Rex Simpson Hut
Rex Simpson Hut
Lake Tekapo mountain retreat
Rex Simpson Hut is located in a beautiful setting on a glacial moraine terrace at 1300m in the Two Thumb Range. With great views of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo, it is fantastic location for some star gazing - the Mackenzie District is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why the area was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Rex Simpson Hut is Alpine Recreation's base for the hiking in the summer and ski & split-board tours, nordic skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry instruction courses during the winter.
Public / unguided bookings
Rex Simpson Hut is available to the public subject to a booking system. A maximum of 6 participants can book the hut at any given time.
Parties need to be completely self-sufficient, they need to bring their own ski-touring equipment, avalanche transceivers, shovel etc. Alpine Recreation's ski touring and snowshoe equipment is only available to its guided parties. Please be aware that you may be sharing the hut with guided groups. Guides’ primary responsibilities are with their clients and while they may be happy to give the occasional tip, please respect that this is their workplace and they are not there to provide free advice.
If you are uncertain of where to go or how to travel safely through avalanche terrain, then we recommend booking a guided trip or course with us to learn the necessary skills to become self-sufficient.
Please bring a cell phone. Telecom and Vodaphone work well on the entire access line and anywhere in the ranges where there is a clear view of Mount John near Lake Tekapo and Mount Mary.
Rex Simpson Hut has full kitchen facilities (including pots, cutlery, crockery) and has gas cookers, a wood-burning stove and electric light (solar). Gas and firewood are provided.
All you need to bring is your own sleeping bag, pillowcase, tea towel, toilet paper and your own food.
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| Standard Price | 1 night |
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| Price per person spaces | NZ$70 1 - 6 guests * |
Please read the information on minimum charge below.
Hut fees: these cover annual maintenance costs, DOC lease, gas and firewood. Fees are scaled in order to be equitable to the users.
Special rates (fees per person):
• Members of New Zealand Alpine Club, Canterbury Mountaineering Club, Back Country Skiers Alliance: $60 per night
• Students: $45 per night
• Children under 14: $25 per night
• School Groups and local residents (Lake Tekapo): By negotiation
• Supporters of Rex Simpson Hut: NO charge
For winter use (June to October) a minimum charge of $140 per night applies. Visitors need to collect a key from Alpine Recreation at 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo and need to carry a cell phone.
Rex Simpson Hut is situated on DOC land just outside the Mount Gerald pastoral lease. Exact location: NZ E2319364 N5712702. Access to the hut is through Richmond Station, to the south of the Mount Gerald boundary fence. When crossing the Coal River bridge, turn right after 50 metres at the DOC sign. Leave the gate as you find it. The car park is 800 metres up this track. Please follow the orange warratahs after crossing the little side stream. This is the official access across Richmond Station. Please refer to map for details - available from us when you collect keys.
Where is the best place to stay in Lake Tekapo before/after my trip?
Alpine Recreation provides accommodation at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. This is also where your gear check takes place before departure. It is recommended you book the nights before and after your trip here to facilitate the gear check and to allow flexibility in case of any delay in trip start due to weather. To book your nights, simply answer the relevant questions on your trip booking form.
→ Other Lake Tekapo Accommodation recommendations. We strongly recommend that you book your accommodation well in advance, as Tekapo is a popular tourist destination and options become limited during peak season.
Duration
2 - 7 days
Spaces
1 - 6 guests
Nightly rate
$70.00 per person
Access / Egress
hike in, hike out
