ISLAND HILLS STATION WALKING TRACK INFORMATION
Island Hills Station is a working sheep, cattle and honey farm with it’s own protected conservation reserve.
The tramping season runs from the second week in October through to mid-March, click “BOOK NOW” with no obligation and this will bring up the availability calendar. You only need to book a start date to secure accommodation for the duration of your trip. The booking date refers to the evening of arrival prior to the first day of walking. The self guided private tramping trail covers a distance of 30 km utilized for 2 0r 3 day walks and although situated amidst high mountains, the placement of the track has meant that it is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and tramping ability. The three day walk is the most popular with two day options for those with less time and a little more fitness.
The Island Hills Station Track is limited to 10 people each day with a one way trail allowing for tranquility every step of the way. As your bed is guaranteed each night you are able to walk at your leisure and make the most of the opportunity to learn about the surroundings you are in. You will be provided with a detailed pamphlet of information on the surrounding wildlife, stories about Island Hills and a map showing you points of interest along the trails.
Dogs are welcome on the track, but they must meet stringent criteria and controls so as not to upset other track and hut users, or disturb farm animals and wild life. Permission to bring a dog must be pre-organised with the track ranger at least one week prior to arrival at the property. See the “DOGS” section on our website for further information https://islandhillsstation.com/dogs/
You will arrive at the “Cookhouse” on the evening before your first day on the trail. Arrival times from 5:30pm onward, but no later than 9:00pm. The private car parking area is safe and secure so you can relax and immerse yourself into uninterrupted high country life, with no cell or internet reception allowing time to explore the relics of history. The farm museum provides you with a sure memory of your childhood and a glimpse into high country station life many years ago.
You are welcome to use the fully serviced kitchen, BBQ and dining facilities to prepare your own meals. On the first evening you may like to have dinner along the way and we highly recommend the nearby historic Hurunui Hotel.
For groups of 4 or more an alternative option is to book a Farm 4WD tour plus BBQ meal for the evening of your arrival. This option would suit those able to arrive prior to 6:30pm on the first evening of the walk, we can offer a fun informative guided 4 wheel drive farm tour, followed by a home cooked BBQ style meal with vegetarian and gluten free options available by prior request. BYO drinks. Give the team a few days notice including estimated time of arrival and any dietary requirements so that they can gather supplies and prepare in advance. The price for this extra option is $65 per person including GST, min 4 people.
On day one the track operator will meet you at the “Cook house” by 8:30am to welcome you to the property and conduct a safety briefing. The track operator will then provide a 20 minute 4 wheel drive farm tour taking you to the entry point of the walking track. From here you leave your packs for transport to the next accommodation and carry your day packs with lunches, water bottles and extra clothing for safety. On days two and three you need to have your packs ready for transport by 9:30am. You can expect your packs to arrive at the accommodation facilities by 1:00 pm each day. On your last day you will be walking back from the forest and through the farmland to your parked cars to sign out and leave the station at your own leisure.
By the time you have finished this Island Hills Station adventure you will feel like you have experienced high country life and learnt a little about the history. You will have met a few farm animals, bumped into some wild creatures and made friends with the native birds. You will have felt the spongy moss under your feet and maybe even hugged a few trees as you witnessed the Mandamus Preservation Reserve project in action where the property has set aside vast areas of land for forest regeneration, pest control and in turn wild life restoration.












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.
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.

Fully Equipped Huts

No WiFi or coverage

BBQ's at Each Hut

Outdoor Hot-tub

TOILETS
