3 Day Kaikoura Wilderness Walkway

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The Kaikoura Wilderness Walkway offers a comfortable two-day hiking experience of moderate grade and easy pace suited to those of average fitness that combines a high quality, authentic New Zealand outdoor adventure with a standard of wilderness accommodation as impressive as its surroundings. The beautiful mountain "Te Ao Whekere" is the highest visible peak of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges. This name was given to it by early Maori; translated, it means "World of the Gods".
Difficulty: Moderate
Departs: Three Day trips depart Fridays
Accommodation: Twin share Lodge
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, guide, meals
Start/Finish: Kaikoura
Season: 01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11
Pricing | Day by Day | Comments |
Pricing Table
| Prices per person | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Single | Adult Twin Share | Child (12-16) | |
| 01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 | $2,002.00 | $1,430.00 | $1,020.00 |
Day 1 - Day 1 - Kaikoura to Shearwater Lodge
| Met at your accommodation in Kaikoura at 9.30am you're transported 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. The drive to the start of the Kaikoura Wilderness Walk track 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; there are specimens of rimu and totara. This part of the track takes approx. 1.5 - 2 hours and climbs to the vantage point Totara Saddle, where a picnic lunch is served. Extensive views from the ocean to the mountain tops at 732m (approx 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 two 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 fi rst 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. (L, D) Walkiing distance 8.5kms/6-7 hours |
Day 2 - Day 2 - Shearwater Lodge
| Leave behind Shearwater Lodge and experience extraordinary alpine valleys and vistas. A gentle climb
to Surveyor's Peak Lookout at an altitude of 1523m (4,995ft) gives outstanding 360 degree views south
to Banks Peninsula and through to the North Island. Alpine plants abound including our own New Zealand
Eidelweiss. Walkers may enjoy either a picnic lunch at Surveyor's Peak 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. (B, L, D) Walking distance 5.5kms/4 -5 hours |
Day 3 - Day 3 - Shearwater Lodge to Kaikoura
| After breakfast take a leisurely walk to the beautiful Beverley Falls through ancient forest. This is one of
the jewels in the crown of this wilderness experience. Lunch is at Shearwater Lodge before your walk out. The final part of your walk meanders down the ridge line and offers exceptional views, including the
Kaikoura Peninsula, before re-entering the beech forest and your return to Puhi Peaks Station at around 4.30pm. A vehicle will transport you and your luggage back to Kaikoura. (B, L) Walking distance: 6kms/4 hours |
Wings Over Wairarapa 2011 


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