Elite Hikes New Zealand: 3 Days of Guided South Island Hiking

$848.00

Dates Available:

May 2027

Variant

1% for the Planet We'll donate $8.48 from this purchase to environmental charities.

Features

Guests arrive in Christchurch on Day 1 for a group dinner, equipment checks, and a safety briefing covering alpine weather, river travel, equipment systems, and communication procedures, before an early Day 2 departure west through Canterbury toward Arthur's Pass National Park, entering the glacially-formed Mingha Valley from Greyney's Shelter with overnight destination selected by guides based on conditions. Day 3 includes a 12km walk out of the Edwards Valley, an absolute highlight — cresting the pass to reveal sweeping, breathtaking views across the Southern Alps, where gleaming alpine tarns nestle among dramatic scree basins and wild, untouched high-country as far as the eye can see. The descent floats down through open tussock benches and golden river terraces, with every step feeling effortless as the stunning landscape of Arthur's Pass National Park will take your breathe away.

Day 2 overnight options: Mingha Bivouac (~4 hrs) · Goat Pass Hut (~5 hrs) · Lake Mavis (~5.5 hrs)
Day 3 travel times: From Mingha Bivouac (~6 hrs) · Goat Pass Hut (~4 hrs) · Lake Mavis (~3 hrs)
Accommodation: Christchurch (Day 1) · Backcountry hut or camping (Day 2)
Meals included: Dinner (Day 1) · Breakfast, lunch & dinner (Days 2–3)

Specifications

General Notes For All Trips

Weather & Conditions

New Zealand alpine weather is highly variable. Route changes, delayed departures, or alternative campsites may be required depending on river levels, snow conditions, and forecast weather.

Group Size

Small group sizes allow greater flexibility, safer decision-making, and a more personalised experience in remote terrain.

Accommodation

Trips utilise a mixture of:

backcountry huts
remote campsites
and Christchurch accommodation before and after the trip.

Recommended Experience

These itineraries are designed for hikers seeking more than standard front-country walking tracks. Participants should arrive prepared for:

multi-day pack carrying
rough terrain
physically demanding alpine travel.

3-Day Elite Hike: Arthurs Pass National Park Region, New Zealand South Island

The Mingha/Edwards Loop is one of the South Island’s classic alpine traverses. Beginning in the braided river valleys east of Arthur’s Pass, the route climbs steadily into rugged alpine terrain beneath Mount Oates and the striking basin surrounding Lake Mavis, before crossing Tarahuna Pass into the isolated Edwards Valley.

This trip combines established river travel, alpine basins, historic backcountry huts, and remote camping locations with expansive views of the Main Divide. The route is physically demanding, but achievable for hikers with a good level of fitness and prior multi-day hiking experience.

Guests should expect long days on uneven terrain, multiple river crossings, and rapidly changing alpine weather conditions typical of Canterbury’s high country.

Trip Highlights

Classic Arthur’s Pass alpine traverse
Remote camping beneath Mount Oates and Lake Mavis
Tarahuna Pass crossing
Historic backcountry huts
Guided alpine river travel
Small group experience
Professional local guides familiar with Canterbury alpine conditions

All accommodation and meals are provided.

Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult

This trip is best suited to hikers with:

good cardiovascular fitness,
confidence carrying a multi-day pack,
and prior experience on uneven backcountry terrain.

Participants should be comfortable hiking for 6–8 hours per day in potentially wet, cold, and exposed alpine conditions.

PLEASE NOTE: A kit list will be provided, with some gear hire available. Images are for illustrative purposes.

Elite Hikes New Zealand: 3 Days of Guided South Island Hiking

$848.00

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2099

Simple and Useful!

Simple but really useful. Easy to set up, keeps the fuel canister nice and stable, and packs away neatly without taking up much space. Definitely a handy little addition to my camping gear.

Patagonia torrentshell

Bought this as a city to bush raincoat and although it's only been used in a concrete-cowboy sense so far, it's comfortable, looks good and does the job. Thanks to the staff at PAST for their help!

Great gear

Great product and super quick shipping. Ordered on the public holiday Monday and had it by Wednesday. Perfect for hiking the Three Capes.

Nalgene Bottle Sleeve

Awesome addition to my bottle to protect and keep cooler!

Guided South Island Serenity (NZ)

Having been to New Zealand a couple of times, and namely the South ISland, I knew when I booked this trip I was in for something special. For me the journey and the gear prep to get to the trailhead is one of the most exciting bits. Thankfully I'd picked up some LOWA boots, Fjallraven trousers, and an Exped mat in the lead up to this trip. Knowing that the trip was guided by the very team that kitted me out wiuth my gear gave me confidence I'd be comfortable for a few days on the trails. The pokey trails rambling amongst tree roots, occasionaly crossing creeks and rivers then opening up into stunning grassy basins sitting below snow capped mountains, what more could you ask for. We got it all on this trip (except snowfall). Dave and Seth knew the countryside well and ensured an enjoyable hike for us all. Would I do it again? Of course, in a heartbeat.

Elite Hikes New Zealand: 3 Days of Guided South Island Hiking

General Notes For All Trips

Weather & Conditions

Group Size

Accommodation

Recommended Experience

3-Day Elite Hike: Arthurs Pass National Park Region, New Zealand South Island

Elite Hikes New Zealand: 3 Days of Guided South Island Hiking

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