Alps To Ocean

Detailed Itinerary

Operated by the North Canterbury Alpine Trust; registered with the Charities Commission (CC 29732) and registered with WorkSafe NZ as an Adventure Activities Operator (AAO 395).

Day 1 - Christchurch to Boyle River

We will collect you from a central city location in Christchurch around 8am before we drive north to the Boyle River Lodge in the Lewis Pass, Southern Alps.

Immersed in the Alpine environment at the comfort of the Boyle Lodge, we will take the afternoon to prepare and pack for the journey ahead. Later enjoying a hearty meal and sleeping in our comfortable lodge.

Day 2 - Lewis Pass to Ada Hut 12km

Final preparations and we set off. A quick shuttle takes us to the head of the St James Walkway next to the Lewis Pass summit.

The track leaves the Tarn Nature Walk across a natural open bog. It then enters the bush, descending in a steep zig-zag into Cannibal Gorge on the Maruia River. A swing bridge crosses Cannibal Gorge to the true right bank. From here it is about 6 km to the Cannibal Gorge Hut. Past the hut the track follows an easy grade alongside the Maruia River, through beech forest and open alpine fields (prone to avalanches) to Ada Pass Hut (3 km - 30 minutes).

Day 3 - Ada Hut to Stanley Vale 25km

As we depart Ada Pass hut siting at 1008m high we make our way down past the historic Christopher Cullers hut and over the Waiau River towards Lake Guyon. An afternoon swim then the final 4kms to Stanley Vale Hut.

Day 4 - Stanley Vale to Fowlers 12km + Fowlers to St James Homestead MTB 17km

Leaving Stanley Vale with its old relics of time past we make our way through Fowlers Pass (1296m) this trail has river crossings, scree slopes and a variety of gradients.

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Once at Fowlers we have entered the Clarence Valley. We meet the support van and get geared up to start the Mountain Bike section. This afternoon we get familiar with our bikes and make our way 17km via Tophouse Road to the St James Homestead.

Day 5 - St James Homestead to Acheron 20km

Taking in the sights and sounds of the Clarence Valley we follow the river MTBing to the Acheron River confluence.

Day 6 to 10 - Rafting the Clarence River

Starting at 700 metres and finishing at the coast. Experience this remote valley. Every twist and turn in the river brings a new vista and beautiful surroundings. Along the way, experience the open tussock lands of the Molesworth, three spectacular gorges of twisted rock strata interspersed with open braided river sections, impressive alpine peaks including Tapuae-O-Uenuku, remote high country stations, amazing geology and the new conservation park Ka Whata Tu O Rakihouia. Finishing at Clarence on the East Coast! We travel back to the Boyle for pack up and celebrations.

Day 11 - Boyle River

This day is a contingency day if needed and also a clean-up day.

Day 12 - Boyle River - Christchurch

Sadly all things come to an end... Day 12 sees the return trip to Christchurch having gained an amazing experience and awesome memories!!

LNT

The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our journey. We practice and apply Leave No Trace principles.

Adventure

By its very nature adventure involves an element of the unexpected. To get the most from this journey that you are mentally flexible, positive, and eager to take on challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip please give us a call.

Equipment Available

Parkas, over trousers, polypropylene tops & leggings, fibre pile & fleece clothing, woollen hats and gloves, wetsuits, life jackets, paddle jackets, helmets, rubber tubes, tents and tent flies, foam sleeping mats, packs, billies, trangia cookers, thermos flasks, snow shovels, ice axes, compasses, maps, teaching aids, etc All clothing and equipment must be returned in good condition.

The Boyle also provides the necessary equipment to run the activities safely.

SAFETY Risk Disclosure

There are hazards and risks associated with any environment. The Boyle is situated in an alpine environment and the hazards such as uneven terrain, changing weather; rising water levels are all managed within our Safety Management System. From time to time there are minor injuries such as sprained ankles, minor cuts and bruises. All incidents are recorded and examined for any learning and future prevention.

Serious hazards such as falling from height are also managed through the Safety Management System, which contains many checks and back up procedures to ensure safety.

Any potentially hazardous activities must be supervised in accordance with BROEC safety policies and procedures.

The Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre (BROEC) has OutdoorsMark accreditation. See the following for details and confirmation:

https://register.worksafe.govt.nz/

Instructors attend annual training for 6 days to up-skill and revalidate their rescue and emergency skills. There is ongoing monitoring and appraisal of staff. All new instructors are inducted, trained and assessed by senior staff before working with groups.

See http://www.boyle.org.nz

First Aid Equipment is provided for emergencies. First Aid supplies used by a group will be charged for. All other First Aid supplies must be provided by the group.

BROEC and its employees cannot be held responsible for incidents or accidents arising from incomplete or unqualified supervision, or from failure to accept the advice of the Manager.

Emergencies/Incidents

The Boyle Lodge is a Civil Defence Welfare Post for Hurunui District Council. It has a backboard, stretcher and First Aid Supplies for emergency use.

The Boyle has comprehensive ‘Emergency procedures’. All Boyle staff are trained to respond to a range of possible scenarios. They will deal with any incidents. There will be a member of Boyle Staff available to help at all times. All incidents will be logged on the appropriate form according to Boyle policy. They may also be recorded on the NID.

For safety reasons cigarettes, non-prescription drugs and alcohol are not permitted.

Adult only groups may make application to the Manager for exemption to this rule and conditions of use.

BROEC STAFF

Our Instructors are all well qualified and very experienced in running a variety of courses for different types of client groups. Safety is their highest priority closely followed by fun!

We usually have 2 trainee Cadets completing a one year course at the Boyle. Occasionally there may also be a student or Intern on work experience at the Boyle. They will be supervised by an experienced member of staff when working with anyone.