Discover The Beauty Of Puhi Peaks
Imagine a Place… where rugged mountains tower above, starry skies twinkle overhead, and untouched wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see. And amidst this breathtaking landscape, the air comes alive with the songs and calls of abundant native bird life. Come discover a place where the harmony of nature’s grandeur and wildlife’s beauty will leave you in awe.
Kaikōura Wilderness Experience invites you to explore Puhi Peaks Station, New Zealand’s highest privately owned property, rising from 400 to 2,600 meters above sea level. Join us for unforgettable guided walks through diverse terrains and striking geological formations, where you may encounter rare and endangered wildlife protected under a QEII Covenant. Experience educational tours that feature interactive sessions on the station’s rich history, geology, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
As night falls, be enthralled by Kaikōura’s renowned Dark Sky Sanctuary, with our remote location offering breathtaking views of stars, planets, constellations, and the Milky Way in skies untouched by light pollution. Stay in our eco-friendly, off-grid accommodations nestled among spectacular mountain landscapes, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty and pristine dark skies of Puhi Peaks.
Explore. Retreat. Recharge.
Kaikoura Wilderness Experiences
Valley of Feathers Walk
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Valley of Feathers.
The Great Hikes App
We are delighted to have our private walking tracks showcased on the Great Hikes app.
Huge thanks to app builder Gary Patterson for crafting such a comprehensive and user-friendly tool.
Download the Great Hikes app for free and discover all about the Kaikoura Wilderness Experience Track in the walks section – it’s packed with useful information to enhance your adventure, including GPS tracking, route elevations and a fly-through video!
(Available via Google Play, the Apple App Store or on the web greathikesapp.com)
walks
Valley of Feathers Walk
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Valley of Feathers – an unforgettable nature walk combining native forest, mountain vistas, local ecology, and a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
START TIME: 10AM
- Guided walk through native forest with kanuka, matai, totara, rimu
- Ascend to Totara Saddle for panoramic views
- Picnic lunch surrounded by birdsong
- Explore regenerating bush and learn about landscape changes post-earthquake
- Afternoon tea at the woolshed
Need to Know
Be sure to bring everything you need for the duration of your walk.
Essential Items
- Great Hikes App (download this app for free) while on WIFI, search Private Walks for Kaikoura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information onto your phone to be available offline.
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm clothes (wool or polypropylene) incl. sun hat /warm hat/gloves
- Appropriate footwear – We strongly recommend sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots – they’ll be your best friend
- We recommend gaiters or putties to cover the top of your boots
- Small day pack
- Food – self-catered snacks and lunch. If you require a lunch pack – we can recommend café partners in town who will prepare one for you to pick up/pay for before heading out to our station.
- Water bottle (or bladder)
- Basic First Aid Kit (especially sticky plaster for blisters)
- Personal Medical treatments. Bee hives are present on the farm. Any walkers with bee sting allergies should carry appropriate medications
- Walking poles or a hill stick for added stability over uneven ground – (we do have some here for your use)
- Insect repellent
- EPIRB or personal locater beacon (optional)
- Dry clothes to change into after walking, given the unpredictable nature of the high country
- Camera / binoculars
- If staying overnight, please bring a sleeping bag / bedding with you and comfortable shoes for getting between your hut accommodation and the Woolshed amenity building .
- ✅ By following this checklist, you’ll be prepared for the unpredictable high-country environment! 😊
Our walks require a medium to high level of fitness and agility, with undulating tracks, featuring a few challenging short ascents and descents, creek crossings, plus uneven surfaces and narrow sections in parts. For this reason, our walks are not recommended for young children.
The track range is 7.5km long – starting at an altitude of 500m and climbing to 740m. For those doing the Valley of Feathers Walk- you can opt for a pick up at the Lunch Shelter – a great option for those with time/fitness restraints.
You will need to carry your day pack with your personal items/food/drink.
Please be prepared for changeable sub-alpine weather – from cold and rainy to scorchingly hot – sometimes all in one day!
Please ensure your fitness level is appropriate for the walk you choose so you can enjoy your experience comfortably and safely.
