Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek

NZ$ exchange rate

Included:

• IFMGA/NZMGA certified alpine trekking guide
• Department of Conservation licence fees
• Heated, private hut accommodation
• Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
• ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
• ALL alpine hiking equipment (including any mountaineering equipment if required)

Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.

Tekapo Hut to Hut Treks are scheduled to go to all 3 Glenmore Station Huts - O'Leary's, Falcon's Nest and Lady Emily Hut. It is also possible to do an overnight hike to any of the huts - please contact us to arrange this for you.

Green : Minimum reached - guaranteed departure.
Orange : Only 4 or fewer places available.
Red : No availability.

Lady Emily Hut, Falcon's Nest & O'Leary's Hut

Lady Emily and Falcon's Nest Huts sit at an altitude of 1500m in the Gamack Range, with Lady Emily overlooking the upper Cass Valley and Falcon's Nest tucked into the fork of Upper Tin Hut Stream. O'Leary's Hut sits a bit higher at 1700m, overlooking Waterfall Stream. They are each located in beautiful settings, with great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a fantastic location for star gazing - the Mackenzie District is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why the area was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Each hut has its own special character:

Lady Emily: Provided the 4WD access to Memorial Hut is possible, this is the easiest hut to walk to, but furthest to 4WD drive to and will be the first to be cut-off by high river levels, snow or flooding. The inital 200m climb is steep, but then eases once you reach the alpine meadows at around 1300m. Expanding views over the upper Cass Valley and Ailsa Stream provide a welcome excuse to take a break and soak in your surroundings. The access to "Bad Decision" (Whiskey Hut) is probably the easiest as well with approx. 3.5 km distance and 600m of climbing.

Falcon's Nest: 4WD access to Tin Hut is possible in most conditions. Walking access is then up the Tin Hut Stream valley. An initially steep 100m climb eases to follow Tin Hut Stream to its upper fork, where Falcon's Nest Hut sits nestled in pristine alpine meadows. Access to "Bad Decision" (Whiskey Hut) is via the northern branch of Upper Tin Hut Stream (approx. 700m climbing over 3.5km distance).

O'Leary's: 4WD access to Waterfall Hut is the most reliable and almost always possible, or only requires a short walk from the vehicle. It is then a very steep 300m hike up into the broader Waterfall Valley. From here the easiest route is to continue up the mostly gentle valley along the stream to O'Leary's Hut at 1700m.

Warm, cosy & modern

The huts are privately owned and were built by Glenmore Station. They are an ideal base for backcountry adventures, overnight alpine hikes and hut to hut treks. All 3 huts are equipped with firewood, gas, bunks, pillows and mattresses. A wood-fired stove means there are good heating and drying facilities. Alpine Recreation has stocked the huts with sleeping bags for each bunk. This will keep the pack volume and weight down for walk-in / ski-in trips.

Facilities

Lady Emily consists of two rooms, one room sleeping up to 4 and a second sleeping 6. The 4 bunk room has a large wood burner with heat overflow warming the 6 bunk room. Falcon's Nest and O'Leary's consist of 1 large room with 8 bunks and a log burner. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo.

↑ Crossing boulder fields and scree slopes requires good agility - most of the terrain is untracked.

Endurance

2 day/overnight - Endurance: - "Slightly challenging"

A good level of aerobic fitness is expected. Suitable for people who regularly undertake multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips. Must be comfortable carrying a light-moderate backpack (5-8 kg) for 4-6 hours. Expect ascents of 500-800 vertical metres.

3-4 day traverse via standard route - Endurance: Grade 3 - "Challenging"

A solid level of fitness with aerobic training prior to the trip is expected. Ability to carry moderate to heavy backpacks (8-10kg) for 6-9 hours if required. Expect ascents of 800-1200 vertical meters. Some discomfort expected due to long days and exposure to elements. Prior multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips through rough untracked terrain are recommended.

3-4 day traverse via advanced route - Endurance: Grade 4 - "Very challenging"

A high level of fitness is expected. Fit people will still need to train prior to undertaking this adventure. Ascents of 1200+ vertical metres are likely. Expect 10-12 hour days or longer, carrying a 10-12kg backpack. Early alpine starts may be required. Expect some discomfort due to long days and exposure to elements. Must be dedicated and used to long days in rough, untracked terrain.

Agility on rough terrain

2 day/overnight - Agility: Grade 2 - "Basic scrambling agility"

Some scrambling, using hands for balance. Some loose scree descents, slippery grass, mud or snow. Crampons/ice axe not expected, but may be used if conditions are icy. Some exposure to heights at times.

