3 Days Solo Hiking in New Zealand - Minchin Pass Route

3 days solo hiking in Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand.
The Minchin Pass Route travels the eastern and northern flanks of Arthur's Pass National Park, the sections through upper Minchin Stream and Townsend Creek are more adventurous involving lots of river travel and boulder hopping.
I spent 3 days hiking this route, camping at Minchin Lake on my first night and then in the Taramakau valley on the second night. The 3rd day saw me hiking out and hitching a ride back to my car.
It was an awesome 3 days, I hope you enjoy the video.
If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions feel free to leave them down below.
My instagram: / backcountrykiwi
#hiking #solohiking #camping

[@ervinslens]

This is absolutely breathtaking piece of cinematography! Simply brilliant work, enjoyable and overall quality is amazing!

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Means alot! Thank you

[@allye5949]

The great thing about this trip is that you went to the effort to take a camera so we too can enjoy the beauty and majesty of the landscape! An hour video - we have been spoilt this time. Thanks again Zeb.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thank you Ally! The camera is extra weight and extra effort but I'm always so glad when I have a video from a trip, gives me something to look back on. Glad you enjoyed it aswell. Cheers!

[@Mike-yx5pf]

Was beginning to worry..👍

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Mike, always getting out for a mission when I can, just got back from another trip. Cheers!

[@danih6820]

Hey Zeb. Great to see you. 🎉

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks heaps Dani!

[@ewengillies9826]

Your knowledge of this srea is top notch so proves you do a lot of research and planing for these trips. Thst was a crazy little hut for sure .. like a kids cubbyhouse. Awesome photography my friend of a vast expanse of natural bushland and waterways. Bet you had a couple of lumps in some of that cold water. Thanks for exhibiting some of NZs great walking tracks. Bushyboy Oz.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thank you mate. Trip planning is part of the experience haha, although there will always be something that surprises ya. Minchin Biv is super cool, definitely want to get back there. Cheers!

[@maryjanebryan1502]

Finally, another one!

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Mary Jane, hope you enjoyed it 🙂

[@nigelfenemor687]

Awesome country, awesome video and commentary. It’s great to hear how much you’re loving it too. So looking forward to your next adventure

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thank you Nigel, really enjoying exploring arthurs pass and the south island. Cheers!

[@cubgsan]

Good day to you! I am a senior rider on HONDA motorcycle from Japan. I am enjoying camping ,touring and upload video. Your hiking video is so nice! Awesome! Full supported ! Have a nice day my friend!

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks!

[@-hopskinny5865]

4 of us slept in Minchin Biv in 1964 when I was 18. If I remember correctly the bunks were made from wheat sacks stretched over a 4 x 2 frame. It was tight, but we managed. The biv was orange in those days. There was an identical biv on Hallelujah Flat in those years. I remember thinking on the walk up from Lake Minchin to the bivvy "if God existed, this is the sort of place God would live" - it was almost a religious experience seeing the beauty up there.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

That would have been a cramped night! I bet that would have been some great memories. It's a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@tleej26]

Hiya, so good to see a video😊 Thoroughly enjoyed it - epic terrain, views and scenery. Love seeing the sunlight coming down through the bush. The sandflies are pretty ruthless, we use everything possible 🤣 Look forward to your next adventure 😃

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Hey TJ! I'm super glad to hear it. The sunlight coming through beech forest is such an awesome thing to see. Haha can't escape the sandflies. Cheers!

[@louistousain4353]

Your videoing has really gone to the next level Zeb. You capture things beautifully.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks heaps man!

[@carrier6517]

Hi Zeb, I have one word to say " AWESOME " !! Thank you for a great video, I watch them when I can so big thumbs up one this one and also in the words of a wonderful kiwi adventurer, " I'm loving this ". Cheers mate.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Means alot Carrie. Thanks so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed them.

[@2000heathcliff]

Enjoyed this video very much. Gorgeous scenery what a beautiful place to live! Thanks again for sharing I’m sure is a lot of work. Take care

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Jeanette. It was a super fun trip. Cheers

[@GirlVersusWild]

Omg you did this around the same time I did! I camped at Hallelujah Flat on Christmas Day 2022, then went over Minchin 😊

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Awesome!!! It's such a great tramp! Thanks for watching

[@hikesome]

Great hike and a really nice adventure. You found some incredible spots out there (Love the camping spot at the lake). Fantastic filming and editing as always ;) Gonna watch the second half tomorrow while enjoying my coffee! Stay safe out there Zeb.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Mario. Lake Minchin is stunning, it was a super fun night camping there. I appreciate it man, enjoy ya coffee 🙂

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I really enjoyed your tramp through the wilderness, beautiful country, stay safe out there and keep the video's coming.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Cheers JJ. Hope you are well, thanks for watching

[@ReviloNZwalks]

Unreal bro. Nah sorry man you're gonna have to go back and redo the trip in that onesie haha. Glad you camped at the sick campsite!

