Grand Traverse Pre Walk Information - Important Information - Ultimate Hikes
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Grand Traverse
Pre Walk Information
Important Information
Pre-track briefing Check in time
Please check in at 2:45pm on the day prior to your Check in time on day of departure is 7.30am
walk for a group pre-track briefing. The briefing is at the Ultimate Hikes Centre.
held at the Ultimate Hikes Centre, Ground Floor, The
There is no collection from accommodation.
Station Building, Duke Street Entrance, Queenstown.
Please ensure you have breakfast before arrival
Ultimate Hikes Centre Location (Queenstown) as food and beverages are not to be consumed
on the coach.
Return time
The coach returns to Queenstown on the final day
at approximately 3.30pm. You will be dropped off
at the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown. Arrival
times may vary due to weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Guides
Your guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who
will tell you about the flora, fauna and history of the
track. They pride themselves on their safe, efficient
and friendly service and provide everything from a
hot drink at lunch to an evening briefing on the next
At the briefing, you will have the opportunity to day’s walk. They are trained in first aid and are in
confirm your dietary, medical information and constant radio contact with each other, the lodges
emergency contact details. You will be able to and our Queenstown base.
pick up any gear you need to borrow from us or
purchase any last minute items from our shop.
Our customer service staff will also give you an Weather
overview of what to expect while you are on track. We cannot stress enough how extreme and
unpredictable the weather can be in this region.
If you cannot make the pre-track briefing, please Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks experience
contact Reservations on +64 3 450 1940 or some of the highest precipitation in New Zealand;
info@ultimatehikes.co.nz as soon as possible. snow, high winds and rain can occur at any time
of the year. It is essential to be prepared for all
weather conditions and to carry the clothing that
we recommend. If you wish to check the weather
forecast you can visit the NZ metservice website, but
please be aware that forecasts can change
very quickly.
Equipment & what you will carry at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure. You should
gradually increase the distance that you walk,
It is essential that you are prepared for all types of
carrying a backpack and wearing the boots you
weather. The full equipment list detailing what we
will be hiking in.
suggest you bring is included in this document and
can be viewed on on our website.
We can provide a backpack and raincoat. Walking We encourage you to walk at your own pace, it is not
poles can be hired ($25 a pair) or purchased. a race and we want you to enjoy it. There is always a
guide at the rear of the group. See our fitness page
Capacity for more information.
The maximum number of people per departure is
24. You are encouraged to walk at your own pace, Meals included
unless your guides advise otherwise due to track Day 1: Lunch, dinner
conditions or weather. Day 2-5: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, lunch
Safety
Your safety is of paramount importance and our
guides may have to adapt the day depending on Breakfast:
fitness levels and weather or track conditions. Selection of cereals, toast, fruit, cooked options,
Whilst they will make every effort to meet your juice, hot drinks
needs, you must adhere to their professional Lunch:
decisions if required. Selection of breads, sandwich fillings, salad, fruit,
scroggin/trail mix, snacks, hot drinks
Insurance Dinner:
We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take out your own
Varies between lodges: starter, main course (choice
medical/travel insurance to cover your walk and any
of 3 options), dessert
circumstances in which you may not be able to walk.
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency on the
track, a medical evacuation by air will be carried out Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. If
by New Zealand emergency services. you have any particular dietary requirements or
intolerance, please advise and we will do our best
Fitness requirements to accommodate you, bearing in mind the isolated
environment.
To enjoy your experience, you should be
comfortable carrying a backpack (5-7kg/10-14lbs)
for 4-8 hours, walking up to 21km (13.5 miles) of A selection of New Zealand wine and beer is
sometimes uneven track each day. available for purchase.
Each walker will have a different experience/
expectation depending upon previous experience
and fitness level.
A reasonable level of fitness is required and if
you are not a regular walker, you should begin a
daily walking regime that includes hill-climbing,
Lodges & accommodation Track conditions
All beds have pillows and duvets, sleeping bags are The track surface varies from smooth, well formed
not required. There is generated electricity in the paths to rough terrain broken by rocks and tree
lodges until 10pm each evening. All lodges have roots. It can be challenging in places. There are
clothes washing facilities, washing soap and steep rocky uphill and downhill sections and you
drying rooms. may have to cross small streams and wade in deep
water after heavy rain. We recommend that you
wear hiking boots which provide firm ankle support.
