Day one
Into Island Hills Station
Island Hills Station Walking Track
This trip is built around one experience rather than a string of roadside stops. Island Hills is a private high-country walking track of roughly 30 kilometres, spread across two or three days through working farmland, native forest and open hill country.
The walk begins with a short four-wheel-drive farm tour to the first section of track. From there, settle into a self-guided rhythm with mountain views, birdlife and very little traffic beyond the other walkers on your departure.
First lodge night
Your main pack and food are transported ahead, so the end of the walking day is deliberately uncomplicated. Settle into the serviced lodge, cook dinner and let the station become the evening rather than looking for another activity.
Track
Approx. 30 km total
Walking time
2 or 3 days
Season
October to mid-March
Group size
Maximum 10 walkers
Island Hills recommends a medium level of fitness and confidence on uneven ground, slopes and occasional rough terrain. Book ahead: departures are limited and the track operates from October to mid-March.
Day two
Deep into the high country
Forest, farm and open ridges
Day two is the reason to choose the three-day version. Move through changing station landscapes, including Canterbury's largest QEII covenant, with native forest giving way to open country and broad mountain views.
There is no need to chase a set pace. Stop when the view opens up, take lunch on the track and enjoy the fact that the logistics have largely been taken care of for you.
Second lodge night
Arrive with only your day pack and settle in again. Hot showers and a proper indoor base make this an accessible multi-day adventure without turning it into a camping expedition.
Day three
Walk out and return to Culverden
Final station section
Use the last day to enjoy the track rather than treating it as an exit route. The final kilometres bring another mix of farm landscape and mountain views before the walking portion finishes.
Culverden
Once you're back in town, swap trail food for something easy at a local café or bakery. After three days on foot, Culverden works best as a simple finish rather than another list of things to do.
