Description: The Ball Pass Trek is a challenging alpine crossing of the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman Glacier to the Hooker Valley. The route allows close views of New Zealand`s highest mountains and most spectacular alpine scenery.

Ball Pass is for experienced hikers, used to sustained walking over steep and rugged terrain. Groups (maximum 8) are accompanied by qualified mountain guides, who give crampon and ice-axe instruction, and rope you up if necessary. Two nights are spent at Caroline Hut, directly opposite the Caroline Face of Mount Cook.

This is a great introduction to New Zealand`s most impressive mountains, but does not require you to have mountaineering experience.

Location: [map here] Aoraki-Mount Cook. Start from Lake Tekapo.
Prices: NZ$980 for 3 days - all inclusive

Contact person(s): Anne Braun-Elwert
Address: 30 Murray Place, Lake Tekapo 8770
Postal Address: PO Box 75, Lake Tekapo
Phone: 03 680 6736
Freephone: 0800 006 096
Fax: 03 680 6765
Email: climb@alpinerecreation.com
Website: www.alpinerecreation.com

Comments: Can book on-line. Visa/Mastercard accepted. All equipment provided.

Description: The Tekapo High Country Trek is a 3-day alpine hike through open tussock country in the Two Thumb Range, above Lake Tekapo, with panoramic views of New Zealand`s Southern Alps and the Mackenzie Basin. This area is famed for its exceptionally clear skies and intense light, highlighting the turquoise-blue glacial lakes, golden grasses, and white snow-capped peaks.

Day 1 From Lake Tekapo township we drive along the lakeshore to a typical high country sheep station. Three hours` walking with a climb of 430m/1400ft brings us to the cosy Rex Simpson Hut, at 1280m/4200ft. The only sounds to be heard are the skylarks singing, or the chirp of an occasional pippit. This peacefulness is one of the first powerful impressions, giving a real sense of isolation and remoteness. The views over Lake Tekapo are expansive. Evening entertainment regularly comes in the form of an inspiring sunset behind the alps and/or spectacularly clear displays of our Southern Hemisphere stars.

Day 2 We trek along a 6-kilometre-long ridge-top, nicknamed “Snake Ridge”, that was formed by ice-age glaciation, and ascend “Erica Peak” (2073m/6800ft). The terrain is untracked with a moderate gradient. As we gain height the splendour of the Southern Alps unfolds with the East Face of Mount Cook dominating the skyline. Unique alpine scree plants and maybe an alpine weta can be spotted by the observant. Early summer the tussock will be interspersed with mountain daisies, (Celmisia Lyallii). In late summer the red berries of Little Mountain Heath (Pentachondra Pumila) dot the ground, along with white and pink snowberries. Return to Rex Simpson Hut to be well fed and entertained by your guide once more. 6-8 hours walking.

Day 3 We visit an old musterers’ hut before walking back down through the farm and returning to Lake Tekapo. The hut door carries part of a dog collar, dated 1898, and the interior could be reminiscent of Scott’s hut in Antarctica. After your return to Lake Tekapo we recommend a scenic flight with Air Safaris over the Southern Alps (not included in price)

Location: [map here] Lake Tekapo
Prices: Tekapo Trek is now $750 for 3 days; $500 for 2 days

Contact person(s): Anne Braun-Elwert
Address: 30 Murray Place, Lake Tekapo 8770
Postal Address: PO Box 75, Lake Tekapo
Phone: 03 680 6736
Freephone: 0800 006 096
Fax: 03 680 6765
Email: climb@alpinerecreation.com
Website: www.alpinerecreation.com/infoxc.htm

Comments: Included: Guide, all meals on tour, hut accommodation, transport from Lake Tekapo and return, tramping gear if needed, 15% Goods and Services Tax. Not included: meals and accommodation before and after tour.

Description: New Zealand's first private track prides itself on being an excellent eco-tourism experience, providing a diversity of wildlife, scenery and hospitality.

The unique tramp across farmland and Hinewai reserve covers 35km of spectacular volcanic coastline, native bush, waterfalls and sandy beaches.

Each night's cosy accommodation reflects the character, history and individuality of the families who live nearby.

Location: Akaroa, 80km from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula
Prices: 4 day walk $200 pp 2 day $125 pp
Price of four day walk from Jan 1 2007 $225 pp
Season: 1st October - 30th April

Postal Address: PO Box 54, Akaroa
Phone: +64 3 304 7612
Fax: +64 3 304 7612
Email: bankstrack@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.bankstrack.co.nz

Comments: Booking confirmed on receipt of full payment. Payment to be made within 7 days of booking. Safe parking provided at Mt. Vernon Lodge, Purple Peak Road, Akaroa.

Description: The Four Peaks High Country Track is a walking track over a privately owned high country sheep station. The Track is a 40 kilometre loop of well-defined sheep tracks, riverbed and 4-wheel drive track and it takes in some of the region's defining landmarks.

The walk, over 3 days, includes 3 nights in original musterer's huts that have been upgraded for your comfort! The Track is open from November to April, bookings in groups of up to 8, ensuring no more than 8 people are on any one section of the track on any given day. This is 'real' New Zealand.

So for an exclusive high country farm experience, a wonderful walk, stunning views and to feel the essence and history of the Geraldine area ... enquire now.

