Island Hills 2-day self-guided hike with meals & luggage transfers

Two days of mountain hiking with your gear carried ahead and hot showers waiting at camp

A 2-day self-guided hike at Island Hills Station in Canterbury, New Zealand, where luggage transfers mean you carry only lunch while tackling two days of alpine terrain. All meals, sleeping equipment, accommodation and transport between trailheads are provided. Hosts Shaun and Haley offer 24-hour radio contact and weather updates. The track suits those with medium fitness on uneven terrain.

The experience

The hike splits into two days of 11km each, with elevation gains of 589m on day one and 645m on day two. A 4WD ride takes you from the station to the trailhead on the morning of day one, and you'll hike 4 to 6 hours to reach Valley Camp, where your luggage will already be waiting. Day two follows a wilderness nature park trail back toward the car park, taking 4 to 5 hours, and you radio the hosts for pickup around 3pm. Because your pack carries only lunch and water, the terrain (uneven and steep in places), stays manageable even when the scenery demands your full attention.

You arrive on the evening before day one for a hosted 3-course BBQ at the historic Cookhouse, where you'll stay the first night in either a twin share or bunk room. Night two is at Valley Camp in one of two huts with shared bunk rooms and privacy curtains. All sleeping gear is provided: sleeping bag, bag liner, fitted sheet, pillow and pillowcase, plus a duffel bag for your belongings and a cooler bin for drinks. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and coffee come with the booking. Hot showers each day are a real treat after the trail. Hosts Shaun and Haley, genuine rural farmers, stay in radio contact with each group, send evening weather updates and are available 24 hours if you need support or transport to the next camp.

The track is not suitable for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and children under seven are not recommended. If you feel unwell on the trail, there is always a way out: the hosts can transport you to the next camp or back to the station. Email the hosts in advance with any dietary requirements for the meals.

What’s included

• Four-wheel drive transport to the trailhead and back to the car park.
• daily luggage and cooler bin transfers between camps.
• all accommodation in the historic Cookhouse and Valley Camp huts with sleeping gear provided.
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and coffee).
• hot showers each evening.
• 24-hour radio contact and weather updates from the hosts.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:30

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?You'll need either a car to self-drive or a shuttle booking to reach the station by 5:30pm on your arrival evening. The hosts can arrange the shuttle if you email them in advance, so lack of a vehicle doesn't stop you from starting the hike.

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 do I get to Island Hills Station if I don't have a car?

You can book a shuttle service to arrive by 5:30pm on your booking date. Email the hosts in advance to arrange it. Self-drive is also an option if you have access to a vehicle.

What's the hike actually like on day one?

Day one is an 11km hike with 589m of elevation gain, taking 4 to 6 hours. A lunch shelter with hot water and a kettle sits along the way, and your luggage is transferred ahead so you only carry lunch and water.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and tent?

No. The station provides a sleeping bag, bag liner, fitted sheet, pillow and pillowcase for each night. You sleep in the historic Cookhouse on night one and in a shared bunk room at Valley Camp on night two.

What happens if I get injured or feel unwell during the hike?

Hosts Shaun and Haley maintain 24-hour radio contact with each group. If you feel unwell, there is always a way out: they can transport you to the next camp or back to the station.

Are meals included, and can I request dietary changes?

All base meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and coffee. Email the hosts before your booking date with any dietary requirements so they can prepare accordingly. Bring your own snacks and drinks if you prefer.

What's the difference between day one and day two on the trail?

Day one hikes 11km with 589m elevation gain through backcountry to Valley Camp, taking 4 to 6 hours. Day two hikes 11km through a wilderness nature park with 645m elevation gain, taking 4 to 5 hours, and ends with a radio call for pickup around 3pm.