Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions.  Should there be anything that you need to know, not covered here, please don’t hesitate to give us a call – 0800 WILDERNESS (0800 945 337) or send us an email.

• Should I stay in Kaikoura the night before departure?
You need to be at the pick-up point, generally your accommodation, by 9.00 am on the morning of the walk. Most people prefer to stay the previous night in Kaikoura and we can recommend various accommodation options for you. Kaikoura is 2.5 hours from Christchurch and 2 hours from Picton. It is possible to travel there in the morning, however, allow time for delays. In this case you will be met at the Kaikoura Information Centre, where your guides can arrange off-street parking.  Post-walk, we recommend staying a few more days as there are many quality activities to do in Kaikoura and we can arrange these if you so wish.

• What clothing and footwear do I need to bring?
Preferably comfortable, worn-in hiking boots with good ankle support or, alternatively, sturdy shoes with good ankle support. Suitable clothes for walking, warm hat, gloves and jacket, shorts or long trousers, walking socks, wet weather gear. Please remember Lodge footwear for the evening - slippers, sandals/light shoes, or comfy socks.

• Do I have to carry a pack?
You only require a day pack for personal items, eg any medication, drink bottle, camera, etc, together with wet weather gear, as all luggage is transported to the Lodge. 

NB Please take as little luggage into the Lodge as possible. Holdalls are available for loan for this purpose. Left luggage will be kept secure, if not left at your Kaikoura accommodation, ie hotel/motel. Just take what you will need for the 2/3 days.

• How long is the walk?
Having arrived at the beginning of the track your guide will give you a short briefing before setting off. The walk will begin at approximately 10.15am, and by approximately 12.15pm you will have reached Totara Saddle, where lunch awaits.  We have a lunch break of approximately 45 minutes, before proceeding on the afternoon walk, through beech and kanuka forests and, later, ancient totara forest.  The Lodge comes into view about an hour before we reach it – approximately 4pm. By 5.30pm you will probably be socialising on the main deck with your fellow walkers and enjoying a nice cold drink!  The distance walked on day one is 8.5km.  Day two begins with an optional walk of a similar distance but with vastly different landscapes; you will walk through some of the most dramatic, spectacular alpine scenes imaginable. It is a loop walk and arrives back at Shearwater Lodge for lunch.  We then depart the Lodge around 2pm, and reach the end of the track about 4pm where transport back to Kaikoura will be waiting. You will be back in Kaikoura around 5pm.

• Will I be fit enough?
You need average fitness with good mobility and be able to walk for 5 -7 hours over mountain tracks each day. The track surface varies from smooth, well formed paths to uneven terrain with occasional rocks, stones and tree roots. Your guide will ensure a walking pace suitable to the level of fitness of the group and there will be regular stops. 

• Is there alcohol at the lodge?
Yes - New Zealand wine will be served with dinner.

• Are there any insects?
Generally there are very few but it’s a good idea to carry insect repellent just in case; anyone allergic to bee or wasp stings should carry appropriate medication.

• Cost $995pp
The cost covers the 2day/1night package; guiding on the walkway, transfers both ways between Kaikoura and the track, luggage transport to the Lodge, all meals, a complimenary drink and outstanding accommodation over the two days.

• Cost $1395pp
The cost covers the 3day/2night package; guiding on the walkway, transfers both ways between Kaikoura and the track, luggage transport to the Lodge, all meals, a complimentary drink and outstanding accommodation over the three days.

• Are single rooms available?
No all rooms are twin-share however, a Single Supplement is available if guests prefer their own room. See Prices and Departure information.

• Are there any discounts?
We do have a number of discounts, eg group and family discounts and off season rates. Please contact us to check out options.

• What are the departure days?
2 day/1 night departs Wednesday returns Thursday
3 day/2 nights departs Friday returns Sunday