Our Hiking Track Grading System explained

Wondering how ‘physical’ your hiking tour will be?

Our grading system makes it easy to see!

The term ‘hiking tour’ can throw up different images for different people. While some may picture a gentle stroll through a flat and sheltered forest, others may have images of scaling steep mountainsides, wandering along icy, windswept ridges and wading chest-deep into raging rivers! So which image is correct?

What will you experience on a Sidetracks Women hiking tour?

Firstly, you can rest assured that you won’t experience anything at the extreme end of the scale. In other words, you won’t have to carry oxygen masks, strap on crampons or carry ice picks! But neither would you call our tours a walk in the park. So, where do they fit?

Well, to make it easy to see exactly where, we’ve developed a grading system that takes into account factors such as the terrain you will encounter, the altitude (i.e. how high up you will go), whether the surface is rough/muddy or well-formed, and if there are bridges when you need to cross a stream. And, of course, a ballpoint figure how long all this takes on average.

These factors are reflected in the categories that underlie every Sidetracks Women hiking tour:

⭐Grade 1 / Easiest

Gentle walking on well-formed tracks.

Up to 100 m elevation.

Walking time: 1–2 hours per walk.

For anyone with a normal level of mobility and general health.

⭐⭐Grade 2 / Easy

Generally well-formed tracks, may be rough or muddy.

Up to 300 m elevation.

Walking time: 2–4 hours/day.

Ideal for women in good health who enjoy a bit of movement.

⭐⭐⭐Grade 3 / Moderate

Mostly well-formed tracks, some rough or muddy sections.

Up to 700 m elevation.

Walking time: 3–6 hours/day.

Great if you walk regularly and enjoy active days out.

⭐⭐⭐⭐Grade 4 / Challenging

Uneven terrain, muddy or steep tracks, possible unbridged stream crossings.

Up to 1000 m elevation.

Walking time: 5–7 hours/day.

You’ll need steady footing and good stamina.

(Currently not offered)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Grade 5 / Expert

Remote, steep, and rough terrain.

More than 1000 m elevation.

Walking time: 6–8+ hours/day.

Only for very fit and experienced walkers.

(Currently not offered)

We might be on the track for up to 2 hours longer as all times shown are walking times.

Time for photo stops and breaks needs to be added.

If still in doubt…

Sometimes a mix of terrain means that a track may range across two or even three grades. Our hiking tours are generally in the easy or moderate range. They can easily be managed by people with a reasonable to good level of fitness. They are not a walk in the park, but neither are they for highly experienced mountaineers. They are a multi-day tramping experience in a small group of generally enthusiastic, like-minded women.

It is important to keep in mind that weather conditions impact the walkability and difficulty of a trail. For example, a trail may be more difficult than described due to heavy rain or strong winds.

Don't forget – you only carry your day pack! Without the burden of a heavy backpack, you can tackle the uphill parts with much more ease and freedom of movement. We make sure we take regular breaks. And trust us - the views from the top are well worth it!!

Here are more details about each of our hiking tours:

🥾 Kaikoura Coast Track – Grade 3 (Easy / Moderate)

The Kaikoura Coast Track falls under our Grade 3 category due to its walking time of around 4 to 6 hours per day and elevation gain of up to 400 metres.

That said, the track itself is technically easy. The paths are well-formed, and while there are a few stream crossings, these only become a bit more challenging after heavy rain.

👉 Our recommendation

A great option for women who are new to multi-day hiking and in good general health. You don’t need any special experience – just a sense of adventure and a willingness to give it a go!

🥾 Banks Peninsula Track – Grade 3 (Moderate)

The Banks Track is often described as an easy walk – and for the most part, it is. The paths are well-formed, and the scenery is simply stunning. But there’s more to it: Day 1 and Day 3 include significant elevation gains and losses – around 500 m on the first day and up to 700 m on the third day. These climbs and descents make it more physically demanding than many expect.

After heavy rain, some sections can become muddy and slippery, which requires careful footing and a bit of confidence.

👉 Our recommendation

This tour is a good choice for women in solid walking shape who are comfortable with hills and uneven ground. A bit of balance and sure-footedness makes it much more enjoyable – especially if the weather turns wet.That said, it’s still a great option for fit beginners who are keen to take on a rewarding and scenic challenge.

🥾 Island Hills Station Track – Grade 3 (Moderate)

This tour is graded as Moderate – mainly due to the length of the walking days and some steady climbs on farm and bush tracks.

To enjoy this tour, a good level of fitness is definitely helpful – otherwise, you might find yourself a bit out of breath on the uphills.A bit of sure-footedness also makes the walking feel easier and safer.

👉 Our recommendation

If you’re generally active and happy to keep a steady walking pace, this tour will be a great fit. It’s not suited to those who prefer a very slow pace, as we want to keep the group moving comfortably together.

🥾 Nelson Lakes, Nydia Track & Queen Charlotte Track – Grade 3 (Moderate)

This tour is graded as Moderate – but don’t let that worry you!The tracks are all well-formed and easy to follow, with just the occasional muddy or uneven section. It’s the length of the walks (around 4–5 hours per day) and a few gentle climbs that put it into this category.

🏔️ Mt Robert Circuit: ~550m elevation

🌿 Nydia Track: ~350m elevation gain each day

🌊 Queen Charlotte Track: ~200m on Day 1, ~400m on Day 2

👉 Our recommendation

Perfect if you’re in good health, enjoy walking, and are used to being on your feet a bit longer. You don’t need hiking experience – just a reasonable level of fitness and a love for the outdoors. We’d love to say it’s easy – and for many it is! – but we prefer to be honest so you can feel confident and well-prepared.

🥾 Top of the South – Grade 1–2 (Easiest to Easy) with one optional Grade 3 section (Moderate)

This tour offers a beautiful mix of easy walks – mostly flat or gently undulating tracks, with walking times ranging between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

There’s one longer day (Grade 3) that involves more time on foot, but it can be shortened if needed, so you’re never pushed beyond your comfort zone.

👉 Our recommendation

Ideal for women with little or no hiking experience, or for those who have done plenty in the past and now prefer shorter, enjoyable walks. It’s also the perfect way to (re)discover your joy for walking – in a relaxed and supportive group atmosphere.