TEKAPO TREK | NEW ZEALAND TREKKING HOLIDAY

Quick Facts

November-April, ex Lake Tekapo.

2 days AUD $500

3 days AUD $700

Prerequisites: average fitness, hiking/trekking experience recommended

Tekapo Trek Description

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.

The Tekapo Trek is very suitable to first time visitors to New Zealand's Southern Alps.

Season 2010 - 2011 Dates

Ring first to check availability! We can advise you instantly of our most up to date trip availability. 

Phone: 61 3 5364 2977 or Email info@awt.travel  

Nov 2010: 01-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-11, 11-13, 13-15, 15-17, 17-19, 19-21, 21-23, 24-25, 25-26, 27-29, 29-1Dec

Dec 2010: 1-3, 5-6, 5-7, 7-9, 9-11, 11-13, 15-17, 17-19, 19-21, 21-23, 24-26, 27-29, 29-30, 31-02Jan

Jan 2011:  2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 13-15, 17-19, 18-20, 20-21, 23-24, 24-26, 26-28, 28-30, 30-01Feb

Feb 2011:  2-4, 5-7, 7-9, 9-11, 11-13, 13-15, 15-17, 17-18, 20-21, 21-23, 23-25, 25-27, 27-01Mar

Mar 2011:  2-4, 6-7, 7-9, 9-11, 11-13, 13-15, 15-17, 17-18, 20-22, 23-25, 25-27, 27-28, 29-31, 31-02Apr

Apr 2011:  2-4, 4-6, 7-9, 9-11, 11-13, 13-15, 15-17, 17-19, 19-21, 21-23(Easter), 25-27(Easter), 27-29

Itinerary for 3 Day Option

DAY 1

10am gear check at our 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

Itinerary for 2 Day 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.

Group Sizes, Prices & What's Included

2-6 participants per guide.
Individual bookings welcome. If you end up being the only person on a trip you will have the option of changing to another date or a full refund.

Prices are per person.
2 day option: AUD$500; 3 day option: AUD$700.

Prices valid until 30 April 2011.

Included: guide, hut accommodation, all food & transport ex Lake Tekapo, all equipment and boots if required, Department of Conservation licence fee

Meals and accommodation before/after tour are NOT included.

Fitness & Trekking Experience Required

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.

Rex Simpson Hut

Rex Simpson Hut is privately owned and is an ideal base for trekking in the summer and snow shoeing and ski touring in the winter.

Located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo.

Fully equipped with pot belly stove, firewood, gas, solar lighting, sleeping bags and non-perishable food.

The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping 12 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!

Who is this 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 or 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.

Further Information

Equipment: We provide boots and trekking poles. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking. Outdoor clothing and packs can also be provided at no extra cost if necessary.

Accommodation pre-/post- tour: You may wish to book accommodation in Tekapo the nights before and after the trip.