3-4 day traverse - Agility: Grade 3 - "Moderate scrambling agility"

Scrambling over rough ground with hand placement needed (eg. pulling yourself up on vegetation, clambering over boulders). Good foot placement required across a variety of terrain, including steep grass, alpine scrub, scree, boulder-fields and snow. Must be competent and efficient at moving over uneven and untracked terrain carrying a moderate backpack. Sections of steep and/or exposed terrain at times. May involve crossing snow slopes and/or glaciers, requiring the use of crampons and ice axe if conditions are firm.

Technical Mountaineering

2 day/overnight - not technical

3-4 day traverse - Technical: Grade 1 - "Beginner Mountaineer"

No prior rope skills or experience with crampons/ice axe required. Basic 10-point crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and glacier travel skills will be introduced by the guide if applicable.

Previous experience

For the Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek you need to have previous hiking, backpacking, tramping or bushwalking experience. This trek crosses rough scree and boulder fields and is more demanding than any of the Great Walks, such as the Milford or Routeburn Tracks, because it is alpine and traverses snow fields. There is no track and the terrain is often uneven and you have to place your feet carefully. In places there are loose scree slopes to negotiate.

If you are planning to walk the Milford and Routeburn Tracks or any of the other Great Walks, then it is best to do these prior to the Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek, because those hikes are much easier.

Preparation

Regular hikes of at least 6 hours' duration involving significant vertical ascent are recommended as preparation for this trip. You do not need prior mountaineering experience. All trips to Lady Emily, Falcon's Nest and O'Leary's Huts require a solid level of fitness to cope with the alpine terrain. Early-mid season (November-December) you are likely to encounter soft snow on the slopes above the huts. If you have never walked in deep snow before, then the best way to prepare for this is to walk through sand dunes or somewhere where there is loose sand, where you lose a good percentage of your momentum with each step. Mid to late season (January - March), when the snow has melted back, you will encounter firmer snow and loose scree (rock) slopes in places. The best training for this is to hike over smooth rock slabs and rough stony riverbeds or beaches where there is an uneven surface, where you have to watch your foot placement. Late season (April - May) you can expect new snow on the upper passes - this can make some of the scree slopes more pleaseant, but also brings its own challenges, making it harder to place your feet securely when crossing boulder fields.

Prerequisites

Participants for an Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek need to:

• be very fit (be able to climb up 300 vertical metres within an hour)
• have extensive hiking, tramping or bushwalking experience
• be able to maintain a reasonable pace over steep, rugged and untracked terrain
• be able to hike or climb 6-8 hours in a day without difficulty
• be sure-footed, well-coordinated and have good balance
• have no fear of heights or problems with vertigo

For an easier option, we recommend the Tekapo High Country Hike or starting with the 2 day overnight option at Lady Emily, Falcon's Nest or O'Leary's Hut, rather than the full traverse. If you're not sure which option is the best choice for you, please contact us.

↑ Rough scree slopes - you need to be sure-footed, well-coordinated and have good balance.

Pre-trip Evening:

8:00pm gear check at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. You'll be carrying a moderate weight pack, including personal gear and group food. Cooking equipment & sleeping bags are at the hut.

Day 1 - standard route

7:45am meeting at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. Depart for the iconic high country Glenmore Station on the western shores of Lake Tekapo in one of our 4WD vehicles and enjoy a scenic 1 hour 4WD adventure up the Cass Valley to Waterfall Hut.

Option to fly in to Lady Emily or O'Leary's Hut with MacKenzie Helicopters.

From Waterfall Hut at 900m elevation, it is a very steep 1 hour climb into the Waterfall Stream Valley, with ever expanding views over the Mackenzie Basin with the lower Cass Valley framing the deep turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo as your backdrop. After catching your breath, it is then a 2-3 hour hike along a gently rising river valley to O'Leary's Hut at 1700m.

Relax with a hot (or cold!) beverage beside the wood stove as your guide prepares a tasty dinner.

3-4 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain, boulder-hopping along an alpine stream with some scree.

Day 1 - advanced route

After gaining the Waterfall Stream valley, climb high up a lofty ridge and over a rugged mountain peak for vast views over the wider Mackenzie Basin and across to the highest peaks in the Southern Alps, including Aoraki Mount Cook. Trek past a picturesque alpine tarn before descending steep scree slopes and rough boulder fields to Waterfall Stream and the final climb up to O'Leary's Hut.

7-9 hours trekking with 1300m ascent, 500m descent through rough scree, large boulder fields and challenging alpine terrain.

