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Island Hills Off Trail Alpine Heli-Hike

Enjoy wilderness camping positions that take full advantage of the views

Looking at the views from the High Trails at Island Hills

Easiest way to the top of the Island Hills

Views that stretch for miles

Enjoy wilderness camping positions that take full advantage of the views

Looking at the views from the High Trails at Island Hills

Easiest way to the top of the Island Hills

Views that stretch for miles

Challenging

Activities

3 day guided walk

Accommodation

1 night heritage homestead, 3 nights alpine wilderness camp

Meals

4 Dinners
3 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$3790NZD

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: GIA

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Trip highlights

Enjoy wilderness camping where no others roam
Helicopter flight into the mountains
Small and personalised guided experience
Diverse range of landscapes and vegetation throughout the walk
Truly remote high country New Zealand experience, no WiFi, TV or Phones
Learn skills needed for surviving in Alpine regions from a Mountain Guide

There’s no better way to truly explore New Zealand than by immersing yourself in a remote and challenging backcountry trek. Your expert guides will lead you off-trail through rugged alpine terrain that many, even in New Zealand, have never experienced, sharing the area’s rich history while adjusting the trek to match your ability. The journey begins with a breathtaking helicopter flight, dropping you deep into the untamed wilderness. From there, you’ll navigate steep ridgelines, glacial valleys, and remote backcountry passes before setting up camp under the stars. With no lodges—just your tent and the wild—you’ll experience the high country in its purest form. Spaces are strictly limited, ensuring an intimate and uninterrupted connection with the land. Each evening, refuel with camp meals crafted from wild and fresh local produce, some of which you may need to catch as a group. By the time you finish, you’ll have conquered the elements, embraced true wilderness living, and gained a profound appreciation for this extraordinary alpine landscape. A raw, untamed, and truly exclusive New Zealand experience!

Itinerary

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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. Visit the on-farm museum and learn about the history of farming and station life of years gone by before enjoying BBQ wild meals by the rivers edge.

Meals: D

Day 2
Helicopter flight and drop into the mountains. Alpine 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, before the hard work actually begins. The thrill of the helicopter flight will be replaced by the silence of the mountains. It is not until you are dropped off in the mountains of Island Hills, that you realise how small your are. The disconnect from life and the reconnect to nature begins. It is a long way back to civilisation, and we will spend the day enjoy Alpine trekking and the environments above the tree lines before finding a suitable camp to set up for the night. Home will be wilderness camps with campfire cooking and our tents for shelter.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Alpine hiking through the mountains continues

Today we continue our back pack hiking along the mountain ranges and peaks of the Island Hills. There will be steep gradients, rugged terrain and testing moments during the day, during which you experience true back country terrain, untrodden paths, and off-trail moments. You will accomplish a few peaks along the way and witness the beautiful scenery that the Southern Alps of New Zealand are renown for. Part of the challenge today will be finding water and a suitable camp site to build our temporary camp and shelter for the night. The day will be dictated by the pace and the interests of the group and mad as challenging as needed. Stories of the mountains will be shared as well as alpine survival.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Break camp and descend back to base

This morning following breakfast, we will pack up camp, and start our descent back to base. We make our way down through the tussock and forest on generally untrodden trails enjoying a fabulous picnic lunch along the way. Hiking down off the mountain is challenging for most people as the steep hills can be hard on the knees, the use of a walking pole or hill stick is essential to make this more comfortable and safe. Along the way learn about the conservation projects in the region and protecting this hidden gem of New Zealand. This evening being our last, will be a festival style evening meal - celebrating our alpine survival experience and sharing laughs and stories.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Depart for Christchurch

Following breakfast at Island Hills, you will be transferred back to Christchurch where tour arrangements will officially end. Please let us know if you would like any pre or post nights in Christchurch that we can assist you with.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

1 night historic homestead accommodation with shared facilities
3 nights alpine wilderness camp
3 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners (including wild and local fresh produce)
Helicopter flight into the mountains on Day 2
Return transfers from Christchurch to Island Hills
Professional local Wilderness Guide
Hot drinks (tea/coffee/hot chocolate)
All camp equipment (including tents, sleeping bags etc)
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

Off-Trail Tracks

This heli-hike is entirely on off-trail terrain that is often steep and uneven ground. 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. The trails will be challenging and are only recommended for those with previously trekking and remote outdoor experience in adverse weather conditions, not for first time hikers. NO running shoes/trainers.

Accommodation

Alpine Wilderness Camp

Accommodation on the circuit will be at wilderness camps located in remote and undeveloped natural areas. All gear including tents, sleeping bags, food, and cooking equipment etc will need to be carried in and there are no amenities such as toilets, water taps, or shelters. Wilderness camping offers a true backcountry experience, allowing adventurers to fully immerse themselves in nature, enjoy solitude, and explore untouched landscapes.

Grading

Challenging
7

CHALLENGING - GRADE 7 This trip grading is described as our CHALLENGING level. You need to be very fit with previous trekking experience and in good health. The track is rugged, steep and exposed. Hikers should be able to maintain steady pace up hill for an hour between rest stops and there are some days you will be walking 6-8hrs per day (not including rests). You need to be capable of 1000m + ascents and descents during a day and for 3 consecutive days. Comfortable on rough and unmaintained tracks. Comfortable in a range of adverse weather conditions. Trip is recommended for those with previous hike experience using huts or camping and looking for their next remote hiking challenge. A sure footing is required and the trip will be physically demanding. It is important that you are realistic in the self-assessment of your skills and experience and that you attempt this trip if you do have previous outdoor, multi-trek experience. Alpine environments are prone to change quickly, so quick adaptation may be necessary. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week for at least 4 months prior to your trip.. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. Day walking, including hills and/or stairs with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended at least once a week.

Departure dates

Notes

Trip needs a minimum of 3 travellers to be a guaranteed departure. Maximum group size is 6.

This is a true alpine survival experience, with alpine skills taught along the way, wilderness camps set up, sourcing of water and food etc

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$3790NZD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Island Hills Off Trail Alpine Heli-Hike 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.

Videos

Island Hills Walking Track

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.

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