Advanced
Alpine Navigation Course
Navigation Training for Expedition Travel and Adventure Racing
Tekapo Adventures Summer Adventures Courses Mountaineering & Climbing Courses Backcountry Skills CoursesAdvanced Alpine Navigation Course
Advanced Alpine Navigation Course
Intensive Navigation Training for Expedition Travel, Mountaineering, and Adventure Racing
The Advanced Alpine Navigation Course is an intensive multi-day training course designed for experienced outdoor travellers who want to develop high-level navigation skills for complex terrain and expedition environments.
Based from our private alpine hut in the Two Thumb Range, this course focuses on practical navigation challenges in real mountain terrain. Participants will refine their ability to plan routes, interpret complex terrain, and make confident navigation decisions under pressure.
This course is particularly valuable for experienced adventure racers, expedition travellers, and mountaineers preparing for events such as the Godzone Adventure Race or other long-distance adventure races.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for people who already have solid navigation fundamentals and want to develop more advanced skills.
Typical participants include:
- experienced adventure racers
- competitors preparing for Godzone Adventure Race
- ski tourers and mountaineers travelling in remote terrain
- trampers planning off-track routes and alpine traverses
- expedition travellers wanting stronger navigation strategy
Participants should already be comfortable using map and compass for basic navigation.
Why Learn Advanced Navigation?
In remote terrain, navigation is more than simply following a bearing. Experienced navigators combine terrain interpretation, route strategy and decision making to travel efficiently through the mountains.
Developing these skills can dramatically improve performance in expedition travel, alpine traverses and adventure racing.
Why Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb Range are Ideal for Learning Navigation
The mountains and foothills surrounding Lake Tekapo provide a spectacular alpine environment for advancing your navigation skills. Lake Tekapo is becoming an increasingly popular venue for adventure races and rogaines, and has hosted events such as Summer Challenge, Spirited Women, Australasian Rogaining Championships, and GodZone.
The terrain provides an exceptional training ground for advanced navigation skills, offering:
- large-scale alpine terrain
- complex ridges and valleys
- open landscapes ideal for terrain interpretation
- varied route choice options
Participants will travel through real mountain terrain while applying navigation strategies throughout the course.
Women’s Navigation Courses
We also run women’s only navigation courses throughout the year.
These courses follow the same curriculum as the Advanced Alpine Navigation Course, but provide a supportive learning environment for women wanting to further improve their confidence in backcountry navigation. They are ideal preparation for long course (9 hour) participants in women's adventure races such as Spirited Women, Spring Challenge, and Summer Challenge.
Look for the girls-only group icon in the dates section for scheduled courses, or contact us to arrange dates that suit you.
Improve Your Skills with Advanced Navigation Techniques
The Advanced Alpine Navigation Course is ideal for experienced navigators wanting to take their skills further. Courses are based at our private mountain hut in the Two Thumb Range. This course is one of the few opportunities to undertake an advanced navigation course in New Zealand in real alpine terrain.
These multi-day courses focus on:
- expedition navigation
- alpine route planning
- navigation in complex mountain terrain
- navigation in limited visibility conditions
- decision making in remote environments
Our advanced navigation courses are ideal for trampers and mountaineers planning committing trans-alpine expeditions and ambitious adventure racers taking on more challenging events such as GodZone.
Beginner Navigation Courses
For those wanting to learn the basics of map and compass navigation, we recommend starting with our Alpine Navigation Fundamentals Course, based in Lake Tekapo.
Rex Simpson Hut
Rex Simpson Hut sits at an altitude of 1300m in the Two Thumb Range. It is located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and vistas over Lake Tekapo across the Mackenzie Basin. It is a fantastic location for 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.
Privately Owned
The Hut is privately owned by Alpine Recreation and is an ideal base for backcountry skiing with ready access to a range of slopes suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. It is our base for the Tekapo High Country Hike in Summer and Alpine Ski Touring, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Instruction Courses during the winter.
