Tekapo
Hut to Hut Trek
Adventurous multi-day trekking in the Mackenzie High Country
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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. The mountain range is just east of the main Southern Alps and from the tops provides stunning views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and many more of New Zealand's 3000m peaks. Being close to the Main Divide, this area receives regular snow fall and is an increasingly popular venue for ski touring and split-boarding in the winter. Hike high above Lake Tekapo, cross alpine passes and gaze in wonder at the night sky - the Lake Tekapo region is renowned for its star-gazing and clear skies and is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Add in cosy, heated huts and you have the recipe for a great backcountry holiday and one of the best alpine hikes in the Lake Tekapo Mackenzie region! These private huts are provided by Glenmore Station. Will and Emily Murray, the station owners, are great outdoor enthusiasts and have built the huts in their favourite backcountry locations. The huts are very well sited to provide diverse backcountry experiences. Each hut has its own character and the Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek allows you to experience each one of these special places - are you up for the challenge? Add this spectacular backcountry adventure to your Lake Tekapo bucket list.
And have we mentioned whiskey? Part of the attraction of visiting Lady Emily and Falcon's Nest is the "world's highest whiskey bar (hut)". Order your own bottle and then work for it to enjoy a dram with your friends.
Lady Emily Hut
Lady Emily Hut sits at an altitude of 1500m in the Gamack Range, overlooking the upper Cass Valley. Located in a beautiful setting, 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.
Warm, cosy & modern
Lady Emily Hut is privately owned and was built by Glenmore Station. It is an ideal base for backcountry adventures, overnight alpine hikes, hut to hut treks and ski & split-board touring. 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 hut 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. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo.
Access
Provided the 4WD access to Memorial Hut is possible, this is the easiest of the Glenmore Station huts 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 Hut
Falcon's Nest sits at an altitude of 1500m in the Gamack Range, tucked into the fork of Upper Tin Hut Stream. Located in a beautiful setting, 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.
Warm, cosy & modern
Falcon's Nest Hut is privately owned and was built by Glenmore Station. It is an ideal base for backcountry adventures, overnight alpine hikes, hut to hut treks and ski & split-board touring. 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 hut with sleeping bags for each bunk. This will keep the pack volume and weight down for walk-in / ski-in trips.
Facilities
Falcon's Nest Hut consists of 1 large room with 8 bunks and a log burner. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo.
Access
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 Hut
O'Leary's Hut sits at 1700m, overlooking Waterfall Stream. Located in a beautiful setting, 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.
Warm, cosy & modern
O'Leary's Hut is privately owned and was built by Glenmore Station. It is an ideal base for backcountry adventures, overnight alpine hikes, hut to hut treks and ski & split-board touring. 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 hut with sleeping bags for each bunk. This will keep the pack volume and weight down for walk-in / ski-in trips.
Facilities
O'Leary's Hut consists of 1 large room with 8 bunks and a log burner. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo.
Hot tub
O'Leary's Hut has a hot tub! Installed in autumn 2024, the wood-fired tub is fed by an alpine spring and is the perfect spot to relax after your day's adventures. What better place to enjoy star-gazing?!
Access
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.
We recommend settling guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather.
| Dates | Spaces |
|---|---|
| 21 - 24 March 2025 | 6 |
| 28 - 31 March 2025 | 6 |
| 4 - 7 April 2025 | 6 |
| 11 - 14 April 2025 | 6 |
| 18 - 21 April 2025 18 April 2025 Good Friday, 21 April 2025 Easter Monday | 6 |
| 25 - 28 April 2025 25 April 2025 ANZAC Day | 6 |
| 2 - 5 May 2025 | 6 |
| 9 - 12 May 2025 | 6 |
| 16 - 19 May 2025 | 6 |
| 2 - 5 March 2026 | guaranteed departure6 |
| Updated: 3 March 2025 at 11:00 pm | |
Standard bookings
Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for 5% off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).
| Standard Price | 2 days price per person | 3 days price per person | 4 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$1400 2 - 6 per guide * | NZ$2110 2 - 6 per guide * | NZ$2885 2 - 6 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Group discounts: get a group of family and friends together and book as a group. The amount of discount you will be eligible for, will depend on the group size - the more people you book, the more your discount will be. If our scheduled dates don't suit your group's travel plans, please contact us so we can reschedule a trip to suit (subject to guide availability).
