27 November, 2025
27 December, 2025
5, 15, 29 January, 2026
4, 12, 17 February, 2026
5, 18 March, 2026
Period 1 Jul 2025
- 30 Jun 2026
Adult (public group 1:4) NZD $1,890.00
Adult (private 1:1) NZD $4,750.00
Adult (private group of 2), per person NZD $2,750.00
Adult (private group of 3), per person NZD $1,950.00
You will need to meet your guide at 4.30 pm the day before your departure for a kit check. If you need to be collected from your Wānaka accommodation, please let us know. At this meeting, we will will check your clothing and equipment and other final details. There will be time for last-minute gear purchases if required.
You are transported for about 1 hour to Makarora to the start of your hike.
Hire gear if anything needed.
If your party is unable to egress from the mountains at the end of your trip for any reason, a fee of NZ$550 plus expenses (including but not limited to hut & park fees) per extra day is applicable to your party, and is divided between the trip participants.
Grade: D
6-8 hours physical activity per day
Pack weights of 8-12kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 1000m.
Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
Comfortable on rough, unmaintained tracks
Comfortable in a range of adverse weather conditions
Agility and fitness required.
To enjoy your Gillespie Pass Alpine Hike you need to be fit and have good balance. The prepared track is rough and sometimes wet. Sometimes the footing is unstable. Hikers need to be good on their feet and be comfortable on rough or slippery ground. Hikers should be able to maintain a slow but steady pace up hill for an hour between rest stops. There is plenty of time to rest, swim, and take photos.
Gillespie Pass trips use a DOC hut for the first night and a private relocatable camp for nights 2 & 3, with the option of another DOC hut should weather be inclement for camping. Your bush camps are carried in during spring and removed before the winter. Your Gillespie Stream camp is informal and has smaller private hiking tents for sleeping. Please note: There are no showers at DOC huts and the toilets are long drop. At your camp you will have "natures shower" a beautiful crystal mountain stream right by your tent and due to the strict environmental policies all waste is taken out by the group.
On this Alpine hike, generally one night is spent in a hut and the other two nights camping. You will need to carry your own gear but do not need to carry food, tents or other group gear. Many people prefer to use their own sleeping bag, pad and backpack or if you wish you can hire one of ours. To keep weight to a minimum we recommend:
Essential Items
Feet
Hands
Head
Accessories
Optional
|
Equipment Hire |
Per day (NZ$) |
|
Backpack (40-50 litres) |
$10 |
|
Overtrousers |
$10 |
|
Inflatable sleeping mat |
$10 |
|
Walking pole (pair) |
$15 |
|
Sleeping Bag & liner |
$10 |
|
|
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 requirement are catered for.
The mountain guides are qualified through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. The NZMGA are affiliated to the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association who governs mountain guiding worldwide. The specialist trekking guides are 'hand-picked' from within the industry, in light of their qualifications, knowledge, experience level and communication skills. Some of them have NZMGA qualifications, others have rock climbing, ski patrol and outdoor leadership qualifications. All have strong first-aid skills and a wealth of local experience on the routes guided.
Changes:
NB: Please note that this itinerary is a sample only and the actual itinerary may vary at the discretion of your guide. Weather, conditions and personal ability and needs may make changes necessary or advantageous to the participants.
Payment:
For bookings 4 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 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
Cancellations:
Over 60 days before tour: $200 per person cancellation fee
Between 60 days and 30 days before tour: 50% of total trip fee as a cancellation fee
Between 29 days and 15 days: 75% of total trip fee as a cancellation fee
15 days or less before tour: NO REFUND
No refund for any services not utilised after tour has started
Medical Conditions:
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/bee stings and food allergies.
We strongly recommend that all our clients have travel insurance.