Download the Great Hikes App for free – while on WIFI, search Private Walks for Kaikoura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information onto your phone to be available offline.
You are more than welcome to have a tea/coffee upon arrival, and at the end of your walk, if you have time – afternoon tea will be provided in the Woolshed.
Bring your own lunch with snacks to enjoy en-route and at the lunch spots.
Snacks, Lunches & Catering
If you require snacks and a pre prepared lunch – please contact one of our catering partners who will be happy to prepare a suitable snack/lunch options for you:
These would be required to be paid for and picked up in Kaikoura Township, before your journey to our station.
Water
Don’t forget to bring water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration. You can refill your bottle at:
- The Woolshed (Triple UV Filtered)
- The Lunch Shelter (Triple UV Filtered)
- Streams along the way – To be extra safe, you can filter, or chemically treat it. We don’t regularly test the stream water, however we’ve been told by the experts that it’s some of the cleanest natural water in NZ!
Stay hydrated and enjoy your walk!
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience on our Kaikoura Wilderness Tracks.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A reasonable level of fitness is required, and the tracks aren’t suitable for young children.
- Before you start, we’ll give you a comprehensive health and safety briefing at our woolshed.
- Stay on the formed track at all times, as there are areas damaged by the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Your guide will point out safe viewing areas.
- Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, from cold and rainy to extremely hot. Clothing layers are essential.
- Make sure your day pack has essentials like medication/first aid, food, water, and extra clothing.
- Our guides are equipped with a first aid kit, portable radio, and PLB in case of emergencies. Note that cell phone service is limited, so consider bringing your own EPIRB or PLB.
- If you have a bee sting allergy, please carry medication, as there are honey bee hives on the farm.
Self-Drive
You are welcome to bring your vehicle; however, we recommend a 4WD-capable vehicle, as you will cross four small fords along Puhi Puhi Valley Road. The road conditions require good suspension and reasonable chassis clearance.
Shuttle Transport
You can arrange road transport to and from Kaikōura via our trusted partner:
Helicopter Transfer
Helicopter transfer is quick 14 minute stunning experience and can be organised via our air travel partners:
iNTERMEDIATE
REASONABLY FIT
3-4 HOURS
ARRIVE 10:00 AM
MAX 6
$150.00 Per Person
Max 6 People Per Guide
WALKS
Ridgeline Walk
Experience a challenging yet rewarding guided walk through native forests to panoramic ridgeline views and fascinating post-earthquake landscapes.
START TIME: 10AM
- Guided walk through kanuka, manuka, beech, rimu, and totara forests
- Ascend via Totara Saddle, following Happy Valley Stream
- Climb to Skyline Ridge for magnificent mountain range views to the north and south
- Learn about changes in the landscape after the Kaikōura Earthquake
- Picnic lunch with breathtaking vistas
- Afternoon tea at the woolshed
Need to Know
Be sure to bring everything you need for the duration of your walk.
Essential Items
- Great Hikes App (download this app for free) while on WIFI, search Private Walks for Kaikoura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information onto your phone to be available offline.
- Waterproof jacket /pants
- Warm clothes (wool or polypropylene) incl. sun hat /warm hat/gloves
- Appropriate footwear – We strongly recommend sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots – they’ll be your best friend
- We recommend gaiters or putties to cover the top of your boots
- Small day pack
- Food – self-catered snacks and lunch. If you require a lunch pack – we can recommend café partners in town who will prepare one for you to pick up/pay for before heading out to our station
- Water bottle (or bladder)
- Basic First Aid Kit (especially sticky plaster for blisters)
- Personal Medical treatments. Bee hives are present on the farm. Any walkers with bee sting allergies should carry appropriate medications
- Walking poles or a hill stick for added stability over uneven ground – (we do have some here for your use)
- Insect repellent
- EPIRB or personal locater beacon (optional)
- Dry clothes to change into after walking, given the unpredictable nature of the high country
- Camera / binoculars
- If staying overnight, please bring a sleeping bag / bedding with you and comfortable shoes for getting between your hut accommodation and the Woolshed amenity building
- ✅ By following this checklist, you’ll be prepared for the unpredictable high-country environment! 😊
Our walks require a medium to high level of fitness and agility, with undulating tracks, featuring a few challenging short ascents and descents, creek crossings, plus uneven surfaces and narrow sections in parts. For this reason, our walks are not recommended for young children.
