Hiking & Walking
Small Group Tours
Multi-Day Short Tours
Trek Options
- 2 DAYS: Starts at 1pm on Day 1 and finishes around 5pm on Day 2.
- 3 DAYS: Starts at 10am on Day 1 and finishes around 1pm on Day 3.
We recommend the 3-day option for most hikers, as the second day of the 2-day option can be quite long. However, the 2-day trek is ideal for fit hikers on a tight schedule. Most buses arrive in Tekapo from Christchurch between 12pm and 1pm, making this a convenient option.
Inclusions
- Guide
- Department of Conservation licence fees
- Heated PRIVATE hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Mt. Gerald return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL trekking equipment
Please Note: Meals and accommodation before and after the trip are not included.
Trekking Fitness & Experience
- 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.
Book Your Lake Tekapo Adventure Today!
- I enjoy hiking for 4–6 hours a day, carrying my own pack (up to 10kg).
- I have completed day hikes or multi-day tramps over rough or uneven trails.
- I’m comfortable walking up and down hills with sustained elevation gain and loss.
- I’m happy hiking in remote alpine terrain, sometimes without a formed trail.
- I’m prepared for changing mountain weather, including cold, wind, and rain.
- I have a good level of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.
- I’m looking for an authentic New Zealand backcountry experience, away from crowds.
- I have a positive attitude, enjoy teamwork, and love a good adventure!
Previous Experience
The Tekapo High Country Hike is designed for active, outdoorsy people with a good base level of hiking experience. If you are relatively new to tramping, then this is an ideal introduction, especially for families — our experienced guides will lead you across the route safely.
Ideal previous experience includes:
- Day hikes on hills with sustained ascents and descents.
- Multi-day tramping trips, carrying a pack with your own gear (8–10kg).
- Confidence walking on uneven trails, rocky or muddy slopes, and open tussock country.
You should be comfortable walking for 4–6 hours a day over uneven, sometimes rough or steep terrain. Good fitness, sure-footedness, and a positive attitude toward changing alpine weather are essential for enjoying this wild and beautiful part of New Zealand!
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 2 - Slightly challenging
A good level of aerobic fitness is expected. Suitable for people who regularly undertake multi-day hiking/trekking/tramping trips. Must be comfortable carrying a light-moderate backpack (5-8 kg) for 4-6 hours. Expect ascents of 500-800 vertical metres.
Agility: 1 - Basic hiking/trekking agility
Hiking on unmarked routes in sub-alpine terrain. Able to move efficiently on uneven terrain with steps, rocks, tree roots etc. while carrying a light backpack. No scrambling or technical equipment required. Little or no exposure.
Tekapo High Country Hike - Clothing & Equipment Checklist
Your gear check time will be provided at time of booking. Please bring as many of the items on the equipment list as you can. We can provide (at no extra charge), any of the items in list A that you are missing. Your pack with your own gear should not weigh more than 6kg. Remember that you will be adding some fresh food (bread, meat, cheese, veges) to this weight, to end up with about 8kg to carry on the first day. Reminder: all food is provided.
Sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows and hut shoes are at the hut. We provide you with a sleeping bag liner and pillow case (if you have your own sleeping bag liner, please bring it).
*1 Boots: must be well broken-in and waterproofed, with good ankle support. Please note that we stock mountaineering boots ranging from EU size 37-48; if you have feet outside this range, or prefer a lighter, softer boot, you are encouraged to bring your own, or hire boots independently.
*2 Blister kit: we recommend Compeed and Leukoplast - available at chemists in Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
A. Equipment which Alpine Recreation can provide if you do not have your own:
| Item | Quantity |
| backpack - 35L | 1 |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| gaiters to fit over trekking / mountaineering boots | 1 |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| hiking boots | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 1 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 1 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| trekking / hiking poles | 1 |
| warm gloves / mittens | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| waterproof pack liner to keep your gear dry | 1 |
| waterproof parka must have a hood | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
| camera | 1 |
| drink bottle wide-mouth, minimum 1.5 litres | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| quick-drying trekking pants / shorts | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum |
