New Zealand

Arthurs Pass Safari

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2 Day Hiking Tour Christchurch to Christchurch

Highlights: This two-day Arthurs Pass Hiking Tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy a guided hike from Christchurch and learn about the natural history of the region as well as some basic bush skills - river crossing techniques, reading map and compass work.

Itinerary

Be part of a small group in the wilderness on an overnight guided hike on part of the Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand Walkway).

Walk through beech forest and over Cass Saddle. Enjoy spectacular views of the Craigieburn Range and Arthurs Pass National Park. Stay in a classic backcountry hut.

Day 1   Christchurch to Hamilton Hut   6 - 7 hours hiking

Meet your guide in Christchurch. Drive over Porter's Pass into Canterbury's High Country. Hike up the Cass River into beech forest.

Enjoy a lunch break at a forest clearing overlooking the valley. Climb to Cass Saddle, just above the bush-line to overlook the Craigieburn Forest Park. Descend slowly down Hamilton Creek across river flats to Hamilton Hut.

This is a spacious Department of Conservation 20 bunk hut with a wood burner, running water, a mountain radio and long drop toilet. We do share this hut with public users but have timed the hike so that we use it mid-week when use is low. In the very unlikely case that the hut is full then we have the ability to camp.

Enjoy a bush dinner cooked by your guide. Short evening walk to Mirror Lake.

Day 2     Hamilton Hut to Christchurch    8 hours hiking

Hike up the Harper River, across river flats and through a small gorge to West Harper Hut. Follow the river and start climbing steadily to a beautiful lunch spot by the stream. Continue climbing up to Lagoon Saddle with breathtaking views of Arthurs Pass National Park and the Waimakariri catchment.

Descend through forest to the road end. Drive to Christchurch.

Food

All the meals are included in the price. On the hike you will enjoy lots of snack stops to keep your energy levels up - muesli bars, scroggin, chocolate. Lunch usually consists of rolls, crackers, cheese, salami and tomato. The hut meal is simple but tasty - usually pasta with a delicious sauce and cheesecake for afters.

Among the group equipment is a portable stove which we will carry into the hut.

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Accommodation

Hamilton Hut - 1 night

This is a spacious Department of Conservation 20 bunk hut with a wood burner, running water, a mountain radio and long drop toilet. We do share this hut with public users but have timed the hike so that we use it mid-week when use is low.

In the very unlikely case that the hut is full then we have the ability to camp. We provide tents and foam sleeping mats.

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