Arthur's Pass Safari
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| Length | 2 days |
|---|---|
| Grade |
D (mostly tracks with some river travel)
Grade D
|
| Start | Christchurch Visitor Centre, Cathedral Square West, 7:00am |
| Finish | 7:00pm Christchurch |
| Departs | Apr 2010: 15 - see Departures & Availability |
Maximum 9
Back to topItinerary
Be part of a small group in the wilderness on an overnight guided hike on part of the Te Araroa Trail (NZ Walkway). Hike through beech forest and over Cass Saddle. Enjoy spectacular views of the Craigieburn Range and Arthur’s Pass National Park. Stay in a classic backcountry hut.
Day 1.
Drive over Porter's Pass into Canterbury's High Country. Hike up the Cass River into beech forest. Enjoy a lunch break at a forest clearing overlooking the valley. Climb to Cass Saddle, just above the bush-line to overlook the Craigieburn Forest Park. Descend slowly down Hamilton Creek across river flats to Hamilton Hut. This is a spacious Department of Conservation 20 bunk hut with a wood burner, running water, a mountain radio and long drop toilet. We do share this hut with public users but have timed the hike so that we use it mid-week when use is low. In the very unlikely case that the hut is full then we have the ability to camp. Enjoy a bush dinner cooked by your guide. Short evening hike to Mirror Lake. 5-6 hours hiking
Day 2.
Hike up the Harper River, across river flats and through a small gorge to West Harper Hut. Continue up the river and start climbing steadily to a beautiful lunch spot by the stream. Continuing climbing up to Lagoon Saddle with breathtaking views of Arthur's Pass National Park and the Waimakariri catchment. Descend through forest to the road end. Drive to Christchurch. 6-7 hours hiking
Grading & Fitness
Grade: D
Up to 7 hours of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 10-12kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600 metres on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic. We will be taking you into real wilderness areas so at times the tracks will be slippery, rough and we will need to cross rivers.
Guides & Safety
Your enthusiastic New Zealand guides have a thorough knowledge of natural history and will enjoy sharing and discussing this with you. Each has over a decade of outdoor experience; their knowledge of the backcountry and weather will ensure a safe trip. In addition, they are all trained in mountain first aid. The guides enjoy meeting and getting to know new people and have the skills to make everybody feel part of the group.
Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find.
Mark Brabyn (MSc) founded Hiking New Zealand in 1993 (then known as NZ Nature Safaris). He has a Masters in zoology and did research on whale strandings for his thesis. He has assisted with conservation projects around the world including humpback whales in Tonga, southern right whales in the Sub-Antarctic and elephants and chimpanzees in Uganda. Mark has been active in the outdoors all his life, and his interests include tramping, sea kayaking, scuba diving and mountain biking.
Daniel Murphy studied agricultural science and has worked in the tourism industry for several years including in Spain where he managed an adventure lodge. Dan is the General Manager for Hiking New Zealand.
Andre Booth studied Botany at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, worked as a Park ranger and lived in the Canadian Rockies. He enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, tramping, rugby, cricket and boutique outdoor New Zealand music festivals.
Glenys Erskine is a local South Islander, from Tuatapere. She will most likely take your booking when you call or email our office - but also guides, and will make sure you get to some secret locations in her home town. She is passionate about the outdoors and has travelled and lived in several countries around the world.
Chris Steel (BVSc) worked as a vet for 20 years before becoming a hiking guide. He is a keen tramper and mountain biker and has a talent for backcountry cooking.
Jaron Frost has worked as an outdoor instructor in NZ and the USA. He enjoys whitewater kayaking, rock climbing and surfing.
Juanita Miln spent five years in the NZ Army and travelled to Antarctica. She has a National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation. Juanita is a keen tramper and mountaineer.
Other guides may be used during peak periods.
What to take
New Zealand's weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000 metres. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.
Essential Items
Equipment Hire:
We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our hikes. Please arrange hire gear when you book.
| Equipment Hire (NZ$) | 2-6 days |
| Sleeping bag | $20 |
| Backpack | $30 |
| Polypro top+bottom | $20 |
| Fleece jacket | $20 |
| Raincoat | $20 |
| Full set (all of above) | $90 |
| Gaiters | $20 |
| Walking pole | $20each |
Transport
You will travel in a 10 or 12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and your luggage. All vehicles have a public address system, and a stereo with a variety of music. It is also equipped with a range of natural history reference books. The average driving time per day is around two hours and there will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed.
Back to topFood
All the meals are included in the price. On the hike you will enjoy lots of snack stops to keep your energy levels up - muesli bars, scroggin, chocolate. Lunch usually consists of rolls, crackers, cheese, salami and tomato. The hut meal is simple but tasty - usually pasta with a delicious sauce and cheesecake for afters. Among the group equipment is a portable stove which we will carry into the hut.
Back to topAccommodation
Hamilton Hut - 1 night
This is a spacious Department of Conservation 20 bunk hut with a wood burner, running water, a mountain radio and long drop toilet. We do share this hut with public users but have timed the hike so that we use it mid-week when use is low. In the very unlikely case that the hut is full then we have the ability to camp. We provide tents and foam sleeping mats.
Questions
Does it matter if I am travelling alone?
Not at all! This trip is great for getting to meet like-minded people while having a great adventure holiday at the same time. At the hut there is time to relax and enjoy solo time if you need it.
What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money, etc.) while we are hiking?
Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.
I'm a vegetarian - is that a problem?
Not at all. We often have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. Please advise when you book is you are a vegetarian.
What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand can be unpredictable! We have a maritime climate so conditions in the mountains can change quite rapidly. It can snow any time of year in the mountains. Generally though you can expect daytime temperatures around 25 deg C (75 Deg F) in mid summer and 15 Deg C (65 Deg F) in the spring and autumn. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect - see the 'What To Take' section. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is essential.
Who is in my group?
A small group (maximum 9 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. On average half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.
Do I really need boots and will they get wet?
Yes and yes! Good hiking boots are essential to protect your feet and provide support. We hike through rough terrain, sometimes off-track. We frequently have to cross rivers with our boots on - again this protects our feet from sharp rocks.
How far in advance do I need to book?
The sooner the better for hikes departing in the peak season (November to April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.
What type of gear should I buy?
If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment - good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after safari then you could buy cheaper alternatives - just remember that it won't last as long or do the job as well. You may also wish to hire the items you need from us.
What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch.
Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?
New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare that it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to them, make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the safari. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.
How much luggage can I bring?
As space is limited in the trailers, we ask that you do not bring more than 120 litres of luggage, which is about one large backpack and a day pack. If you have more we suggest you leave it at your accommodation in Christchurch.
Do I need travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend it. Insurance will give you peace of mind in the unlikely event that you injure yourself or become ill and are unable to start the trip. Hiking New Zealand cannot be held liable for any damage, theft or loss of any of your personal equipment.
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs to this safari. All food and hut fees are included.
Back to topBooking Conditions
Payment:
For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.
Cancellations:
More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund of full ticket price
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund of full ticket price
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded.
Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Safari. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.
Medical Conditions:
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/ bee stings and food allergies.
Client Responsibilities:
With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Hiking New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.
The staff and management of Hiking New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However, you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Hiking New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.
Hiking New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure.
Hiking New Zealand operates in remote areas. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to published schedules but no guarantee is given. Hiking New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.
Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at anytime if in the opinion of the guide that person may be likely to risk the health, safety or comfort (including unsociable behaviour) of other clients, him or herself, or the environment. In such circumstances Hiking New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.
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