The Experience
INTERMEDIATE
FIT
4-5 HOURS
ARRIVE 09:30 AM
MAX 6
Experience a challenging yet rewarding guided walk through native forests to panoramic ridgeline views and fascinating post-earthquake landscapes.
START TIME: 10AM
- A Native Forest Journey: Begin your walk in the light and fragrance of Kānuka and Mānuka, before moving into the cool shade of the Beech forest. Along the way, discover surviving specimens of Tōtara, Mataī, and Rimu that have stood the test of time.
- The Saddle Vantage: Reach the Tōtara Saddle to overlook the Happy Valley Stream, tracing its winding path through the valley from a spectacular vantage point high above.
- High-Country Guardians: Keep your eyes on the skies—this saddle is often a spot to see the Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) soaring on the thermals or surveying it’s kingdom from a high branch in the Tōtara trees.
- Witnessing Nature’s Power: Discover the fascinating story of a landscape in motion, learning how the Kaikōura Earthquake dramatically reshaped these peaks and valleys.
- Standing on the Skyline: Experience the thrill of the skyline ridge, where the world opens up to reveal magnificent, 360-degree views stretching across the mountain ranges to the north and south.
- Lunch Above the World: Pause for your picnic lunch, where breathtaking vistas provide the ultimate backdrop for reflection and rest.
- Homeward to the Woolshed: Descend from the heights to enjoy a warm, relaxing afternoon tea and shared stories at our historic Woolshed hub.
Group 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 Kaikōura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information on to your phone to be available offline.
- Waterproof jacket /pants
- 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.
You will need to carry your day pack with your personal items/food/drink.
The track range is 10km long – starting at an altitude of 500m and climbing to 1075m.
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 Kaikōura 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 Kaikōura 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 Kaikōura 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 Kaikōura 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: