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Arthur's Pass Alpine Hike

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Tour Details

Start

Canterbury Museum 1pm - Rolleston Ave, Christchurch City

Finish

Christchurch 5pm

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2024 - 30 Jun 2025
2 people (per person) NZD $2,970.00
3 people (per person) NZD $2,090.00
4-6 people (per person) NZD $1,650.00

Days

4 days

Fitness grade

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

Trip Prices: Please contact us to confirm how many people are already booked on the tour and to confirm the trip price at that time. If you are the first to book on board, your price will reduce as more hikers join the tour.

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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 (50 litres is adequate)
  • backpack liner (plastic bag)
  • sleeping bag (that keeps you comfortable at 0°C (32°F), preferably down, lightweight, between 1-1.5kg)
  • waterproof raincoat
  • 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.

 


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.

Martin Leslie

Martin Leslie

Dan Murphy

Dan Murphy

Tarsh Turner

Tarsh Turner

Adrienne Stewart

Adrienne Stewart

Juanita Miln

Juanita Miln

Justin Cowen

Justin Cowen

Booking Conditions

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

Prices and itineraries are subject to change.

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 through the acts or lack of action of any company or persons engaged in transporting or guiding passengers, or arranging the tour. 

Hiking New Zealand Ltd is not liable for any cost or loss, directly or indirectly, from any personal disruption due to COVID-19. Such costs or losses include, but are not limited to: requirements to follow COVID-19 mandates, flights, accommodation, transfers, and other expenses incurred over and above the tour price. Once your tour has commenced there is no refund available for any portion due to any circumstances. Any decision regarding exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of Hiking New Zealand Ltd or the Operator of the trip if it is not Hiking New Zealand Ltd.

Payment:
For bookings made four or more months prior to the departure date, a 25% deposit is required, with the remainder due 95 days before your trip. For bookings made within four months of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations:

  • 95 days or more prior to departure date: Full refund less a $500 transferable deposit per person to a future departure.
  • 94 to 35 days: 50% of the tour price forfeited.
  • 34 days or less: 100% of the tour price forfeited.

The tour price is all-inclusive. There will be no partial refunds or credits for unused services within a tour. Any unpaid, forfeited amount may be pursued as a debt.

 

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. 

Our Active Earth Adventures site has adventures beyond New Zealand as well as cycling, skiing, rafting... holidays in New Zealand.

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