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.