Relax and enjoy a great winter holiday
Explore the Two Thumb Range in winter
Snowshoeing is a great option for the whole family
All snowshoeing gear is included - no hidden costs
A cosy retreat with great views of Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo Snowshoeing
High Country Snowshoe Hikes
The foothills of the Southern Alps undergo a magic transformation in winter. A covering of snow turns these tawny tussock lands into an extensive playground, not just for skiers, but also trampers on snowshoes.
Hike 3 hours up to our cosy mountain hut at the snowline (1280m) and use this as a base to explore a winter wonderland of ice-covered streams, curving ridges and snowy valleys. Relax in the evenings in the warmth of a pot belly stove.
Here in the foothills of the Southern Alps you are in the Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park of the Two Thumb Range with grand views across the Mackenzie Basin and of the major peaks of the Main Divide, Mounts Cook and Tasman.
""The most beautiful, breathtaking landscape I've ever seen! Our guide took us up along Snake Ridge today...amazing clear blue sky and the view of Mount Cook spectacular. Would love to come back." - K, Haase, Australia. More client comments.
Overview
Lake Tekapo Snowshoe Hikes are 2-5 day trips based from Rex Simpson Hut in the Two Thumb Range above Lake Tekapo. Hut is fully stocked so pack weight is kept to a minimum. We recommend 3 days as an optimum time for sampling snowshoeing, but for those limited to weekends 2 days will certainly give a refreshing break; and there are plenty of trail options for those who are able to spend 5 days.
All gear included in our prices - even hiking boots if you need them. No need to pay extra to hire snowshoes or avalanche transceiver.
Read the article about Snowshoeing in the Two Thumb Range.
Price details
1-6PER GUIDE
$
PER PERSON
| Participants | 2 days | 3 days | 4 days | 5 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings | ||||
| returning client discount (on individual bookings), if you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before. | ||||
| Group Booking Discounts (NZ$ per person) | ||||
| 3 People | ||||
| 4-5 People | ||||
| 6+ People | ||||
Included:
- Guide and Department of Conservation licence fees
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
- Free transport (Tekapo - Mt. Gerald return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL avalanche safety and snowshoeing equipment
Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.
Scheduled dates
JULY-OCT
Green : Minimum reached - guaranteed departure.
Orange : Only 4 or fewer places available.
Red : No availability.
Venue: Rex Simpson Hut
PRIVATE HUT
↑ Rex Simpson Hut is a cosy base for snowshoeing adventures.
Rex Simpson Hut
Rex Simpson Hut sits at an altitude of 1300m in the Two Thumb Range. It is located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and vistas over Lake Tekapo across the Mackenzie Basin. It is 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.
Privately Owned
The Hut is privately owned by Alpine Recreation and is an ideal base for backcountry activities. It is our base for the Tekapo High Country Hike in Summer and Snowshoe hikes, Alpine Ski Touring, Nordic Skiing and Instruction Courses during the winter.
Easy Access
No aircraft required: The hut can be reached in 3 hours walking from the road end and is located at 1300m, in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and out over Lake Tekapo across the Mackenzie Basin.
Fully Equipped
The hut is equipped with firewood, gas, solar lighting, sleeping bags, bunks, pillows and mattresses, and nonperishable food. A wood-fired stove means there are good heating and drying facilities.
Facilities
The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping up to 13 participants and 2 guides in total. There are no showers, but warm water and a 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!
Itinerary
2-5DAYS
WALK IN/OUT
First Day
8:30am gear check at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo.
From Lake Tekapo township we drive along the lakeshore to the top of Lake Tekapo. 3 hours' hike with a climb of 550m/1805t brings us to the cosy Rex Simpson Hut, at 1300m/4265ft. Depending on snow levels usually you will be able to don snowshoes about half-way to the hut, but other times you may need to carry the snowshoes until the last 800m - 1 km before the hut. The views over Lake Tekapo are expansive. Time permitting we may do one of the shorter trails (e.g. Mt Gerald Stream) in the afternoon or head up onto the ridge behind the hut to admire the view.
Relax with a hot drink beside the pot belly stove as your guide prepares a tasty dinner. Watch the sun set behind the alps and enjoy spectacularly clear displays of our Southern Hemisphere stars. No light or air pollution up here!
As the hut is fully stocked we only need to carry some fresh items of food (e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat) and our personal clothing and equipment.
The hut gives an excellent vantage point for watching the sun set behind the alps and for viewing our Southern Hemisphere stars in our uniquely dark night sky.
As the hut is fully stocked we only need to carry some fresh items of food (e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat) and our personal clothing and equipment.
Subsequent Day(s)
Based at Rex Simpson Hut, we will explore the winter wonderland around Mt. Gerald, Camp Stream Valley, Snake Ridge, Beuzenberg Peak and the Southern Terraces. Please refer to the "Trail Options" section.
Last Day
Return to Lake Tekapo, with the option of doing one of the shorter trails in the morning (e.g. Southern Terraces), arriving back around 4-5pm.
Tour Options
+
↑ The Two Thumb Range above Lake Tekapo.
Mount Gerald Stream
From hut, around the corner, up Mt Gerald Stream and onto the plateau of Mt Gerald itself, with views down to Lilybank Station and up the Godley Valley and across Lake Tekapo. Return same way or cross Snake Ridge and follow down to hut. 3-4 hours return.
Snake Ridge - Beuzenberg Peak
Up to saddle looking into Camp Stream, then up onto Snake Ridge, following all the way up to Beuzenberg Peak, 2070m and return via ridge or via Camp Stream. Great views of East Face of Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and other Main Divide peaks as you cruise along the ridge top. 6 hours return.
Camp Stream Traverse
Up to saddle behind hut, down into Camp Stream valley and up a peak, 1666m, on the eastern side for grand views into the next valley and a different perspective of the Main Divide. This trek can be extended into the next valley (subject to safe snow conditions). 3-4 hours return.
Camp Stream - Stag Saddle
Great on a windy day to have the shelter of the valley. Amble beside the gurgling stream up to the bumps and basins at the head of the valley, before climbing up to Stag Saddle, 1925m. Return same way, or traverse up onto Snake Ridge and descend that way. 6 hours return.
Southern Terraces
Head south from hut, enjoying the view out over Lake Tekapo as far as Lakes Benmore and Pukaki, traverse back around into the lower end of Camp Stream, stopping off to take a step back in time with a visit to an old musterers' hut, before following up the gorge and back over the saddle to Rex Simpson Hut. 4-5 hours return.
There are many variations on these tours. It's possible to spend 5+ days based at Rex Simpson Hut and explore new territory every day, only crossing your previous tracks near the hut.
Equipment
PROVIDED
You can get into the mountains without having to bring a lot of gear. The snowshoes and ski poles are provided, along with any other gear you may need to borrow, including boots.
All of your equipment will be checked during the gear check at our office at the start of your trip. Any equipment you need to borrow from us will be issued by your guide.