Multi share room: Dormitory rooms at Steele Creek Taking two walking poles is also recommended and
Lodge. All other lodges, up to 4 people in rooms are available for hire or purchase at the Ultimate
with shared bathroom facilities (flush toilets & hot Hikes Centre.
showers, with soap, shampoo, conditioner and
towels provided). A sleep sheet is required and can
be provided at the pre-track briefing (approx. 500g) Luggage storage
or you may prefer to bring a lighter option of We are not able to store excess luggage while
your own. you are on track. This should be arranged with
your pre/post track accommodation.
Private queen room: 1-2 people in private room
Alternatively there are luggage storage facilities
with queen bed with all linen provided and private
in Queenstown. For further information, please
ensuite bathroom (flush toilet & hot shower, with
contact our reservations team prior to your arrival
soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels provided)
or the Ultimate Hikes Centre team at your pre-track
briefing.
Private twin room: 1-2 people in private room with
two single beds with all linen provided and private
Please note that because of weight restrictions on
ensuite bathroom (flush toilet & hot shower, with our coaches, excess luggage cannot be transported.
soap, shampoo, conditioner and towels provided).
Note: The first three nights (Steele Creek and
McKellar lodges) on the Greenstone Track section
are multishare only. Sleepsheets are required for
the first three nights. Private rooms are available on
the Routeburn Track section.
Itinerary
Pre-track briefing Day 3
(Day prior to departure) McKellar Lodge
Please check in at the Ultimate Hikes Centre, Ground This is a rest day. Spend it relaxing or walking
Floor, The Station Building at 2:45pm on the day and exploring the surrounding area. Your guides
prior to your departure. Here we will give you will suggest optional walks in the area or will
an outline of what to expect, and you can collect accompany you on a walk to the lookout, it’s a steep
equipment and purchase last minute items you climb but affords the best views of the Greenstone
may require. Valley you have just walked and Lake McKellar.
You will need to fill out a registration form, and The guides will provide refreshments and meals
we can answer any queries that you may have. throughout the day.
At the pre-track briefing, you will receive a walking
guide to carry with you.
Optional Walks Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Day 1
Queenstown to Steele Creek Lodge
Your morning coach trip from Queenstown follows Day 4
Lake Wakatipu through Glenorchy to the start of the
Greenstone Track. Make sure you collect your lunch Lake McKellar to Mackenzie Lodge
from the guides before setting off. The track leads The track follows the shore of Lake McKellar to the
into the stately red beech forest, stopping for lunch junction of the Greenstone and Caples tracks. The
at Slip Flat. Shortly after leaving the lunch hut, you track then crosses the Main Divide on the way to
will emerge on to the river flats where views of the Lake Howden where the lunch hut is located. From
Livingstone Mountain Range reward you as you walk here an optional side walk to Key Summit is highly
up to Steele Creek Lodge. At 18km this is a long day, recommended. After lunch the track gradually
but take your time and enjoy the views. climbs to the 80m (240ft) Earland Falls, a good place
to stop for a break at the base pool. After Earland
Falls, the track traverses around the mountain side
to the Orchard. Beyond, you’ll climb for a short
18 km (11.3 miles) 5-7 hrs Lunch, Dinner section before a steep descent to Mackenzie Lodge.
Day 2 15 km (9.5 miles) 5-6 hrs Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Steele Creek to McKellar Lodge
This morning, the track will lead you through native
tussock on the river flats before entering the forest
until the lunch stop. After lunch, the track passes in
and out of the forest and affords spectacular views
of the Ailsa and Livingstone Ranges as you make
your way to Lake McKellar and the lodge.
