Bush Consolidation Trip – Arthurs Pass National Park
This is a 3-day mixed on and off-track bush trip
Bush Consolidation Trip Overview
On this 3-day bush consolidation trip, you will have the opportunity to practice navigation and bushcraft skills while completing one of the classic off-track routes in Arthurs Pass National Park. On this trip, we will attempt to complete the Minga to Edwards valley loop via Lake Mavis, Mt Oats.
This trip includes a mixture of formed tracks and off-track navigation, river crossings and a planned camp out above the bush line at Lake Mavis. This trip has been designed to test all the skills learned in our bushcraft courses.
Supported by one of our qualified instructors you will have the opportunity to lead sections of the trip and practice your navigation decision-making skills while gaining confidence and experience.
Please note that this is a consolidation trip, not a training course. We have allowed some time to revisit and practise skills learned on our bush courses but as this is not a teaching course so no new skills will be covered.
Prerequisites
*A minimum OENZ 3-day bushcraft and river crossing course or equivalent is required to attend this consolidation trip. Plus you must be able to carry a pack for 6-8 hours a day and be happy sleeping in a tent.
3-day Arthurs Pass Trip Route Description
Mingha to Edwards Valley Loop via Lake Mavis, Mt Oats
Day 1:
Arrive at Greyneys shelter walk into either Goats Pass Hut or Lake Mavis (camp out at altitude 1580m)
Day 2:
Goats Pass Hut or Lake Mavis to Edwards Hut
Day 3:
Edwards hut to Greyneys Shelter – Home
This makes up the bones of the trip however variations are possible and will be decided by the group and instructor on the trip.
ACCOMMODATION
1st night
Wild camping at Lake Mavis, Mt Oats
2nd night
Camping by or staying in Edwards Hut. Edwards Hut is a classic New Zealand backcountry hut. It has two bunk rooms and a common room with a wood fire.
GEAR & EQUIPMENT
Just bring along your normal tramping/hiking kit, a compass, and some food. We will send you a detailed gear list once your booking has been processed.
If you’re not sure you have everything you need for the course, no need to stress. We have all the gear and equipment available for you to use. Just add a note to your booking or give us a call to organize your gear requirements.
FOOD
This is a self-catered course, please pack all of your meals and snacks for the duration of the course. A full packing list can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
TRANSPORT
Free transport is available from any Christchurch accommodation if your travelling from out of town to attend one of our Bush training courses.
Meeting Locations
If you have your own transport please meet us at one of the following locations.
Yaldhurst Mcdonalds 8:00 am
Darfield Bakery 8:30 am
Castle Hill Village 9:15 am
*Our preferred meeting location is Darfield Bakery.
TRAVELLING FROM OUT OF TOWN?
We recommend that you arrive in Christchurch the day before your course. We have a few hotel & hostel suggestions on our FAQ’s page. Please avoid booking accommodation north or east of the city centre. At the end of the course, we are more than happy to drop you back at your accommodation or directly to the airport. The earliest time we can have you back at the airport is 6 pm.
When is the next bush consolidation Trip?
Bush consolidation trips run from October – May. Please visit our Course Calendar for scheduled trip dates. Custom courses and trips can be created on alternative dates by request.
Visit Course Calendar
Price: $1199*
Book Now
* This is the early bird booking price, standard rates available on the course calendar.
This Bush Consolidation Trip Includes
Reading Topographic maps (NZ topo50)
- Above the bush line navigation
- Scale and distance
- Orientating a map using features
- Refining contour interpretation
Travelling contour features
- Ridges
- Spurs
- Gullies
- Saddles
- Highpoints
Using a compass
- Field: field bearings
- Refining compass technique
Advanced walking techniques in steep terrain
- Poles for bracing
- Scree – traversing, ascending/descending
River Crossing
- Hazards
- River characteristics
- Decision Making
- River crossing methods
Bush Consolidation Trip Back-up Locations
This trip is delivered within Arthurs Pass National Park. However, we have the backup options of Lewis Pass National Park and Mt Somers in case of bad weather. Having flexibility in our trip locations ensures you will get the most of your time with us. if a change of location is required we will be in touch.
Bush Trip Downloads
See what our clients have to say
“I came on this trip to learn more so I can expand our outdoor education club at school. Sarah’s passion for the outdoors was infectious, and her practical knoweldge was built on years of experience, highly recommend.” Lesley Mansell
When is the next bush consolidation Trip?
Bush consolidation trips run from October – May. Please visit our Course Calendar for scheduled trip dates. Custom courses and trips can be created on alternative dates by request.
Visit Course Calendar
Price: $1199*
Book Now
* This is the early bird booking price, standard rates available on the course calendar.