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Haha cheers bro. I think the onesie is there to keep the sandflies off you. It was a great spot to camp, awesome area

[@tonymckeage1028]

GreatVideo, new sub here! thanks for sharing

[@BennyHarry]

Another great video. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures!

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thank you Ben! 👊

[@jodyreay733]

This was fantastic ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BackcountryKiwi]

I appreciate it Jody! Thanks

[@boostedshuttle2231]

Epic as always brother, inspiration to us all.

[@boostedshuttle2231]

What type of pack were you using mate, I've seen a couple of people with them now.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Cheers mate it was a fun trip.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

@@boostedshuttle2231 it's a macpac Hesper 40L, I believe they also do a 50L version

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Enjoyed watching that end to end. There’s lots of those bivvy dog box’s in the Kaweka’s, always makes me laugh when you see the EXIT sign. I mean what’s the alternative 😂 You’re starting to look like a through hiker Zeb, do you prefer shoes and hiking poles now after the TA?

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks alot Dave. Minchin biv is super cool, I had a laugh at the exit sign aswell haha. For most 3 season use I love trail runners, light and quick drying, the only down side is less durability but I'm willing to accept that. And yeah I really enjoy hiking poles now, super handy and I need them for my tent haha. Cheers.

[@queenabove18]

52:21 - amen brother

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Alan!

[@blairskevington6631]

i did this tramp when i was 16 your video brought back some good memories, we had 4 of us sleeping in minchin biv. ill have to go back in there and see if i can find my name in the hut book.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Hey Blair. 4 of you would have been a tight squeeze! It's a cool biv, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@blairskevington6631]

@@BackcountryKiwi we were that exshauted we just made it work, i rate it as one of my favorite tramps probably because nothing went right and we learnt alot on it

[@FLSTFB103]

I am impressed with the size of your pack and would like to see a breakdown of what gear you had in it.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

I definitely need to do a gear video at some point! I'm constantly changing what I'm using and dialing things in! Hopefully soon. Thanks for the comment!

[@rickkearn7100]

BK this was an excellent adventure for sure. Sucks about the sand flies. Doesn't seem to dampen your spirits tho... Thanks for another great video. Seen any Hobbits out there? Cheers.

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Rick. Haha the best places are where all the sandflies are. They are inevitable so I might aswell embrace it. Haha no Hobbits, although minchin biv would be a bit cosy even for them. Cheers!

[@AbelandVictoria]

Cool mission. I just got ravaged by sand fly also. I’m going to try and camp above the tree line now can be bothered with them. What is your pack weight? Looks like you don’t have much in there

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Abel (and Victoria?) Need to catch up on your trips. Haha sandflies are part of the experience 😬 My pack weight is still evolving, got a few more things to change/work out. Will share soon, really trying to dial it in for some epic summer missions. Cheers!

[@AdamB9866]

Great hike mate. How amazing was that sunset on your first night?

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Thanks Adam! It was awesome bro, Lake Minchin is stunning. I definitely will be going back there. Cheers mate

[@eliparkernz]

Hey man, great video as always! Question for ya. I’m thinking of buying the Hesper. How do you find it?? I’m assuming you’ve got the 40l. Do you find this is totally doable for a couple days wild camping?

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Hi Eli. Thanks heaps man. Yeah I've got the 40l. For me it is plenty, I've got heaps of room and but it depends on your kit. I'd lay out everything you would take and try to get an estimated for how much room you will need. Cheers

[@lancedu7576]

Amazing video, wondering what pack you have and it’s pros and cons? And would you recommend it?

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Hi Lance. I'll probably touch on this pack a bit more at some point but it is a macpac Hesper 40L that I removed the frame from. I have a very light load so it suits my purposes. Cheers

[@louistousain4353]

Are they Montem poles you are using?

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Hey Louis, they are back diamond trail poles. Cheers!

[@alexzhang5816]

I see you just walk into the river and creeks, but wont you have wet shoes for the whole time even if you have spare socks?

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Yes but since I hike in trail runners they dry pretty quick and aren't super heavy when wet. My feet are going to get wet regardless of what I am wearing so I might aswell wear something that is light and drys quickly. The rivers are unavoidable. Cheers.

[@alexzhang5816]

@@BackcountryKiwi Thanks for your reply. Whats the biggest challenge or fear when camping alone? I am planning to do some myself over the break and I see being lonley with no internet any sort of entertainment after sun set worries me the most as I usually sleep around 11 or 12.

[@TheHi_King]

We stayed at the Trust Poulter in October last year and did the exact same thing you did and walked passed it for about 500m before realising we were at the junction for the riverbeds and must have missed it. So easy to walk past when there isn't a sign post haha

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Cheers Tim. Yep haha I'm glad I didn't get too far past it. Thanks for watching!