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, per person (1 guide:4 hikers) NZD $1,890.00
Adult, per person (1 guide:3 hikers) NZD $1,950.00
Adult, per person (1 guide:2 hikers) NZD $2,750.00
Adult, (1 guide:1 hiker) NZD $4,750.00
Book one of our scheduled group departure dates or request a private departure. If the advertised dates don't work for you, request a date that works for you and us, and we’ll advertise it for others to join as a group trip. If a scheduled group trip doesn’t reach the minimum number of guests, you’ll have the option to pay an additional fee to guarantee it goes ahead. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring your adventure happens as planned.
What transport is used on the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse?
You have an hour journey in our vehicle to Makarora before the hike starts.
What additional costs should I budget for during the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
There are no additional costs for this trip, however, if the group is required to stay longer due to adverse weather conditions, additional charges will be made to cover costs. Currently, the cost is $500 per party per day + $100 per person per day.
What level of fitness is required for the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
Grade: D
To enjoy this experience, you need to be:
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.
What accommodation is used on the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
You will stay in serviced Department of Conservation huts during your trip.
What to pack for the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
Please bring all your equipment to the scheduled pre-trip meeting.
Summer weather is usually quite warm however, you will be in a remote alpine location and winter type conditions can happen any time of year in New Zealand. Required clothing can vary somewhat according to the time of year or the current weather.
While parts of your trip are hut based, some huts can’t be reserved and in some cases clients should expect to camp during peak times of the season. You will need to carry your own personal gear as well as some group fresh food. Many people prefer to use their own sleeping bag, pad and backpack. We recommend an inflatable sleeping mat, 50+ litre backpack and 2 season sleeping bag graded to 0° C (and liner). Lighter is OK for mid-summer. On most days there are unavoidable river and stream crossings, so it is likely your boots will get wet and stay wet.
OPTIONAL - Personal preference Items
What meals are included on the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
On the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip, all main meals and snacks are included, with the group coming together to prepare a variety of delicious dishes.
Who are our guides and what safety measures are in place?
Our expert guides, handpicked for their experience and knowledge, will support you every step of the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse, ensuring your trip is both safe and memorable.
What are the booking terms and conditions for the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
Weather can be temperamental in our mountains and can impact on trips and planned itineraries and routes. If weather events require the guides to alter the original trip itinerary, every effort will be made to ensure the trip can be enjoyed as planned, and find another amazing alternative where weather is more favourable.
If the trip cannot proceed, some costs that were not incurred may be refunded, such as a heli transfer, however other costs that are absorbed in planning and booking will not be refunded, such as guide costs. The guides may refund up to 50% off trips that do not proceed at all, or offer a credit on future trips. Any cancelled trips are assessed individually for refund options.
If the group are required to stay longer due to adverse weather conditions, additional charges will be made to cover costs. Currently the cost is $500 per party per day + $100 per person per day.
Book one of our scheduled group departure dates or request a private departure. If there are no departures advertised, or the advertised dates don't work for you, request a date that works for you and us, and we’ll advertise it for others to join as a group trip. If a scheduled group trip doesn’t reach the minimum number of guests, you’ll have the option to pay an additional fee to guarantee it goes ahead. This gives you flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring your adventure happens as planned.
Payment:
For bookings made four or more months prior to the departure date, a deposit of NZD$1000 per person 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:
Is travel insurance required for the Gillespie Pass Alpine Traverse trip?
We strongly recommend that all our clients have travel insurance.