Please note that group bookings are not private bookings - if you wish to keep your group closed and have a private guide just for your group, a surcharge will apply.
| Group Discounts | 2 days price per person | 3 days price per person | 4 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group booking of 3 | NZ$1,330.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,005.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,745.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 4 | NZ$1,330.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,005.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,745.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 5 | NZ$1,260.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,900.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,600.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 6 | NZ$1,260.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,900.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,600.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 7 | NZ$1,330.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,005.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,745.00 2 - 6 per guide |
| Group booking of 8 | NZ$1,290.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$1,945.00 2 - 6 per guide | NZ$2,655.00 2 - 6 per guide |
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$500.00
The remaining balance of the trip price (including any applicable discounts) is due 60 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 60 days of the trip start, the full amount will be due.
Booking conditionsInclusions & Exclusions
All prices include the following:
- IFMGA / NZMGA certified alpine trekking guide
- Department of Conservation licence fees
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
- 4WD transport (Tekapo - Cass Valley return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL mountaineering and trekking equipment
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.
Flights
Flights are not included in the price, as costs vary according to the venue, type of aircraft and occupancy. Depending on the venue, it is often possible to be picked up from a lower landing site on the return flight or to combine flights with other groups heading in to and out of the mountains to significantly reduce flight costs.
Weather dependent: As there is no guarantee of being able to fly (due to weather) and no obligation to fly, we like to be able to pass on any potential savings directly to our guests.
| Price per flight (the cost is split equally amongst guests) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Aircraft | Spaces | Price |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Bad Decision Hut | MD 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$1,210.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Bad Decision Hut | Squirrel Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,550.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Falcon's Nest Hut | MD 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$1,090.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Falcon's Nest Hut | Squirrel Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,395.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Lady Emily Hut | MD 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$1,210.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Lady Emily Hut | Squirrel Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,550.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from O'Leary's Hut | MD 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$845.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from O'Leary's Hut | Squirrel Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,060.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Tin Hut | MD 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$970.00 |
| Tekapo MHL Hanger to / from Tin Hut | Squirrel Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,240.00 |
Please note: Flight prices are given as examples only and are subject to change by aircraft operators at any time. In addition to guests, each aircraft will also transport the guide and gear.
Minimum & Maximum Group Size
A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this trip. If you end up being the only person booked on the trip, you will be offered the choice of:
- paying an additional fee to run the trip at a reduced guide-to-guest ratio
( NZ$915.00 for 2 days, NZ$1,370.00 for 3 days, NZ$1,840.00 for 4 days ) - rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 6 participants per guide is defined by our safety management plan. For groups larger than this, it is usually possible to allocate additional guides.
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 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.
Agility: 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: 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 introduced by guide if applicable.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more info| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Pre-trip Evening
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
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo at the above start time. 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.
Option - 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.
Option - 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.
Option - 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.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Pre-Trip Evening
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
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo at the above start time. 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 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. Enjoy watching the stars come out as you soak in the hot tub - don't forget to pack your togs!
3-4 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain, boulder-hopping along an alpine stream with some scree.
There is also an option to do a more advanced route to O'Leary's Hut.
Please refer to the Day 1 - Advanced Route of the 4 day itinerary.
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
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 short break at Lady Emily Hut, before continuing down to Memorial Hut. 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.
7-10 hours trekking along tussocky valleys and scree covered ridges. You may encounter some snow on the pass.
Alternatively, a quicker descent route is via Tin Hut Stream from Falcon's Nest to meet the 4WD at Tin Hut. 4-5 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain, boulder-hopping along an alpine stream.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Pre-Trip Evening
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
Meet at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo at the above start time. 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 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.
Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - Clothing & Equipment Checklist
Your gear check time will be provided at time of booking. Please bring as many of the items on the equipment list as you can. We can provide (at no extra charge), any of the items in list A that you are missing. Your pack with your own gear should not weigh more than 6kg. Remember that you will be adding a helmet and some fresh food (bread, meat, cheese, veges) to this weight, to end up with about 8kg to carry on the first day. Reminder: all food is provided.
Helmets are provided. Sleeping bags, mattresses and hut shoes are at the hut. We provide you with a sleeping bag liner and pillow case (if you have your own sleeping bag liner, please bring it).
