Alpine Hikes & Treks
Tekapo Hiking Adventures
Explore the Mackenzie High Country
Overnight and multi-day guided hiking experiences
Lake Tekapo Alpine Hikes & Treks
Lake Tekapo Alpine Hikes & Treks
Explore stunning alpine terrain in the Mackenzie High Country
Looking to hike Tekapo and explore New Zealand’s alpine backcountry beyond the crowds? Our Lake Tekapo Alpine Hikes & Treks offer an unforgettable wilderness experience in the heart of the Mackenzie high country. Alpine Recreation's very own Edelweiss Lodge provides the perfect starting point for your overnight or multi-day alpine hiking tour and just minutes from the Tekapo township, you’ll step into a world of golden tussock ridge-lines, glacier-carved valleys, and vast views across the Southern Alps — all with expert guides and private hut access to make your adventure seamless and safe.
These Tekapo adventures take you deep into the Two Thumb Range and Cass Valley, where you can hike hut-to-hut or base yourself at our well-equipped Rex Simpson Hut. Whether you're on a 2-day ridge trek or a 4-day high-country traverse, every step offers spectacular scenery, peaceful solitude, and a true sense of immersion in New Zealand’s alpine wilderness. No crowds, no rush — just fresh mountain air and wide-open space.
Our enthusiastic IFMGA / NZMGA qualified alpine trekking guides and small groups allow you to venture off the beaten track to exclusive wilderness locations. Our equipment is provided FREE of charge to ensure you have the right kit and to take the hassle out of travelling - let us organise the logistics and come and enjoy a spectacular Tekapo adventure!
Perfect for fit trampers, outdoor lovers, and anyone ready for a real backcountry journey, our guided alpine treks are suitable for those with good fitness and hiking experience. Alpine Recreation offer a wide range of Tekapo adventures - both summer and winter treks and hikes to suit various levels of fitness, ability and experience - many of our guests return year after year for a new mountain challenge. We specialise in providing a personal service and creating custom alpine adventures. Join us and experience the best-kept secret in South Island trekking.
Hut-Based Treks in the Two Thumb Range
Base your adventure from Rex Simpson Hut, our private, high-country retreat perched at 1300 metres, with sweeping views across Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. From here, you’ll explore ridge-lines, alpine basins, and remote valleys far from the crowds — all with the comfort of hot meals and warm beds at the end of the day.
✓ Overnight and multi-day day hikes with a qualified alpine trekking guide
✓ Breathtaking panoramas, golden tussock country, snow-capped mountains and alpine wildflowers
✓ Access to Alpine Recreation's very own Rex Simpson Hut
✓ Small group sizes and personalised itineraries
✓ All equipment and meals provided
Hut-to-Hut Treks in the Cass Valley
Explore one of New Zealand’s most remote and dramatic alpine valleys on a guided overnight or hut-to-hut trek in the Cass Valley. Tucked behind Lake Tekapo, this rugged backcountry offers glacier-fed rivers, open tussock basins, and panoramic mountain views — with private hut access and experienced guides to lead the way.
✓ Exclusive access to heated private huts
✓ 4WD transport is part of the adventure
✓ Small group, fully guided experience
✓ Ideal for fit, experienced trampers
✓ Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Why Hike with Alpine Recreation?
✓ All meals, hiking equipment, 4WD transport and logistics taken care of
✓ Access to some of the most spectacular terrain in the Tekapo backcountry
✓ Exclusive use of fully equipped huts — cosy, rustic retreats in the high country
✓ Professional IFMGA / NZMGA qualified local guides with extensive mountain knowledge
✓ Over 40 years of experience guiding in the Tekapo backcountry — Alpine Recreation was the first guiding operation established in Lake Tekapo
A Hidden Gem of the Southern Alps
Unlike the busier tourist hubs, the Two Thumb Range and Cass Valley remain hidden gems — and that’s exactly why we love it. Here, you’ll find uninterrupted alpine solitude, stargazing from the hut under the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and the chance to wander with nothing but mountains in every direction.
Ready to Hike the Tekapo High Country?
Whether you're looking for a weekend escape or a multi-day adventure into the alpine wilderness, our Lake Tekapo Alpine Hikes & Treks deliver unforgettable experiences for hikers with a spirit of adventure.
Enquire Now to find the right trip for you.
