Adventures
Leave the crowds behind and spend a full day exploring Glenorchy’s backcountry on foot. We choose the route to suit your fitness, interests and the weather on the day – from gentle lakeside and beech forest trails to more challenging tracks with rewarding viewpoints.
Along the way we share local stories, point out native plants and birds, and create plenty of time for photos, quiet moments and connection with the landscape. This is a fully private experience for you, your partner, whānau or small group.
Along the way we share local stories, point out native plants and birds, and create plenty of time for photos, quiet moments and connection with the landscape. This is a fully private experience for you, your partner, whānau or small group.
Day Hike At A Glance
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Typical duration | 6–8 hours including breaks and travel from Glenorchy |
| Walking time | 4–6 hours, tailored to your pace |
| Terrain | Formed tracks and farm trails; some uneven ground and short climbs |
| Elevation gain | From gentle to moderate; routes can be chosen to minimise steep sections |
| Fitness level | Low to moderate; ideal for families, beginners and regular walkers |
| Season | Available year-round, with route choice guided by weather and conditions |
Inclusions, Exclusions & Weather
Your private guide, transport from Glenorchy to the trailhead, safety equipment and hot drinks are included. A simple picnic-style lunch can be arranged by prior agreement, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Please wear sturdy walking shoes or light boots, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and sun protection. We will talk through the forecast with you and may adjust start times, location or route to keep things safe and enjoyable if conditions change.
Please wear sturdy walking shoes or light boots, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and sun protection. We will talk through the forecast with you and may adjust start times, location or route to keep things safe and enjoyable if conditions change.
Fly by helicopter into a remote corner of the mountains, then spend two days exploring on foot with a comfortable wilderness camp as your base. This private overnight heli hike is ideal for guests who would like more time to slow down, settle into the landscape and experience sunset, stars and dawn in the high country.
Walking distances are customised to your group and can range from short exploratory wanderings to longer day hikes from camp. In the evening we share a relaxed backcountry meal and stories while you soak up the peace and quiet far from roads and crowds.
Walking distances are customised to your group and can range from short exploratory wanderings to longer day hikes from camp. In the evening we share a relaxed backcountry meal and stories while you soak up the peace and quiet far from roads and crowds.
Overnight Heli Hike Details
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Helicopter access | Return heli flights to and from a remote landing site |
| Walking time | Up to 4–6 hours per day, tailored to your group |
| Pack weight | Light daypacks while walking; camp is pre-arranged with essential gear |
| Accommodation | Comfortable tent-based wilderness camp with quality sleeping systems |
| Best season | Spring to autumn; winter options by special arrangement and weather dependent |
What Is Included
We provide heli flights, guiding, safety equipment, tents and main camp gear. Simple, hearty backcountry meals and hot drinks are included; please let us know about any dietary needs in advance.
You will need to bring personal clothing layers, sturdy footwear and a small daypack with personal items. We always build in safety margins, including alternative plans if weather or conditions change. Multi-day experiences are carefully planned with your wellbeing and comfort at the centre.
You will need to bring personal clothing layers, sturdy footwear and a small daypack with personal items. We always build in safety margins, including alternative plans if weather or conditions change. Multi-day experiences are carefully planned with your wellbeing and comfort at the centre.
Lift straight into the high country and spend the day travelling on foot through alpine basins, ridgelines and tussock-covered slopes with sweeping views across the Southern Alps. Routes can range from moderate to more demanding, and we will talk with you beforehand about your experience, fitness and appetite for exposure.
This is a great option for photographers and guests who would like maximum scenery with less time spent climbing from valley floors. Snow patches may be present in cooler months; routes are chosen to suit conditions and your confidence on steeper ground.
This is a great option for photographers and guests who would like maximum scenery with less time spent climbing from valley floors. Snow patches may be present in cooler months; routes are chosen to suit conditions and your confidence on steeper ground.
The Earnslaw Burn heli hike takes you into one of the region’s most dramatic valleys, with hanging glaciers, waterfalls and towering rock walls. After a scenic heli flight, we land in the upper valley and explore on foot at a pace that suits you.
Expect uneven ground, small stream crossings and sections of gently rolling terrain. This experience is well suited to reasonably active guests who are comfortable walking for several hours with breaks. We build in plenty of time for photos, quiet reflection and simply taking in the power of the landscape.
Expect uneven ground, small stream crossings and sections of gently rolling terrain. This experience is well suited to reasonably active guests who are comfortable walking for several hours with breaks. We build in plenty of time for photos, quiet reflection and simply taking in the power of the landscape.
Spending unhurried time in wild places can be deeply supportive for mental health, stress and overall wellbeing. Your guide brings a background in mental health and suicide prevention, and holds a strong duty of care for every guest.
We are happy to design slow-paced, gently graded walks with regular pauses, opportunities to sit quietly, breathe and talk – or simply listen to the river and birdsong. Every adventure is private and confidential, and we welcome guests of diverse backgrounds, cultures and abilities. You are invited to share as much or as little as you wish about what you are hoping this time in nature will offer you.
We are happy to design slow-paced, gently graded walks with regular pauses, opportunities to sit quietly, breathe and talk – or simply listen to the river and birdsong. Every adventure is private and confidential, and we welcome guests of diverse backgrounds, cultures and abilities. You are invited to share as much or as little as you wish about what you are hoping this time in nature will offer you.
Quiet Moments In Nature
Suggested Clothing & Gear
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Footwear | Sturdy walking shoes or light tramping boots with good grip |
| Clothing layers | Quick-drying base layers, warm mid layer (fleece or wool), windproof and waterproof outer layer |
| Sun protection | Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen year-round |
| Small daypack | For spare layers, water, snacks and personal items |
| Additional in cooler months | Warm hat, gloves and an extra insulating layer |
| Optional extras | Trekking poles, camera, personal medications |
Weather, Safety & Age Guidance
Weather in the mountains can change quickly. We monitor forecasts closely and may adjust the plan, start time or location to keep your experience safe and enjoyable. If conditions are unsuitable, we will discuss alternative options with you.
Most hikes are suitable for children who are used to walking for a few hours, and for older guests who are steady on their feet. We will talk honestly about fitness, mobility, health considerations and any fears about heights or exposure so we can match you with the right terrain.
For more detail on how we manage risk, please see our Health & Safety page and downloadable Health & Safety Disclosure form.
Most hikes are suitable for children who are used to walking for a few hours, and for older guests who are steady on their feet. We will talk honestly about fitness, mobility, health considerations and any fears about heights or exposure so we can match you with the right terrain.
For more detail on how we manage risk, please see our Health & Safety page and downloadable Health & Safety Disclosure form.
Every adventure starts with a conversation. Let us know what you are hoping for – photography, quiet reflection, family time, a personal challenge or simply a gentle day in nature – and we will suggest options that fit your goals, fitness and timeframe.