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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
With a rugged mountain backdrop, sweeping ocean views and abundant marine life Kaikoura is a place worth visiting. There is no other way to arrive at your destination than on one of the world's great train journeys, the Coastal Pacific. You will board this treasure in Christchurch, taking in the rugged coastline of the South Island as you make your way north through to Kaikoura. Along the way enjoying the rugged coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, charming farmsteads, and the full essence of New Zealand’s landscape and culture.
The next two days are spent walking on private land well away from busy tourist trails. Accessible only to a few, this pocket of countryside feels remote and offers a special experience with homestyle touches. Stay in fully equipped rural cottages, meet down-to-earth kiwi farmers and walk in your own time along beaches, across hilltops, through grazing land, over ridges, into forest-filled gullies, across streams and through narrow canyons. Traditional livestock farming continues but practices have been diversified to include award-winning conservation projects such as regeneration of native vegetation and birdlife. The journey then ends with the continuation of the Coastal Pacific from Kaikoura to either Blenheim or Picton, rounding out the full coastal experience. This combo of walk and rail is what makes this self-guided trip such a unique treat.
30kg of CO2-e PP per day
(122kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Make your own way to Christchurch and check-in to your tour accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Otautahi Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and home to spectacular experiences. Perhaps enjoy some time exploring the city if you arrive early enough, or spend some time exploring the city centre, cafes and restaurant options for dinner tonight.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Coastal Pacific Train - Christchurch to Kaikoura. Transfer to Conway Flat.
It will be an early morning start this morning at you still need to get yourself through to the Christchurch Train station by 6.15am for your check in to the Coastal Pacific. With the Pacific Ocean nearly touching its wheels and the Kaikoura Ranges towering above, the Coastal Pacific offers one of the world's most breathtaking train journeys. Due to remarkable geographical, geological, economic and political challenges, the railway took more than 70 years to complete. Adversity struck again in 2016 when the Kaikoura earthquake dismantled large sections of the railway, taking more than two years to rebuild. The 7.00am departure will travel from Christchurch through to Kaikoura along the way enjoying the rugged coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, charming farmsteads, and the full essence of New Zealand’s landscape and culture. Add in a cast of seals, seagulls, dolphins, and the occasional whale, and it’s easy to see why this train ride is one of the best in New Zealand. Upon reaching Kaikoura, take some time out for lunch and a stroll. This pretty seaside town has a holiday atmosphere, with an extensive foreshore footpath, many eateries and bars, and plenty to do including cultural tours, whale watching, scenic flights, short walks or simply relaxing while taking in the view. This afternoon, your transfer will collect you and take you through to Conway Flat, the first night ready for your few days of walking.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Kaikoura Coast Track - Ngaroma to Medina (13 km, 5 - 7 hrs)
Following breakfast this morning, you don't have too far to go to the start of the trail which begins right at the front gate. Take your time today as there is a long stretch of beach to tread, with fascinating geological specimens from past eras. Buried tree trunks 8000 yrs old, fossilised crustacean tunnels, shells and layers of distinctive sediment are all visible. Looking out to sea, you might spot some marine life from the current era such as dolphins, whales or seals, the latter sometimes coming ashore to rest on the beach. Pass an ancient Maori campsite as you turn off the beach and climb to the cliff tops where sweeping views of the coastline await, from Banks Peninsula near Christchurch in the south to the Kaikoura Peninsula in the north. The track has several undulations from hereon, passing through gullies with huge protected old-growth native trees, crossing streams and winding through narrow canyons. Sleep tonight at another cosy farm cottage, lulled by the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Kaikoura Coast Track - Medina to Ngaroma (12 km, 4 - 6 hrs)
Hear some local stories this morning from one of the landowners while you are driven a short distance (about 20 mins) from the cottage to the start of today's walk. A steady ascent through pine forest then protected remnant beech and giant podacarp forest, where silver fern also grows, opens up as you reach a saddle in the ridgeline. The panoramic views in every direction from here are of mountains reaching the sea. You could be standing in a postcard. The route continues along the ridge with an optional scramble to Skull Peak summit. At 486m it is the highest point on the trail and while that does not seem very high, relative to the surrounding land it feels like you have your head in the clouds. The track winds its way back to sea level from here, crossing grazing land and passing through a conservation zone of native coastal bush. Arriving back at Ngaroma, where you started, around mid-afternoon (plan for around 3:00pm), your luggage awaits and the shuttle will transfer you back through to Kaikoura for the night.
Meals: B,L
Day 5
Coastal Pacific Train Kaikoura to Blenheim/Picton. Trip arrangements end
Check out of your accommodation and ensure you are at the train station no later than 9.40am to check into the second half of your journey on the Coastal Pacific, from Kaikoura to either Blenheim or Picton. Train departs Kaikoura at 10.00am and will travel through more spectacular New Zealand coastal scenery such as Mangamaunu Bay, Ohau Point, Lake Grassmere, and the vineyards of Marlborough before arriving at your final destination of either Blenheim or Picton. Your tour arrangements end on arrival in either Blenheim/Picton. NOTE: Should you wish to return to Christchurch instead of continuing north, please talk to us for options.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
A track that is approximately vehicle width and used occasionally by quad bikes or 4WD vehicle. The track is not maintained and the surface is generally very uneven with a combination of grass, tree roots and/or many large, loose stones and often gutters and/or tyre ruts.
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.
Walking on this type of track is limited and avoided where possible. It is a formed public access road with fine gravel or shingle surface. The road is just wide enough for two small vehicles to pass. You may encounter the occasional car or farm vehicle (small truck or tractor)
Mostly original farm dwellings modified or rennovated where necessary to give the feeling of visiting someone's home. Sleeping arrangements are on a multishare basis and of a bunk room style. Each room contains 2 beds/bunks either as separate single beds side by side or one bed above the other. There is one double room only (with a double bed) at each property. A mattress, pillow and all linen including towels is provided. Bathrooms are shared and have flush toilets and hot showers. Communal kitchens are fully equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking pots and utensils, electric oven and cook tops, and a fridge. Lounge areas are also communal with plenty of home comforts. The cottages have different layouts, each with their own story and character, but all are cosy, relaxed, comfortable and offer the same general facilities. There is no wifi available. The cottages have mobile phone reception.
INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 3 These trips involve walking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Care needs to be taken as there are some sections that are slippery when wet. Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (fast walking, jogging or cycling) three times a week. Hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Walking in variable weather conditions is advisable. 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
Introductory
6Days
Moderate
Moderate to Challenging