New Zealand Alpine Trekking

Active Adventure

TEKAPO TREK: Moderate hiking: Climb high above Lake Tekapo to a private mountain hut, and climb a 2070m peak. Take in the grand views of the Southern Alps and enjoy the solitude of the high country.

BALL PASS TREK: Challenging trekking: Climb 850m from the Tasman Glacier to the private Caroline Hut, opposite the awesome Caroline Ice Face of Aoraki Mount Cook. Learn how to use crampons and ice-axe and climb an easy peak. Cross a small glacier and Ball Pass then descend to Mount Cook Village via the lush Hooker Valley. Previous hiking and backpacking experience essential.

Typical Day

TEKAPO TREK: Day 1: Start: 10am at Alpine Recreation's office, 30 Murray Place Lake Tekapo. From Lake Tekapo township we drive along the lakeshore to a typical high country sheep station. Three hours' hike with a climb of 430m/1400ft brings us to the cosy Rex Simpson Hut, at 1280m/4200ft. The only sounds to be heard are the skylarks singing, or the chirp of an occasional pippit. This peacefulness is one of the first powerful impressions, giving a real sense of isolation and remoteness. The views over Lake Tekapo are expansive. Evening entertainment regularly comes in the form of an inspiring sunset behind the alps and/or spectacularly clear displays of our Southern Hemisphere stars.


Day 2: We trek along a 6 kilometre-long ridge-top, nicknamed "Snake Ridge", that was formed by ice-age glaciation, and ascend Beuzenberg Peak (2073m/6800ft). The terrain is untracked with a moderate gradient. As we hike higher the splendour of the Southern Alps unfolds with the East Face of Mount Cook dominating the skyline. Walk back down to Rex Simpson Hut to be well fed and entertained by your guide. 6-8 hours walking.

Age range, type of group

15-70 years

Sleeping and meals

private mountain huts with communal bunkrooms - sleeping bags, linen provided

all meals provided

Rates

Tekapo Trek: NZ$750
Ball Pass Trek NZ$980

Other Information

All equipment provided