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Island Hills High Country Explorer

Stopping to look up and admire the views | N Tambolash

Sweeping views surround you on the Island Hills trails | N Tambolash

Sweeping views across the New Zealand high country | Shaun Monk

Perfect location for a little cabin in the woods | N Tambolash

Stopping to look up and admire the views | N Tambolash

Sweeping views surround you on the Island Hills trails | N Tambolash

Sweeping views across the New Zealand high country | Shaun Monk

Perfect location for a little cabin in the woods | N Tambolash

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

2 day self-guided walk

Accommodation

2 nights huts, 1 night hotel

Meals

2 Dinners
2 Lunches
2 Breakfasts

Price

4 daysfrom

$1390NZD

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: GIS

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Trip highlights

Explore 30kms of private tracks
Limited number of people on the trails
Hike diverse landscapes - rugged mountains and native bush across 2 days
Authentic high country hospitality with farm tour and mouthwatering BBQ
Learn about high country life and the history of the region and its conservation

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.

Itinerary

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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

Inclusions

What's included

1 night accommodation in Christchurch (twin share) with private bathroom
2 nights country hut accommodation (1 night twin share, 1 nights shared single bunks), shared bathrooms with hot showers
2 Breakfasts, 2 packed lunches, 2 dinners (1 BBQ, 1 easily prepared meals)
Return transfers from Christchurch to Island Hills
One Hosted BBQ and 4wd farm tour on evening of arrival
Daily luggage transfers from hut to hut (20kg per bag maximum per person, plus 1 chilly-bin per group)
Hot drinks including tea/coffee/hot chocolate
Drinking water (available from hotel and huts)
sleeping-bag/liner/drybag, towel, duffel bag, cooler bag, suitcase storage
Transport to trail head
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
Drinks other than water, tea/coffee/hot chocolate - good drinking water is available at each night's accommodation
Water bottle (help us save the environment by bringing your own drink bottle or hydration system)
Personal equipment such as day pack, 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.

Hotel

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.

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

Daily from 4th October to 17th March

Notes

Note:

Solo Travellers must pay a solo traveller surcharge.

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

$1390NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single Supplement - (own room, Christchurch only)NZD$190
Solo Traveller Surcharge (own room Christchurch, shared at lodges)NZD$390

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Island Hills High Country Explorer 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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