12 km (7.5 miles) 4-6 hrs Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Day 5 Day 6
Lake Mackenzie to Routeburn Falls Lodge Routeburn Falls to Queenstown
The track starts just past Lake Mackenzie and rises Take in the dramatic landscape around the Falls,
up through the ancient forest before emerging before descending to the alpine pastures of the
above the treeline for stunning views of the Lake Routeburn Flats. Red Beech grow on this north
below. At the top of the zig zags is Ocean Peak facing slope. Picnic beside the Routeburn river at
Forge Flat. The track shadows the river through
Corner. On a clear day you’ll have a full panorama
the beech forest to the Road End. Take the nature
of the Darran Mountains across the Hollyford Valley,
walk at the detour to read more about the native
to the distant Tasman Sea at Martin’s Bay. Follow the
forest and listen for native birds in the valley. At
track along the mountain face and ask your guides Road End the coach will be waiting to take you
to point out the native flora, including mountain back to Queenstown, stopping at the small town of
daisies, buttercups, gentians and edelweiss. After Glenorchy for refreshments.
lunch at the Harris Saddle, and if track and weather
conditions allow, you can climb Conical Hill for a
panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. The track
continues around Lake Harris, before descending 9 km (5.7 miles) 3-5 hrs Breakfast, Lunch
into the upper basins of the Routeburn Valley
skirting the Routeburn Falls. Spend your final night
at the aptly named Routeburn Falls Lodge.
11 km (6.9 miles) 4-6 hrs Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Lookout Key Summit Conical Hill
Steele Creek McKellar Mackenzie Routeburn
Lodge Lodge Lodge Falls Lodge
1600m
1200m
800m
400m
Day 1 Day 2 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
18 km 12 km 15.5 km 11 km 9 km
(11.3 miles) (7.5 miles) (9.5 miles) (6.9 miles) (5.7 miles)
Advised equipment list Water bottle or bladder (1 litre capacity).
Camera.
Credit card & some cash
The following is a list of essential equipment (we stop in Te Anau).
that we recommend you bring on your multiday
guided walk. Many items can be purchased In the lodge
at reasonable prices from the Ultimate Hikes
A change of clothes is recommended for the
Centre in Queenstown to reduce the need for
you to carry them throughout your holiday. lodges and for sleeping in. Remember the more
that is taken, the heavier the pack is to carry. The
nights may be cold so a warm change of clothing is
What to bring recommended.
Shirt or long sleeved top.
To walk Sweater/jersey.
We suggest taking one set of clothing to walk in, Lightweight trousers.
the more that is taken, the more that must be
Lightweight shoes.
carried. All of our lodges have hand washing and
drying facilities so clothing can be washed and dried Nightwear.
overnight. Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo and
conditioner are provided).
Fabrics Change of underwear.
We suggest you wear fabrics that are lightweight
but warm and quick drying such as merino wool, Optional
polypropylene, thermal, micro fleece and polar
Walking poles. We strongly advise all walkers
fleece. Most items on the recommended
use two walking poles, especially if you have
clothing list are available to purchase at the Ultimate
difficulty walking up or down gradients. Leki
Hikes Centre.
poles are available for hire ($25 a pair) or
Cotton is not recommended for physical activity as purchase from the Ultimate Hikes Centre.
when it gets wet, the fabric retains the moisture next
Waterproof over trousers. We strongly advise
to your skin and can make you feel cold.
walkers to carry lightweight over trousers for rain
Walking boots or sturdy shoes. Broken in, and wind protection.
preferably with ankle support. Please check your Gaiters. For extra foot protection in wet weather.
boot condition prior to coming to the pre-track Swim suit.
briefing. Look especially at how well your sole Spare laces. Just in case.
is attached to the boot, to see if the glue is not
Sealable plastic bags.
drying out. Please also ensure that they are clean
when coming through customs in New Zealand
and adhere to all biosecurity notices at the Extras/useful items
airport. We do not sell walking boots/shoes in our Foot fleece/second skin.
retail outlet. Strapping tape.
Thermal base layer (top and bottom).
Lip balm.
Fundamental clothing that can be worn either as a
base layer or as a single layer. Ear plugs.
Fleece or merino wool jacket. An ideal outer Small torch.
layer in cold weather. Reusable face covering.
