Kaikoura Wilderness Hike

The Kaikoura Wilderness Walkway traverses the untamed wilderness of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains, through native forest, riverbeds and dramatic alpine terrain. Overlooked by one of the highest peaks of them all - the legendary "Te Ao Whekere" or "World Of The Gods", this track, along with the expert knowledge and commentary provided by the guides, provides an extraordinary insight into the evolution and biodiversity of New Zealand's world-famous landscapes.

The Kaikoura Wilderness Walk is known for its dramatic diversity over a relatively short distance; the track takes you through stands of Manuka and Kanuka, untouched Beech forests and 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, NZ 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 and Kaikoura scree weta, and contains one of only two nesting colonies in the world of the rare Hutton's Shearwater seabird.

This package includes transport, accommodation, meals, snacks, luggage transport, and the use of daypacks and wet weather gear if needed. All accommodation is at Shearwater Lodge, which has six guest rooms, all with made-up super-king or twin beds and ensuite bathrooms.

Day 1. Kaikoura to Shearwater Lodge
Walking time: 6 hours (8.5km, 5.3 miles)

We will pick you up from your Kaikoura accommodation at around 9.30am, and the drive to the start of the track will take approximately 40 minutes. The first portion of the walk is a really pleasant mix of bush and forest environments; Kanuka/Manuka, Beech, and Fern dominate; also there are specimens of Rimu, Totara etc. This first portion of track takes approx. 1.5 - 2 hours, and climbs a bit to the vantage point "Totara Saddle", where we have lunch.

The afternoon takes you first downhill from Totara Saddle to the stream below, in order to cross and begin a gentle walk up through beech forest for about the first hour, and then through ancient Totara forest. Although you are climbing during the two hours or so through the Totara forest, you probably won't notice that at all, until at the end of the forest, you come out quite unexpectedly onto alpine meadows covered in Mountain Daisies! Traversing along these alpine meadows is fairly even going, and then a short climb to another saddle, up over the top, and! ... There's the lodge – and what a fantastic view of it and it's wider setting. You'll be pleased to see it by now, and it's only about another hour downhill, and you're at the last section, about a 15-minute uphill, and you'll be there!!

Refreshing drinks are coming out of the chiller as you arrive, and although you probably found that last little section up to the lodge from the stream a bit of a pull at the end of a full day of walking, as the ice chinks in your glass or the top comes off that cold bottle, you'll be feeling mighty good about now...

Relax for while, then after a rest and settling into your room, you may feel like taking a shower to freshen up, and then a bit more relaxing on either your own private deck off your room, or the huge deck off the main lodge room - a complimentary glass of wine or beer is on hand to assist the winding down process before dinner is served.

Day 2. Surveyors Peak/Happy Valley Summit
Walking time: 4 hours

Start the day with a morning loop walk above the lodge (and above the tree-line) – the fabulous thing about this walk is the dramatic alpine scenery, able to be enjoyed without a strenuous walk or climb. The track traverses the gentle valley floor of Happy Valley, and walkers enjoy the alpine vista of spectacularly rugged mountains which rise steeply from each side of the valley. This walk takes around four hours, and arrives back at the lodge for a leisurely lunch. The afternoon allows time to explore at leisure the surrounding wilderness terrain, flora and fauna.

Day 3. Surveyors Peak to Kaikoura
Walking time: 2 hours

Leisurely start to the day and more time to explore the surrounding environment. After lunch it is time for the walk out – on a different path to that taken on the way in. Arrival time back at the start of the track is generally around 4pm, and the vehicle will be awaiting you upon arrival with your luggage contained within, ready to transport you back to Kaikoura.

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.

Grade B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
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, however we encourage you to walk at your own pace. We have an emphasis on interpretation through your guide, of the environment, flora and fauna, so we are stopping regularly, and total distance each day is just 8.5km, so there is no hurry. The track surface varies from smooth, well-formed paths to uneven terrain with occasional rocks or stones and tree roots. Your personal luggage is transported ahead to the lodge for you, so you only need to carry a small daypack for personal items such as camera, drink, sunscreen etc.

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.

Your guides are all astute, competent people with a professional attitude. They are passionate about New Zealand's outdoors, and are expert in interpreting the surroundings and flora and fauna for you to gain better understanding.

Our guides are trained in first aid and carry radios and safety kits.

