SOUTHERN ALPS 7 DAY ITINERARY

There is little doubt that some of the worlds 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.

A spectacular itinerary featuring some amazing mountain walking, three nights camped in comfortable back country huts, with the chance to rest up at quality accommodation after your alpine experiences. A mixture of remote untracked terrain coupled with friendly trails of a relaxed grade.

Day 1
We collect you from your accommodation site at 8.30am and 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 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. (Up to 3-4 hours walking). (L, D)

Day 2
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 a just 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. (Up to 6-8 hours walking). (B, L)

Day 3
Mt Cook beckons 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 favorite as is the Hooker Valley with its profuse vegetation. (Up to 4-5 hours walking). (B, L)

Day 4
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 two nights we will camp in the area using the hut as our base. (Up to 2 hours walking). (B, L, D)

Day 5
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. From the numerous mountain tarns and fields of sub alpine flowers, this area is a private unique backcountry experience. (Up to 4-5 hours walking with options). (B, L, D)

Day 6
Leaving our weighty packs behind, we climb back up to the ridgeline with its memorable views of the Lake beyond and the valley systems laid out below. The trail rolls along the edge before dropping down to the saddle. Dropping down through the sub alpine vegetation, we finally reach our pick up spot for our helicopter ride back down the valley, followed by a final drive to Wanaka. (Up to 3 hours walking). (B, L)

Day 7
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 at 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. (Up to 5-6 hours walking). (B, L, D)

Day 8
For those with time and energy to spare Queenstown offers so much. Not without good reason is it called the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. For those seeking a return to Christchurch, our vehicle is available at no charge. (B)

Cost $2795 NZD per person

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