1 Day Walks

TREAT YOURSELF TO A DAY IN THE MAJESTIC WILDERNESS OF PUHI PEAKS

Our guided walking adventures traverse the untamed wilderness of the Valley of the Feathers, through native forest, over sparkling streams and across the dramatic alpine terrain of the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve. Walk below the legendary "Te Ao Whekere" into the World of the Gods.

Our professional and knowledgeable guides will have you captivated with their insights into the history, evolution and biodiversity of this world-famous landscape and geological wonders. Join us for a Kaikoura Wilderness Experience, learn about the stories of Puhi Peaks Station.

VALLEY OF THE FEATHERS

ADVENTUROUS

TITI TRAVERSE

HIGHLY ADVENTUROUS

WORLD OF THE GODS

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

Kaikoura – Puhi Peaks Station – Totara Saddle – Woolshed – Kaikoura

No experience

Slightly fit

4 hours

250 - 295 NZD

Kaikoura – Puhi Peaks Station – Skyline ridge – Woolshed – Kaikoura

Moderately experienced

Very fit

6-8 hours

295 - 345 NZD

Kaikoura – Surveyor’s Peak - Skyline ridge – Woolshed – Kaikoura

Experienced

Moderately fit

4-6 hours

595 - 795 NZD

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The walk follows a trail through a mix of farmland, bush and beech forest environments. Stands of kanuka, manuka, and fern are abundant with specimens of matai, rimu and totara seen along the way. Climb to Totara Saddle, where you will have a picnic lunch and enjoy views from the mountains to the sea. From here we make our way slowly through regenerating native bush to the Woolshed, seeing the changes in the landscape that have occurred after the Kaikoura earthquake. Walk quietly to spot the prolific native birdlife and intorduced wild animals. Together we will enjoy an afternoon tea at the Woolshed, and be transported back to Kaikoura in time for dinner.

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 first part of track climbs to the Skyline ridge, which provides magnificent views of the mountain ranges all the way to the North Island on a clear day. Once we reach the top of the Skyline ridge you will have a picnic lunch and enjoy views from the ocean to the mountain top. From here we make our way slowly down the Shearwater (Titi) stream valley via another path to reach Totara Saddle, another beautiful spot in this scenic nature reserve. Finally, we will make our way to the Woolshed, along the way seeing some of the changes in the landscape that have occurred after the earthquake. We will enjoy an afternoon tea at the Woolshed, and you will be back in Kaikoura at the end of the day.

With a very scenic helicopter flight you will arrive at the World of the Gods. The panoramic views on top of Surveyor’s Peak 1522m (4995ft) are simply breathtaking. If the skies are clear, you can see as far south as Banks Peninsula and the east coast of the North Island. The track meanders down from Surveyor’s Peak through Happy Valley, past Shearwater Lodge, and onto the start of the Skyline ridge. A keen eye should be on the alert for red deer, Arapawa sheep and the elusive, and nimble, chamois. The scree slopes and river crossings make for an adventurous walk, best suited for experienced hikers. Enjoy more magnificent views from the picnic spot on top of the Skyline ridge. From here we make our way slowly down the Skyline ridge into a pleasant mix of bush and forest environments. Along the way you will see some of the changes in the landscape that have occurred after the earthquake, and we will finish at the Woolshed, where we will enjoy an afternoon tea. You will be back in Kaikoura at the end of the day.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE WALKS

Fitness

You will need to have at least average fitness with good mobility and be able to walk for 4-8 hours over mountain tracks. Your guide will ensure a walking pace suitable to the level of fitness of the group. There is an emphasis on interpretation of the environment, flora and fauna, so the group will stop regularly. The track surface varies from smooth, well-formed paths to uneven terrain with occasional rocks, stones and tree roots. You only need to carry a small daypack for wet weather gear, warm sweater, hat and gloves, sunhat and personal items such as camera, drink, sunscreen, and your medication should you require it.

Transport

You will be transferred from and to your Kaikoura accommodation or the Visitor Centre by comfortable 4WD vehicle for the Valley of the Feathers and Titi traverse walks. Scenic helicopter flight transport is possible for an additional cost. Please contact us and we can gladly arrange this for you.

For the World of the Gods you will be transferred by scenic helicopter flight to the top of Surveyor's Peak. This will give you breathtaking views of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountains and the Puhi Puhi Valley. The flight will take approximately 20 minutes.

Food

You are required to bring your own lunch, or have your accommodation prepare you a picnic lunch. We will provide you with tea, coffee and complimentary snacks in the afternoon.

What to Take

Comfortable walking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good ankle support and suitable for river/stream crossings.