Experience the wilderness walk of a lifetime. A path of
discovery through an extraordinary range of eco-systems, primeval
native forests, pristine mountains, sparkling streams and dramatic
alpine landscapes.
THREE DAY OPTION
Day One
We will arrange to meet you at your accommodation in
Kaikoura at 9.00am and transport you via a very scenic route,
firstly along the Kaikoura Coast, then up the Puhi Puhi Valley, one
of the most spectacular valleys in New Zealand, to the start of the
Kaikoura Wilderness Walk. The drive will take approximately 40
minutes. Your luggage will be transported to Shearwater Lodge
- your overnight accommodation.
The first part of the walk is a pleasant mix of bush
and forest environments; kanuka, manuka, beech, and fern dominate
but specimens of rimu and totara can be seen. This part
of the walk takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours and
climbs to the vantage point at Totara Saddle, where a picnic
lunch is served. Extensive views from the ocean to the mountain
tops at 732m (2402ft) can be enjoyed.
After lunch the track begins with a downhill
section from Totara Saddle to the stream below, then a
steady walk up through beech forest for approximately
an hour. Climbing gently for 2 hours
through an ancient totara forest, you will emerge on
to alpine meadows covered in mountain daisies (celmesias), before a
short climb to another saddle. From here the first view of
Shearwater Lodge can be seen in its outstanding alpine
setting.
The last hour of the walk traverses several streams before
reaching Shearwater Lodge where you will be welcomed by the
Lodge Host.
Relax for a while, take a rest, and settle into your
room. Simply take in the atmosphere and let the cares of
the world become a distant memory. A complimentary
glass of wine is on hand to assist the winding down process before
dinner is served.
Day Two
After a hearty breakfast, leave behind Shearwater Lodge and
experience extraordinary alpine valleys and dramatic
vistas. On this section the track traverses Happy Valley
and walkers enjoy the alpine vista of spectacularly rugged
mountains which rise steeply from each side of the valley. A
keen eye should be on the alert for red deer, Arapawa sheep and the
elusive, and nimble, chamois.
Leaving the valley we climb up on to a high ridge arriving at
Surveyor's Peak lookout some 1530m (4987ft) above sea
level. The panoramic views from here are simply breathtaking
and if the skies are clear, you can see as far south as Banks
Peninsula and as far north as the eastern coast of the North
Island.
Walkers may enjoy a picnic lunch at Surveyor's Peak lookout
or return to Shearwater Lodge for a late lunch. The
afternoon then allows time to relax, explore, or just savour the
delights of this alpine environment from the comfort of Shearwater
Lodge.
Day Three
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk to the stunning Beverley
Falls through the ancient forest. Lunch is served at Shearwater
Lodge.
After lunch, it is time for the walk
out. A different path is taken to that on the way in
and much of this track is downhill following the ridge line before
re-entering the beech forest. Once again there are plenty of
opportunities to see the birdlife and wild animals on the
descent. The end of the track and return to Puhi Peaks
Station is reached at approximately 4.30 pm where your luggage
and transport back to Kaikoura will be
waiting. Arrival time in Kaikoura is approximately 5.30pm.
TWO DAY OPTION
Day One is the same as three day option.
Day Two - Walk to Surveyor's Peak lookout then
return to Shearwater Lodge for lunch. A brief visit to the
beautiful Beverley Falls is a highlight before the walk out. The
final section of the walk meanders down the ridge line before
re-entering the beech forest and the return to Puhi Peaks Station
at around 4.30pm. A vehicle will transport you and your luggage
back Kaikoura
to at approximately 5.30pm.
Address:
P O Box 177
Kaikoura
Phone:
+64 3 319 6966
Free Phone:
0800 945 337 (NZ only)
Email:
info@kaikourawilderness.co.nz