Trekking The Southern Alps

There is little doubt that some of the world's finest alpine walking is found in the South Island of New Zealand. A region of untamed beauty with alpine meadows that extend to the glaciers and snowfields beneath the picture perfect summits of Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring and other peaks that form the Southern Alps. In consultation with our local guides we have created a special itinerary to gain a 'grand overview' of this spectacular mountain landscape.

The accent is on day walks undertaken from the comfort of base huts, and while you carry only a day pack there are many challenging options to ascend the higher flanks of the mountains.

Climb to the summit of two easy 2000m peaks with spectacular mountain views. Three helicopter transfers are also included to ensure we cover as much ground as possible.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: To Mt Gerald Station (3-4 hours
walking)
We collect you from your accommodation site at 8.00am and take you to our depot for a pre-tour briefing before we drive south to Fairlie and inland to Lake Tekapo for lunch. We drive along Tekapo's lakeside to Mt Gerald station and then hike 3 hours into the Rex Simpson Hut, (a 12 bunk private hut on the station. Sleeping bags are supplied here). To greet us are stunning vistas across the lake and into the rolling tussock landscape that surrounds the area. (L,D)
* Your guide will call your hotel the evening prior to reconfirm your pick up time.

Day 2: Mt Hope and Lake Tekapo (6-8 hours walking)
From our hut we climb onto a broad easy spur, which gradually gains height affording spectacular views back down the lake and across to the Southern Alps with the east faces of Mt Cook and Tasman prominent. For the strong trekker, the summit of Mt Hope at 2070m is a just reward. Back at the hut we pack up and walk back to our vehicle for the short drive back to Lake Tekapo and our motel accommodation.
(B,L)

Day 3: Mt Cook National Park (4-5 hours walking)
Mt Cook beckons brighter as we drive the 90 mins to the heart of the National Park. From here a number of hikes are available dependant upon fitness levels. Mt Sebastopol and the mountain tarns are a favourite, as is the Hooker Valley with its profuse vegetation. We overnight in motel accommodation. (B,L)

Day 4: To Wanaka with day walks (3 hours walking)
After an optional morning walk we depart Mt Cook and make our way via the Lindis pass into the Wanaka region with a picnic lunch en route. On the outskirts of the township we pause for a stretch of our legs and hike for 90 minutes to an awesome viewpoint overlooking the region allowing us to identify the hikes of the next two days. Finally reaching our accommodation we have a final optional lakeside walk in the evening.
(B,L,D)

Day 5: Buchanan Peak heli hike (6-7 hours walking)
From an early start we drive to the helicopter base for today's heli-hike. Across the Matukituki Valley at 1500m is a series of small mountain lakes with great reflections and views of Mt Aspiring. After a time to take in the spectacular views we head up through the tussocklands to the ridgeline and then make our way across to the summit of the Buchanan peaks at 2004m. Around us the views are amazing as we look into neighbouring valleys and the headwaters of Lake Wanaka. Slowly returning to our welcoming tarns
we have time to swim and relax and enjoy a late snack before its time to rejoin our helicopter for the short flight back to base and our welcoming accommodation. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National Park (4-7 hours walking)
On board our private water taxi we cruise across the glacial blue waters of Lake Wanaka to the start of a farm track that weaves through tussock and forest before edging around the lakeside, with magnificent views down the valley. Easy walking with spectacular scenery leads us back to a picnic lunch at the coach. Nearby, an optional 3 hour round trip above Diamond Lake, takes us
to a magnificent view point looking down the Matukituki Valley and into the heart of the Mt Aspiring National park. We return to Wanaka for a final night in this delightful alpine village. (B,L)

Day 7: Remarkables Hike and Helicopter return (5-6 hours walking)
After an early morning start we drive over the Crown range and then onto our final highlight of the trip. By vehicle we gain height on alpine roads before we commence hiking beyond the ski fields to Wye Saddle. Beneath the summit peaks of the Remarkables we trek around to at last reach the skyline ridge with its awesome views of the Wakatipu basin beneath us. The trekking in this
area involves some boulder field terrain. A waiting helicopter plucks us from near the summit and drops us to the airfield below before our vehicle transfers us to our accommodation in Queenstown. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Trip concludes Queenstown
For those with time and energy to spare Queenstown offers so much. Not without good reason is it known as the “Adventure Capital of NZ”. For those seeking a return to Christchurch, our vehicle is available for transfer. (B)

Note: This itinerary is subject to change with any change in National Park regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural
circumstances beyond our control.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

The accommodation for this trip has been carefully selected to provide comfort and value in the best locations possible. The accommodation is on a twin share or double room basis with private facilities except for the overnight at Rex Simpson Hut where we will have shared sleeping & bathroom facilities. If you wish to reserve a room to yourself a single supplement is available
at extra cost, (Note on the first night we will be unable to offer you a single room.)

Please note: although every endeavour is made to stay at the accommodation detailed in the itinerary, occasionally, due to seasonal shortages, we need to use other accommodation of a similar standard. Meals are usually at a local restaurant and four of these are included in your trip price. The accommodation or the guides themselves usually prepare breakfasts and lunches, and we use this time together to review the day and brief clients on their needs. Some evening meals have not been included to give you the opportunity to dine when and where you like, with the group or on your own.