ARTHUR'S PASS ARTHUR'S PASS NATIONAL PARK 4 DAYS CHRISTCHURCH - CHRISTCHURCH Grade: Fit – Some off-track, rocky terrain, scree, and river crossings. Meeting Point: 8.00amChristchurch Visitors Centre
DAY 1 Thursday. Join tour in Christchurch5 hours hiking We meet early at the Christchurch Visitors Centre, and after a short briefing by your guide we head to the supermarket to collect food supplies. We then drive across the Canterbury Plains. These plains are the largest in New Zealand, formed by the gravel and silt eroded from the Southern Alps and deposited by the regions three major rivers – Waimakariri, Rakaia, and Rangitata. We continue on over Porters Pass (945 metres) to the Craigieburn Range. Our first adventure is to wade through an underground limestone canyon known as Cave Stream. We then drive on to our camp in beech forest across the Waimakariri River in Arthur's Pass National Park. We do an afternoon hike up to Woolshed Hill (1296m) for views and descend back to camp. Introduction night around a cosy camp-fire.
DAY 2 Friday. Edwards Valley6 hours hiking Up early for breakfast and packing for a 3-day hike into the park. Arthur's Pass National Park is named after surveyor-explorer Arthur Dobson and the pass he found across the Main Divide in 1864, which was later chosen as the best route for the road. We drive a short distance before donning packs and hiking up the Edwards River. On route, your guide will teach you river crossing techniques (wet boots!).While hiking along beautiful river flats we may encounter the primitive and endangered blue duck. Tonight we camp or stay in a back-country hut.
DAY 3 Mt Oates/Lake Mavis8 hours hiking Today is our biggest day, so it is up early to begin a steady climb towards Mt Oates (1978m).We stop frequently for snacks and rests, and learn about our sub-alpine plants.From the shoulder of Mt Oates we descend to Lake Mavis for our alpine camp (weather permitting) with its great views of the Southern Alps. Mischievous keas (the world’s only mountain parrot) often visit and entertain us with their various antics. These birds once had a bounty on their heads as they learnt to attack sheep stuck in the snow during harsh winters. They are now fully protected. Tonight is a great night for stories while gazing at the stars of the Milky Way.
DAY 4 Sunday. Tour ends Christchurch7 hours hiking On our last day we hike down to Goat Pass and the Mingha Valley through mountain beech forest back to our vehicle. This route is part of New Zealand’s most famous endurance event known as the ‘Coast to Coast’ where they run, cycle kayak from the West Coast to the East Coast in a day.On route back to Christchurch we stop to explore Castle Hill and its weather worn, rain smoothed outcrops of limestone - a popular site for rock climbers. We arrive in Christchurch 6-8pm where the safari ends.
Notes: This hike is both challenging and rewarding.Days 3 and 4, to Lake Mavis and beyond, involves off-track travel up loose rock and steep screes - good hiking boots are essential.Because we are above the bush line in an alpine environment, good gear is needed - see 'What to take'. If the weather is bad we have an alternative hikes in the area across lower passes.
HIKING & FITNESS Do you have what it takes? This is a real New Zealand experience. Tracks can be slippery and rough, and you will get wet boots when we have to cross rivers. At times, we hike off the track, which puts extra stress on your ankles and knees. Please advise us if you have a history of knee or ankle problems. Although you do not need prior hiking experience (except for safaris graded ‘fit’), you do need to be reasonably fit, enthusiastic and prepared for a mental and physical challenge.
You won’t be left behind! We hike together as a group at a steady pace, stopping for a good lunch and often for snacks. Due to changeable weather conditions and the remoteness of the areas we visit, we insist that the group stay together.
If you are concerned about your fitness, get out and do some day hikes in the weeks prior to the safari (4-5 hrs hiking with a pack). Your body will thank you!
SMALL GROUPS A unique point of difference is that our maximum group size is 12. You will travel with a small and social group of people, sitting around camp fires telling stories and playing games, sleeping under the stars, and relaxing in natural hotpools...
GETTING ORGANISED CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION We spend about half the nights on safari in camps or huts in the mountains away from the vehicle. On the remaining nights, we camp by the vehicle in secluded places. Sometimes, in wet weather we seek out budget accommodation. There are always rivers and lakes to swim in or wash by, and we usually stop at places with hot showers every third or fourth day. We can also heat water for washing when camping by the vehicle.
