Three Day Alpine Hike

Dennistoun Pass Expedition

East of New Zealand lies the Indo-Australian continent, while in the west lies the Pacific tectonic plate. Where these two forces of nature meet, New Zealand's Southern Alps rise 6000 feet above the ocean and divide the east coast of the South Island from the west.

The presence of the mountain ranges at this latitude means that the western side of the Alps is steep and the climate moist, with temperate rainforests and glaciers descending to almost sea-level. On the eastern side of the Alps , the climate is much drier with high country farmland sloping gently towards the fertile river plains of the East Coast.

The Dennistoun Pass trip is one of the few true New Zealand alpine trips available. As such, you'll undertake a hiking expedition, crossing from the East to the West Coast of the South Island, taking in some of New Zealand's most remote and spectacular scenery on the way. Starting in the heart of the high country at Mesopotamia Station, the 3-5 day trip takes us over Dennistoun Saddle, over to the steep forested West Coast valleys.

Grant South (Southy) knows this country and its people. Consequently, we're privileged to enjoy a relaxing start to this fine alpine trip, by catching up with some of the local station owners for some unique Rangitata Gorge hospitality. After this, we head for the hills and travel by foot, four wheel drive, plane or helicopter (or a combination of these - you choose) to St Winifred hut for the night. A major highlight of the trip is day two, when we cross the snowy Dennistoun Pass to Bettison Stream campsite. This is true wilderness; there are no walking tracks to speak of and this pass is seldom travelled. It's tough at times, but the raw beauty, the self-reliance and the camaraderie generated during this outstanding trip create life-long memories and makes the views from the top of Dennistoun Pass across the Southern Alps worth it - just magnificent!

From the campsite, the journey down to the West Coast can be made on foot, or for those who like a challenge, you may choose to raft out! The option of rafting the Perth River may include an exciting transfer by helicopter to the river start point.

For hardened adventurers, this journey may also be travelled entirely on foot.

Ability

Like many of our more rugged New Zealand alpine trips this trip is weather dependent and not for the faint hearted. You need to have a high standard of fitness, and be prepared to physically and mentally challenge yourself. Days are long and weather often extreme. Be prepared to embrace the challenges that living with the hills, living with yourself and nature presents. For whitewater rafting sections of the trip, you must be confident in water.

Options

		3- Day Crossing
		Day One: Travel from Peel Forest to Mesopotamia Station by 4 wheel drive and walk to St Winifred hut; Day Two: Walk over Dennsitoun Pass to Bettison Stream Campsite; Day Three: Helicopter to Raft get-in point. Raft out Perth River to West Coast highway.
		4- Day Crossing
		Day One: Travel from Peel Forest to Mesopotamia Station by 4 wheel drive and walk to St Winifred hut; Day Two: Walk over Dennistoun Pass to our Bettison Stream Campsite; Day Three: Walk to Scone Hut; Day Four: Raft out Perth River.

We Provide

As with almost all of our New Zealand alpine trips the hiking expedition includes transport and hut accommodation fees, where applicable. We will give you a gear list of equipment to bring for your trip. For rafting we provide you with a wet suit, life jacket, spray jacket, helmet, booties. We also provide hearty camp meals and lunches for the trip.

Accommodation and Getting There

We can arrange all aspects of your expedition, including all accommodation and travel before and after your trip. You may include the Dennistoun Pass Expedition in an extended itinerary, or as a single trip. Hidden Valleys can arrange transport to Mesopotamia and return from the West Coast to your chosen destination. Please feel free to discuss your needs with Southy or Sue.

Safety Procedures

• A requirement for the trip may include undertaking a day-walk practice near Peel Forest for fitness assessment purposes.
• All trips are subject to weather and river conditions for safety reasons. Plane and helicopter flights are weather dependent and decisions for flying conditions are made on the day.
• A NZ Mountain Radio is carried at all times by the party.
• Hidden Valleys' guides are professionally qualified and experienced.
• If rafting, at the raft put-in point we will give you full safety briefings and practical instruction suitable to the river. We take at least two rafts on any one departure.
• Hidden Valleys is a registered New Zealand Rafting Association company and is certified under New Zealand Maritime Safety Law as an approved rafting operator.

For more information please visit our safety page.

Area Map - South Island

Click to see Full Topographical Area Map

Price Range

Prices on request.

Hidden Valleys New Zealand Limited, Manuka Hill, 228 Blandswood Road, Peel Forest, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

Phone or fax: + 64 3 696 3560, Email: southy@hiddenvalleys.co.nz