of the land. Along the way you will enjoy gourmet dinners full of wild and fresh farm produce. By the time you finish your walk, you’ll have walked through history, experienced high-country life firsthand, and gained a deep appreciation for this extraordinary landscape. A truly unique and exclusive New Zealand experience!
28kg of CO2-e PP per day
(112kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Transfer Christchurch to Island Hills
After meeting with your driver in Christchurch this afternoon, your journey north begins through rural Canterbury to Island Hills. On arrival, familiarize yourself with your home away from home for the next few nights - a beautiful and fully renovated 1870's homestead and part of New Zealand history. This evening you will get to enjoy a 4WD farm tour or a farm walk along with a wild cuisine BBQ by the rivers edge.
Meals: D
Day 2
Helicopter flight into the mountains. Day Hike
At 7.00am your guides will meet you at the Homestead and provide you with breakfast. Once you have a hearty breakfast and cup of coffee or tea, you will be ready for an exhilarating experience and will climb the mountain in style by helicopter. The helicopter will drop us up into the mountains, ready for our day hike exploring the Island Hills and all that they have to offer. We will take our time and set a steady pace, making our way down through the tussock and forest on generally untrodden trails enjoying a fabulous picnic lunch along the way. The terrain will be steep in places and require good footing as you descend. The day will be tailored to suit the needs of the group, whether an easier or more challenging hike is required, or should you wish to learn more about the surrounding area and local conservation projects. On arrival back at the Homestead, you will visit the farm museum and learn about the New Zealand farming life and history of the region before a relaxed evening meal back at base.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Guided Day Hike through Covenant Land
Island Hills farm includes vast un-grazed forest and mountain areas including a 600-hectare QE II Open Space Covenant, the largest of its type in the Canterbury district. This morning we will walk into the native forest covenant. Learn about the conservation project run by the Mandamus Reserve Charitable Trust to protect native plant life, animals and birds. Hear about the threatening pests and weeds and how they are controlled by the trust. Interact with wild native birds who regularly pay us a visit along the trails. A gourmet picnic lunch will be enjoyed in the trees next to the gorgeous Bush Stream. It will then be an easy walk back out past Historic Bush Hut to 4WD transport. Along the way we learn about the early musterers who ran sheep through the mountains and built base camps like Bush Hut to work from. We should be back to our Historic Homestead around 3.30pm, in time for a delicious afternoon tea. A camp-fire dinner will be enjoyed tonight where more stories and laughs will be shared.
Day 4
Farm walk before departure to Christchurch
Embrace a disconnect from the outside world, while embarking on your final guided short walk through the high country. The walk today is mainly easy and enjoyable as you cover the hills of high country farmland. We will be back at base by 12.00pm for a final gourmet lunch, before your departure from Island Hills through to Christchurch at approximately 1.30pm. We will transfer you to your accommodation in Christchurch, for an evening at leisure where there are plenty of dining choices to try.
Meals: B,L
Day 5
Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude this morning after check out from your accommodation.
Meals: Nil
What's included
What's not included
The heli-hike is on off-trail terrain that is often steep and uneven terrain. You are sure to encounter loose rocks, shingle and ground that can be very slippery and uneven underfoot. Along the way you may encounter thorn bushes and spear grass. Long leggings/trousers are therefore recommended and solid mountain boots and gaiters are essential. NO running shoes/trainers.
Majority of the back country trails are well graded, but there are a few challenging short ascents and descents, plus uneven surfaces and narrow sections in parts. The ground may be round and uneven and careful footing is recommended.
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.
MODERATE - GRADE 5 These trips 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. Being in Alpine environments, you need to 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. Our off-trail hike day will be on paths that are not well formed and that can at times be challenging. There will be steep gradients, uneven terrain, loose rocks, shingle and slippery at times. Thorn bushes and spear grass will be encountered so long pants are recommended and solid mountain boots and gaiters are essential. 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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.
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.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
Introductory