Long-sleeved top. Lightweight, warm and quick-
drying, this is an ideal layer to be worn on top of We can supply free of charge though you may
thermal base layer. prefer to bring your own. Items can be collected
T-shirt. Ideal for fine weather. Avoid cotton. at the pre-track briefing:
Sunhat, warm hat, gloves. Be prepared for sun Back pack & Liner (weighs approx 2kg).
and cold. PVC Waterproof raincoat with hood.
Shorts/walking trousers. Fast drying shorts, (weighs approx 500gms).
trousers or zip-off trousers (NOT JEANS). Cotton sleep sheet (weighs approx 500 gms) or
Three pairs of merino wool or thermal socks. you may prefer to bring a lighter option of your
Main consideration is warmth and comfort. own. Required by all Grand Traverse walkers.
Sunscreen, insect repellent.
FAQs
Will I be fit enough? Generally late December, January and February are
warmer but not necessarily dryer. March and April
To enjoy your experience you should be
usually have fresh mornings, sunny days and cooler
comfortable carrying a backpack (5-7kg/10-14lbs)
nights with shorter days.
for 4-8 hours walking up to 21km (13.5 miles) of
sometimes uneven track each day.
Each walker will have a different experience/ How remote are the tracks?
expectation depending upon previous experience The tracks are not accessible by road except at the
and fitness level. start and at the end. Any requirement to remove
A reasonable level of fitness is required and if people off the track or over closed sections will be
you are not a regular walker, we suggest that you done by helicopter. In the event of an accident or
begin a daily walking regime at least 6-8 weeks emergency, a medical evacuation by air will be carried
out by New Zealand emergency services.
prior to departure. You should gradually increase
the distance that you walk, carrying a backpack.
Staircase or hill-climbing will leave you better Is there internet/Wifi access on the tracks?
prepared. No. Guides and Lodge staff are in constant
We encourage you to walk at your own pace, it is not communication by radio to Queenstown base. There
a race and we want you to enjoy it. There is always a is no facility for walker access to the internet whilst on
guide at the rear of the group. See our fitness page the track.
for more information.
What are the toilet facilities on the tracks?
Do I have to carry my pack All our lodges have flush toilets. There are toilets
or do you transport it? (some flush, some Kiwi long drop style) at all our lunch
You carry your own pack from lodge to lodge. We do shelters and at various intervals along the track.
not offer a service for transporting your luggage.
What time do I arrive back in Queenstown?
How heavy will my pack be? All multiday walks arrive back at the Ultimate Hikes
It’s likely to be approximately 5-7 kg (10-14lbs) if you Centre in Queenstown at approximately 4pm.
follow our equipment list & guidelines. However, we cannot guarantee arrival time, which may
vary due to road and weather conditions. Milford Track
walkers can be dropped off at Queenstown Airport
What weather should I expect in the if required.
month that I am walking?
The unpredictable nature of the weather in this
How bad are the sandflies?
region means that snow, high winds, rain and
They are prevalent on the Milford Track, particularly at
flooding can occur at any time of the year. It is
Sandfly Point! We recommend wearing insect repellent
therefore very important to be prepared for the
each day. This can be purchased from our shop, but
worst weather conditions and carry the appropriate
most insect repellents should offer protection.
clothing at all times.
Where can I park my vehicle? What about special dietary requirements?
We do not have car park facilities in Queenstown or Vegetarian and Gluten free meals can be provided
Te Anau, however you can park your car in the Man on all tracks. We will endeavour to cater for your
Street Carpark in Queenstown for a set fee. dietary requirement within reason, however please
The carpark is not able to take campervans. remember we operate in an extremely isolated and
See the Ultimate Hikes Centre at the briefing for challenging environment.
tickets. Alternatively, the hotels/motels where you Please ensure you provide us with your dietary
are staying may allow you to park your vehicle whilst requirements at time of booking or at the pre-track
you are on the track. briefing.
