FAQs

From the time you get out of your car until the time you get back in it, you will be immersed in the RockRidge all-inclusive experience. We will provide your accommodation, linen, and all your meals while you complete the track.

If you have speciality foods you can’t live without, or enjoy a drink at the end of the day, then please feel free to bring these and we will transport them to the accommodation.

A great question and a very important one. We have noted the gear list here. We recommend you follow this.

We recommend a good fitness level, especially for day one. You need to be able to walk for at least 13km in one day. Make sure you train for your walk in the shoes and daypack you’ll be using so your body gets used to them. Check out the map for distances and terrain.

Yes, it is! The bonus of not having to carry your pack makes it achievable for nearly everyone. Having the right gear, stopping regularly to admire the views, keeping hydrated throughout the day, and eating frequently are ways to keep that energy up. You have all day, so take your time and enjoy yourself!

This is dependent on your speed, your fitness, and your goal. Some of us like to power through the day, whereas others like to smell all the smells! 

In saying that, day one should take 5-7 hours and there is an option to short cut reducing the time by an hour.

There are two options for day two, so you can choose depending on how you are feeling and your time constraints.  The short day will take about 3-4 hours, and the long day between 6-8 hours.

We have an alternative route for both day one and day two. For day one the shorter day will take 5-6 hours and for day two the shorter distance and should comfortably take between 3-4 hours.

We believe there are highlights in every step! You will pass glacial formations and rocky outcrops, hear harmonic birdsong, take in views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains, admire native bush and walk over ancient terrain.

This hike is not guided. The well-marked track will guide you through the 31 km hike.

Absolutely. We know that not everyone wants to walk the full two days — and that’s completely fine. Whether you choose to walk one day or not at all, you’re still part of the RockRidge experience.

Simply book as usual through our system. If you know in advance that you may require additional transportation, please let us know at your earliest convenience, we can also accommodate this request when you are here if necessary. Please note this option requires an additional $150 payment per person.

RockRidge trail is 31km over 2 days. However, there are options to lengthen the trail if desired.

The day one track officially finishes at the Watering Hole. As part of your package you can get a ride with our track manager from here back to the Quartz Hill Quarters, your accommodation for Night two.

For those keen to stretch their legs a little more, there’s an optional 5 km downhill walk from the Watering Hole (where day one officially ends) to Quartz Hill Quarters.

On the morning of day two, the trail officially recommences from the Watering Hole. You can choose to be transported back here as part of your package with the Track manager, or you are welcome to walk back up to the Watering Hole which is 5km uphill. Whether you're in the mood for a bit more trail time or prefer to ease into the day, the choice is entirely yours.

The option lengthen the trail with an extra 10km, would take the total to 41km.

Yes, children are welcome on the track. Keeping in mind if you don’t have a group of 10 this could be a shared experience. We therefore don’t allow children under ten years of age. If you are a booking of 10 people, there is flexibility for younger children. Talk to the RockRidge team before booking if you have any concerns or questions.

There is patchy coverage on the track for both cell reception and internet. You will have a radio with you if you need to contact the track manager.

For the avid user, there is WiFi (and the user codes) at the accommodations. We know that some of us will just want to `check out’ of normal life while on the RockRidge experience, and we get that— flight mode is the perfect solution!

Your package is all-inclusive. This includes a two-day hike along with the required safety gear, two nights of accommodation, all linen, and all meals while you are with us. From the moment you arrive until the time you leave, you will be encapsulated within the RockRidge experience.

The track manager will be available on radio to assist at all times during your RockRidge journey. If you are having any troubles, talk with the track manager to organise an alternative.

There are wild deer, goats, pigs, and rabbits roaming this land. They will be spooked by you and move away, but we also recommend you stay well away from them! You should also see farm animals when walking through the farms, and extensive birdlife watching from above.

At the Birchview Homestead, we have five bedrooms and five bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite. The bed configuration for each room is made up of 2-3 single beds.

At Quartz Hill Quarters, we have four bedrooms sleeping two people. The bed configuration is two king singles. We also have three sleep-outs with two single beds in each (10 metres from the main building). The bathrooms are shared.

You will never be asked to share a bedroom with a stranger at RockRidge. All bedrooms are reserved for you and your group only. Please note if you book for 10 people you will have the accommodation at Birchview Homestead and Quartz Hill Quarters exclusively for your group. If you group size is smaller than 10 people the common areas at the accommodation such as, living rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and outdoor areas will be shared with other group members.

No, the track runs in a loop, so the start and finish are at The Birchview Homestead.

There is off-road parking available at The Birchview Homestead. This is where the track starts and ends. The car park is well away from the road on private property, and the vehicles will be checked regularly while you are away doing the walk.