*1 Boots: must be well broken-in and waterproofed, and stiff enough for crampons. To test boot stiffness, hold them at toe and heel and try bending the sole like a banana. If you can do this, your boots are too soft. Please note that we stock boots ranging from EU size 37-48; if you have feet outside this range and do not have suitable boots of your own, you will need to hire boots independently from: Gnomes Alpine Sports, Darfield; Small Planet Sports, Queenstown; or MT Outdoors, Wanaka. Book any hire equipment well in advance.
*2 Blister kit: we recommend Compeed and Leukoplast - available at chemists in Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
A. Equipment which Alpine Recreation can provide if you do not have your own:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| backpack - 35L | 1 |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| gaiters to fit over trekking / mountaineering boots | 1 |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 1 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 2 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| trekking / hiking poles | 1 |
| trekking / mountaineering boots sturdy enough for crampons | 1 |
| warm gloves / mittens | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| waterproof over-mitts | 1 |
| waterproof pack liner to keep your gear dry | 1 |
| waterproof parka must have a hood | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| camera | 1 |
| drink bottle wide-mouth, minimum 1.5 litres | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| quick-drying trekking pants / shorts | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum | 1 |
How do I make a booking?
Simply click on Book Your Adventure, fill out the enrolment form, and pay your deposit fee. Once you have submitted your completed enrolment form and we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your reservation on the trip. You will receive a formal confirmation receipt by email.
Your scheduled dates don't work for me - what should I do?
Please contact us with your available dates. We may be able to accommodate your request.
What happens if we have really bad weather?
New Zealand's weather is notoriously fickle. It is possible you could be delayed getting into or out of the mountains due to the weather. For this reason, we recommend leaving 1-2 days spare at the end of your trip to avoid disruption to other travel plans. Your guide will endeavour to provide alternative activities/venues to give you the best possible experience. In some cases, if all participants and the guide have flexibility with time, it may be an option to postpone the whole trip by a day (however we cannot guarantee this option and it is at the discretion of the guide).
In many cases, the weather may not be as bad as the forecast might lead you to believe - please remember that we are used to dealing with New Zealand's weather on a regular basis and know where to go and what to do to make the most of it!
Please see our Bad Weather Policies for more information.
When is the gear check?
All trips start with a gear check at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. For your specific trip gear check and start times, please refer to the Itinerary section of the relevant product page.
What trekking equipment do I need to bring?
Please refer to the clothing and equipment checklist in the Equipment section. Any equipment you need to borrow from us will be issued by your guide at the gear check. We can provide boots, trekking poles, outdoor clothing and packs at no extra cost if necessary.
Do I need travel insurance?
In the case of an accident, New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) will cover the majority of costs (about 80%) involved with evacuation and injury treatment, even for visitors to New Zealand. However, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance, as you still need cover for things such as cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip, or a close relative suddenly becomes ill; and medical insurance in case you become ill. Many standard travel insurance policies DO NOT cover high-risk adventure activities so be sure to check the wording of your policy.
More information on New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC).
Recommended insurance providers:
→ New Zealand Alpine Club provides mountaineering specific insurance options for New Zealand or Australian residents.
→ Austrian Alpine Club provides world-wide rescue and repatriation insurance to members.
→ World Nomads provides travel insurance for guided adventure activities.
→ Insure4less provides cover for a selection of high-risk activities for Australian residents.
How do I get to/from Lake Tekapo?
The easiest way to get to Lake Tekapo is to catch the bus from Christchurch or Queenstown, or hire a rental car. Most buses arrive in Tekapo around midday.
→ Lake Tekapo Transport recommendations.
Where is the best place to stay in Lake Tekapo before/after my trip?
Alpine Recreation provides accommodation at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. This is also where your gear check takes place before departure. It is recommended you book the nights before and after your trip here to facilitate the gear check and to allow flexibility in case of any delay in trip start due to weather. To book your nights, simply answer the relevant questions on your trip booking form.
→ Other Lake Tekapo Accommodation recommendations. We strongly recommend that you book your accommodation well in advance, as Tekapo is a popular tourist destination and options become limited during peak season.
Where can I park my car?
Secure off-street parking is available by Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge. Please leave your car keys with us (in case we have to move your vehicle if someone is parked in and so you don't lose your keys on the mountain!).
What do I do with my spare gear while on the trip?
We have a gear storage room at Edelweiss Lodge for you to leave any spare bags or gear while you are on your trip.