Essential Items
The following is a list of things to bring in addition to your normal clothing and toiletry requirements;

Camera

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Sun hat

Broken in hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good ankle support

Waterproof raincoat with hood (or we can lend you one)

We recommend you bring a selection of clothing to suit all weather conditions - in New Zealand any weather can be experienced at any time of the year. Some suggestions:-

Warm hat - fleece or woollen

Shorts for walking

Fleece jacket or micro fleece top

T shirts

Woollen or thermal socks

Gloves

Woollen or polypropylene thermal underwear (top & bottom)

For Shearwater Lodge in the evening:

Warm socks, slippers or lightweight shoes

Casual daywear or similar

We supply: Shearwater Lodge is an upmarket, fully equipped lodge. We provide all food, and accommodation is in private rooms, all of which have their own ensuite bathroom. Soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided, as is all linen. For those who need them, we can supply daypacks and rain jackets.

You will be transported to the beginning of the track and picked up at the end by a comfortable 12 seat minibus.

Our resident chef prepares a superb dining experience with complimentary pre-dinner wine provided. Full bar service is available. Breakfast and snacks are provided as well as picnic lunches on the track and in the lodge.

Shearwater lodge was purpose-built with comfort and enjoyment in mind. Set in a spectacular alpine valley and serviced by a modern eco-friendly electricity supply, the lodge has six guest rooms, accommodating up to twelve on a twin/share basis.

Rooms are super-king or twin king-single according to preference, and each room has its own private ensuite bathroom, with linen and toiletries provided. On the private deck directly off your room, you'll enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery nature has to offer, anywhere in the world.

The lodge's large guest lounge provides the perfect place to mingle and relax; leather furniture and a huge stone fireplace are framed by the remarkable views outside, and the outdoor deck surrounding the area is irresistible. Although the scenery out here is spectacular, be prepared to find your gaze diverted suddenly by resident wildlife - deer or chamois drifting quietly amongst the golden tussocks opposite, native songbirds in the trees below and inquisitive Kea who love to shuffle along the balcony in search of mischief, all regularly captivate visitor's attention.

Should we stay in Kaikoura the night before our departure?
As a guideline, we will be picking you up at around 9.30 am on the morning of your walk. Most people do prefer to stay the previous night in Kaikoura, and we can recommend various B&B, motel and hotel accommodation, and also pick you up from there on the morning of your walk. As Kaikoura is only 2.5hrs from Christchurch and 2 hours from Picton, it is also possible to travel here in the morning from these places, in which case we will meet you at the Kaikoura Information Centre, and can arrange off-street parking. Post-walk, we recommend staying a few more days as there are lots of good quality activities and we can recommend many great things to do here!

What clothing do we need to bring?
Preferably worn-in hiking boots with good ankle support or, alternatively, sturdy shoes with good ankle support. Merino or polypropylene underwear top and bottom, fleece or merino, hat, fleece jacket, shorts for walking, walking socks and tee-shirt. Don’t forget lodge footwear for the evening - slippers, sandals/light shoes, or comfy socks.

Do I have to carry a pack?
Your bag or suitcase will be transported ahead to the lodge for you, and we can loan you a light day pack for carrying your personal items, drink etc on the walk.

Will I be fit enough?
You will need average fitness with good mobility and be able to walk for 5 -7 hours over mountain tracks each day, however we encourage you to walk at your own pace and we do have regular stops. The track surface varies from smooth, well formed paths to uneven terrain with occasional rocks or stones and tree roots.

Is there alcohol at the lodge?
Yes - a selection of New Zealand wine and beer is available.

Are there any bugs?
Generally there are very few but it’s a good idea to carry insect repellent just in case, and anyone allergic to bee or wasp stings should carry their medication.

A selection of New Zealand wine and beer is available at the lodge. Apart from that there are no extra costs associated with this tour.

Failure to attend the pre-tour briefing, without prior arrangement, will result in your booking being cancelled with no right for a refund.

If the operator declares the walk unfit due to severe weather and track conditions, a full refund will apply. The operator reserves the right to alter prices, times, itineraries and if necessary arrange alternative transportation and walking arrangements as deemed necessary.

Price includes:

• Scenic transfers to/from the walk
• Guided walk with interpretative commentary
• Picnic lunches, fine cuisine dinners, breakfasts and snacks
• Day packs and wet weather gear loan
• Accommodation at luxury Shearwater Lodge
• Luggage transport to the lodge

Payment: For bookings 4 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 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Transferring: A $25.00 per person transfer fee applies when changing the departure date of a booking. Transfers are made subject to availability.

Cancellations:
More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund if full amount paid
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded

Travel Insurance: We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.

Notes: This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.