You will need to carry your day pack with your personal items/food/drink.
The track range is 10km long – starting at an altitude of 500m and climbing to 1075m.
Please be prepared for changeable sub-alpine weather – from cold and rainy to scorchingly hot – sometimes all in one day!
Please ensure your fitness level is appropriate for the walk you choose so you can enjoy your experience comfortably and safely.
Download the Great Hikes App for free – while on WIFI, search Private Walks for Kaikoura Wilderness Walk, open and “START TOUR”, this will load the maps and information onto your phone to be available offline.
You are more than welcome to have a tea/coffee upon arrival, and at the end of your walk, if you have time – afternoon tea will be provided in the Woolshed.
Bring your own lunch with snacks to enjoy en-route and at the lunch spots.
Snacks, Lunches & Catering
If you require snacks and a pre prepared lunch – please contact one of our catering partners who will be happy to prepare a suitable snack/lunch options for you:
These would be required to be paid for and picked up in Kaikoura Township, before your journey to our station.
Water
Don’t forget to bring water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration. You can refill your bottle at:
- The Woolshed (Triple UV Filtered)
- The Lunch Shelter (Triple UV Filtered)
- Streams along the way – To be extra safe, you can filter, or chemically treat it. We don’t regularly test the stream water, however we’ve been told by the experts that it’s some of the cleanest natural water in NZ!
Stay hydrated and enjoy your walk!
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience on our Kaikoura Wilderness Tracks.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A reasonable level of fitness is required, and the tracks aren’t suitable for young children.
- Before you start, we’ll give you a comprehensive health and safety briefing at our woolshed.
- Stay on the formed track at all times, as there are areas damaged by the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Your guide will point out safe viewing areas.
- Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, from cold and rainy to extremely hot. Clothing layers are essential.
- Make sure your day pack has essentials like medication/first aid, food, water, and extra clothing.
- Our guides are equipped with a first aid kit, portable radio, and PLB in case of emergencies. Note that cell phone service is limited, so consider bringing your own EPIRB or PLB.
- If you have a bee sting allergy, please carry medication, as there are honey bee hives on the farm.
Self-Drive
You are welcome to bring your vehicle; however, we recommend a 4WD-capable vehicle, as you will cross four small fords along Puhi Puhi Valley Road. The road conditions require good suspension and reasonable chassis clearance.
Shuttle Transport
You can arrange road transport to and from Kaikōura via our trusted partner:
Helicopter Transfer
Helicopter transfer is quick 14 minute stunning experience and can be organised via our air travel partners:
INTERMEDIATE
FIT
4-5 HOURS
ARRIVE 10:00 AM
MAX 6
$200.00 Per Person
Max 6 People Per Guide
EDUCATION
Educational Tours
Dive into an immersive learning experience with your group, exploring the fascinating history, wildlife, biodiversity, and geology of Puhi Peaks Station. Our engaging presentations and sessions are designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of the station’s unique landscapes and conservation efforts.
Suitable for groups who may want to also take a short walk or simply enjoy a picnic lunch and the stunning views on offer within the Woolshed surrounds.
What to Expect
- Interactive presentation covering Puhi Peaks’ rich history, unique wildlife, and conservation work
- Insights into rare species protected under QEII Covenant
- Exploration of the station’s striking geological formations and alpine ecosystems
- Optional short guided walk around the Woolshed surrounds
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking mountain views
Group Details
- Minimum: 8 people
- Maximum: 24 people
- For larger groups, please contact us to enquire
Need to Know
- Woolshed – a genuine working woolshed with a mezzanine floor kitchen/dining/meeting area, TV, whiteboard, logburner with couch area, flushing toilet and a shower.
