15 days, 131 kilometers of hiking, 5000 meters elevation gained, 135 kilometers of rafting and three crossings of the Southern Alps' main divide. Beaches, forests, rivers, lakes, wildlife and mountains- this route showcases everything that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer.
Watch along as I embark on a massive expedition starting from the Tasman Sea at Hokitika on the West Coast, navigating through the Southern Alps by crossing from west to east, east to west and then west to east again before packrafting the length of the Rakaia River to reach the pacific ocean.
This route was the result of years of dreaming up an adventure that would take me through New Zealand's biggest mountain range from coast to coast whilst exploring some areas further off the beaten track. I hope you enjoy the video half as much as I enjoyed the trip.
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We'd also like to say a massive thanks to the brands that support us on trips like these. We only work with brands that provide good quality gear that we can rely on in the harshest of environments. If you're after decent gear we highly recommend using any of the kit you saw in the video. If you have any questions about the gear don't hesitate to ask us below.
Full Route Description:
Hokitika Beach to Lake Kaniere.
From Lake Kaniere up the Arahura River to Browning Pass.
Down Browning Pass then down the Wilberforce River before going up Griffiths Stream to Hokitika Saddle.
Over Hokitika Saddle then down the Mungo River to Bluff Hut.
From Bluff Hut up the Hokitika River to Frew Saddle.
Over Frew Saddle then down Frew Creek to the Whitcombe River.
Up the Whitcombe River to Whitcombe Pass.
Over Whitcombe Pass then down Lauper Stream to the Rakaia River.
Rafted out the Rakaia River.
Hokitika Saddle Alternate Route:
Although this route was doable I discovered an easier route when reading the hut book in Mungo Hut (just after crossing the saddle...classic).
"From Griffiths Stream head up the ridge towards point 1850 (on the true right of the unnamed creek leading down from Hokitika Saddle). Once near the top sidle around the left of Hokitika Saddle until a very obvious break in the cliffs/rocks exposes a gentle scree slope. Follow this to the valley floor rather than the scree leading directly off the pass".
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