Island Hills Escape
A raw, rolling trail adventure through ridgelines, gullies, and regenerating bushland. This is running with purpose, deep in a landscape shaped by rugged terrain and ongoing conservation work to restore native biodiversity. Designed for those short on time but big on appetite for wild terrain,Island Hills Escape offers a full immersion into remote hill country and a look at one of the South Island’s best trail races - Skedaddle, just a weekend, but one that leaves you grounded, weathered, and reconnected.
Tour Highlights
- •2-night trail running adventure only 2 hours from Christchurch
- •Stunning private trails through Island Hills Station
- •Like-minded group of adventurers
- •Unique stay in a high-country homestead
- •Unforgettable views from every angle
What's Included
- ✓2 nights accommodation (shared, rustic lodge style)
- ✓2 x catered breakfasts
- ✓2 x catered dinners
- ✓2 x packed trail lunches
- ✓Guided runs each day
- ✓Evening 4WD farm tour and guided conservation walk
- ✓Group stretching session
- ✓On-trail support and guidance
Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday: Arrival & First Tracks
Meet at our high country base by 5:00pm to kick off the weekend. We will have a team brief before we grab our runners and get the legs moving on a steady 10km return run to stretch the legs and settle in. In the evening, we’ll head out on a guided 4WD tour and conservation walk to get a feel for the land’s history and the native regeneration underway. We’ll round off the day with a relaxed BBQ dinner back at the lodge.
Day 2 - Saturday: Into the Wild Hills
After a group breakfast, pack the energy and determination as we set out on our “big” run into the ridges and bush-covered valleys that define the region. There are many highlights along the way including the historic Bush Hut and the stunning native bush within the Mandamus Preservation Reserve. On a clear day, you will also be treated to views of Mt Skedaddle (1704m), the highest point on the property. Late afternoon, we’ll regroup for a restorative stretching session before a shared dinner and fireside wind-down with a beer!
Day 3 - Sunday: One Last Ascent
Start the day early with a light breakfast before heading out for a final, shorter run. This one is all about soaking up the last of the views and leaving with your legs (and lungs) feeling earned. Back at base, we’ll share a final lunch together before check-out and departures back to Christchurch by mid-afternoon.