Fish out of Water

Together with Mt Guardian Walkway, we invite you to join us for a two-night, one day hiking adventure in North Canterbury…a RealSwim Adventure of a different kind.

Exploring on land, this weekend is for those looking for a unique non-swimmy adventure that will provide a “challenge” goal to help you stay fitness motivated over winter (if you are struggling a little with winter indoor swimming), OR for those who are simply excited for something new.

This trip we have designed provides you the opportunity for a private walking experience on a working sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury, offering landscapes from river flats to rugged hills and 220 hectares of native forest. The Mt Guardian Walkway boasts uninterrupted views of the Kaikōura Coast and the extraordinary opportunity to walk through 220 hectares of protected native forest, part of the farms QEII covenant. This area, the jewel in the crown, features a stunning limestone stream winding beneath towering trees and limestone bluffs — a peaceful place that feels worlds away from the everyday.

The group size will be limited to 12 people, and will be split across three accommodation options;

– The Cottage; a cute and cosy, newly renovated farm cottage complete with kitchen and a wood burner, containing 2 rooms each with a double bed, and one room with 4x bunk beds, plus a bathroom and additional separate toilet.

– Danny’s Cabin; a basic, comfortable hikers cabin with renovated kitchen and electric heating, containing 2 rooms; 1x double bed, and 4x bunk beds. The bunk room is an external access via the deck. The shower and toilet are also accessed externally. –

Hundalee Cabin; a newly built, super cosy and spacious unit with one double bed, kitchen, fireplace and ensuite. Suitable for a couple, or single person wanting additional privacy.

Once you have registered for the trip and paid your deposit, please email Penelope; info@fitandabel.com and book directly with her your accommodation option (see pricing below). An invoice for the remaining balance will be created and sent to you according to the option you choose.

The Walk
The 17km walk is a loop of the farm covering varied terrain with some short steep sections and uneven ground, requiring a moderate level of fitness (Grade 3 walk).

September 2026

2 night stay, 1 day hike

Day One: Friday 18 September 2026

Day Two: Saturday 19 September 2026

Day Three: Sunday 20 September 2026

In the event of inclement weather or any ‘acts of god’ on the Saturday deeming it unsuitable for the walk we will either adjust the walk or postpone it to the Sunday. If the weather for the whole weekend is not suitable, we will postpone to another date or credit your TeamUp account.

What you can expect across the weekend;

– two night’s accommodation*
– access to private family-owned farmland
– nutritious meals; 2x breakfast, 1x lunch, 2x dinner – hot drinks; tea, coffee, milo
– hosts; Dan and Penelope Abel

* Pricing is depending on the accommodation option you choose on a first in, first served basis.

Danny’s Cabin
· 1x Double bed, own room = $1000NZD (1-2 people)…available
· Single bed in 4 person bunk room = $550NZD per person…available

The Cottage
· 2 x Double bed, own room = $1100NZD (1-2 people)…1x booked, 1x available
· Single bed in 4 person bunk room = $595NZD per person…1x booked, 3x available

Hundalee Cabin = $1250NZD (1-2 people)…available

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.

Linen not included. Please bring your own sleeping bag or sheets, and personal shower towel. Hand towels, tea towels, bathmats etc are included.

Once you have registered for the trip and paid your deposit, please email Penelope; info@fitandabel.com and book directly with her your accommodation option. An invoice for the remaining balance will be created and sent to you according to the option you choose.

BYO drinks and additional snacks.

Transport not included. Drive time from Christchurch is approx. 1hr45mins – 2hrs.

• A non refundable deposit is required to confirm your Fish out of Water booking.
• Full payment is required for a booking no later than 60 days from the trip start date.
• If a payment plan is a good option for you, we are happy to work with you to achieve this. Please email; info@fitandabel.com

You’ll need appropriate gear for all weather conditions…just in case

• Anti Chaffe
• Hiking Pole (recommended, not a requirement)
• Base layer & rain jacket
• Wooly hat
• Sun cap (peaked or brimmed)
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Drink bottle
• Personal snacks
• Keep Cup
• Phone battery pack & chord (although we recommend phone is used for photos only & is on airplane mode to fully immerse into the hiking experience)
• Personal medication

For your accommodation

• Bedding (Sleeping bag or bed sheets)
• Personal Shower Towel
• Toiletries

Danny’s Cabin
· 1x Double bed, own room = $1000NZD (1-2 people)…available
· Single bed in 4 person bunk room = $550NZD per person…available

The Cottage
· 2 x Double bed, own room = $1100NZD (1-2 people)…1x booked, 1x available
· Single bed in 4 person bunk room = $595NZD per person…1x booked, 3x available

Hundalee Cabin = $1250NZD (1-2 people)…available

Linen not included. Please bring your own sleeping bag or sheets, and personal shower towel. Hand towels, tea towels, bathmats etc are included.