High Country Trek is a challenging 7 day trek with several days involving carrying personal and group equipment as we explore the backcountry. Three ascents of peaks enroute.
Day 1 Christchurh - Mt Peel From an early (6.30am) start with a briefing at our Christchurch depot, we depart for nearby LakeColeridge and View peak, our first objective of the trek. By mid morning we start the trek which leads us to the summit of this spectacular vantage point with views into the headwaters of several valley headwaters. We traverse the peak and regain our vehicle and drive through to PeelForest for tonight’s stay. (L,D)
Day 2 Mt Peel - Mesopotamia Station Above the settlement, Little Mt Peel provides a stunning viewpoint across the Canterbury Plains. Surrounding us the native bush provides a beautiful walking environment as we gradually gain height and eventually break out to the tussock cover above. From here it is a further hour or so to the summit and on a fine day, the view is amazing. To the west is the Rangitata, and at its head is Mesopotamia Station, our home for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 3 The morning starts with packing required to exist over the next three days as we start our unsupported section of the trip. Personal and party gear and a share of group food all fit into the pack and eventually we drive to the road end and from here it is all on our back. Fortunately the trek reaches the farm track that takes us through bush stands and small passes, to finally reach our first hut and tonights stay. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Above the hut, the track follows the historic trail over Bullock Bow Saddle, constructed to access the remote headwaters of Bush Stream, for grazing and farming. The steep grind eventually rewards us with great views into the tussock basin with its numerous mountain tarns and empty countryside. Following the vague track we reach the stream bed and turn to follow this up to the historic Royal Hut, home for tonight and providing comfort and shelter. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Royal Hut - Rex Simpson Hut High above us the ridgeline at 2000m separates us from LakeTekapo and the Southern Alps. Selecting a suitable spur to again access, we zig zag up the steep hill above the hut to gain a ridge and the upper basin. From here a final grind up scree slopes gains us the ridge and its stunning views of the eastern side of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. To find tonight’s shelter, we descend the beautiful ridge line as it guides us down to Rex Simpson hut, a private hut high above the turquoise waters of the lake, and offering views across the vast Mackenzie basin. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Rex Simpson Hut - Mt Cook With the road head so close, there is no rush to depart, but finally hut cleaning chores are completed and we descend to our waiting coach for a short drive to the township at the base of the lake. A lakeside picnic provides a refresh, before heading onto Mount Cook village and a final climb to a spectacular viewpoint above the Tasman and Hooker valleys in the early evening. We finally descend to the coach and drive to our nearby accommodation and enjoy a final dinner together (B,L,D)
Day 7 Mt Cook - Christchurch With a location so steeped in history, we spend much of the morning visiting the new DoC Information center and the nearby Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and take an optional hike out to Kea Point above the ever increasing glacial lake. Finally its back on the coach and a final drive back across the Mackenzie basin and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch and trips end. (B,L)
Included: Professional qualified guides Accommodation on twin share or double basis. Single supplement available on request. 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners National Park concession fees Transportation by private coach All group camping equipment including tents, stoves and eating utensils.
Departs and ends Christchurch
2010/11:Nov 21, January 16, February 13, March 13
Cost, USD:$1721.00
Destinations Downunder
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