Easy Access
No aircraft required: The hut can be reached in 3 hours walking from the road end and is located at 1300m, in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and out over Lake Tekapo across the Mackenzie Basin.
Fully Equipped
The hut is equipped with firewood, gas, solar lighting, sleeping bags, bunks, pillows and mattresses, and nonperishable food. A wood-fired stove means there are good heating and drying facilities.
Facilities
The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping up to 13 participants and 2 guides in total. There are no showers, but warm water and a basin can be provided for washing or you can find a private spot somewhere along the alpine stream. The toilet is a traditional longdrop loo with a view!
Going beyond introductory navigation courses, this programme focuses on navigation strategy and decision making in complex terrain. Small groups and hands-on exercises ensure you leave with practical skills you can immediately apply in the outdoors.
Key learning areas include:
Advanced Terrain Interpretation
Understanding subtle terrain features and using them to maintain accurate navigation over long distances.
Route Choice Strategy
Selecting efficient routes through complex terrain and balancing speed, safety and energy.
Expedition Navigation
Planning multi-hour or multi-day travel through remote terrain.
Relocation Under Pressure
Techniques for quickly re-establishing position when navigation uncertainty occurs.
Navigation Efficiency
Developing mental models and decision-making strategies used by experienced navigators.
Practical Navigation Exercises
Throughout the course there is a strong focus on practical application, with targeted outdoor exercises where you navigate through alpine terrain using the skills you've learnt. Much of the course takes place in the field.
Participants will complete a range of navigation exercises including:
- long navigation legs across alpine terrain
- route planning and terrain analysis
- navigation challenges with multiple route options
- strategic navigation tools, such as aiming off
- night navigation and poor visibility
- relocation exercises and error correction
- small-team navigation simulations
These exercises replicate many of the navigation challenges encountered in adventure racing, mountaineering and expedition travel.
Advanced Alpine Navigation Course dates are scheduled on a case by case basis - please contact us with the dates you would like. We recommend that you settle guiding dates well in advance as guide availability during peak season is limited. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather.
Standard bookings
Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for 5% off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).
| Standard Price | 3 days price per person | 4 days price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$1290 2 - 6 per guide * | NZ$1720 2 - 6 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$300.00
The remaining balance of the trip price (including any applicable discounts) is due 60 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 60 days of the trip start, the full amount will be due.
Booking conditionsInclusions & Exclusions
All prices include the following:
- Professional instruction
- Small group coaching
- Department of Conservation licence fees
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the course
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Mt. Gerald return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the course
- ALL trekking equipment
- Course maps and navigation exercises
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the course are NOT included
Minimum & Maximum Group Size
A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this trip. If you end up being the only person booked on the trip, you will be offered the choice of:
- paying an additional fee to run the trip at a reduced guide-to-guest ratio
- rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 6 participants per guide is defined by our safety management plan. For groups larger than this, it is usually possible to allocate additional guides.
Optional Extras
A course completion certificate is available on request.
The following book and compass can be purchased at time of booking:
Squiggly Lines
Map and Compass Navigation with a Focus on Adventure Racing and Rogaining
Suunto A-10 Compass SH
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 2 - Slightly challenging
A good level of aerobic fitness is expected. Suitable for people who regularly undertake multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips. Must be comfortable carrying a light-moderate backpack (5-8 kg) for 4-6 hours. Expect ascents of 500-800 vertical metres.
Agility: 2 - Basic scrambling agility
Some scrambling, using hands for balance. Some loose scree descents, slippery grass, mud or snow. Crampons/ice axe not expected, but may be used if conditions are icy. Some exposure to heights at times.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more info| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
First Day – Hike to Hut
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo at the above start time for a gear check.
From Lake Tekapo it is about a 45 minute drive up the Lilybank Road to the Coal Creek carpark. 3 hours hike with a climb of 550m (about 7km) brings us to the cosy Rex Simpson Hut at 1300m elevation. Advanced navigation concepts will be introduced during the hike in, with plenty of opportunity to apply the skills in the field.
