1. What fitness is required?
We recommend a good fitness level, especially for Day One. Check out the map for distances and terrain on previous pages and be sure you do some hill training!
2. Is there any cell phone coverage?
There is little to no cell phone coverage . However, there is a good wi-fi network at Stony Bay Lodge (your second night of accommodation). We suggest you organise yourself to be incommunicado. You are welcome to use our home phones if you are desperate. You can leave Kiri’s number (06 2425 007 ) with family members if need be and we can get urgent messages to you.
3. Do we need to share the accommodation with others?
Yes – unless your group consists of at least 12 people you are likely to be with others. However, when taking the bookings we make certain that each individual group won’t need to share bedrooms with members from another group. Living areas are communal.
4. What is the best way to get to the start of the track?
Check out the ‘How to Get to Us‘ section
5. Is there somewhere to leave our cars?
Yes. At night 1 there is off road parking available. The car park is well off the road on private property.
6. Can I get my deposit back if I can no longer come?
If you need to cancel, a $50 administration fee will be charged per person (or per group if only one refund transaction is required), if your cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to your arrival date. If your cancellation is between 60 and 30 days prior to your arrival, we are unable to provide a refund of your deposit. If you need to cancel your booking within 30 days of your intended arrival, we are unable to provide a refund. Click here for further details, including COVID-related cancellations.
7. Are we allowed to bring our dog?
No – sorry, no dogs allowed
8. What time should we book flights home?
The walk on the final day takes approximately 5 hours to complete. You can expect to be back at your finish point (Whakapata Cottage) by early/mid afternoon. Whakapata Cottage is 30 minutes drive from Martinborough and two hours drive from Wellington Airport. We recommend booking flights from Wellington any time after 5pm. This will allow plenty of time to shower and grab a coffee in Martinborough enroute.
9. Can we bring our own snacks?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and pre-dinner nibbles. Don’t go overboard though as we are renowned for feeding you well!
10. Can non-walkers be transported?
Yes, we are happy to transport non-walkers with the walkers luggage each day free of charge. Please give us prior warning if this service is required.
11. Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, we are happy to cater for specific dietary requirements, relating to medical issues or allergies. Please notify of these at the time of booking. However, if you have nutritional preferences, you may wish to bring supplementary snacks.
12. Are there any toilets on the track?
There are no toilets on the track, apart from the toilet and bathroom facilities provided at your accommodation. If you do need to go to the toilet whilst on the walk, go at least 50 m (100 steps) off the track and bury your toilet waste in the shallow organic layers of the topsoil, well away from any flowing water. For personal hygiene, walkers should consider carrying hand-sanitising lotion.
13. What is the room configuration at each accommodation?
Night One/Whakapata Cottage:
4 singles, 4 singles, 3 singles, 2 singles, 2 singles.
Night Two/Stony Bay Lodge:
5 singles, 4 singles, 3 singles, 3 singles.
Night Three/Greentops
Main House: 5 singles (with ensuite bathroom), three singles, three singles, 2 singles.
Sleep Out: 3 singles, 3 single