No, for the safety and comfort of everyone completing the RockRidge walk, we do not allow dogs/pets.

Arrival time is from 4.30pm.
This gives you time to settle in before dinner.

Leaving: the walk on the final day can take up to 7 hours. We would expect you to arrive back at the finish point by mid-afternoon. Booking a flight after 6pm gives you time to have afternoon tea, a shower if you would like, and drive the hour back to Christchurch airport.

Absolutely. We welcome 10 hikers every day. You will need to book in advance.

The cost for the all-inclusive RockRidge multi-day all-inclusive package, including meals and accommodation is $895.

We recommend you wear hiking boots or trail shoes. This protects your ankles and knees and gives you a strong footing. Do make sure you wear these in before you arrive.

Trekking poles are a great item to make your walk easier! We recommend you bring your own if you think you will need them.

Yes, we will send one out with your booking confirmation. We also have the list on our website; click here.

We will transfer your luggage, including any drinks or food you may wish to bring.

We suggest you bring one that fits comfortably on your back and that you are accustomed to wearing.  It needs to be big enough to fit your food and water for the day, some extra clothing, and any personal items.

While we recommend that you carry 1.5 litres of water with you. There are a few waterfalls and creeks to fill up throughout your hike. Your track manager will talk with you about the water availability on the track.

No, our water is pure and clean. We do test our water sources regularly to keep a check on them.

Check out our page on what to bring for details, but overall, we recommend you wear moisture-wicking fabrics and layer up so you can add or remove layers easily during the day.

There is no need to bring a sleeping bag or pad. The bed and bedding are included in the package.

This is a personal preference. There are power sockets available at both accommodations.

Our high-country hospitality is generous in quantity and quality. You are welcome to bring extra food, however we do not think it is necessary.

Yes. We will cater for the following dietary requirements: coeliac, glutenfree/wheat free, dairy-free, nut-free vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and other serious allergies. Dietary requirements must be noted at the time of booking and will be catered accordingly.

If your dietary requirements fall outside of these categories, please let us know. We’ll do our best to accommodate you, however a $85.00 total surcharge will apply for any special requests that require additional preparation or ingredients.

There are 2 toilets and 3 shelters on the track. See the map for details.

We will serve up the best of the high country! Think generous farm-style portions and beautiful, nutritious produce sourced locally.

The short answer is yes! The track manager will talk you through the water sources on the track the night before.

If you choose to bring food or drinks, we ask that they are in suitable bags that are easily transported. Please choose cans, as they are best for our recycling system. Drinks will be transported and chilled in the fridge for your arrival.

Please carry it with you and leave it at the accommodation or take it home with you.

You can never be 100% certain you won’t get a blister, but training in your chosen footwear with your daypack is a good start! We recommend walking up and down hills if you can. This will help get those feet hike ready!

We recommend you bring insect repellent and bite cream, blister plasters and normal plasters, painkillers such as paracetamol/Nurofen, and any other personal items you may need.

No. The deer, goats and farm animals will be spooked by you and not come near you. 

If there is extreme weather predicted, the track will be closed.

The track manager will work through all emergency situations the night you arrive.

Each group will be supplied with a RockRidge radio that will be a direct link to the track manager.

No, there are no rivers to cross.

We have paired the wine to match your evening meal as part of your package. You are welcome to bring additional alcohol with you. Please ensure it is in cans for recycling purposes and is well packaged so we can transfer it to the accommodation with your bags.

Yes, both of our accommodations offer welcoming lounge spaces designed for relaxation:
At The Birchview Homestead, you’ll find multiple cozy nooks, rooms, and outdoor areas—perfect for unwinding, reading, playing cards, or enjoying a quiet drink.
At Quartz Hill Quarters, there’s a spacious communal lounge featuring a large log burner, comfy sofas, and an extra-large dining table. You’ll also find plenty of inviting outdoor spots to relax and take in the surroundings.

We would always recommend travel insurance when travelling.

No, however please be respectful of the weight and the quantity of bags that you bring. If you are finding it hard to lift your bag, then it is probably too heavy!

You will never be asked to share a bedroom with a stranger at RockRidge. All bedrooms are private and reserved for you and your group only.

Please note if you book for 10 people you will have the accommodation at Birchview Homestead & Quartz Hill Quarters exclusively for your group . If your group size is smaller than 10 people the common area's at the accommodation such as, living rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and outdoor areas will be shared with other group members.

No, however if you have your car you can leave extra items in there, this will be secure and safe during the hike.

We recommend that you are walking by 9am each day, however this depends on your general walking speed. You have all day and we want you to enjoy the experience. More information will be provided by the RockRidge team when you arrive.

Please see the booking link here and the cancellation policy here.