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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Short on time but still want an authentic backcountry adventure? This shorter version of our iconic Island Hills Back Country self-guided walk takes you through the stunning landscapes of Island Hills, in a shorter timeframe. The distance is the same, but the days are condensed, providing you with the same private track experience, for those high on fitness, but short on time. Enjoy walkiing through a working sheep, cattle, and honey farm with its own conservation reserve.
Your journey begins with a farm tour and a delicious BBQ dinner before setting off on 30km of trails through high-country wilderness. Spend the night in a secluded bush lodge under a sky full of stars, deep in the heart of the high country. With lodge spaces limited to just 10 people, you'll have an intimate and immersive experience. Before you begin, a track ranger will share insights into the conservation projects and the land’s rich history. This trip is perfect for those wanting the New Zealand back country experience, without the extra days.
22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(66kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Christchurch to Island Hills Station
After meeting with our driver this afternoon in Christchurch, your journey north begins through rural Canterbury to Island Hills High Country Station. On arrival, aquaint yourself with the Cookhouse accommodation and facilities. Dinner is a hosted barbecue, and your hosts provide a 4WD tour to help familiarize you with your surroundings. The farm museum provides you with a sure memory of your childhood and a glimpse into high country station life many years ago.
Meals: D
Day 2
Walk Cook House to Valley Camp Hut (11km, 4-6 hrs)
At 8.30am your guides will meet you at the Cook House for a welcome to the property and a safety briefing will be conducted. You will hop onboard a 4 wheel drive and be taken on a 20 minute journey through to the entry point of the walk. The guides will explain the conservation projects and teach you about the surrounding area. Your main bags for transfer will be left at the starting point and you will just take your day pack with you. The trail is initially easy and wide and follows the flat terraces above the banks of the meandering Mandamus river along stock and 4 wheel drive access tracks. After the rockwall foot bridge the track continues into native forest with a few ups and downs above the river gorges, eventually climbing out into open grassy knolls with open views into the big mountain surroundings. Some sections will be narrow with rough, uneven surfaces. Careful footing will be required. You will then follow a historic pack track down into the Organ River to the Valley Camp Huts. For those that want to keep it really cruisy on the first day there are two early exit points to the Valley Camp Huts. Total elevation gain 589m.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Walk Valley Camp back to Cookhouse via Bush Hut (18.5 kms, 7-10 hrs)
Your main bags must be ready by 9.30am this morning. Today you will follow the foothills through belts of native manuka, regenerating beech forest and sub-alpine ridge lines. Expect quite rough and uneven terrain. There are sections of uphill and downhill as the track climbs and descends over the spurs for 9kms to Bush Hut. So although the kilometres are shorter, don't be fooled as the terrain will take some careful and considered footwork. Bush Hut is set in native bush and built in 1931, has all the characteristics of the pioneering era, perfect place to stop for lunch. From Bush Hut through to Cookhouse the walk continues through native bush and over high country farmland. Your packs should arrive back at the Cook House by 1.00pm. We will transfer you to your trip accommodation in Christchurch CBD where your high country experience will end.
Meals: B,L
Day 4
Depart Christchurch
Trip arrangements will conclude this morning.
Meals: Nil
What's included
What's not included
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.
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.
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.
Accommodation is twin share rooms and in a central city location. Rooms features broadband internet access, a flatscreen TV, a large ensuite with shower and have coffee/tea making facilities, kettle and mini-refrigerator.
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.
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
Introductory
6Days
Moderate to Challenging