Two Thumb Range Adventures

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.

Introductory Mountaineering Course

The ideal introduction to alpine and snowcraft skills

Learn the skills to safely venture beyond tramping tracks and above the snow line!

Mountaineering Skills & Alpine Climbing Courses

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.

MSC Avalanche Skills Course 1

Previously known as Avalanche Awareness.

Backcountry Skills & Avalanche Courses

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.

Lake Tekapo Backcountry Adventures

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.

Intensive Mountaineering Skills Course

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!

MSC Avalanche Skills Course 2

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!

Specialized Alpine Climbing Course

Private instruction for experienced mountaineers

Take your climbing further and learn advanced mountaineering skills under expert tuition from NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guides!

Backcountry Ski & Split-board Course

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?

Winter Mountaineering Course

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.

Ski Mountaineering Course

Glacier Travel & High Alpine Skills

Step into the heart of the Southern Alps and gain the essential skills for ski mountaineering on glaciated terrain.

New Zealand Alpine Instruction Courses

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.

Waterfall Ice Climbing Course

Technical ice climbing instruction at Ailsa Stream

Learn ice climbing skills at our stunning venue in the Liebig Range.

Antarctica

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.

New Zealand Winter Mountain Adventures

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.

New Zealand Backcountry Skiing & Split-boarding

Explore Wild, Untouched Terrain with Alpine Recreation

Alpine Recreation offers freeride, ski & split-board touring trips and winter skills courses in New Zealand's most spectacular backcountry locations.

Articles

Features and editorials about Alpine Recreation and our adventures.