The Experience
INTERMEDIATE
REASONABLY FIT
3-4 HOURS
ARRIVE 09:30 AM
MAX 6
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Valley of Feathers – an unforgettable nature walk combining native forest, mountain vistas, local ecology, and a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
START TIME: 10AM
- Into the Ancient Forest: Wander through a lush canopy of Kānuka and Mānuka, discovering giants like Mataī, Tōtara, Rimu, and Beech.
- A Chorus of Song: The chance to encounter the friendly South Island Robin and Bellbird to the majestic Kārearea (Falcon) soaring above.
- The Big Reveal: Ascend to Tōtara Saddle for breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views across the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
- Lunch with a View: Enjoy your picnic lunch in a peaceful mountain setting, accompanied only by the sound of birdsong.
- Stories of the Land: Discover the resilience of nature as you explore regenerating bush and learn how the 2016 earthquake reshaped this dramatic landscape.
- A Warm Welcome Back: To conclude your journey, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea provided in the charming atmosphere of our historic Woolshed.
The Descent Options
The Scenic Walk (Included) Continue your journey on foot, following our winding farm vehicle tracks. This route opens up the landscape, offering expansive, wide-angle views across the station as you descend.
The Buggy Shortcut (Optional Upgrade): Short on time or ready to rest your legs? Swap the hike for a scenic 4WD Farm LUV (light utility vehicle) ride from Tōtara Saddle. It’s a rugged and efficient way to take in our high country from a different perspective—perfect for those with a schedule to keep.
- $45 per person (max. 5 people)
essential Details
- Meet at the Woolshed at 9.30am for Sign in and Health and Safety Briefing.
- Minimum: 2 people
- Maximum: 6 people
- For larger groups, please contact us to enquire.
Need to Know
Be sure to bring everything you need for the duration of your walk.
Essential Items
- Great Hikes App (download this app for free) while on WIFI, search Private Walks for Kaikoura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information onto your phone to be available offline.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Warm clothes (wool or polypropylene) incl. sun hat /warm hat/gloves.
- Appropriate footwear – We strongly recommend sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots – they’ll be your best friend.
- We recommend gaiters or putties to cover the top of your boots.
- Small day pack.
- Food – self-catered snacks and lunch. If you require a lunch pack – we can recommend café partners in town who will prepare one for you to pick up/pay for before heading out to our station.
- Water bottle (or bladder).
- Basic First Aid Kit (especially sticky plaster for blisters).
- Personal Medical treatments. Bee hives are present on the farm. Any walkers with bee sting allergies should carry appropriate medications.
- Walking poles or a hill stick for added stability over uneven ground – (we do have some here for your use).
- Insect repellent.
- EPIRB or personal locater beacon (optional).
- Dry clothes to change into after walking, given the unpredictable nature of the high country.
- Camera / binoculars.
- If staying overnight, please bring a sleeping bag / bedding with you and comfortable shoes for getting between your hut accommodation and the Woolshed amenity building.
- ✅ By following this checklist, you’ll be prepared for the unpredictable high-country environment! 😊
Our walks require a medium to high level of fitness and agility, with undulating tracks, featuring a few challenging short ascents and descents, creek crossings, plus uneven surfaces and narrow sections in parts. For this reason, our walks are not recommended for young children.
The track range is 7.5km long – starting at an altitude of 500m and climbing to 740m. For those doing the Valley of Feathers Walk- you can opt for a pick up at the Lunch Shelter – a great option for those with time/fitness restraints.
You will need to carry your day pack with your personal items/food/drink.
Please be prepared for changeable sub-alpine weather – from cold and rainy to scorchingly hot – sometimes all in one day!
Please ensure your fitness level is appropriate for the walk you choose so you can enjoy your experience comfortably and safely.
Download the Great Hikes App for free – while on WIFI, search Private Walks for Kaikoura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information onto your phone to be available offline.
You are more than welcome to have a tea/coffee upon arrival, and at the end of your walk, if you have time – afternoon tea will be provided in the Woolshed.
Bring your own lunch with snacks to enjoy en-route and at the lunch spots.
Snacks, Lunches & Catering
If you require snacks and a pre prepared lunch – please contact one of our catering partners who will be happy to prepare a suitable snack/lunch options for you:
These would be required to be paid for and picked up in Kaikoura Township, before your journey to our station.
Water
Don’t forget to bring water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration. You can refill your bottle at:
- The Woolshed (Triple UV Filtered).
- The Lunch Shelter (Triple UV Filtered).
- Streams along the way – To be extra safe, you can filter, or chemically treat it. We don’t regularly test the stream water, however we’ve been told by the experts that it’s some of the cleanest natural water in NZ!
Stay hydrated and enjoy your walk!
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience on our Kaikoura Wilderness Tracks.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A reasonable level of fitness is required, and the tracks aren’t suitable for young children.
- Before you start, we’ll give you a comprehensive health and safety briefing at our woolshed.
- Stay on the formed track at all times, as there are areas damaged by the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Your guide will point out safe viewing areas.
- Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, from cold and rainy to extremely hot. Clothing layers are essential.
- Make sure your day pack has essentials like medication/first aid, food, water, and extra clothing.
- Our guides are equipped with a first aid kit, portable radio, and PLB in case of emergencies. Note that cell phone service is limited, so consider bringing your own EPIRB or PLB.
- If you have a bee sting allergy, please carry medication, as there are honey bee hives on the farm.
Self-Drive
You are welcome to bring your vehicle; however, we recommend a 4WD-capable vehicle, as you will cross four small fords along Puhi Puhi Valley Road. The road conditions require good suspension and reasonable chassis clearance.
Shuttle Transport
You can arrange road transport to and from Kaikōura via our trusted partner:
Helicopter Transfer
Helicopter transfer is quick 14 minute stunning experience and can be organised via our air travel partners: