Tekapo Hike

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.

Day 1. Lake Tekapo to Rex Simpson Hut - 3 hours walking.
From Lake Tekapo township the drive along the lakeshore takes you to a typical high country sheep station. Three hours' walking with a climb of 430m/1400ft brings you 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 pipit. 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 the Southern Hemisphere stars.

Day 2. Snake Ridge and Erica Peak - 6-8 hours walking.
Trek along a 6 kilometre-long ridge-top, nicknamed "Snake Ridge", that was formed by ice-age glaciation, and ascend "Erica Peak" (2073m/6800ft). The terrain is untracked with a moderate gradient. As you gain height 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. Return to Rex Simpson Hut to be well fed and entertained by your guide.

Day 3. Rex Simpson Hut to Lake Tekapo - 2-3 hours walking
Visit 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 approximately 2pm in Lake Tekapo.

Grade: D
Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 10-12kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800 metres.
Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness 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.

The Tekapo Hike guides are extensively experienced in both hiking and mountaineering, and are familiar with the terrain you will encounter on your hike. Guides are all licensed to drive passenger service vehicles and have mountain safety and first aid qualifications.

Essential Items

your own boots if preferred

running shoes

gaiters

2 pairs woollen socks

wool or polypropylene thermal top and longjohns

underwear

polarfleece pants

overtrousers

shirt

wool jersey or polarfleece jacket

waterproof raincoat with hood

wool mittens

polypropylene gloves

wool hat or balaclava

sunhat

sunglasses

sun cream

personal first aid

toilet gear

headlamp or torch with spare battery

drink bottle

camera

pack

plastic bags

ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper

Transport from the meeting point in Tekapo to the start of the Tekapo Hike and return is included in the price. Transport is normally by small minibus.

All food is provided for on the Tekapo Trek. Please advise us if you are a vegetarian. A catering manager to prepares food: fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, quality cheeses and meats. Together with the gourmet skills of the guides, this ensures a consistently high standard cuisine. All snacks are included. Non-perishable food is at the hut.

Because food quantities are carefully planned and prepared there is minimal waste to be carried out at the end of the trip and minimal effect on the environment.

Rex Simpson Hut belongs to Alpine Recreation. It has a woodburner, solar lighting, gas cookers and well-equipped kitchen. Firewood and non-perishable food are helicoptered in once per year. The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping ten participants and two 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!

You should book accommodation in Lake Tekapo for the night before your walk. Please let us know if you would like assistance.

Who is the Lake Tekapo High Country Trek for?
The young and the old (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 and 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 away from where everybody else is going, then this is definitely the place to go – it is rare to encounter any other people outside your own group.

There are no additional costs on the Tekapo Trek.

Changes: The operators reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour, should weather or any other situation demand this.

Liability: Alpine Recreation Canterbury Ltd and its agents finalise all arrangements for these tours upon the express condition that they shall not be liable for loss of life, injury, illness, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of weather or any defect in any vehicle or aircraft or through the acts of default of any company or persons engaged in conveying the passengers or carrying out of arrangements of the tours. All clients have to complete our waiver form before starting their tour.

Price includes:
Guide, all meals on tour, hut accommodation, transport from Lake Tekapo and return, 12.5% GST.

Not included: meals and accommodation before and after tour.

Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND

Travel Insurance:
You are strongly advised to have full travel insurance to cover such things as your cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip; and medical insurance in case you become ill.

Medical Conditions:
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/bee stings and food allergies.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.