Important Information

The Grand Traverse is the ideal way to experience New Zealand's back country. The advent of guided walking has made these areas accessible to a great number of people who otherwise may have missed out. It is important to remember, however, that the Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks are remote wilderness areas. While our lodges have been designed for your comfort we are still without a number of modern amenities such as telephones, faxes and email. Mobile phones do not work on the track so save yourself the extra weight. We have radio contact in case of emergency but otherwise you will be cut off from the rest of the world for a few days.

All of our lodges have toilets, as do our lunch shelters.

All walkers on the Grand Traverse multi day walk will need to attend a pre track briefing at our Queenstown office the afternoon before the track departure at 3.00pm (check in time is 2.45pm).

Your Safety

Safety is always our number one priority on the tracks and in the lodges. We operate using an approved documented safety plan, with which all personnel are familiar with. All guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid kits. Every guide and lodge has a hand held radio which links them to each other and our bases in Queenstown, Te Anau and Mount Cook 24 hours a day. Our radio system is also linked with those of emergency service providers.

In the event of extreme weather, the safety of all walkers becomes the number one priority. Weather patterns are constantly monitored and no area of the track will be entered if any members of the party are deemed to be at risk. Guides may have to adapt the day's walk in certain situations, while they will make every effort to meet your needs, please adhere to their professional decisions if circumstances demand this.

Your Health and Fitness

Our walks are neither easy nor difficult. They are a challenge which people of all ages and abilities will relish. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to carry a medium sized backpack containing your personal belongings weighing 5-7kg (10-14lbs) for 6-8 hours over 15-21kms (9-13 miles) of mountain tracks each day. We encourage you to walk at your own pace, there is no pressure to walk with others or keep up with the fastest walkers. There is always a guide at the front and rear of the party. The track surface varies from smooth well-formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks and tree roots. There are steep rocky downhill sections and you may have to cross small streams and wade in deep water after heavy rain.

If you are not a regular walker we suggest you begin a daily walking regime 6-8 weeks before departure. Carry a backpack and gradually increase the distance you walk. Staircase or hill climbing will leave you even better prepared for your challenge.

Thousands of walkers enjoy our walks every year without any problems whatsoever. The average age of our walkers is 40+ and we have had many in their 60s and beyond.

Challenge yourself!

What To Bring

We provide all food and bedding. Soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided in the lodges. For those who need them, we can also supply backpacks and rain jackets. Everyone is given a sleep sheet so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag (some people prefer to bring their own silk sleep sheet).

The following is a list of essential equipment.

Optional items you may want to include are a swimsuit, spare laces, journal and second skin for blisters.

We do not recommend that you walk in cotton garments, jeans or silk thermals: perspiration means you are likely to feel damp and cold even inside the best raincoat.

We suggest you put all your clothing in plastic bags inside your pack liner for added rain protection. Keep your pack as light as possible while still taking the essentials. Remember hand laundry facilities are available in the lodges and a lighter pack will enhance your experience.

For those of you who prefer to travel light, we have a small shop in Queenstown where the majority of the above items can be purchased (with the exception of boots, underwear, pyjamas and personal toilet requisites) at reasonable prices.

Getting Here

Our multi day walks depart from Queenstown. Queenstown is well serviced by major airlines and easy connections from New Zealand's international gateways and other cities. Driving, Queenstown is around 7 hours from Christchurch and 4 hours from Dunedin, there are also a number of coach services available.

Our Queenstown office is in the Ultimate Hikes Centre, The Station Building (don't be fooled, there is no railway station in Queenstown!), Duke Street Entrance, Queenstown.

Weather

The big question: What will the weather be like?

It is essential to be well prepared when walking. New Zealand has very changeable weather patterns.  Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National parks have high rainfall levels and the weather can change dramatically in one day. The unpredictable nature of weather in this region means that snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time of the year. It is therefore very important to be prepared for the worst conditions and carry the appropriate clothing at all times.

However the weather is not always wet! We do have sustained periods of fine sunny days throughout the summer. Unfortunately there is no pattern to when these will be.

Your guided walk will be a memorable one, whenever you choose.