From alpine meadows and glacier-carved valleys to towering peaks and high mountain passes, New Zealand’s Southern Alps are an outdoor adventure paradise, offering some of the best alpine hiking…
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New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer world-class alpine climbing opportunities for both aspiring mountaineers and seasoned climbers looking to challenge themselves on iconic peaks.
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Alpine Recreation offers freeride, ski & split-board touring trips and winter skills courses in New Zealand's most spectacular backcountry locations.
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Alpine Recreation owns a private lodge in Lake Tekapo and two private mountain huts.
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Welcome to Lake Tekapo!
The Southern Alps are the heart of New Zealand’s wild alpine landscapes, offering some of the best trekking and hiking experiences in the world.
Nestled in the Mackenzie high country between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Cass Valley is a dream destination for backcountry ski tourers and split-boarders looking for pristine snow, breathtaking scenery, and a true sense of adventure.
The Gamack Range near Lake Tekapo is a spectacular alpine trekking venue in the middle of an impressive landscape carved by glaciers and waterfalls.
Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo is the perfect launch point for unforgettable mountain adventures with Alpine Recreation.
Looking to hike Tekapo and explore New Zealand’s alpine backcountry beyond the crowds?
From alpine meadows and glacier-carved valleys to towering peaks and high mountain passes, New Zealand’s Southern Alps are an outdoor adventure paradise, offering some of the best alpine hiking, trekking, and snowshoeing adventures in the world.
Nestled on the edge of a turquoise alpine lake and framed by the snowcapped Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and photogenic destinations.
The Two Thumb Range rises dramatically above Lake Tekapo, forming the backbone of one of New Zealand’s most accessible yet untouched alpine wilderness areas.
Overview Hike above worry level in the foothills of the Southern Alps.
Venturing into the backcountry requires more than just a love for deep snow and adventure - it demands the right skills, decision-making ability, and avalanche awareness.
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 foothills of the Southern Alps undergo a magic transformation in winter.
If you can walk, you can ski nordic!
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s Mackenzie Region, Lake Tekapo is fast becoming one of the country’s top destinations for cycling, stargazing, and outdoor adventure.
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, the Cass Valley near Lake Tekapo offers an unrivaled playground for those seeking adventure in New Zealand's backcountry.
Heli-snowshoe hikes for those wanting to be based out of Lake Tekapo, but still get into the mountains for a fun winter adventure.
Learn how to analyse the snowpack, assess slope stability and develop safe travel techniques with expert tuition from avalanche professionals!
New Zealand’s Southern Alps are a paradise for freeriders, ski tourers, and split-boarders seeking untouched powder, thrilling descents, and remote backcountry terrain.
Experience the magic of Nordic and cross-country skiing in the stunning Two Thumb Range, a winter paradise offering wide open snowfields, rolling alpine terrain, and breathtaking views over Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
Dreaming of untouched powder, no lift queues, and the freedom to choose your own lines?
Freeride, ski and split-board touring for those wanting to be based out of Lake Tekapo, but still access the backcountry for rewarding ski tours.
Snowshoeing in the Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook region of New Zealand offers the ultimate escape into a winter wonderland, where the beauty of snow-covered peaks and crystal-clear skies awaits.
When the winter snow melts and the mountains open up, New Zealand’s high country transforms into a stunning alpine paradise — ideal for hiking, climbing, and exploring on foot.
Step into a world transformed by snow — where rugged ridge-lines, frozen valleys, and sparkling peaks create the perfect playground for winter adventure.
My friend Jude & I recently decided Snowshoeing would be a new adventure worth trying.
Stehen wir auf einem Berggipfel, haben wir die Gelegenheit, unser tägliches Treiben mit größerem Abstand zu betrachten.
Learn the skills to safely venture beyond tramping tracks and above the snow line!
Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain at 3724m/12218ft.
Privately Owned Caroline Hut is the only guide/operator-owned mountain hut in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and is available for the exclusive use of Alpine Recreation parties.
New Zealand’s Southern Alps provide the ultimate natural classroom for learning and refining your mountaineering and alpine climbing skills.
When we stand on the summit of a mountain, we have the opportunity to contemplate the daily grind of our lives with more detachment.
On the 20th of October 68-year-old Graeme Donovan stood atop Lendenfeld Peak (3194m) and fulfilled a long-held dream of climbing a mountain over 3000m or 10,000ft.
Go beyond the basic skills of mountaineering and get into more serious alpine terrain!
For those seeking the ultimate alpine adventure, New Zealand’s trans-alpine crossings and alpine traverses offer some of the most challenging and rewarding multi-day treks in the world.
For those seeking rustic comfort in the wilderness, Alpine Recreation’s privately owned Caroline Hut and Rex Simpson Hut provide a warm, well-equipped base for backcountry adventures.
Mount Tasman, 3489m/11469ft, is New Zealand's second highest peak.
New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer some of the most striking alpine peaks in the Southern Hemisphere — sharp ridge-lines, glaciated summits, and unforgettable views.
Take your climbing further and learn advanced mountaineering skills under expert tuition from NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guides!
Known as the "Matterhorn of the South" due to its asthetic shape, Mount Aspiring stands alone as the only 3000m peak outside of Mount Cook National Park.
There are many things to see and do in Aoraki Mount Cook.
Mount Sefton is a stunning peak which towers high over Mount Cook Village and according to Maori legend is the guardian of Aoraki (Mount Cook).
Take your mountaineering skills to the next level with our winter mountaineering courses in New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps.
