Three Tracks, Two Ridge Climbs, One Cool River at Day’s End.
You’ll walk with a single compact day-pack. It only needs to hold wet-weather gear, lunch, water, and a few small comforts.
Each afternoon you’ll return to base for hot showers, hearty meals, and (in summer) a fresh, cool swimming hole in the Waioeka River.
Arrival Day
Welcome to Wairata Station
Plan to arrive in the afternoon. Bob and Mary will meet you, show you where to call home for the next 3 nights. Unpack. Settle in. Get your bearings.
Dinner that evening is when you'll hear about the walks ahead and some of the history from Bob, who's happy to answer every question. Stories about the land, what to expect on each track, where you'll stop along the way.
Early night. The walking starts tomorrow.
Day 1
The Waterfall Walk
Breakfast is on early. Pack your day bag light - just water, rain jacket, and the lunch that's been sorted for you. Bob will go over the route one more time before you head out.
The morning is yours to walk at your own pace. The track takes you through paddocks and riverside bush, past a giant pukatea tree, then to the junction where you'll hear the falls before you see them. The pool downstream is cold and clear. Perfect if the day's warm.
After the falls, the track climbs to the ridgeline. This is where the view opens up. The whole Waioeka Gorge below, ranges stacking up to the horizon. Worth the climb.
You'll be back by late afternoon. Time to shower, change into dry clothes, and settle into happy hour in the outdoor area. Drinks flow. The day gets talked through. Photos get shared. Someone always has a story that gets everyone laughing.
Dinner comes together while the valley settles into dusk.
Day 2
The Tarn Walk
An early start today. Breakfast is hearty because you'll be out most of the day. Packed lunch, full water bottles, and you're off following the river on that quiet dead-end road.
The walk takes you through a variety of landscapes. River flats give way to pasture, then shrubland, before you enter the native forest. The climb is steady but manageable. Take your time. There's a spot with views over the entire valley where you'll stop for lunch.
From there, it's up to the plateau. The tarn appears suddenly through the trees - dark, perfectly still water reflecting the forest canopy. The track loops around it. Take hundreds of photos.
The descent winds through farmland back to the river, then downstream to the chalets. You'll arrive later in the afternoon, satisfied and ready for that shower.
Happy hour feels especially earned tonight. The conversation runs deeper, and laughter fills the space between. The fire burns down to coals and nobody's in a hurry to call it a night.
Day 3 - Farewell
The Creek Walk
Your last morning starts quietly. Breakfast feels a bit different knowing it's the final one.
The Creek Walk is the perfect way to finish. Unlike the other tracks, this one starts just a stone's throw from the chalets - perfect for legs that have done their share of work. Short, intimate, peaceful. You'll follow the water up through thick forest, surrounded by birdsong and the constant sound of running water. It's a gentle reminder of why you came.
Back by early afternoon with plenty of time to shower, pack at your own pace, and sit for a while. Maybe one last cup of tea in the outdoor area. A chance to take a final look at the valley and properly say goodbye to Bob and Mary.
With a recharged soul, you'll head on your way full of stories to tell.
Packing List - What to Bring
For The Walks
You'll walk with a single day pack. Everything else stays at the chalets. Pack light - just what you need for the walks and a few comfortable layers for the evenings.
Each morning you will pack your lunch from the food provided. please bring a container to carry it in.
Broken in, with good ankle support and grip
Optional. Ideal for those who prefer added support. Bring them if they’re part of your normal routine.
Comfortable for 6+ hours of walking
At least 1.5 litres capacity
Waterproof and breathable - weather changes quickly
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Merino or synthetic base layer, warm mid-layer
Quick-dry fabric, comfortable for all-day wear
In case of creek crossings or wet weather
Packing List - After The Walk
For The Evenings
After a day on the trails, you'll want comfortable clothes to change into. Valley evenings can be cool year-round, even in summer. Pack layers you can relax in while sitting around the outdoor area.
To relax and cosy up in after your walks
Valley evenings can be cool year-round
For around the home base, and walking down to the river for a swim
Basic amenities provided
Packing List - The Extras
Worth Bringing
A few extras that'll enhance your experience. Binoculars for the birdlife. A camera for the views you'll want to remember. Nothing essential, but you'll be glad you brought them.
You'll want photos
For birdwatching (optional but recommended)
For quiet moments
If you're up after dark
Any specific medications you need
Note
We provide all meals, bedding, and towels. Leave your main luggage at the chalets - you'll only carry a day pack on the walks.
Ready?
You've got the details. You know what to pack. Now all that's left is to get here.
We're so happy and excited to welcome you into our slice of heaven. Three days to finally put yourselves first. To walk through native forest and farmland that's been in our family for over a century. To sit around the fire without checking the time. To remember what it feels like when life slows down and lets you actually enjoy it.
We can't wait to have you, see you soon.