Trek Notes - New Zealand

Coast & Canyons 5 days

Itinerary

A safari jam-packed with memorable hiking from Nelson to Punakaiki. Hike across the tussock alpine ranges of the Kahurangi National Park. Cross crystal clear rivers in the limestone canyons of Paparoa National Park. Stay at an organic farm in the Buller Gorge and feast on a home-grown meal between hikes.

Day 1        Join tour in Nelson                   11km/4 hours hiking
Your tour begins in Nelson, in the north of the South Island. After collecting food supplies, we drive to Motueka and up to Flora Saddle (at 1000 metres). We have an early lunch and organise our packs for the first hike. Leaving our vehicle behind, we hike through beech forest, following a stream, in the tussock-covered tablelands of Kahurangi National Park. Gold was discovered here in the late 1850's and tracks began to be laid, and in many areas gold finds weren't as rich as expected. Scientists were attracted to the unique flora of the Heaphy area and conservationists managed to get this area made into a scenic reserve in 1915. Tonight we stay in an old goldminer's rock shelter, a great place to get to know each other with introductions around a cosy campfire.

Day 2        Buller Gorge                   15km/7 hours hiking
We have an early start this morning, and after a quick breakfast we continue across the tablelands to explore a New Zealand karst landscape of sinkholes and caves. This whole area is of geological interest as it is in a range of marble and limestone hills, the interior being riddled with potholes. We climb up through mossy forest to the bushline and then onwards to Gordon's Pyramid (1489 metres). We continue across a basin of crystalline marble karst to the shoulder of Mount Arthur and, if weather and time permit, fitter members can trek to the summit (1795 metres) for panoramic views of the Nelson region. We return to Flora Saddle and drive to a character cottage overlooking the Buller Gorge where we camp for the night. Enjoy a home cooked meal made from locally grown organic produce.

Day 3                   Paparoa National Park                   8km/4 hours hiking

This morning we head out to Cape Foulwind and visit a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals - once almost hunted to extinction. We then turn south to the old gold-rush town of Charleston for lunch at a beautiful cove. This pretty town used to boast over 80 hotels in the late 1860's! After relaxing here for a short while, we begin our hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Established in 1987, the park covers over 30,000 hectares. It has natural attractions including mountains, limestone cliffs and caves, rivers and wilderness areas. During our hike we learn river-crossing techniques, so prepare to get your boots wet. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang - a fluviatile cave, carved by river-scouring.

Day 4                   Punakaiki                   12km/6 hours hiking

Today we have a chance to explore the nearby limestone canyon and caves (some people may want to swim) with stalactites, and stalagmites, cave wetas (large wingless insects), glow-worms and the tallest moss in the world (Dawsonia superba). We then hike along the historic Inland Pack Track to Bullock Creek, and arrive back in Punakaiki by mid-afternoon.  Visit the Pancake Rocks. These 30 million-year-old limestone rocks have formed into what look like immense layers of pancakes. When the tide is high, or the weather rough, the water surges into caverns below the rocks and squirts through mighty blowholes, bearing a great resemblance to natural geysers.  Return to camp/cabin accommodation.

Day 5                   Greymouth          5km/2 hours hiking

Take an optional stroll along the coast to check out sea caves that were once used as shelter by early Maori. Tides permitting, you can climb on to a headland.  Driving south, we follow the coast to Greymouth, arriving late morning. Time to have a quick look around and say farewells to fellow travellers continuing on down the coast. You may wish to join the TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch departing Greymouth at 1:45pm. Rated as one of the world's top six train journeys, it crosses the main divide through the lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park, over massive viaducts and along the impressive Waimakariri Gorge and finally the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch in the early evening. If you choose to stay in Greymouth, you can be dropped off at your accommodation.

 Accommodation

The Hiking Safaris use a range of accommodation: camping, backcountry huts, cribs (summer house), hostels and cabins. You will generally camp if the weather is fine, so you get to enjoy the outdoors more and it costs you less. In less pleasant weather your guide will arrange accommodation for the group. Note that the accommodation and food costs are not included in the price of the safari.

 Camping - We will camp as much as possible in a range of locations; under natural rock overhangs, on the beach, Department of Conservation campsites, established campgrounds with showers. You are provided with 2-person hiking tents to share and therm-a-rest sleeping mats. You may have a small campfire if fires are permitted.

 Huts - Your guide will make use of excellent Department of Conservation huts. They are equipped with mattresses, running water and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. We do not have sole rights to huts and so must share with other hikers. Please be respectful of other hut users.

  Cabins/Cribs - When the weather is bad your guide will seek out alternative accommodation. This can be anything that is available, from a private crib (summer house) to a cabin at a campground. Cost is usually less than $25 per night.

 You must be prepared to go for three days (sometimes more) without a hot shower. There is always a river or lake for you to wash in. Some campsites/huts have natural hot pools!

Hiking & Fitness

Grade: D

Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 12-15kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800m.
Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required.

 You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Some tracks may be slippery or rough; some off-track hiking and river crossings.