Introduction 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. Experience some of the best of New Zealand trekking in this compact 8 day hiking itinerary finishing with an awesome heli-hike from the Remarkables above Queenstown.
Includes 8 days alpine exploration with a chance to climb tow easy trekking peaks 7 nights private mountain accommodation and comfortable tenting 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners Up to 3 helicopter flights (weather dependent)
Itinerary Day 1: Christchurch to Rex Simpson Hut You will be collected from your accommodation site at 8.30am and driven 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 10 bunk private hut on the station). To greet us are stunning vistas across the lake and into the rolling tussock landscape that surrounds the area. (Approx 3-4 hours walking). (L, D) Day 2: Rex Simpson Hut to Lake Tekapo From the hut we climb onto a broad easy spur which gradually gains height showcasing breathtaking views back down the lake and across to the Southern Alps with the prominent east faces of Mt Cook and Tasman. For the strong trekker, the summit of Mt Hope at 2070m is just a reward. Back at the hut we pack up and return to our vehicle for the short drive back to Lake Tekapo and our motel accommodation. (Approx 6-8 hours walking). (B, L) Day 3: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook Mt Cook beclons as we drive 90 mins to the heart of the National Park. From here a number of hikes are available dependant upon fitness levels from the previous day. Mt Sebastopol and the mountain tarns are a favourite as is the Hooker Valley with its profuse vegetation. (Approx 4-5 hours walking). (B, L) Day 4: Mount Cook to Wanaka After a later start we drive over the beautiful tussock covered Lindis Pass and drop down to Lake Wanaka and the Mt Aspiring catchment. Driving up into the headwaters, we finally reach our next starting point and our waiting helicopter. From here we take a short flight into a small remote and private mountain hut set amidst the sub alpine vegetation and numerous nearby trekking options. For the next night we camp in the area using the hut as our base. (Approx 2 hours walking). (B, L, D) Day 5: Wanaka Based from the hut we have several options dependant upon weather and fitness. Nearby tussock covered peaks provide opportunities to climb to awesome scenery with 'in your face' views of Mt Aspiring, Popes Nose and Rob Roy directly across the valley. The view is best enjoyed from the summit of Black Peak, a friendly accessible peak within easy reach of the hut. By midday we are back at the hut and a picnic lunch, before we depart again down valley for an awesome ridge walk which gently takes us down to the col and the pick up point for the helicopter. Soon we are back with our coach rolling back into Wanaka and a hot shower before exploring the great restaurants nearby. (Approx 4-5 hours walking with options). (B, L) Day 6: Wanaka to Central Otago After a lakeside breakfast we join a luxurious water taxi/catamaran for a cruise across the lake and a landing to join up with an old farm track. We follow this along the lake side with awesome views back to Wanaka and the tussock clad mountains surrounding it. By lunch time we are back to the coach and transfer around to nearby Diamond lake with its range of spectacular views giving us a full day of hiking amidst the beautiful settings that is central Otago. (B, L) Day 7: Central Otago to Queenstown After an early morning start we drive over the Crown Range to the beginning of our final highlight of the trip. By vehicle we gain height on the ski-field road and the road end climb beyond the ski area to Wye Saddle and the drop into the headwaters there. 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. At last our helicopter plucks us from the summit and drops us to the airfield below and a transfer to our accommodation. (Approx 5-6 hours walking). (B, L, D) Day 8: Queenstown For those with time and energy to spare Queenstown offers so much. Not without good reason it is called the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. For those seeking a return to Christchurch, our vehicle is available at no charge. (B)