- Viewing areas include an internal window to the woolshed yards, and expansive decking outside with seating to take in the scenery.
- BBQ
- An outside toilet block with two separate toilets.
- We have limited cell phone and wifi coverage, so your cell phone will likely be good for taking photos only!
The Woolshed area is on gentle, flat to sloping ground and easily walked around; however we do have uneven, rocky ground in places so be sure to wear good footwear and take care when walking around outside.
If adding a guided walk to your package – please read the information for the specific walk requested. Our walks require a medium to high level of fitness and are not designed for users that are not familiar with high country environments or undulating walks of over 2 hours.
- Be sure to wear warm, comfortable clothing, and footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground.
- Given our sub-alpine environment, the weather can change quickly, so please bring wet weather gear with you.
- If self catering, please bring snacks, lunch and your water bottle.
- Please contact us if you wish your tour group to be catered for on site.
Our Woolshed kitchen allows for self catering, with cooking and food prep and storage facilities, including bbq, fridge/freezer.
Snacks, Lunches & Catering
For snacks, pre-prepared lunches, or full catering options, please get in touch with one of our trusted catering partners:
Self-Drive
You are welcome to bring your vehicle; however, we recommend a 4WD-capable vehicle, as you will cross four small fords along Puhi Puhi Valley Road. The road conditions require good suspension and reasonable chassis clearance.
Shuttle Transport
You can arrange road transport to and from Kaikōura via our trusted partner:
Helicopter Transfer
Helicopter transfer is quick 14 minute stunning experience and can be organised via our air travel partners:
LEARNING FOCUS
BIODIVERSITY/NATURE
EXPLORATION/TOURS
PRESENTATIONS & INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
$250.00 Per Person
Minimum 8 people | Maximum 24 people
DARK SKY
Dark Sky Experience
DarkSky International officially designated the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary on 12 September 2024
Escape to Puhi Peaks Station, where the night sky comes alive!
Under the stunning Southern Hemisphere stars, experience the magic of constellations, planets and the Milky Way (Te Ikaroa) in breathtaking detail. On nights without moonlight, our secluded location offers zero light pollution for pristine views that will leave you spellbound and connected to the natural world.
But when the moon does makes its presence known, the landscape transforms in unexpected ways, illuminating the native bush and geographical features that remain hidden in the dark.
Whether bathed in starlight or moonlight, Puhi Peaks offers an unforgettable experience, where the night sky and landscape blend in perfect harmony.
Puhi Peaks is an astrophotographers paradise – whether a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, our dark skies and serene surroundings provide the perfect setting for capturing the magic of the universe.
- Unparalleled star gazing with incredible clarity
- Remote mountain setting far from city lights
- Eco-friendly, off-grid accommodation surrounded by nature
- Optional guided stargazing sessions for deeper insight
- Perfect for photography, relaxation, or awe-inspiring moments under the stars
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
– Martin Luther King Jr
Need to Know
Stay overnight in our cosy log cabin or backcountry hut.
- In New Zealand, the best times for stargazing is during the winter months (June to August) although in the right locations (like right here!) the night skies reign supreme all year round.
- Best viewing times for The Milky Way are typically between March and September.
- Longer nights provide more hours of darkness for stargazing.
- New moon phases offer the best viewing conditions as moonlight can overpower starlight.
- Clear weather with minimal cloud cover is best.
- Late night to early morning hours are the prime times.
- Give your eyes time to adjust in the dark – the longer you are in outside in darkness – the more you will see!
- Try using binoculars or a telescope to view the skies.
For more stargazing information take a look at the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust ➔
- Dress in layers – hats, gloves, warm jackets, thick socks and scarves are a must.
- Grab a blanket and a thermos with a hot drink!
- Camera / binoculars / telescope (optional)
- Stargazing visual guides
- Download an app – there are a variety of apps that will assist you in navigating the night skies and identifying stars, planets and constellations.
Anyone can come! Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, with family, friends or groups.
Make an event of it to experience the delight of stargazing in our remote wilderness.
