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.
We travel in a 10 or 12-seat minibus, towing a trailer with equipment and luggage. All vehicles have a stereo and we carry a range of natural history reference books. We average 3 hours driving per day. We travel on a range of roads, from sealed highways to dusty, windy, bouncy tracks. We can stop whenever you want to take photos or check out the locals!
Meals: One evening meal is not included in this trip.
Optional sea kayaking on Day 3 - NZ$95 pp (minimum of two people).
Grade: B
4-5 hours physical activity on some days; up to 6 hours on second day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on second day.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.
Some energetic sections and climbs, but includes time for relaxation and other activities.
The trip uses double/twin share with en-suite accommodation on nights 1 & 2, and double/twin share with shared bathrooms on nights 3 & 4. At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.
New Zealand's weather is very changeable so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Thankfully, it's warmer up north so thermal underwear and warm hats become an option rather than a necessity. However, you still need to take the essential items listed below.
Essential Items:
Optional items (but highly recommended):
Walking poles, camera and rain trousers
We supply:
First aid kit, drinking water, safety equipment and maps.
Luggage:
There is an allowance of one large pack, bag or suitcase plus one day pack.
Equipment Hire:
We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our Hiking Tours. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for a hire equipment must be made at lease 5 days before the departure date.
|
Hire gear |
5-7 day trip (NZ$) |
|
2 x Fleece |
$30 |
|
Thermal top and bottom |
$20 |
|
Raincoat |
$30 |
|
Walking pole (each) |
$15
|
Breakfasts are continental style in Russell, and at Hukatere Lodge we also offer a warm breakfast. We make picnic lunches of delicious sandwiches and wraps, and fresh fruit, and have plenty of snacks to move you along at a happy pace! We rustle lunch up en route from supplies your guide carries in their backpack, or from the custom trailer kitchen when we are touring. Hot and cold drinks are also generally available (even when hiking) and we always have drinking water for you in our bus. Dinner is varied from lovely restaurants to simple fish and chips at a wharf cafe. We provide dinner on night 1 (picnic-style at the beach or at a café or pizzeria if not picnic weather), night 3 (basic but tasty fish and chips from a wharf café) and night 4 (a home-cooked meal). Any special dietary requests or requirements are easily provided for. Please let us know at the time of booking.
An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. That is why we work hard to make sure we hire the best guides. 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. Our guides will ensure that your time with us is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.
Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find!
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:
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.
