Coast, Canyons and Mountains Details | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

4-8 hours physical activity per day.

Pack weights of 8-10kgs*

Altitude gains of up to 600m.

Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.

Agility and fitness required.

To enjoy your Coast, Canyons and Mountains 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.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

Meals

Meals that are not included in the trip price are detailed at the bottom of each day’s itinerary.

Accommodation

On this tour there are two nights wilderness camping, 1 night at a private cabin and campsite and one night in cabins.

Huts - New Zealand has an excellent network of backcountry huts and you will stay in huts on several nights. They are equipped with mattresses, running water and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. Huts are only accessible on foot and shared with other hikers. You also have the option of camping near the hut if that is your preference.

Lodges - You will stay in lodge type accommodation on some of the nights. The lodges are often conveniently located near the start or end of a hike and have multi-share and sometimes twin/double rooms.

Cabins/Cribs - some nights may be spent in private cribs (summer house) or cabins at a campground. Staying in the cribs is a real authentic New Zealand experience and you may even start to feel like a kiwi on holiday!

Bathroom facilities - on the wild nights there will be long drop (pit) toilets. There will be rivers or lakes nearby for a swim, and sometimes there are even natural hot pools! The Kiwi-style Hiking trips are set up so after a couple of nights of “roughing it” in the wilderness, you will stay somewhere where you can enjoy a shower and a few home comforts (including laundry facilities) before the next foray into the wild! At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.

Transport

You will travel in a 10 or 12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and your luggage. All vehicles have a public address system, and a stereo with a variety of music. It is also equipped with a range of natural history reference books. The average driving time per day is around 2-3 hours and there will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guide will often stop the vehicle for you to take photos.

Packing List

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)
lightweight, compact sleeping bag (1–1.5 kg, 5°C (41°F) comfort, down preferred
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.

Malcolm ONeill

Dan Murphy

Justin Cowen

Ali Holley

Adrienne Stewart

Jeremy Martin

Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone get involved with camp duties?

Everyone is fully involved with the running of the safari, from collecting firewood, to setting up camp and cooking meals. You are expected to do your share of work. If you are not a great cook, don't worry - your guide and other people in the group will help you.

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?

Most of the people on safaris are travelling alone. The safaris are strong on group activities and participation including playing outdoor games, going for swims, helping one another to cross rivers, exploring secret places, and overcoming obstacles and challenges. You are encouraged to participate in activities, but if it's not your thing that is also OK. Time is allowed for people to be by themselves on safari if they need it.

Can I do more than one safari?

Yes. More and more people are doing connecting safaris covering the whole of New Zealand. This really is the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand's best adventures. Safaris are timed to leave you a couple of days in between trips to get your laundry done and experience some city activities.

What do I do with my valuables while hiking?

Keep them with you in your hiking pack. You can pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with you while hiking.

I have specific dietary requirements - is that a problem?

Vegetarians, gluten free and dairy free hikers join our trips regularly. Please let us know in advance as meals take more planning. Everyone takes a turn in meal preparations, if you have complex dietary requirements you may need to be involved more frequently. It is advisable to join the trip with some of your own food items if you are worried. Once you are on the trip the guide may ask you to join him/her when they go food shopping. Preparing meals for several different dietary requirements in the wilderness with limited facilities can be challenging but with your help we can make it work.

What is the weather going to be like?

New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the remote mountainous regions where you will spend most of your time. Some days you can be broiling in 30 degrees and then the next day you could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions you are likely to expect - see the 'What to Take' section. You may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important.

Who is in my group?

A small group (maximum 11 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. Seventy percent of people are between 20 and 40, though there are sometimes people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?

The group hikes together, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Can I charge my electronics while on safari?

About two or three times per safari you stay at places that have electricity so you will be able to recharge batteries. If you have a vehicle adapter, bring it along as there may be an opportunity to charge items while driving.

Can I do laundry on safari?

Yes, at least once, usually half way through the safari. It is recommended that you bring items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear, since you will most likely have to line-dry clothing.

Booking Conditions

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.

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.

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 Safari. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Coast, Canyons and Mountains

Tour Details

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