Ski Two Thumb Range
Ski Two Thumb Range
Backcountry ski touring on the peaks overlooking Lake Tekapo
The Two Thumb Range near Lake Tekapo is a backcountry skiing paradise with an amazing landscape providing a good variety of terrain in a series of parallel valleys which allows for a different ski tour each day.
The mountain range forms the eastern boundary of the Mackenzie Basin, close enough to the Southern Alps to get great views and regular snow fall, but sheltered enough to escape many of the predominant north-west storms hitting the Main Divide.
Add in a cosy, heated hut and you have the recipe for a great backcountry holiday!
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 |
|---|---|
| 28 July - 1 August 2025 | 6 |
| 4 - 8 August 2025 | 6 |
| 11 - 15 August 2025 | 6 |
| 25 - 29 August 2025 | 6 |
| 3 - 5 September 2025 | no availablityFULL |
| 6 - 10 September 2025 | 6 |
| 15 - 19 September 2025 | 6 |
| 22 - 26 September 2025 22 September 2025 South Canterbury Day | 6 |
| Updated: 3 March 2025 at 11:00 pm | |
Standard bookings
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).
| Standard Price | 3 days price per person | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$1580 2 - 6 per guide * | NZ$2050 2 - 6 per guide * | NZ$2400 2 - 6 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Group discounts: get a group of family and friends together and book as a group. The amount of discount you will be eligible for, will depend on the group size - the more people you book, the more your discount will be. If our scheduled dates don't suit your group's travel plans, please contact us so we can reschedule a trip to suit (subject to guide availability).
Please note that group bookings are not private bookings - if you wish to keep your group closed and have a private guide just for your group, a surcharge will apply.
| Group Discounts | 3 days price per person | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group booking of 3 | NZ$1,505.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,950.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,280.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 4 | NZ$1,505.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,950.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,280.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 5 | NZ$1,425.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,845.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,160.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 6 | NZ$1,425.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,845.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,160.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 7 | NZ$1,505.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,950.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,280.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 8 | NZ$1,455.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,890.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,210.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 9 | NZ$1,455.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,890.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,210.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 10 | NZ$1,425.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,845.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,160.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 11 | NZ$1,425.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,845.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,160.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 12 | NZ$1,425.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,845.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,160.00 2 - 6 per guide |
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$500.00
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:
- IFMGA / NZMGA certified ski / split-board guide
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Mt. Gerald return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL avalanche safety and technical ski touring equipment (with the exception of ski touring boots)
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the trip 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
( NZ$950.00 for 3 days, NZ$1,250.00 for 4 days, NZ$1,500.00 for 5 days ) - 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.
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 3 - Challenging
A solid level of fitness with aerobic training prior to the trip is expected. Ability to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (8-10kg) for 6-9 hours if required. Expect ascents of 800-1200 vertical meters. Some discomfort expected due to long days and exposure to elements. Prior multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips through rough untracked terrain are recommended.
Technical Ski Ability: 2.5 - Intermediate ski tourer / split-boarder
Used to skiing off-piste with a pack in the majority of snow conditions and competent in the skills of of side-slipping, traversing and downhill kick-turning. Able to ski in control on steeper slopes with short sections up to 30°. Some previous backcountry ski / split-board experience. Borrowed or rented equipment. Able to kick-turn uphill if necessary and has practiced using an avalanche transceiver. Knows how to use skins, heel lifters and ski crampons.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more infoSki Two Thumb Range - 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. Reminder: all food is provided.
Please note that you must bring your own alpine ski touring boots, or if you need to hire them, please see below.*1 All other ski and avalanche safety equipment 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 Ski touring boots & split-boarding gear: these can be hired 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 |
|---|---|
| avalanche safety equipment transceiver, shovel, probe | 1 |
| backpack - 45L must have side tension straps | 1 |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| hiking boots | 1 |
| lightweight polypro / fleece gloves | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 2 |
| ski touring equipment (excluding boots) skis with touring bindings, poles, skins, ski crampons | 1 |
| snow gaiters to fit over ski boots or built-in gaiters in your ski pants | 1 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| waterproof pack liner to keep your gear dry | 1 |
| waterproof parka must have a hood | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| alpine ski touring boots with removable liners for easy drying | 1 |
| camera | 1 |
| down jacket | (optional) 1 |
| drink bottle / thermos flask wide-mouth, minimum 1 litre | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
| snow goggles | 1 |
| soft-shell pants | (optional) 1 |
| split-boarding equipment split-board, boots, poles, skins, split-board crampons | 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum | 1 |
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.
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.
What ski/split-board 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 skis, skins, poles, etc.) is provided FREE OF CHARGE and will be issued by your guide at the gear check. Please note that we cannot provide alpine ski touring boots (or split-board setups) and you will need to 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 booking form.
→ Other Lake Tekapo Accommodation recommendations. 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.
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.