Your guide will book accommodation for you in a backpacker hostel for the end of the safari. You can also be dropped off at your own pre-booked accommodation.
Domestics are a team effort, from collecting firewood, setting up camp and cooking, to doing the dishes and cleaning the vehicle.
FOOD Food is run on a kitty system so everybody chips in with the buying, preparation and cooking of meals: barbecues, salads, stews, pancakes, pasta, dampers, hangi. Each person’s contribution is about $10 per day. Vegetarian meals are no problem -just advise us when you book.
TRANSPORT We travel in a 10-12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and luggage. An average of 2-3 hours is spent driving per day.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMME The itinerary given is for our normal route. However, if poor weather conditions prevail or the group has a particular preference, the hikes and itinerary are flexible. Finishing times are approximate only - we can arrive 5pm - 8pm. Please advise, when making a booking, if you have same day onward travel connections.
WHAT TO TAKE New Zealand mountainous areas can experience cold weather, even in summer. Warm clothes are essential (no jeans for hiking). We insist you have the essential items below and reserve the right to make you purchase/hire them before the safari.
Essential Items · hiking boots (not shoes) · backpack (at least 50 litres capacity) · backpack liner (plastic bag) · 3-season sleeping bag · waterproof raincoat · warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton) · shorts for hiking · polypro/thermals – top &and long-johns · 3 pairs of socks (they get wet) · warm hat or balaclava · sunscreen and sunglasses · drink bottle (1 litre) · spare shoes or sandals · flashlight/head lamp · insect repellent(sandflies like foreign blood) · spare set of clothes
We Supply: Sleeping mats (dense foam), tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.
Luggage: We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. Any gear you do not need on hikes can be locked in the vehicle. NZ Nature Safaris accepts no responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.
Equipment Hire: We hire out good quality equipment. Arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date.
YOUR GUIDES Your guides have a great enthusiasm for the outdoors and a thorough knowledge of natural history. They are keen to teach you outdoor skills such as river crossing, map reading and campfire cooking. All guides have more than a decade of outdoor experience, and mountain first aid training.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Will I be fit enough to keep up with the group? Please read carefully 'Hiking and Fitness Requirements'before choosing your hiking option and grade (medium or fit). Preparation is the key – go hiking carrying a pack, or go to the gym regularly in the weeks prior to your departure.
What is the weather going to be like? New Zealand experiences extremely changeable weather.Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees heat and later in the day freezing in a cool southerly from the sub-Antarctic. Our trips are very flexible and work well in all weather.
Do I really need hiking boots? Yes! Good hiking boots are essential to protect your feet and provide ankle support. Tracks can be slippery and rough. Sometimes we hike off-track, on rough terrain, involving river crossings.
It’s summer. Do I really need thermals and a fleece? Yes. We can experience extreme weather, even in summer.
What if I haven't got the right gear? We can hire to you everything except hiking boots. Order what you need when you book. We also sell NZ Nature Safari fleeces, polyprop thermals.
What is not included in the price? Food kitty and camp fee fund (averages $18/day). This cost is passed directly on - you only pay for what you get. The cost of kayaking ($40-$65), is also not included.
Can I do more than one safari? Yes! Our safaris and hikes are designed to connect over the whole of New Zealand – anything from 3 to 37 days!
I'm a vegetarian - is that a problem? No problem, we often have vegetarians in the group. Guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. Please advise when you book.
Which is the best trip to go on? The North Island has lots of secrets - volcanoes, lakes and wilderness; the West Coast has grand mountains, canyons, glaciers and rainforest; the Secret South has a lot of alpine areas and wildlife - dolphins, penguins, sea lions and seals. The wilderness hikes and expeditions explore remote areas of our National Parks. You decide!
What equipment do I need to bring along? 'What To Take' lists the minimum gear requirements. We visit mountainous wilderness areas, which can experience extremes of weather at any time of year. Be prepared!
I have a lot of extra luggage - what should I do with it? We allow luggage space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a daypack). We may require you to forward excess luggage. On overnight hikes everything is locked in the vehicle.
