For New Zealanders walking, or tramping as it is more commonly known, is a pursuit that evokes almost as much passion as rugby, the national obsession.

In a country blessed with stunning scenery, mountains and wildlife it's no wonder so many trekkers from around the world flock to the likes of Milford and Queenstown to sample some of the most breathtaking views in the southern hemisphere.

Now a new destination is hoping to add its name to an illustrious list of must-see places on New Zealand's South Island.

The Hurunui High Country Track, on Island Hills Station, 90 minutes north of Christchurch, has been a local success story born out of hard work, determination and vision making it one of the South Island's best-kept secrets.

Owned and operated by a young local couple, Dan and Mandy Shand, the 7,100 hectare property has been farmed by Dan's family for the last 70 years.

Despite farming still being the lifeblood of the New Zealand economy the Shands decided to diversify the business and turn a section of this vast property into a tourism attraction and the idea of a walking track was formed.

Billed as a three-night unguided walking track with the added bonus of hot showers, pack transport and something a little different along the way, Dan and Mandy are finally beginning to

benefit from the fruits of their labours after their busiest ever summer season.

After spending two-and-a-half backbreaking years creating the 30km track with just a chainsaw, a pick and a shovel, the Shands now claim to have the most different track in New Zealand.

With hikers having the option of not lugging heavy packs on their backs or having to finding a bed to lay their heads, the response has been greeted with widespread approval from seasoned walkers and novices alike.

But they can still finish off a hard day's yakka with the luxury of a shower.

Guests spend their first night of their stay at the old cook house which has been converted to provide rooms with two beds and a fully-equipped kitchen, barbecue and hot showers.

After completing a challenging but not impossible 16km the first day, walkers spend the second night in the Valley Camp, a large open-plan hut with bunk beds and full kitchen facilities.

Day two is just over eight kilometres, but is a much more arduous walk with mainly uphill, rough uneven ground but offers views which are truly sensational and diverse ranging from mountains, to bush, streams, lagoons and a whole host of bird life.

After working your way through the wilderness valley the final night's stay offers the choice of sleeping in another well-appointed and refurbished hut or in an already-erected semi-permanent tent complete with beds and sleeping bags.

Dinner can be cooked on the barbecue and the peace and serenity of the natural bushland make it a wonderful place to wake up and embark of the final leg of the walk which is seven kilometres and takes just over two hours to complete.

A reasonable level of fitness is required for the three-day hike and walkers are recommended to bring warm clothes, rain jackets and hiking boots.

Food can be ordered for each day when booking via the track's website and transported to your destination. Your luggage can also be brought to your camp for the night for an additional cost.

Pack transport, if required, is $25 per person for the entire trip and it will cost $150 for the three-day trek or $125 for two days.

The wide range of vegetation and landscapes make this trek interesting and diverse and complements the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. It's a must-see trip for any outdoor lover.