Whether you're taking your first steps onto snow and ice or aiming to lead your own alpine missions, our Alpine Instruction Courses are designed to equip you with essential mountain skills and decision-making confidence.
Learn ice climbing skills at our stunning venue in the Liebig Range.
New Zealand’s Southern Alps are home to some of the most breathtaking alpine journeys in the world - from high mountain traverses to rugged backcountry hikes and ski mountaineering.
Mount Dixon (3004m) is a beautiful pyramid shaped peak located on the edge of the Grand Plateau, and is one of the best vantage points for viewing its neighbours, New Zealand's most iconic peaks - including Aoraki / Mt.
What would it take for a tramper of average fitness to propel themselves to the top of New Zealand's highest summit?
Turner Peak (2338m) is an ideal 3-4 day ascent which doesn't require air access.
If you have aspirations of ticking off New Zealand's 3000m peaks or are simply looking for a new alpine challenge, our guided ascents programme can provide you with a safe and exhilarating mountain experience on one of New Zealand's premier peaks.
Trek across a high mountain pass surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glacier!
Explore a seldomly visited part of the country as you stand on the Main Divide and look over into the vast Landsborough Wilderness Area.
The Sealy Range above Aoraki Mount Cook village is a remote and exciting ski mountaineering venue surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks.
Experience the vast upper nevés of New Zealand's longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier.
Heading into New Zealand’s Southern Alps on foot is a true adventure — a chance to step off the beaten track and into a world of dramatic ridgelines, snow-fed rivers, and vast, high-country basins.
Experience the remote upper areas of the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in the Westland National Park.
The Copland Pass was once one of New Zealand's greatest alpine crossings, linking the grandeur of Mount Cook, with the West Coast bush and the hot springs at Welcome Flats.
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most pristine and awe-inspiring glaciers, and what better way to experience them than through a guided multi-day glacier hike or trek?
Linking together New Zealand's 4 main glaciers and traversing the Southern Alps from east to west, the "Symphony on Skis" is New Zealand's ultimate multi-day trans-alpine ski tour.
Fitzgerald Pass links the grandeur of Mount Cook with the untouched wilderness of West Coast bush.
For those seeking the ultimate backcountry challenge, New Zealand’s glacier ski touring, split-board touring, and ski mountaineering adventures offer an unparalleled alpine experience.
Experience the wonderful contrast from jagged ice covered peaks and vast glacial plateaus, to sub-alpine meadows and glacier lakes.
Step into the heart of New Zealand’s wilderness with a unique blend of alpine trekking and remote river travel.
For those seeking the ultimate ski touring and split-boarding challenge, New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer some of the world’s most spectacular ski traverses and alpine expeditions.
Experience the wonderful contrast from grassy valleys and alpine meadows to jagged and ice covered peaks and vast glacial plateaus!
There’s something deeply satisfying about threading a route through the heart of the Southern Alps — especially when it links two iconic backcountry experiences: crossing Brodrick Pass and rafting the wild Landsborough River.
High on the Ball Ridge, overlooking the mighty Caroline Face of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Caroline Hut offers direct access to some of the most dramatic and rewarding ski mountaineering terrain in New Zealand.
Rex Simpson Hut is located in a beautiful setting on a glacial moraine terrace at 1300m in the Two Thumb Range.
Backcountry Ski & Split-board Touring amongst the glaciers of the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
Erewhon Hut at Mt Potts sits at 1750m on the historic Erewhon Park Ski Field.
Trek through amazing alpine terrain, surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glaciers.
Step into the heart of the Southern Alps and gain the essential skills for ski mountaineering on glaciated terrain.
Trek through amazing winter terrain, surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glacier.
A certain thrill comes with completing a trip you’ve eyed up for decades.
We meet in the warm, timbered lounge of Mt Potts Lodge as a southerly storm slaps against the windows.
Previously known as Avalanche Awareness.
As we made our first anchorage, our guide encouraged us to get our ski gear together quickly for a late afternoon ascent of Banco Island, and our first, warm-up ski in Antarctica.
I have wandered up a few pointy bits of landscape in the past, usually by the easiest route, but often after a long approach march to a more remote peak.
A ski traverse is like a well composed piece of music.
Welcome to Aoraki Mount Cook!
Reaching Caroline Hut and Ball Pass is a true alpine adventure, offering a rewarding challenge through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic and constantly changing mountain landscapes.
"In the hush of dawn where the snow lies deep, The Cass Valley stirs from its alpine sleep.
This tool has been set up to allow users to calculate the mechanical advantage of a pulley system, while taking into account friction of its various components.
Physics, techniques, applications, limitations and minimising the risks of moving roped together.
Anwendung, Technik, Physik, Grenzen und Alternativen.
In momentary surrender I hunched forward and rested my hands on my knees, breathing short and sharp, every expulsion filling the narrow band of light cast by my head torch with thick shrouds of mist.
Objective: Measure the probability of a guide’s ability to hold a fall using different short-roping methods and modes without prejudice.
Notes and data from a short-roping rope force experiment, including assumptions, comments, and analysis of various measurements such as body mass, technique, and falling mass.
Experiments on short roping method - video clips of the tests performed.
Snow stakes are a Kiwi invention and have been around since the early 1970s.
Who hasn't experienced this situation: Knee deep, soft snow, 'porridge', at the end of a difficult pitch, no decent anchor to secure yourself onto, you are tired, time is pressing.
Snow shoeing?