New Zealand's South Island West Coast has one of the most diverse systems of walking trails in the World. They originate from the spectacular 720 km 'Te Ara Pounamu', translating as 'The Greenstone Pathway', a route that has been followed for hundreds of years by Maori traders seeking precious New Zealand Jade greenstone.

The Greenstone Pathway Last century the pathway was walked by our early European Explorers such as von Haast, Meuller, Arawata Bill & the Brunner Brothers who were then followed by goldseekers and our early settlers. Today there are 83 different sections of Te Ara Pounamu that can be walked or cruised on to make a network of 'pathways' that give you a cultural insight into the South Pacific amongst World Heritage Class scenery.

The walkways consist of different walking sections ranging from 30 minute paved tourist feature walks to half-day nature trails and on to overnight walks that take from two days to a week. You too can follow in the footsteps of these intrepid explorers going into a region that reflects 'The World in Miniature' with heritage walks taking you to places often described as a 'wonder of the world'.

Visitors can make a holiday by putting together a series of shorter guided walks staying each night in town or doing a guided overnight trail that suits their ability. These range from fully serviced trails where all you carry is a day pack with your lunch and camera overnighting in trail lodges with your own chef through to more challenging sections of 'Te Ara Pounamu' where all walkers help carry the groups food and equipment with some overnighting in tent camps. Time is your only limitation!

Here is a selection of our favourite walks on 'Te Ara Pounamu'. Contact us if you would like any further suggestions or advice as to what parts of 'Te Ara Pounamu' would suit you best.

'Te Ara Pounamu' Walks Information

1) Please let us know if you have any medical problems or special dietary requirements.

2) All our walking Tours are graded from 1 being easy formed tracks suitable for all ages, through to 6 being for very fit people - track with rough surfaces, river crossings and often only following compass bearings or unmarked routes. Please check the grade of tour you would like to do.

3) What should I bring?

Underwear - 2 sets
Insect repellent
Two shirts or T shirts Sunscreen
Shorts for walking in Water bottle
Woollen sweater or,
Polypropylene wear Waterproof parka with hood
Swimsuit Waterproof leggings
Thermal underwear (winter)
Handkerchiefs, not tissues Sandshoes or sports sandals
Casual evening clothing for tidal crossings.
Boots or strong walking shoes
Toilet requisites Put all clothing in plastic bags
Light shoes for around camp for extra protection should it rain.

We supply: All food, sleeping bag, guide, accommodation, camping equipment if required, two way radios, first aid equipment. Personal hikers kits are available for hire.

Plus: See individual Walk Description for full list of inclusions.

4) How do I pay?
A non-refundable deposit of NZ $100 per person is required within 14 days of us confirming to you that a spaces are available on the walk and date you choose.On receipt of this deposit from you we will confirm the booking to you. Price of each walk is in the walks description.
Final payment is required 60 days prior to tour departing or immediately if already inside 60 days.
You should contact us on arrival in NZ to let us know you are on schedule with your travel plans.
Use our free phone at 0508 2 TOURS

Have a look at the free offers and Spare Seat Travel Deals page as there may be discounted seats available on the days that you are visiting.

5) What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel outside 60 days, all monies paid will be refunded with the exception of the $100.00 deposit. Within 60-30 days - 70% refund. Within 10 days no refund. No refund on any portion of a guided package can be made after departure of the walk.

6) Are there any other conditions I should know about?
All departures subject to a minimum of 4 people. . Prices are subject to tariff increase. We reserve the right to alter or cancel any tour should weather or any other situation demand this.
Te Ara Pounamu Guided Walks finalise all tour arrangements on the understanding that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned, either by reason of weather, or any defect in vehicle, vessel or aircraft or through the acts or defaults of any company or persons engaged in conveying passengers or in carrying out the arrangement of the tours.

7) Should I have travel insurance?
We recommend you arrange travel insurance as this gives you peace of mind while on holiday.

