Alpine Recreation

Alpine Recreation was the first mountain guiding operation established in Lake Tekapo and has over 40 years of experience (since 1981) guiding in the Tekapo backcountry, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Mackenzie region. Alpine Recreation are family-owned and operated and offer unique year-round alpine adventures with exclusive access to the most stunning backcountry locations in the Southern Alps. Explore far from the beaten track to remote mountain locations, avoid the crowds and rest assured that you’re in good hands, as Alpine Recreation is safety audit certified by AdventureMark. Small group sizes ensure you’ll be well looked after and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

Alpine Recreation are alpine specialists and their friendly and professional IFMGA and NZMGA qualified mountain guides will take you on alpine hikes and treks, mountaineering courses and climbing in the summer; and snowshoe hikes, ski and split-board tours, avalanche courses, glacier skiing and ski mountaineering in the winter. They offer family-friendly overnight stays in remote mountain huts, heli-assisted day tours from their Edelweiss Lodge in Lake Tekapo, through to alpine skills courses at their private mountain huts and private guided ascents of New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Edelweiss Lodge – Tekapo Accommodation

Alpine Recreation’s very own Edelweiss Lodge in Tekapo Village provides the perfect starting point for their Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook based adventures. Walking distance from the town centre, restaurants, cafés and hot pools, their modern and well-equipped lodge provides everything you might need before and after your adventure.

Private and remote mountain huts with spectacular views

Alpine Recreation own two private huts:
– Rex Simpson Hut in the Two Thumb Range with stunning views over Lake Tekapo; and
– Caroline Hut in the Mount Cook Range in front of the impressive 2000m high Caroline Face of Aoraki Mount Cook.
Both huts are heated and well supplied with food, sleeping bags and equipment, keeping you warm and comfortable on your mountain adventure and your pack light for the hike in. They are also amazing places for star-gazing, located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and far from any light pollution.

Tekapo High Country Hike

Guided overnight alpine hikes in the Two Thumb Range, Lake Tekapo. Be inspired by the magic light of the Mackenzie High Country across golden tussock, snow-capped peaks and the deep turquoise of Lake Tekapo. Climb along “Snake Ridge” to Beuzenberg Peak – the highest point and highlight of the Te Araroa Trail – and return to the cosy Rex Simpson 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. This adventure is also an option in the winter as Tekapo Snowshoe Hikes.

Tekapo Hut to Hut Traverse

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. Hike high above Lake Tekapo, cross alpine passes and gaze in wonder at the night sky. Add in Glenmore Station’s cosy, heated private huts and you have the recipe for a great backcountry holiday and one of the best alpine hikes in the Lake Tekapo Mackenzie region! If you’re a backcountry skier or split-boarder, this trip is also an option in the winter as the Gamack Range Ski / Split-board Tours.

Aoraki/Mount Cook Trek

A stunning 2 day alpine trek among New Zealand’s highest mountains. Trek through amazing alpine terrain, surrounded by Aoraki Mount Cook National Park’s highest peaks and longest glaciers. Enjoy a night in the private Caroline Hut, savouring the fabulous views of the 2000m high Caroline Face of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest ice face. Relax in its wonderful setting on the Ball Ridge, high above the Tasman Glacier, and be awed by the ice avalanches rumbling down Aoraki Mount Cook. Sunsets in this high alpine environment can be incredible!

Ball Pass Crossing

A mountaineering adventure traversing the Mount Cook Range and crossing high mountain passes, surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks and longest glaciers. Immerse yourself in the most spectacular mountain location, with two nights in the private Caroline Hut. Climb Kaitiaki Peak (2222m) to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps, including close up views of the Hillary Ridge and South Face of Aoraki Mount Cook. Explore the Ball Glacier with your guide on the way to crossing Ball Pass (2121m) before descending towards the Hooker Valley. The Ball Pass Crossing combines an opportunity to learn basic mountaineering skills and summit a peak with the hard, physically demanding challenge of a high alpine crossing.

Heli-assisted Snowshoe Hikes and Ski / Split-board Day Tours

Lodge based day tours on the peaks and ranges around Lake Tekapo. Snowshoe hikes and ski / split-board day tours for those wanting to be based out of Lake Tekapo, but still access the backcountry for adventurous and rewarding day trips. You may be holidaying with family in Tekapo or haven’t got the time for the walk into our huts. Or maybe you simply prefer staying in a comfortable holiday home or hotel rather than a backcountry hut. Here is the mountain adventure for you! Our trips can cater to families, first-time snowshoers and ski / split-board tourers as well as to experienced groups.

Mountain Instruction Courses

Alpine Recreation offer a range of alpine instruction courses based at their private huts and lodge, catering to complete beginners, through to experienced alpinists wanting to refresh their skills. Professional IFMGA / NZMGA qualified mountain guides will teach you all the skills you need to know on Alpine Recreation’s mountaineering, backcountry skiing / split-boarding and avalanche instruction courses. Small group sizes ensure you’ll make the most of the learning opportunities on your course.