Support the Occupation
The occupation camp was set up on the 28th of January 2006, since then over 1500 people have visited the camp. It is set on the west side of the Valley overlooking the red tussic wetlands. From a short hill climb on the opposite side of the Valley you can see Stockton mine and juxtapose the destruction of Mt Augustus and Frederick with the beauty of Happy Valley.
The journey into the Valley
The journey into the occupation camp is a difficult one and it is essential that you have a guide. From Westport we drive an hour into and beyond Burnetts Face, a 4WD vehicle is essential to make it to the closest road end. On the three hour walk in we’ll walk pass over rock plateau’s, through red tussock wetlands, pass large gorge canyons and a fantastic swimming hole. The route is reasonably clearly marked and is in good condition; however the weather and river levels can change this quickly.
Regular Trips
Come and see the Valley for yourself! The coalition runs regular guided trips into the camp; these are open to anyone who can make the three hour tramp. Please contact occupation@savehappyvalley.org.nz to register your interest.
Contact details
Email: occupation@savehappyvalley.org.nz
Phone/ text: 021 032 3335
Happy Valley Survival Gear list and Info sheet
Expect weather ranging from wet and very cold to hot and very sunny! Full wet weather and good cold weather equipment are still essential.
- Waterproof rain coat
- Warm hat, gloves
- Tramping pack — with packliner/rubbish bag or everything in plastic bags
- Sleeping bag &mdash we recommend a synthetic bag which is rated to about 0 degrees (or bring an extra blanket). Wrap it in its own plastic
- 2 fleece, wool, poly-pro / polyester (not cotton) undershirts
- 2 fleece, wool, poly-pro / polyester (not cotton) warm tops
- Shirts for walking in. While cotton is fine for walking in on warm days, it has no warming abilities at all. Cotton means cold.
- Warm dry clothes for when you arrive at camp
- Personal toilet gear (must be environmentally friendly)
- Water bottle (there is plenty of water on the way in which we think is safe to drink)
- Sunblock
- A wide brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Anything else you need to make yourself comfortable and safe in hot and sunny conditions.
Food
- Energy/snack foods: e.g. chocolate, scroggin, muesli bars
- Food for your stay. You need to bring all meals that you require for your stay.
Recommended Gear
- Sleeping mat/s
- Waterproof overtrousers, poly prop long johns/pants
- Torch and extra batteries
- Bring your own medication if required (there is a full first aid kit there)
- Gaiters
- Scarf
- 2 pairs of socks, and if you are staying longer than 1 night, then an extra pair per day. Remember that cotton socks mean cold feet.
- Camp shoes/gumboots/sandals
- Matches/lighter (there is a camp gas stove, so you wont need a cooker)
- Personal first aid kit (a good idea for whilst tramping in and out)
- If you have them, please bring cameras / video cameras
- Sun umbrellas (which may also double as rain umbrellas)
- Insect repellant
Things to adhere to when visiting Happy Valley
a) Please make sure you ONLY bring:
Unbleached toilet paper (SAFE is the best one available in Aotearoa), environmentally friendly toothpaste etc, only natural soap and other products (please no yucky soaps in waterways, no toxic detergents in the valley, etc)
b) Happy Valley is a pristine area — please think carefully about what you bring in
Carry all your rubbish out. There are careful procedures in place to ensure seeds do grow in the valley. Abide by the Department of Conservation Environmental Care Code.
c) It’s great to bring supplies in to contribute to the communal pool.
Just think of others and don't leave rubbish or junk in there, and ask what the occupation requires when you phone or email them. All food donations are gratefully accepted by the occupation.
d) Be aware that river levels, due to high rain, may delay exit.
Always make sure you, your group or guide have checked the weather/metservice forecast e.g. http://metvuw.com/forecast/. If it's been wet before you go in, check if rivers are up/ passable when you talk to the occupation. If there is heavy rain, it is more likely that your exit will be delayed than made early &madsh; this decision will be made at the discretion of the camp guides who have to walk you out and then back in again.
e) Electronics, cell phones etc need to be in a waterproof bag
f) We do have some bits and pieces of spare gear, so if you need to borrow something, ask when you phone the occupation. Make this enquiry sooner rather than later.
