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

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 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.

→ Lake Tekapo backcountry adventures

How do I make a booking?

Simply click on Book Your Adventure, fill out the enrolment form, and pay your deposit fee. Once you have submitted your completed enrolment form and we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your reservation on the trip. You will receive a formal confirmation receipt by email.

How can I book nights at Edelweiss Lodge & Studio?

Edelweiss Lodge accommodation options are available for participants booked on Alpine Recreation trips and courses. Please specify which room you'd like on your enrolment form at the time of booking. All accommodation bookings include a continental breakfast. Please be aware that spaces do fill up quickly and your first choice may not be available. We will let you know if this is the case.

→ Edelweiss Lodge rooms

Your scheduled dates don't work for me - what should I do?

Please contact us with your available dates. We may be able to accommodate your request.

What happens if we have really bad weather?

New Zealand's weather is notoriously fickle. It is possible you could be delayed getting into or out of the mountains due to the weather. For this reason, we recommend leaving 1-2 days spare at the end of your trip to avoid disruption to other travel plans. Your guide will endeavour to provide alternative activities/venues to give you the best possible experience. In some cases, if all participants and the guide have flexibility with time, it may be an option to postpone the whole trip by a day (however we cannot guarantee this option and it is at the discretion of the guide).

In many cases, the weather may not be as bad as the forecast might lead you to believe - please remember that we are used to dealing with New Zealand's weather on a regular basis and know where to go and what to do to make the most of it!

Please see our Bad Weather Policies for more information.

When is the gear check?

All trips start with a gear check at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. For your specific trip gear check and start times, please refer to the Itinerary section of the relevant product page.

What mountaineering equipment do I need to bring?

Please refer to the clothing and equipment checklist in the Equipment section. Any technical equipment you need to borrow (including ice tools, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) is provided FREE OF CHARGE and will be issued by your guide at the gear check. Please note that we can only provide boots for less technical objectives and recommend you bring your own.

Do I need travel insurance?

In the case of an accident, New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) will cover the majority of costs (about 80%) involved with evacuation and injury treatment, even for visitors to New Zealand. However, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance, as you still need cover for things such as cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip, or a close relative suddenly becomes ill; and medical insurance in case you become ill. Many standard travel insurance policies DO NOT cover high-risk adventure activities so be sure to check the wording of your policy.

More information on New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC).

Recommended insurance providers:
→ New Zealand Alpine Club provides mountaineering specific insurance options for New Zealand or Australian residents.
→ Austrian Alpine Club provides world-wide rescue and repatriation insurance to members.
→ World Nomads provides travel insurance for guided adventure activities.
→ Insure4less provides cover for a selection of high-risk activities for Australian residents.

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 get to / from Lake Tekapo?

Bus: If you want to reach Tekapo by bus on the same day as an international flight, currently there is no public transport option, as Intercity bus connections leave Christchurch and Queenstown early in the morning and only run on certain days of the week. Please check carefully before booking flights that might look like they could connect.

Rental car: If you plan to hire a car, you may wish to car-pool with others in your group – please email us if you'd like to arrange car-pooling.

Please make sure you have your return transport sorted well before the day your trip starts!

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).

Where can I park my car?

Secure off-street parking is available by Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge. Please leave your car keys with us (in case we have to move your vehicle if someone is parked in and so you don't lose your keys on the mountain!).

What do I do with my spare gear while on the trip?

We have a gear storage room at Edelweiss Lodge for you to leave any spare bags or gear while you are on your trip.

What food is included on your trips?

We provide all meals from lunch on the first day through to lunch on the final day — you’ll be well-fed from start to finish. If your booking includes a stay at Edelweiss Lodge the night before your trip, a continental breakfast is also included, so you’re sorted from breakfast on day one.

Our meals are fresh, wholesome, and designed to keep you fuelled for long days in the mountains. Expect generous portions and hearty food that hits the spot after a big day outdoors!

Where do you source your food from?

We proudly support local producers and ethical suppliers who align with our values of quality, care, and sustainability. Some of our favourite suppliers include:

• Geraldine Cheese Company
• Southern Sky Roasters (coffee)
• Boring Milk (Plant based Milk)
• Verkerks Meats
• Cookie Time, OSM & EM's
• Pic’s Peanut Butter
• YUM granola

…and more!

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, absolutely! We can cater for a wide range of dietary needs — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, FODMAP, and others. Just let us know on your booking form and we’ll make sure your meals are suitable and satisfying.

What if I have a food allergy?

We take food allergies seriously. Please let us know your specific allergy details when you book, and we’ll do everything we can to minimise risk and prepare safe meals. While we can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free kitchen, we are careful and considerate in handling requests.

What if I have a food intolerance?

We’re happy to adjust meals to suit your needs — whether it’s avoiding gluten, dairy, or other ingredients. Just give us clear information on your booking form so we can plan accordingly.