The MS Plus Southern Alps Adventure

From Christchurch, we drive across the Canterbury Plains to our first hike at Mount Somers. Of volcanic origin, this mountain and the adjoining range stand out from the neighbouring mountains with stunning rocky tors and a deep canyon. The hike climbs through beech forest and traverses high tussock slopes that have a distinctly ‘Middle-earth’ feel. Stopping for lunch at the well-placed Woolshed Creek Hut, we then follow the Rhyolite Ridge Track, enjoying spectacular views down into the canyon as we climb high above on the slopes of Mount Somers. In the afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation in the nearby village of Methven, a ski town during the winter and a chilled rural Canterbury town for the rest of the year. Tonight you’re free to relax before a team dinner.

Accommodation: Ski Time Lodge

Meals: L,D

Trekking distance: 5–6 hours, 10km (Moderate)

Accommodation: The Hermitage 

Meals: B,L,D

Trekking distance: 3–4 hours, 10km (Easy)

Accommodation: The Hermitage

Meals: B,L 

Trekking distance: 6–7 hours, 10km (Moderate)

Accommodation: Oakridge Resort

Meals: B,L

Trekking distance: 3 hours, 8km (Moderate)

Accommodation: Oakridge Resort

Meals: B,L

Trekking distance: 5–6 hours, 9 km (Moderate to hard)

Meals: B,L

Trekking distance: 4 hours, 10km (Moderate)