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.

Tekapo High Country Hike

Guided overnight hikes in the Two Thumb Range, Lake Tekapo

Overview Hike above worry level in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Rex Simpson Hut

Lake Tekapo mountain retreat

Rex Simpson Hut is located in a beautiful setting on a glacial moraine terrace at 1300m in the 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 Best Day Hikes & Walking Trails in Tekapo

Explore Tekapo and its stunning mountain and lake views

Welcome to Lake Tekapo!

Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing

High Country Snowshoe Hikes

The foothills of the Southern Alps undergo a magic transformation in winter.

Lake Tekapo Nordic Ski Touring

Lightweight Backcountry Tours in the Two Thumb Range

If you can walk, you can ski nordic!

Alpine Navigation Fundamentals Course

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.

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.

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?

New Zealand Alpine Treks & Hikes

Experience New Zealand’s Most Breathtaking Alpine Landscapes on Foot

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.

The Best Freeride, Ski Touring & Split-Boarding Adventures in New Zealand

Discover the Ultimate Backcountry Experience in the Southern Alps

New Zealand’s Southern Alps are a paradise for freeriders, ski tourers, and split-boarders seeking untouched powder, thrilling descents, and remote backcountry terrain.

Cass Valley Backcountry Tours

Explore the iconic high country between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook

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.

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!

The Best Bike & Cycle Trails in Tekapo

Explore Tekapo and its stunning mountain and lake views by bike

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.

Private Mountain Huts

Exclusive Backcountry Accommodation in the Southern Alps

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.

Advanced Alpine Navigation Course

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.

Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek

Adventurous multi-day trekking in the Mackenzie High Country

The Gamack Range near Lake Tekapo is a spectacular alpine trekking venue in the middle of an impressive landscape carved by glaciers and waterfalls.

Cass Valley Ski & Split-board Tours

Backcountry tours in the Liebig and Gamack Ranges near Lake Tekapo

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.

Snowshoe Heli-Hikes

Lodge based day tours on the peaks and ranges around Lake Tekapo

Heli-snowshoe hikes for those wanting to be based out of Lake Tekapo, but still get into the mountains for a fun winter adventure.

Symphony on Skis

New Zealand's ultimate trans-alpine backcountry ski tour!

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.

Nordic / Cross-Country Ski Touring

Explore New Zealand’s Best High-Country Ski 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.

Lake Tekapo Alpine Hikes & Treks

Explore stunning alpine terrain in the Mackenzie High Country

Looking to hike Tekapo and explore New Zealand’s alpine backcountry beyond the crowds?

Navigation Training for Spirited Women Adventure Race

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.

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.

Lake Tekapo Ski Touring & Split-boarding

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.

Alpine Navigation Courses

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.

Lady Emily Hut

Mackenzie high country adventures

Heli Ski & Split-board Tours

Ski lodge based day tours on the peaks and ranges around Lake Tekapo

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.

New Zealand Snowshoe Hikes & Winter Treks

Snowshoeing adventures in the Mackenzie Country

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.

New Zealand Ski Traverses & Backcountry Expeditions

Multi-Day Backcountry Adventures in the Southern Alps

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.

New Zealand Summer Mountain Adventures

Alpine trekking, high passes, and breathtaking views in the heart of the Southern Alps.

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.

O'Leary's Hut

Soak in a hot tub under the stars

Snowshoeing in the Two Thumb Range

My friend Jude & I recently decided Snowshoeing would be a new adventure worth trying.

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.

Snowshoeing

Snow shoeing?

New Zealand Alpine Hikes, Trekking & Snowshoeing

Explore the Heart of the Southern Alps on Foot – Year Round

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.

Winter in the Cass

An ode to Falcon’s Nest Hut

"In the hush of dawn where the snow lies deep, The Cass Valley stirs from its alpine sleep.

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.

Off the Grid in the Cass

Four days of backcountry ski touring from Lady Emily Hut

We’d barely seen another soul since turning off the Tekapo highway.

Explore Lake Tekapo

Discover the Beauty, Adventure, and Serenity of New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country

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.

Preparing for your Mountain Adventure

Venturing into New Zealand’s Southern Alps is an unforgettable experience — one that rewards preparation, curiosity, and a healthy respect for the mountains.

Articles

Features and editorials about Alpine Recreation and our adventures.