8) How fit do I need to be? Trails on 'Te Ara Pounamu' are graded from 1 being easy formed tracks suitable for all ages often including wheel chairs, 2 having uneven surfaces, 3 needing average fitness through to 6 being for very fit people with these tracks having rough surfaces, river crossings and often only following compass bearings or unmarked routes. Make sure you choose walks that match your ability. Please check the grade of walk you would like to do on the walks chart or ask us for advice. For multi day walks we recommend that you go for short daily walks beginning 6 to 8 weeks before your holiday. Check the walks chart to see what you carry for each walk. Some walks you only carry your lunch and personal day wear. We will supply you a daypack for you to carry this in. Overnight camping walks often require you to share the carrying of the group's food and equipment. You need at least a 65 litre pack. Walkers of similar ability walk together and you can go at your own pace so there is no need to worry that you may hold anyone up.

9) What is the food & accommodation like? Overnight walks use public track lodges with bunk type beds & mattresses with sleeping bags. Camping walks have twin share tents and stretcher beds. Day walkers stay in either hostels or hotels (please specify when booking) in the nearest town. Cooking is done by your guides on gas cookers or an open fire. Lightweight, wholesome high energy food is used for your meals with two course dinners and a cooked breakfast. We stop on the track for morning and afternoon teas with a snack and hot drink. Most walks have a farewell dinner in town at the end of your walk. You are welcome to bring along something for a nightcap.

10) How do I know I am prepared for my walk? Before every walk there is a meeting to answer your last minute questions and to ensure you are adequately prepared for your walk. You will issued with your raincoat, day pack and if ordered, your hired hikers kit. You need to bring all your walks clothes and anything else you wish to take on your walk to this meeting so that your guide can be sure you have what is needed for a safe and enjoyable walk. We have a small range of specialist outdoor clothing and walker's poles for sale at this prewalk meeting. Check the walks chart for time and place of your walks meeting.

11) What sort of weather will I have? Te Ara Pounamu crosses over a wide variety of terrains all of which have varying weather conditions. Here you can experience the four seasons in one day so it is essential you are prepared for all weathers. Bringing everything on your clothing list ensure you are prepared for anything. The West Coast is a rainforest area and you can expect it to have rain and brilliant sunshine all within the same hour.

12) What does the guiding company supply? All food unless otherwise specified, sleeping bag, small day pack, large plastic pack liner, water proof raincoat, guide, accommodation, camping equipment if required, two way radios, first aid equipment and transport and to prove you have walked Te Ara Pounamu, a certificate of achievement. Some walks include pre & post walk accommodation. Please check each individual walk description for a full list of inclusions to ensure you understand what we supply. Do not hesitate to ask if you want to vary a package to suit your needs. We can also recommend and arrange other accommodation if required.

Outfitters Kit for Walking Tours. A full hiking kit is available for hire. See contents in the table below

Outfitters Kit for Hiking Tours

A full hiking kit is available for hire at a cost of $95 per kit. A refundable $100 bond or credit card number is also required against loss or damage to your kit.
The contents of the Kit is designed to ensure you have a warm and enjoyable Outdoor experience amongst the grandeur of New Zealand's Walking Tours.

Kit Contents
1 x Day Pack (larger pack for multi-night Tours)
2 x large plastic bags to ensure your clothing stays dry
2 x pair of thick woollen socks
1 x Kathmandu Climate Control fibre pile jacket
1 x Padded wind proof Jacket with hood
1 x PVC rain Parker with hood
1 x PVC rain proof leggings
1 x poly-propylene long sleeve vest
1 x poly-propylene leggings
1 x pair of fibre pile trousers
1 x woollen hat
1 x pair of gloves
1 x pair of 12 inch high gumboots
1 x towel
2 x Moro chocolate bars
10 x glucose Barely sugars
sunscreen
insect repellent (WAOUT)

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