Day 2

Continue hiking up the alpine meadows above O'Leary's Hut and into an intermontane basin to cross a high pass into Tin Hut Stream, about 2 hours trek from the hut. Enjoy your packed lunch with a stunning vista over the Cass Valley and its surrounding peaks, waterfalls, moraine walls and glaciers. Great views of the Southern Alps from the upper ridges. Descend boulder fields, alpine meadows and steep scree slopes to Tin Hut Stream, then a short hike up the stream to Falcon's Nest at 1450m. Enjoy cooling your feet in the stream by the hut on a hot day while taking in your beautiful alpine surroundings!

4-6 hours trekking across rough alpine terrain with steep scree slopes. It may be necessary to cross some snow near the pass. Your IFMGA / NZMGA qualified alpine trekking guide will ensure your safety and teach you the skills required for a safe crossing.

Day 3 - standard route

Trek up Upper Tin Hut Stream and cross scree slopes to gain a scenic ridge, taking in the impressive views of nearby Mt. William Grant. A visit to "Bad Decision" (Whiskey Hut) at 2000m elevation provides a welcome rest after your climb! Continue directly down valley to Lady Emily Hut at 1450m, initially descending scree slopes, then alpine tussock terrain. This is the recommended option for larger groups or if you find the steeper climbs and descents quite challenging.

Enjoy a well earned break at Lady Emily Hut as the sun sets over a breathtaking landscape. Watch the stars come out and listen to your guide tell a local Mackenzie legend.

5-7 hours trekking along tussocky valleys and scree covered ridges. You may encounter some snow on the pass.

Day 3 - advanced route

For very fit, intrepid groups seeking a more alpine experience (maximum 2 guests per guide), the route will take a detour from "Bad Decision" (Whiskey Hut) up "The Scorpion" to cross a small glacier and high pass at 2370m. For this option you will need to carry crampons and ice axe. Descend a parallel valley to Lady Emily Hut at 1450m.

8-10 hours trek with some technical mountaineering - your guide will teach you the skills required for this.

Day 4

An initially gentle, then steep, but short descent down tussock slopes from Lady Emily Hut, back down to the Cass Valley at 1100m. 4WD back down the Cass Valley, savouring the ever-changing views and appreciate the distance you covered on the tops during your traverse.

2-3 hours downhill hiking.

3 day option

For those short on time, it is possible to descend from Lady Emily Hut on Day 3 (provided the direct route - option 1, is taken). Alternatively, descend Tin Hut Stream from Falcon's Nest to meet the 4WD at Tin Hut.

Pre-trip Evening:

8:00pm gear check at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. You'll be carrying a moderate weight pack, including personal gear and group food. Cooking equipment & sleeping bags are at the hut.

Day 1

7:45am meeting at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. Depart for the iconic high country Glenmore Station on the western shores of Lake Tekapo in one of our 4WD vehicles and enjoy a scenic 1-2 hour 4WD adventure up the Cass Valley to Waterfall Hut, Tin Hut or Memorial Hut.

Overnight at O'Leary's Hut

From Waterfall Hut at 900m elevation, it is a very steep 1 hour climb into the Waterfall Stream Valley, with ever-expanding views over the Mackenzie Basin with the lower Cass Valley framing the deep turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo as your backdrop. After catching your breath, it is then a 2-3 hour hike along a gently rising river valley to O'Leary's Hut at 1700m.

Relax with a hot (or cold!) beverage beside the wood stove as your guide prepares a tasty dinner. Watch the stars come out and listen to your guide tell a local Mackenzie legend.

3-4 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain, boulder-hopping along an alpine stream with some scree.

Overnight at Falcon's Nest Hut

From Tin Hut at 950m elevation, climb 100m up steep tussock slopes to gain a moraine terrace, then follow the rocky river bed of Tin Hut Stream until it broadens into more gentle river flats and alpine meadows by Falcon's Nest at 1460m.

Enjoy cooling your feet in the stream by the hut on a hot day while taking in your beautiful alpine surroundings!

4-5 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain, boulder-hopping along an alpine stream.

Overnight at Lady Emily Hut

From Memorial Hut at 1070m elevation, cross Ailsa Stream, then climb 200m up a steep tussock slope to gain alpine meadows and a medial moraine rib which brings you to Lady Emily Hut. Expanding views over the upper Cass Valley and Ailsa Stream provide a welcome excuse to take a break and soak in your surroundings.

3-4 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain.

Day 2

Hike back down to the Cass Valley and 4WD, returning to Lake Tekapo mid afternoon.

Spoilt for choice and not sure which option to choose? Contact us and we'll help you decide which adventure is best for you!