Jack
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Ashburton ▷
Four Peaks High Country Track
I have been tramping on numerous NZ private tracks over the past 15 years.
Unfortunately this track was very disappointing and does not meet expected standards for this type of tramping experience. The markers were extremely poor and often very confusing. The instruction booklet and map were not clear so this was no help either. It did not appear that the owners had maintained or checked these in many years. The open air 'kitchens' at each hut were quote substandard with cracked crockery and even covered in bird droppings at one stop. Pillows were lumpy - not expensive to renew these surely. Overall cleanliness of the huts needed real attention. For the price we paid per person (equivalent to the cost of a good motel) we would expect a much better standard of facilities and track maintenance. At the last hut the toilet was about 20 metres away up a very narrow, uneven track, far too dangerous to negotiate in the dark or after rain. No handrails even. We appreciated the little treats each day....but for the price and in comparison to other tracks this one is in dire need of a major upgrade in all respects.
Hi 'Jack' thank you for your feedback. We had about 2 weeks this year where the Welcome swallows were flying in and out of the kitchen facility of one of the Huts, & causing nuisance, but we have since erected a tarpaulin cover to prevent it happening next season. Sorry you found some chipped crockery, we do check it at the beginning of each season and replace where necessary. The odd chipped mug is no less than what the early-days shepherds would have drunk their whiskey & hot milk out of!
The point of interest of our walking track is experiencing authentic musterer's huts that were used in those early pioneering farming days, so they are genuinely rustic, but very comfortable. The original toilets were long-drops which were smelly and much further away, so the flush ones we have replaced them with, must be better? Our website does clearly outline the type of experience we offer. We're sorry that you didn't enjoy our Track, but there are lots of other walking experiences available in this beautiful country of ours, that have the degree of luxury, lodge-style accommodation, that you were expecting.
Our price has to cover the cost of vehicle upkeep for the tracks we have to negotiate to shift the packs. It's not like most walking tracks that have tarseal or maintained gravel roads for access. This is the high country, it's isolated and big, and beautiful, but obviously it doesn't suit everyone! We are always endeavouring to improve the experience we offer so we do value everyones feedback - thank you.
Jo