Subsequent Days – Advanced Navigation Skills Instruction
Your instructor will structure the course content to suit your skills and ambitions. You can expect to spend some navigating at night, in average weather, and / or poor visibility. You'll likely climb Beuzenberg Peak at some point during the course.
You will apply learned skills progressively in increasingly challenging terrain — preparing you to make safe, informed decisions on your future mountain adventures. For navigators who already have considerable experience the focus will be on improving accuracy and efficiency, and implementing effective navigation strategies. Please see the Course Content section for details.
Last Day – Descent from Hut & Course Wrap-Up
There is still time to do a half-day of instruction, before returning to Tekapo. Depending on group ability, your instructor may opt to take you back via a different route to your ascent. The descent routes provide a great opportunity to put the skills you've learnt during the previous days into practice in real terrain.
The course wraps up around 5pm at Edelweiss Lodge in Lake Tekapo with a final debrief and time to reflect on your progress and next steps in your navigation journey.
Advanced Alpine Navigation Course - Clothing & Equipment Checklist
Your gear check time will be provided at time of booking. Please bring as many of the items on the equipment list as you can. We can provide (at no extra charge), any of the items in list A that you are missing. Your pack with your own gear should not weigh more than 6kg. Remember that you will be adding some fresh food (bread, meat, cheese, veges) to this weight, to end up with about 8kg to carry on the first day. Reminder: all food is provided.
Sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows and hut shoes are at the hut. We provide you with a sleeping bag liner and pillow case (if you have your own sleeping bag liner, please bring it).
*1 Boots: must be well broken-in and waterproofed, with good ankle support. Please note that we stock mountaineering boots ranging from EU size 37-48; if you have feet outside this range, or prefer a lighter, softer boot, you are encouraged to bring your own, or hire boots independently from: Gnomes Alpine Sports, Darfield; Small Planet Sports, Queenstown; or MT Outdoors, Wanaka. Book any hire equipment well in advance.
*2 Blister kit: we recommend Compeed and Leukoplast - available at chemists in Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
A. Equipment which Alpine Recreation can provide if you do not have your own:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hiking / Snowshoeing | |
| backpack - 35L | 1 |
| hiking boots | 1 |
| trekking / hiking poles | 1 |
| Mountaineering | |
| gaiters to fit over trekking / mountaineering boots | 1 |
| Personal Clothing | |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 1 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| warm gloves / mittens | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell jacket must have a hood | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
| Sun / Wind Protection | |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| Overnight / Camp | |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| Other | |
| waterproof pack liner to keep your gear dry | 1 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Personal Clothing | |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| quick-drying trekking pants / shorts | 1 |
| Sun / Wind Protection | |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| Overnight / Camp | |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum | 1 |
| Other | |
| camera | 1 |
| drink bottle wide-mouth, minimum 1.5 litres | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
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 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.
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.
Is this course suitable for trampers and hikers?
Yes. Many participants are trampers wanting to explore off-track routes in the New Zealand backcountry.
Navigation skills are especially valuable in areas where tracks are limited or poorly marked.
Can this course help with adventure racing?
Yes. Many adventure racers take this course to improve map reading, route choice and relocation skills.
We also run specialised navigation training sessions aimed at adventure racing and expedition events.
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.
What trekking equipment do I need to bring?
Please refer to the clothing and equipment checklist in the Equipment section. Any equipment you need to borrow from us will be issued by your guide at the gear check. We can provide boots, trekking poles, outdoor clothing and packs at no extra cost if necessary.
What compass should I bring?
A baseplate compass designed for outdoor navigation works best. Popular models include the Suunto MC-2 and Silva Ranger compasses.
If you don’t yet own a compass we can provide one for you to borrow for the course.
Is GPS used during the course?
The focus of this course is traditional navigation using map, compass and terrain features.
These skills remain essential even when using GPS devices or navigation apps.
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.
