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.
| July | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 20 4 spaces 4 | 21 6 spaces 6 | 22 6 spaces 6 | 23 6 spaces 6 | 24 6 spaces 6 | 25 booked - | 26 booked - |
| 27 6 spaces 6 | 28 6 spaces 6 | 29 6 spaces 6 | 30 6 spaces 6 | 31 6 spaces 6 | ||
| August | ||||||
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 1 2 spaces 2 | 2 2 spaces 2 | |||||
| 3 booked - | 4 booked - | 5 booked - | 6 booked - | 7 booked - | 8 6 spaces 6 | 9 4 spaces 4 |
| 10 6 spaces 6 | 11 6 spaces 6 | 12 6 spaces 6 | 13 6 spaces 6 | 14 6 spaces 6 | 15 6 spaces 6 | 16 booked - |
| 17 booked - | 18 booked - | 19 booked - | 20 booked - | 21 6 spaces 6 | 22 booked - | 23 booked - |
| 24 booked - | 25 booked - | 26 booked - | 27 booked - | 28 6 spaces 6 | 29 booked - | 30 booked - |
| 31 3 spaces 3 | ||||||
| September | ||||||
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 1 3 spaces 3 | 2 6 spaces 6 | 3 5 spaces 5 | 4 5 spaces 5 | 5 6 spaces 6 | 6 booked - | |
| 7 booked - | 8 booked - | 9 booked - | 10 booked - | 11 booked - | 12 6 spaces 6 | 13 6 spaces 6 |
| 14 6 spaces 6 | 15 6 spaces 6 | 16 6 spaces 6 | 17 6 spaces 6 | 18 6 spaces 6 | 19 3 spaces 3 | 20 3 spaces 3 |
| Updated: 18 July 2025 at 9:12 am | ||||||
| Standard Price | 1 night |
|---|---|
| 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.
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.
Key collection: you will need to come to Edelweiss Lodge at 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo to collect the key. Please let us know when you will be coming and don't forget to take a cell phone.
Where can I find information about visiting Lake Tekapo?
There's many things to see and do in Lake Tekapo. An afternoon hike after your arrival is a good way to stretch the legs and a soak in the Tekapo Alpine Springs is the perfect way to unwind and ease tired muscles after your mountain adventure. We've put together some helpful information on our recommended activities in Tekapo to get you started.
→ The best activities in Tekapo
What are the best day hikes and walking trails in Tekapo?
We've put together a list of Tekapo's top day hikes and walking trails. A great way to get your legs warmed up before your mountain adventure with Alpine Recreation!
→ Tekapo's best day hikes and walking trails
What are the best mountain biking and cycle trails in Tekapo?
We've put together a list of Tekapo's top mountain biking and cycle trails. A great way to get your legs warmed up before your mountain adventure with Alpine Recreation!
→ Tekapo's best bike and cycle trails
What alpine treks and multi-day hikes can I do in Tekapo?
Tekapo and the Mackenzie High Country are simply stunning places to explore. Alpine Recreation specialise in alpine treks and hikes in the Lake Tekapo region and were the first guiding operation established in Tekapo - we have been guiding in the hills and mountains surround Lake Tekapo for over 40 years! Our professional NZMGA qualified alpine trekking guides know the best places to take you - come and join us for your next Tekapo adventure.
→ Lake Tekapo alpine treks and hikes
What else can I see/do in the Lake Tekapo region?
We are located in a stunning corner of New Zealand, with quick access to many great mountain adventures. If you have spare time, it is worth spending a few extra days to check out some of the highlights.
How do I make a Rex Simpson Hut booking?
Simply click on Book Now, fill out the hut booking form, and pay your deposit fee. Once you have submitted your completed booking form and we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your dates and reservation. You will receive a formal confirmation receipt by email.
If you'd also like to book nights at Edelweiss Lodge & Studio, please let us know via email.
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 enrolment form.
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.
How do I find Edelweiss Lodge?
Please follow the Google Maps directions on our Contact Page. Note that Edelweiss Lodge is the main building with an attached garage (not the wooden cabin in front of it).
Duration
2 - 7 days
Spaces
1 - 6 guests
Nightly rate
$70.00 per person
Access / Egress
hike in, hike out
