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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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…
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Venturing into New Zealand’s Southern Alps is an unforgettable experience — one that rewards…
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Gain the Knowledge & Confidence to Explore the Backcountry Safely
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.
Learn practical navigation skills for adventure racing, hiking, ski touring, and mountaineering
Our Alpine Navigation Fundamentals Course is a hands-on introduction to backcountry navigation.
Alpine Wilderness Just Beyond Lake Tekapo
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.
Build the essential skills to recognise and manage avalanche risk in the backcountry
Learn to identify avalanche hazards, use forecasts, and make better decisions in the field with our MSC Avalanche Skills Course 1 (ASC1).
Build Confidence, Skills & Independence in the Southern Alps
New Zealand’s Southern Alps provide the ultimate natural classroom for learning and refining your mountaineering and alpine climbing skills.
The ideal introduction to alpine and snowcraft skills
Learn the skills to safely venture beyond tramping tracks and above the snow line!
Learn to travel safely, efficiently, and confidently in the mountains
Dreaming of untouched powder, no lift queues, and the freedom to choose your own lines?
Technical alpine skills instruction for those who want to get into serious mountaineering
Go beyond the basic skills of mountaineering and get into more serious alpine terrain!
Practical Avalanche Safety & Terrain Management for Experienced Backcountry Travellers
Learn how to analyse the snowpack, assess slope stability and develop safe travel techniques with expert tuition from avalanche professionals!
Develop the skills and judgement to travel safely in avalanche terrain
Learn how to recognise, assess, and manage avalanche risk with our practical, field-based avalanche skills courses.
Glacier Travel & High Alpine Skills
Step into the heart of the Southern Alps and gain the essential skills for ski mountaineering on glaciated terrain.
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.
Private instruction for experienced mountaineers
Take your climbing further and learn advanced mountaineering skills under expert tuition from NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guides!
Build the skills and confidence to explore New Zealand’s backcountry on skis or splitboard
Take your skiing or splitboarding beyond ski area boundaries and into New Zealand’s stunning backcountry with our expert-led instruction courses.
Multi-Day Guided Trips in New Zealand’s Big Sky Country
Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo is the perfect launch point for unforgettable mountain adventures with Alpine Recreation.
Preparing for Spirited Women Tekapo 2027
About the Author Elke has spent many years navigating in the mountains through alpine guiding, expedition travel and adventure racing.
Map, compass and route-finding training for trampers, mountaineers, ski tourers and adventure racers
In the mountains, navigation is more than just finding your way — it’s a critical safety skill.
Learn essential skills for alpine travel in winter conditions
Take your mountaineering skills to the next level with our winter mountaineering courses in New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps.
Multi-Day Backcountry Adventures with Private Huts and Expert Guides
Discover the wide open terrain and hidden powder stashes of the Two Thumb Range and Cass Valley, right above Lake Tekapo.
Ski Touring Adventures on the Ice
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.
A High Alpine Base at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier
Technical ice climbing instruction at Ailsa Stream
Learn ice climbing skills at our stunning venue in the Liebig Range.
Build the skills and confidence to travel safely beyond the track in alpine terrain
Take your tramping, hiking, or hunting into more challenging terrain with our practical alpine skills courses.
Snow-covered peaks. Crisp alpine air. Adventure at its purest.
Step into a world transformed by snow — where rugged ridge-lines, frozen valleys, and sparkling peaks create the perfect playground for winter adventure.
When it comes to staying safe in the mountains, our highly valued and trusted partner ORTOVOX leads the way
The brand is driven by a deep responsibility to support and protect outdoor adventurers in challenging conditions.
Explore Wild, Untouched Terrain with Alpine Recreation
Build the skills. Climb with confidence. Thrive in the mountains.
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.
A Partnership with Safety
We're proud to be partnering with Mountain Adventure and Ortovox to bring you the ORTOVOX Safety Academy — free, interactive, digital labs — Lab Rock, Lab Ice and Lab Snow.
Venturing into New Zealand’s Southern Alps is an unforgettable experience — one that rewards preparation, curiosity, and a healthy respect for the mountains.