New Zealand Hiking - Lake Tekapo High Country Guided Walk

Hiking on Snake Ridge, Lake Tekapo behind

 

East Face of Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman viewed from Snake Ridge and Beuzenberg Peak

Tekapo Trek

Hike above worry level in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Be inspired by the magic light of the Mackenzie High Country across golden tussock, snow-capped peaks and the turquoise of Lake Tekapo. Climb a 2070m peak and return to a cosy mountain hut to savour the sun setting behind mountain silhouettes and a star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere.

The Tekapo Trek is in the newly created Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park, which encompasses the spectacular landscapes of ice-steepened mountains and broad glaciated valleys of the Two Thumb Range.

How does this trek compare with a Great Walk?

• You can get into the mountains without having to bring a lot of gear.
• No heavy loads to carry because sleeping bags, stoves, fuel and non-perishable food are at the hut.
• You're above the bushline all the time with wide open views.
• You have a clean hut for your party alone.
• A guide looks after you, giving you a unique opportunity to learn about the Southern Hemisphere stars.

Dates:	November - April by arrangement; Check for existing departures to join.
Fitness:	Previous tramping or hiking experience is recommended.
Group Size:	Minimum 2, maximum 10 participants
Cost per Person: valid to 30/04/10	NZ$750 for two-night option. NZ$500 for one-night option. NZ$ exchange rate. Group discounts available.
Included in Price:	Guide, all meals on tour, hut accommodation, transport from Lake Tekapo and return, 12.5% GST. Not included: meals and accommodation before and after tour.

 

Additional Information

View from near Rex Simpson Hut - Mt Sibbald

Itinerary for Two-Night Option

Day 1: Start: 10am at Alpine Recreation's office, 30 Murray Place Lake Tekapo. From Lake Tekapo township we drive along the lakeshore to a typical high country sheep station. Three hours' hike with a climb of 430m/1400ft brings us to the cosy Rex Simpson Hut, at 1280m/4200ft. The only sounds to be heard are the skylarks singing, or the chirp of an occasional pippit. This peacefulness is one of the first powerful impressions, giving a real sense of isolation and remoteness. The views over Lake Tekapo are expansive. Evening entertainment regularly comes in the form of an inspiring sunset behind the alps and/or spectacularly clear displays of our Southern Hemisphere stars.

 

Day 2: We trek along a 6 kilometre-long ridge-top, nicknamed "Snake Ridge", that was formed by ice-age glaciation, and ascend Beuzenberg Peak (2073m/6800ft). The terrain is untracked with a moderate gradient. As we hike higher the splendour of the Southern Alps unfolds with the East Face of Mount Cook dominating the skyline. Unique alpine scree plants and maybe an alpine weta can be spotted by the observant. Early summer the tussock will be interspersed with mountain daisies, (Celmisia Lyallii). In late summer the red berries of Little Mountain Heath (Pentachondra Pumila) dot the ground, along with white and pink snowberries. Walk back down to Rex Simpson Hut to be well fed and entertained by your guide. 6-8 hours walking.

 

Day 3: We trek to an old musterers’ hut before walking back down through the farm and returning to Lake Tekapo. The hut door carries part of a dog collar, dated 1898, and the interior could be reminiscent of Scott’s hut in Antarctica. Finish about 1pm in Lake Tekapo. After your return to Lake Tekapo we recommend a scenic flight with Air Safaris over the Southern Alps (not included in price): www.airsafaris.co.nz.

 

Celmisia Lyallii on the way up Snake Ridge

Rex Simpson Hut with Lake Tekapo behind

Itinerary for One-Night Option

As above except the trip starts at 1pm at Alpine Recreation's office, 30 Murray Place Lake Tekapo. (Most buses arrive in Tekapo from Christchurch before this time.) Days 2 and 3 get condensed into one day and you come straight back to Lake Tekapo after returning to Rex Simpson Hut. Obviously the second day is quite a long day then (8-9 hours walking) but for fit hikers is a good option when your travel itinerary cannot allow so much time.

 

Winter Option - On Snowshoes

The Tekapo Trek is available in winter as a guided trip on snowshoes.

 

Who is the Tekapo Trek for?

Young and older fit walkers (who no longer want to carry heavy packs) and everybody who wants an active holiday. You should consult with us first if you have anybody in your group younger than 10 and older than 70. Fitness is more important than age! To climb a peak over 2000m is both challenging and rewarding. If you enjoy challenges and a good physical workout in a scenic environment, then this trek is for you. If you appreciate getting off-the-beaten-track, then this is definitely the place to go – it is rare to encounter any other people outside your own group.

 

Fitness

Ideally you should have previous tramping or hiking experience, because much of the trek is across untracked terrain and you need to be sure-footed. However, if you are relatively new to tramping, then this is an ideal introduction, especially for families, as long as you are fit and walking 6-8 hours in a day would pose no problems. Your pack will contain just your clothing and a few items of fresh food to be carried to the hut on Day 1. Non-perishable food and sleeping bags are at the hut.

 

Huts

Rex Simpson Hut belongs to Alpine Recreation. It has a woodburner, solar lighting , gas cookers and well-equipped kitchen. Firewood and non-perishable food are helicoptered in once per year. The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping 10 participants and 2 guides in total. Sleeping bags are at the hut; liners and pillow cases are provided each trip. There are no showers, but warm water and basin can be provided for washing – or you can find a private spot somewhere along the alpine stream. The toilet is a traditional longdrop loo with a view!

 

Booking

We recommend to settle 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. Book now

 

Photos

Please see the Tekapo Trek Gallery for more pictures.

 

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