Location: 10 minutes west of Geraldine; 2 hours south of Christchurch
Prices: $180 per person
Season: November to April

Contact person(s): Jo McAtamney
Address: 1478 Ealing-Montalto Road
Phone: 03 303 6231
Fax: 03 303 6231
Email: info@walkfourpeaks.co.nz
Website: www.walkfourpeaks.co.nz

Comments: Pack Transport is available for an extra fee; Credit Card facilities not yet available

Description: Ryton Station is a 14 589 hectare High Country Merino run, preserved almost entirely in its natural state. It is nestled on the shores of Lake Coleridge, in the spectacular Southern Alps. We have a range of accommodation from private ensuite chalets including dinner & breakfast overlooking Lake Coleridge or self catering options like our backpacker lodge or holiday homes.

Relax and unwind enjoying our many walks and tramps. Each of our walks and tramps have its own unique features with a fascinating variety of geological and botanical interests. We recommend walkers/trampers allow two to four days to enjoy the wide range of walks which vary from 2 hours to all day tramps.

Location: [map here] Only 1.5 hours drive West from Christchurch or 30 minutes from the Inland Scenic Route at Windwhistle.
Prices: Private Ensuite Chalet DBB: $145pp - $165pp. Self Catering: $35pp - $110pp
Season: All Year Round

Contact person(s): Kylee Simpson & Nick Clark
Address: Harper Road, Lake Coleridge
Postal Address: R.D.2 Darfield, Canterbury 7572
Phone: 03 318 5818
Freephone: 0800 926 868
Fax: 03 318 5819
Email: info@glenthorne.co.nz
Website: www.ryton.co.nz

Comments: You will need your own vehicle to visit Ryton Station. Visa, Mastercard & Bankcard accepted.

Description: Hiking New Zealand has been specialising in providing small groups, maximum 11 people, with comprehensive 10-day or 5.5 day safaris which incorporate, sight seeing, wildlife viewing, overnight hiking and adventure activities for over 12 years. We guarantee to get hikers “off the beaten track”, you get to go to places that you couldn’t go as independent travellers.

We have five safaris covering both the North and South Islands:

• West Coast Wilderness – Hiking in lush rain forests, learning how to cross rivers and sleeping under giant rock overhangs. Glacier hiking on Franz Josef Glacier and kayaking on New Zealand’s largest wetland.
• Secret South – Hiking in stunning alpine areas such as Mt Cook National Park. Kayaking on Milford Sound and staying in the Catlins, home to the Yellow-eyed Penguin, Hector’s Dolphins and Sea Lions.
• Eastern Epic – Alpine hiking in Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks combined with whale watching in Kaikoura and sea kayaking in Abel Tasman.
• Volcanoes and Rainforests – Hiking in Tongariro National Park, soaking in geothermal hotpools and river caving with the glow worms in Waitomo.
• Far North – Easy coastal walks, no overnight hiking but lots of fun activities such as sandboarding, snorkelling and 4x4 driving along 90-mile beach.

Summer 2005 is seeing the launch of a fantastic new 8-day tour. This tour caters for active people who want to experience the stunning wilderness the South Island has to offer and still have the comforts of a hot shower and quality boutique accommodation in picturesque locations.

Location: Nationwide. Tours depart from Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown
Prices: $595 - $2750.

Contact person(s): Leah and Anne
Address: 27A Horotane Valley Road
Postal Address: PO Box 93, Lyttelton, Christchurch
Phone: + 64 3 376 6482
Mobile Phone: +64 274 360 268
Freephone: 0800 697 232
Fax: + 64 3 376 6483
Email: info@hikingnewzealand.com
Website: www.hikingnewzealand.com

Comments: Three times New Zealand Tourism Award Winners. Qualmark endorsed visitor activity.

Description: The Hurunui High Country Track experience includes:

• Stunning views
• Limited numbers
• Hot showers each night
• Pack transport available
• Guaranteed beds
• Abundant bird life
• Farming experience
• Native beech forests
• Historic museum
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Secure car parking

Set in the uncrowded wilderness surrounding of a high country station, the Hurunui High Country Track, with its stunning views and plentiful wildlife, provides an incomparable New Zealand walking experience.

The track covers 30km over 3 nights, passing through a wide range of vegetation and landscapes, including farmland, beech forest, and sub-alpine terrain. Each night's accommodation is unique, comfortable, and complements the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Location: 1 and a half hours north of Christchurch
Prices: 3 night walk $150, 2 night walk $125

Contact person(s): Dan and Mandy Shand
Address: 1619 Tekoa Rd, RD 2 Culverden, North Canterbury
Phone: +64 3 315 8026
Fax: +64 3 315 8026
Email: info@walkingtrack.co.nz
Website: www.walkingtrack.co.nz

Comments: Only 50 minutes from Hanmer Springs.

Description: Three day walk or two day bike.

Location: [map here] Starts and ends at The Staging Post, about 1½ hour's drive north of Christchurch, ¾ of an hour's drive south of Kaikoura

Contact person(s): Sally and David Handyside
Phone: +64 3 319 2715
Email: sally@kaikouratrack.co.nz
Website: www.kaikouratrack.co.nz

Description: The Lake Stroll is a 6-7 day adventure hike through four of the South Islands famous sheep stations.

You will meet the people of the South Island High Country and learn about their trials, challenges and achievements. Experience the huge, glacier fed braided rivers, mountains and grasslands as you hike through high passes and breathe clean, fresh mountain air.

Location: Starting from Lake Tekapo, the heart of the South Island of NZ
Prices: NZ$1200 per person all inclusive. Group discounts by negotiation

Contact person(s): Sam & Jane Staley
Address: Godley Peaks Road
Postal Address: PO Box 82, Lake Tekapo
Phone: 03 680 6760
Mobile Phone: 0274 344 445
Fax: 03 680 6760
Email: matc@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.thelakestroll.co.nz

Comments: Transport and local accommodation can be arranged. Groups of 6 to 60 catered for.