Adventure South

Adventure South

Venue: Rex Simpson Hut (summer) - Sunset at Rex Simpson Hut, Two Thumb Range, Lake Tekapo (photo: K. Bowie)

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!

We recommend settling guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather.

Dates Spaces
25 - 27 March 2025 private groupN/A
14 - 16 October 2025 private groupN/A
Updated: 14 March 2025 at 12:38 pm
Private bookings

Private guide: book a guide just for you and benefit from a completely custom itinerary.

Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for $100 off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).

Private Guide Price 2 days
price per person
3 days
price per person
Private booking
group size
NZ$70
1 - 13 per guide
NZ$140
1 - 13 per guide
Deposit Payment

A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:

  • NZ$0.00

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 conditions