Is there alcohol on the track? How many people share the
Beer, New Zealand wine and soft drinks are available multi share rooms?
for purchase at the lodges. These are paid for at the Multi share rooms sleep 4 - 6 people on the Milford
final lodge on your walk. Track, and 4 people on the Routeburn Track and
Lake McKellar Lodge on the Greenstone Track, with
shared bathroom facilities. Steele Creek Lodge on
Can I wash my clothes?
the Greenstone Track (Grand Traverse) has large
All lodges have clothes washing facilities with soap dormitory rooms. Room allocation is unique to each
and drying rooms. Being able to wash and dry group.
clothing helps keep the pack weight down.
I will be travelling by myself,
Do I have to bring all my hiking is that a problem?
clothes with me?
No problem. It is a great opportunity to walk with
Yes you do. We can lend you a raincoat. If you do like-minded individuals from around the world.
not wish to bring all your clothing or do not have a
particular item, we have a very reasonably priced
shop in Queenstown where items can be purchased What clothing do I need to bring?
prior to your departure. Please refer to equipment list.
Where should I leave my excess
baggage while I am walking?
We are not able to store excess luggage while you
are on track. This should be arranged with your pre/
post track accommodation. Alternatively there are
luggage storage facilities in Queenstown. Please
ask at the Ultimate Hikes Centre on arrival (or by
phone prior to arrival). NB on the Milford Track /
Classic: a small bag can be borrowed for clothing for
use at Milford Sound and will be sent by road from
Queenstown to await your arrival at
Mitre Peak Lodge.
Covid-19
alert levels
What will happen if Covid-19 alert levels
change prior to or during my walk? Level three and above
Ultimate Hikes is following all guidelines, restric- If the Otago/Southland region or the whole country
tions and recommendations as defined by the is put into level three, we will have to cease operat-
New Zealand government in relation to Covid-19. ing and remove all staff and walkers from the track
As at September 2020 the following guidelines will within the timeline specified by the government
apply. This relates to the levels under which we directive. We have done this before so we are con-
can operate. fident that it will be achieved efficiently. To assist
us in helping you to manage your transport home,
Up to and including Level One please ensure we have your accommodation infor-
mation post walk and a personal contact to advise
• We are able to operate as per our normal
operations however we will be following all
of the situation. Depending on where you are on
Ministry of Health guidelines. the track, helicopters and buses will be used to
evacuate the lodges and tracks and bring you safe-
• If you are feeling at all unwell at the time of your
ly back to Queenstown where we can assist you in
departure, please stay home. This is for the
making arrangements from there.
benefit of your fellow walkers as well as yourself
and our staff.
Cancellations, transfers and refunds
• We recommend you bring a reusable face
covering with you in case of level changes while
due to Covid alert levels.
you are on track or any situation arises that may Level one and two
require wearing them in closed spaces. Whilst the country is at level one or two, our nor-
• Should the level change while you are walking mal terms and conditions, including the cancella-
with us, we have procedures in place to move tion policy, will apply to all walkers.
quickly and safely to the new level. Level three and above
If you are living in a region that goes into level
three prior to your walk, regardless of the time pe-
Level two – up to Level three riod before your departure, you can transfer your
If levels are at two or move to two at the time of your walk to another date in the season if the restric-
walk the following procedures will be applied. tion is lifted or to the 2021-22 season, or you can
• Face coverings will be mandatory on all modes of receive a full refund.
transport and encouraged in closed spaces.
Please note: This refund/cancellation option is
• If we have any concerns about a walker’s health only valid for those who live within the restricted
prior to departure, we may ask them to have their region, it does not extend to others in your party
temperature checked before departing on the who are still able to travel.
walk.
If the region we operate in or the country as a
• On track you are welcome to choose who you
whole is moved to Level 3 or above – we will have
walk with – however should weather or other
to cease operation and all walkers affected by the
conditions dictate it, you will be required to
closure will be offered a transfer to the following
adhere to all guide instruction which may include
grouping together.
season or a refund. For walkers on the track should
an immediate move to level three be imposed,
• Social distancing will be implemented as per
your refund will be determined by the amount of
government guidelines in all common areas.
time you have spent on track.
Please note: multi share rooms are large enough
for two couples to share while social distancing.
Lodge managers will manage room allocations
according to bubbles, but you may be placed in a
room with others.You can also read
