2-Day Self-Guided Hike: Island Hills Station, Canterbury

Carry only lunch while luggage moves ahead to each night's camp

A 2-day self-guided hike on Island Hills Station near Canterbury where luggage transfers daily between camps, so you walk with just your lunch and water. Day one is 11km with 589m elevation gain. Day two offers a choice of 19km (986m gain) all the way through or 11km (645m gain) with a four-wheel-drive ride back to the car park. Accommodation is in shared bunk rooms with lower sheets and pillows provided. You bring or hire a sleeping bag and towel. Hot showers and hand-held radio contact with the hosts are included each day.

The experience

The route runs across rugged back country without the weight of a full pack. A 20-minute four-wheel-drive ride from the historic farm Cookhouse takes you to the trailhead on day one. The 11km first hike climbs 589m over 4 to 6 hours, with a lunch shelter stocked with hot water and a kettle along the way. Your luggage arrives at Valley Camp before you do, so the bunk rooms are ready when you get there.

Day two splits into two options: continue 19km (7 to 8 hours, 986m gain) through to the car park, or take the easier 11km route (3 to 4 hours, 645m gain) and catch a four-wheel-drive back halfway. The hosts, Shaun and Haley, run the farm and stay in radio contact with each group throughout the hike. Evening weather updates and 24-hour contact mean there is always a way out if you feel unwell. The four-wheel-drive can pick you up and move you to the next camp. The Cookhouse on night one is the historic farm building. Night two is in Valley Camp with two huts and partitioned bunk rooms for privacy.

Arrival is flexible: come anytime after 5:30pm on your booking date and either drive yourself or book a shuttle service. You can eat at a winery or pub on the way, or join the hosted BBQ and farm tour at the station. A 4km afternoon farm walk and the farm museum are there if you want to stretch out before the hike starts. Meals during the hike are self-catered, though gas cooking and kitchen facilities are available at the station if you want to prepare food in advance.

What’s included

• Four-wheel-drive drop-off to the trailhead on day one.
• daily luggage and cooler bin transfers between camps.
• accommodation in shared bunk rooms with lower sheets and pillows.
• hot showers each evening.
• hand-held radio contact with the hosts and 24-hour support.
• evening weather updates.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Child (7 to 17 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Island Hills Station

Is this one for you?This suits small groups or individuals with medium fitness who want mountain scenery without carrying a heavy pack. The two-route option on day two means you can choose the full distance or take the easier path with a ride back, so the hike adapts to how you feel on the morning.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How fit do I need to be to complete this hike?

Island Hills Station requires a medium level of fitness and capability on uneven terrain. The track is designed not to be over-strenuous, and day two gives you the choice between a full 19km route or an easier 11km option with a four-wheel-drive ride back. The hosts can transport you to the next camp if you feel unwell at any point.

What's included in the accommodation at Island Hills Station?

Accommodation is in shared bunk rooms with lower fitted sheets, pillows and pillowcases provided. You bring your own sleeping bag and towel, or hire them on site. Hot showers are included each day, and the first night is in the historic farm Cookhouse. The second night is in Valley Camp with partitioned curtains for added privacy.

Do I need to carry all my gear on the hike?

No. Daily luggage transfers mean your pack goes ahead to each night's camp, so you only carry your lunch, water and the trails are designed to showcase huge mountain scenery without the weight. Your cooler bin and luggage are waiting when you arrive at Valley Camp.

What happens if I can't complete the full distance on day two?

Day two offers two routes: the full 19km through to the car park, or an easier 11km with a four-wheel-drive ride back halfway. If you feel unwell or need support at any point, the hosts are in radio contact and can arrange transport to the next camp or back to the station.

What do I need to bring for meals during the hike?

This is a self-catered hike, so you bring your own meals, snacks and drinks for the trail. A lunch shelter with hot water and a kettle is stocked along day one's route. Gas cooking and kitchen facilities are available at the station if you want to prepare food before you depart.