Arthur's Pass Alpine Hike Details

Tour Details

Start

Canterbury Museum 1pm - Rolleston Ave, Christchurch City

Finish

Christchurch 5pm

Prices

Period 31st May 20 - 31st May 21
2 people (per person) NZD $2,400.00
3 people (per person) NZD $1,700.00
4-6 people (per person) NZD $1,200.00

Days

4 days

Fitness grade

Grade: D
(River crossings, some uneven terrain, you need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic)

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Transport

You have a journey of approximately 2 hours from Christchurch at the start the hike and then again on the final day.

Additional Costs

No Additional Cost

Grading & Fitness

5-9 hours physical activity per day.

Pack weights of 9-12kgs*

Altitude gains of up to 800m.

Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.

No ‘multi-day’ hiking experience necessary.

Agility and fitness required.

To enjoy your Arthurs Pass Alpine Hike you need to be fit and have good balance. The track is rough and may be wet. Sometimes the footing on loose rock is unstable so hikers need to be good on their feet and comfortable on rough or slippery ground. Hikers should be able to maintain a slow but steady pace uphill for an hour between rest stops. You will carry your own gear plus a share of the group food and equipment. Each day’s walking is designed to be 5-9 hours. We are not the army, but this trip is definitely recommended for people who are regular hikers and consider themselves to be reasonably fit. It’s for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and want to extend their range off the tourist tracks and into real back country with the added security of an experienced guide.

*Will vary depending on the weight of personal discretionary items

Accommodation

We use a private lodge for the first night and DOC huts for nights 2 and 3. On occasions we may be required to camp if there is not sufficient space in the huts. Please note: There are no showers at DOC huts and the toilets are long drop.

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.

Watch the video of our Kiwi-Style Hiking packing list.

Essential Items:

hiking boots or good hiking shoes
backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)
backpack liner (plastic bag)
3 seasons sleeping bag
waterproof raincoat (Gore-tex or similar)
warm fleece/wool jersey x2 (not cotton)
shorts for hiking (preferably quick-dry)
short-sleeved shirt x2 (quick-dry, polypropylene)
polypro/thermal underwear - top & bottom
3 pairs of socks (they get wet)
warm hat
sunscreen and sunglasses
drink bottle (1 litre)
spare lightweight shoes or sandals
flashlight/head lamp
insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
casual clothing for travel and evening
gloves/mittens
small daypack
togs (swimming costume)
towel (lightweight towels are great)
personal toiletries, medication and first aid

Optional items:

Gaiters, binoculars, earplugs, walking poles.

We supply:

Therm-a-rest sleeping mat, 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 while hiking can be locked in the custom-built trailer. We highly recommend travel insurance.

*Ultimate New Zealand only - for the flight between Wellington and Nelson, the checked luggage allowance is 23kgs per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7 kg.

Equipment Hire:

We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our Kiwi-Style Hiking trips. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date.

Food

Energy snacks and nutritious meals are an essential ingredient in helping you perform to your highest standard. Good wholesome meals are provided and plenty of it.

Specific dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special requirements.

Guides & Safety

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry. The guides will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.

Mitch Hutchings

Kathryn Richards

Sarah Akers

Martin Lesley

Jessi Meyer

Dan Murphy

Booking Conditions

The Arthur's Pass Alpine Hike departure is subject to a minimum of two people.

Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to alter or amend any tour should the weather or any other situation require this. Hiking New Zealand finalises all tour logistics upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be brought about either by reason of weather, or defect in vehicle, vessel or aircraft or though the acts or lack of action of any company or persons engaged in transporting or guiding passengers, or arranging the tour.

Payment:

For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% 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.

Covid-19 Booking Assurance

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Tour. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times. World Nomads Travel Insurance provides online quotes.

Arthur's Pass Alpine Hike