SAFETY

Any person with a reasonable level of fitness can walk the Hurunui High Country Track. This experience is not recommended for young children.

Throughout the season there will be some cold, rainy and some extremely hot conditions so please ensure you and your group are prepared for all weather, as conditions may be very changeable
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We provide a pack/gear carrying service so you will only need to carry a day pack.

There are UHF radios in the isolated huts, follow the instructions to connect directly to the track ranger.

If a person in the group becomes ill or injured to the point where they can no longer walk, please administer first aid and make sure the casualty is warm and comfortable, take note of the location of the patient on the track using the provided map zones, note the type of injury/illness and any medical history, leave at least one caregiver with the casualty and go to the closest hut to radio the information through to the track ranger.

The track ranger will take over the response from here.

There are honey bee hives present on the farm for most of the walking track season, if any walkers have bee sting allergies please carry appropriate medication to treat.

SAFTY Garmin inReach Beacon at The Island Hills Station

SAFTY Equipment at The Island Hills Station

SAFTY Walkie Talkie at The Island Hills Station

Island Hills Station

5.0

Based on 13 reviews

Melissa Jessen

08:27 21 May 21

Had an amazing guided hunting trip with Shaun, in the breath taking island hills. Shot my 1st south island red deer and... red stag. Shaun is a great guide, making you feel comfortable whether you are a beginner or seasoned hunter 👌 definitely want to go back again. A must do!read more

Kate Daellenbach

02:05 30 Jan 21

Beautiful place and a lovely walk. We did the two-day version, when our original tramping plans were scuttled by... shocking weather. They were able to accomodate us last minute. It still felt like a tramp - some nice little hills in there to get the heart rate up. Stunning, stunning views, some company in the form of cows (all very chilled out), and friendly informative hosts in Shaun and Hayley. Thank you Shaun and Hayley, and to the Shand family for sharing their bit of paradise. (PS. When you do this walk, plan to have a shower at the Valley Lodge!).read more

Julie Nixon

03:00 04 Jan 21

Thoroughly enjoyed our recent three day trek. Some good challenges along a well designed track that saw us enjoy... wonderful views along the way. Huts were a welcome sight at the end of each day. Great amenities and well stocked. Loved the pack cartage each day and walking with a day pack. Very well organised and Shaun makes you feel at ease out on the trail knowing there’s daily check ins at the huts and weather forecasts each night. Recommended to those wanting to visit our great outdoors and away from busy crowded tracks.read more

Ray Fabish

05:34 23 Nov 20

We had a fantastic time. Shaun was professional, friendly, and faultless in the way he set us and the experience up.... The huts and showers have to be experienced to be believed. Would highly recommended to anyone who has a medium or better fitness levelread more

Christine Gabrielle

10:58 28 Oct 20

Highly recommend this guided trip-Kiwi value non-stop and memories forever.! You will learn things you did not know... about the NZ bush and wildlife and have such a better experience of the land!! Just carry a daypack and enjoy every minute. Super clean historic huts, toilets, showers (hot at every stop!!) Really well-organized..Plus awesome meals, wildfoods, treats and surprises-don't miss out! This one is a MUST DO even for experienced trampers-over gorgeous country with the Best Guide Ever (you can find the track yourself but you will miss half the experience without Shaun Monk with you!)--book it- you will NOT regret it. Plus if you're into hunting, teaching your kids to hunt-he is your man. Super thumbs up all around!???‍????????⛰???‍♂️read more

Dave & Lisa Anderson

21:38 09 Oct 20

Had a wonderful trip during the school holidays with the children (aged 9 and 10). Fantastic track, great way to see... our own back yard. Beautiful native bush, birds, and wildlife. Make sure you take the time to check out the glowworms and have a go at catching some pests (the children were stoked to catch a possum). Totally recommend.read more

Johannes Schulz

09:24 28 Jun 20

Well, how to even start?This place resembles a tranquil and simultaneously wild area. Mountains, Manuka trees, rivers... - even mighty stags can be spotted. Beside the natural beauty of the Island Hills Station area, the hospitality and service of the owners leave nothing to be desired. Here I had my fist hunting experiences, extended walks through a natural paradise and a cozy resting place in the lonely huts that are provided.I can only recommend this place for anyone who seeks a close up encounter with New Zealand, its people and natural beauty, while having an andventurous blast for a lifetime.read more

Victoria Alexander

04:49 23 Jun 20

What a way to rejuvenate! Island Hills truly has it all; well-equipped comfortable huts, diverse and interesting... walking options for every level of fitness and knowledgeable, enthusiastic, down-to-earth hosts. An adventure not to be missed.read more

Esther Riess

01:01 22 May 20

You can truly call this place a piece of paradise! This is the first place in NZ I felt very sad to leave behind. Had... my first hunting experience and the walking tracks are something else! It’s a once in a lifetime experience. If cabins, outdoor wood heated baths under stars, mountains and hunting sound intriguing. Don’t miss out!read more

Arian Gaedke

01:31 03 Mar 20

First hunt in New ZealandI come from Germany, hunting in Germany and New Zealand is very different. It was a great... challenge to hike and hunt in the mountains.It was very interesting to learn so many new things about nautur in New Zealand. Shaun taught me a lot of great tips for camping and survival in the bush or in the mountains.The trip was an exciting new experience for me.read more

Haley Lloyd

08:31 27 Nov 19

Such a beautiful place and the Bush Hut was amazing. The hosts were very down to earth and knowledgeable. A real off... grid kiwi back country experience.read more

Next Reviews

WHAT TO BRING

PACK TRANSPORT

Huts and accomodation

FITNESS DISTANCE/DIFFICULTY

DOGS

SAFETY

WEATHER

FOOD & WATER

PRICES

When you are dropped off at the beginning of the track on the first day the track ranger will give you a history of the farm, conservation projects and the surrounding area.

Island Hills Station is a working sheep, cattle and honey farm with it’s own protected conservation reserve.

Fully Equipped Huts

No WiFi or coverage

BBQ's at Each Hut

Outdoor Hot-tub

ECO TOILETS

HOT Shower's

Bush Hut

Bush Hut is the third night accommodation a wonderful forest setting and a real step back in time. Situated in the middle of one of the biggest QEII conservation covenants in the country.

Valley Camp

The Valley Camp Hut was built for pest control and mustering and now gives you the chance to spend your second evening in the heart of the high country.

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Our Address

Island Hills, 1612 Tekoa Road, Culverden 7392

Contact Us

TEL: 0224 640 140
E-MAIL: shaun@islandhillsstation.com

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