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Children's rates apply 12 - 16 years inclusive.

Children under 12 may be considered but this will be at Manager's discretion.

Child single supplement prices available.

Maximum 12

Itinerary

The Kaikoura Wilderness Walk offers a guided walk through the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve. This is a protected Significant Natural Area of International Importance, renowned as a haven for a diverse array of rare and endangered native species of flora and fauna. It also gives you the opportunity to view a variety of native bird species as well as resident wildlife including deer and chamois. The walk traverses the untamed wilderness of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains, through native forest, sparkling streams and dramatic alpine terrain. Overlooked by one of the highest peaks in the range - the legendary "Te Ao Whekere" or "World of the Gods", this track, along with the expert knowledge and commentary provided by your guides, gives you an extraordinary insight into the evolution and biodiversity of New Zealand's world-famous landscapes.

The walk is known for its dramatic diversity over a relatively small area; the track takes you through stands of manuka and kanuka, untouched beech forests and a pristine, ancient totara forest. There is a huge array of plant life and you will also enjoy the amazing wildlife on show, from the birdlife – rifleman, warbler, tomtit, falcon, pipit, New Zealand robin, white-eye, fantail, kereru, kingfisher and more – to larger animals such as chamois and deer. The area is also well known as a habitat of the black-eyed gecko, the Kaikoura scree weta, and contains one of only two nesting colonies in the world of the rare Hutton's shearwater seabird.

Day 1.

Kaikoura to Shearwater Lodge
You will be picked up from your Kaikoura accommodation at around 9:00am. The scenic drive to the start of the track will take approximately 40 minutes. The first part of the walk is a pleasant mix of bush and forest environments; kanuka, manuka, beech, and fern dominate; also there are specimens of rimu and totara. This first part of track takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours, and climbs to the vantage point "Totara Saddle", where you will have a picnic lunch and enjoy views from the ocean to the mountain top at 732m (approx 2402’).

The second part of the walk is downhill from Totara Saddle to the stream below. It then gradually climbs through beech forest for about an hour, before entering an ancient totara forest. Climbing gently for two hours the walk emerges unexpectedly onto alpine meadows blanketed in mountain daisies (Celmesia), before a short climb to another saddle. From here the first view of Shearwater Lodge can be seen in its outstanding setting. The last hour traverses several streams before reaching the Lodge where you will be welcomed by the Lodge Host.

Refreshing drinks are served on your arrival. You will be shown to your room where you can settle in and relax or, if you prefer, relax with other guests on the deck off the main lodge room. A complimentary glass of wine is served to assist the winding down process before dinner is served. Walking time: 6 hours (8.5km, 5.3 miles)

Day 2.

Surveyor's Peak/Happy Valley Summit
After a hearty breakfast, there is an optional morning loop walk behind the Lodge into the dramatic alpine scenery. On this section the track traverses the gentle valley floor of Happy Valley and walkers can enjoy the alpine vista of spectacularly rugged mountains which rise steeply from each side of the valley. A keen eye should be on the alert for red deer, Arapawa sheep and the elusive, and nimble, chamois.

Leaving the valley, climb up on to a high ridge arriving at Surveyor's Peak some 1530m (approx. 5000ft) above sea level. The panoramic views from here are simply breathtaking and if the skies are clear, you can see as far south as Banks Peninsula and as far north as the eastern coast of the North Island. You will then return to Shearwater Lodge for lunch.

You may wish, however, to spend the morning relaxing around the Lodge enjoying the natural alpine environment. Walking time: 4 hours

Day 3.

Surveyors Peak to Kaikoura
A leisurely start to the day allows you more time to explore the surrounding environment. After lunch the walk out begins, taking a different path to that taken on the way in, and much of this track is downhill. Once again there are plenty of opportunities to see the birdlife and wild animals as you make your way down. The walk will usually be completed by around 4:30pm. You will then be transported to Kaikoura arriving at approximately 5:30pm. Walking time: 2 hours

Alternative Options

A two day option is also available. Day 1 remains identical to that described above, Day 2 comprises of the morning section of Day 2 and the afternoon section of Day 3 in the above itinerary.

Grading & Fitness

Grade C
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition, however some parts are uneven.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

You will need to have at least average fitness with good mobility and be able to walk for 5 -7 hours over mountain tracks each day. Your guide will ensure a walking pace suitable to the level of fitness of the group. There is an emphasis on interpretation, of the environment, flora and fauna, so the group will stop regularly. The track surface varies from smooth, well-formed paths to uneven terrain with occasional rocks, stones and tree roots. Your personal luggage is transported ahead to the lodge, so you only need to carry a small daypack for wet weather gear, warm sweater, hat and gloves, sunhat and personal items such as camera, drink, sunscreen, and your medication should you require it.

A unique aspect of this trip is that a member of a group unable to walk any or all the distance can be transported by tracked 4WD vehicle to the lodge. This ensures that a person with restricted physical fitness or ability, can join the group in the alpine environment and also enjoy the experience.

Guides & Safety

Your guides are astute, competent and professional. They have an intimate knowledge of, and are passionate about New Zealand's outdoors, and are experts in interpreting the surroundings for you to gain a better understanding. All guides are trained in first aid and carry radios and safety kits.

What to take

Essential Items