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.

Island Hills Station

5.0

Based on 13 reviews

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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

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.

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