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.

Lake Tekapo Nordic Ski Touring

Lightweight Backcountry Tours in the Two Thumb Range

If you can walk, you can ski nordic!

Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing

High Country Snowshoe Hikes

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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?

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.

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 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.

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 in the Two Thumb Range

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

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.

Snowshoeing

Snow shoeing?

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.

Alpine Accommodation

Enjoy a unique mountain escape in the Mackenzie region

Alpine Recreation owns a private lodge in Lake Tekapo and two private mountain huts.

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.

Articles

Features and editorials about Alpine Recreation and our adventures.