Important Information

Our guided day walks, the 'Encounters', are the perfect way to sample New Zealand's best walking tracks. You will be visiting a wilderness area but we do have access to some comforts such as toilets and hot water. Your guide carries a radio for emergencies, otherwise there is no contact with the outside world.

Your Safety

Safety is always our number one priority on the tracks and in the lodges. We operate using an approved documented safety plan, with which all personnel are familiar with. All guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid kits. Every guide and lodge has a hand held radio which links them to each other and our bases in Queenstown, Te Anau and Mount Cook 24 hours a day. Our radio system is also linked with those of emergency service providers.

In the event of extreme weather ,the safety of all walkers becomes the number one priority. Weather patterns are constantly monitored and no area of the track will be entered if any members of the party are deemed to be at risk. Guides may have to adapt the day's walk in certain situations, while they will make every effort to meet your needs, please adhere to their professional decisions if circumstances demand this.

In some cases, the fully funded New Zealand Government accident compensation scheme know as ACC (the Accident Compensation Corporation) will cover medical and other costs related to a personal injury incurred while in New Zealand.  However, we can not guarantee that such costs will be covered by ACC, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND all walkers carry their own medical/travel insurance while on our walk to cover medical and related costs (eg helicopter off the track, hospital care, accommodation, missed flights, etc).

Your Health and Fitness

Milford Track Encounter

Approximately 10 km / 6 miles, 5 hours walking.The part of the Milford Track that we walk on is very flat and well formed, making it accessible to walkers of all ages and abilities. The optional Glade Burn Track is a steady 20-30 minute climb up a dry river bed, then a descent down a forest track. During this part of the walk you will need to be able to step over tree roots and branches.

Routeburn Track Encounter

13 to 19 km / 8 to 12 miles, 7 hours walking.
This is our most challenging day walk, however it is still well within the ability of most walkers. You will need a general level of fitness to be able to complete the walk to Routeburn Flats and return. The track is well formed and set at a good gradient. The optional walk to Routeburn Falls is harder, with a climb of 300 vertical metres in 3 kilometres (we do not recommend this part of the walk to anyone with knee problems as it is a relatively steep descent back to the flats).

Mount Cook Encounter

Approximately 8 km / 5 miles, 4 hours walking.
This walk requires a level of fitness somewhere in between that of the Milford and the Routeburn Track Encounters. The surface of the track is smooth for most of the walk though some walking over rocks is required. The optional bush walks range in distance and gradient, your guide will suggest a suitable track.

What To Bring

Our guided day walks are the perfect way to enjoy a day in the outdoors, leaving all the organising to us.

What should I wear?

On fine days
Shorts, light trousers and everyday shirts are adequate.

For rainy days
Avoid denim or cotton, and it is preferable to walk in shorts rather than long pants or jeans.

A change of clothes for afterwards is recommended. These can be left in the van while you are walking.

A hat for the sun or cold, gloves and sunglasses are always a good idea.