Best of Southern Alps Trek

This morning we drive south through the Canterbury Plains to Fairlie and inland to Lake Tekapo for lunch. We drive along Tekapo's lakeside to Mt Gerald station and then hike 3-4 hours into the Rex Simpson Hut, (a 12 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 (up to 3-4 hours walking). As day turns to night we savour the sun setting behind mountain silhouettes and a star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere and enjoy a hearty meal prepared by your guides. The hut consists of three rooms, sleeping 12 participants and 2 guides in total. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo with a view! The hut is fully equipped with pot belly stove, firewood, gas, and solar lighting. Sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses are at the hut; liners and pillow cases are provided each trip. It provides a comfortable and unique place to call home for the first 2 nights. Note: Please remember we will be staying in an alpine hut, you will not need to take all your luggage with you and we suggest packing a small overnight bag with clothing suitable for staying in an alpine environment. If necessary we can provide small overnight packs and walking poles.

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, we head out from the hut and 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 Beuzenberg Peak at 2070m is a just reward. We return back to the hut for another hearty meal and spectacular sunset should the weather play ball (up to 6-8 hours walking).

Meals:  B,L,D

Today starts with a walk back down to the road end from Rex Simpson hut. There's time to look around Tekapo and pick up a coffee and packed lunch before heading to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. This afternoon we'll choose from a number of short walks in the area dependent upon weather conditions and fitness levels from the previous day. A walk to the Red Tarns, named because of the red pond weed, offers stunning views directly onto Mt Sefton. Its a short steep climb with a number of steps that take us quickly to this panoramic high point. From here we can rest and take in the views directly up the Hooker Valley and back down the Tasman Valley. The Hooker Valley walk is also a favourite weaving under the towering peaks and across swing bridges to a beautiful glacial lake. (Up to 4-5 hours walking). Tonight’s accommodation is within Aoraki/Mt Cook Village itself with outstanding views of the sun setting on the surrounding mountains.

Meals:  B,L,D

The entire day awaits to explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and immerse ourselves in the awe inspiring landscapes and mighty peaks that surround. Today we climb up to the Sealy Tarns gaining 450m in the first hour. From here there are awesome views around the neighbouring valleys, the Mt Cook Range and Mt Sefton. Then the path becomes less defined, a little rocky in places, and as it gets higher and starts to leave the alpine scrub and tussock, it enters boulder fields. The final ascent to the ridge line is up a steep-ish scree slope. At around 1600m, the view opens up to an amazing vista of Mt Sefton and the Mueller Glacier far below. Mueller Hut is then about a kilometre away, at an altitude just short of 1800m. The route to the hut is marked by poles, across boulder fields, and requires some rock-hopping, but later on crosses a couple of small basins before reaching the hut. The hut is located at a unique vantage point with 360-degree views of uninterrupted alpine beauty. It makes a wonderful location for lunch before returning the same way. A second night in the village provides another opportunity to view these peaks at sundown and the incredible starry night sky that follows.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning there is another opportunity for a short walk in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, again largely dictated by what we've achieved the previous two days, it could be a Hooker Valley walk or visit to the Tasman Glacier View point. Leaving the Mackenzie basin we cross ‘water-sheds’ and drive over the Lindis Pass through to Wanaka with a lunch stop along the way. Take the time this afternoon to relax and explore Wanaka's lakeside township after a big few days of walking, or we can drop you to a nearby short walk to spend the rest of the afternoon.

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast, we drive for an hour to the trail head of the Rob Roy Glacier Track. The trail leads into Mount Aspiring National Park following Rob Roy Stream through beech forest with waterfalls and a luxuriant understorey of ferns and mosses. At the tree line, the forest gives way to alpine vegetation and spectacular views of the hanging glaciers beneath Mount Rob Roy. The walk to the viewing point is mostly uphill, but the incline gradual. The cheeky kleptomaniac Kea (mountain parrots) are fond of anything edible or not that you may leave unattended on a rock – just saying!

Meals:  B,L,D

The last day of this trip will be a highlight for many as we head over the Crown Range from Wanaka to Queenstown to hike in the extraordinary sub-alpine environment of Ben Lomond (1748m). From here there are awe-inspiring panoramas of Lake Wakatipu, the distant Remarkable and Richardson Ranges, along with the mountains and valleys we have been exploring over the past 4 days. We descend until we reach the Skyline Gondola, which provides a quick ride down into Queenstown and then a short walk to town.

Meals:  B,L