At a Glance
Departing from Christchurch, this seven-day-six-night Best of Southern Alps Trek offers you off-the-beaten-track experiences of spectacular Southern Alps scenery and full of highlights including mountain peaks, valley systems, remote lakes, the magnificence of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring from high vantage points, and a spectacular hikes in Wanaka and Queenstown providing a spectacular finish to the tour.
Kick off your trekking journey from the highland region of Lake Tekapo with the first night at a private backcountry hut with superb alpine and lakeside vistas. Then trek east along a ridgeline to around 2000m, hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park on the ridge overlooking the Hooker Glacier and directly across from the spectacular Mt Sefton with its rumbling avalanches of ice and rock. After wandering the secluded Lake Ohau, transfer ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x7), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
- Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
- Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
- Private vehicle transport including trailer for luggage
- Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown
- Packs and poles (on request if required). Please let us know at booking
- Skyline gondola ride into Queenstown
- Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
- 4 nights hand picked hotel/motel ensuite accommodation (3-4 star) on a twin share basis
- 2 nights in a private mountain hut (shared facilities)
Itinerary
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Walking distance: 3 - 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade). Pick you up from your Christchurch accommodation around 8:00am before driving south to Fairlie and inland to Lake Tekapo for lunch. 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. 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. |
Rex Simpson Hut
Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: up to 6-8 hours walking (Moderate Grade). 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). |
Rex Simpson HutBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 4 - 5 hours walking (Moderate Grade). 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. |
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge or similarBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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. |
Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine LodgeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance:3 - 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade). In the morning you have a further walk in the area, usually dictated by what you achieved yesterday. For some the Hooker Valley hike will be a delight, while for others the nearby Sealy Tarns awaits. The walk is approximately 3-4 hours’ return and climbs a daunting 2,000-plus steps to reach the tarns. The track takes in spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook across the Hooker Valley. You’ll also have amazing views of the Southern Alps, vast glaciers, glacier lakes and close views of towering Mt Sefton. 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. |
Ramada Resort Wanaka or similarBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 10km, 3-4 hours (Moderate Grade). 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! |
Ramada Resort WanakaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 14km, 1000m ascent (5-6 hours) (Moderate Grade). Optional Ben Lomond Summit Climb 3km, additional 380m ascent 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. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
More Info
- The departure point is Christchurch, New Zealand. The finishing point is Queenstown.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Christchurch and Queenstown.
As a general rule, November to April are the most ideal months for travelling in New Zealand’s stunning outdoors. One of the most important things travellers need to know about the New Zealand climate is that it’s a maritime climate, as opposed to the continental climate typical of larger landmasses.
Thanks to its position in the path of the ‘Roaring 40s’ and mountainous terrain, New Zealand’s weather can frequently change with amazing rapidity. Because the weather can change so unexpectedly you should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. This basically means having a good waterproof jacket and some warm clothing. You don’t need to bring your winter wardrobe but a good fleece/jumper and good thermals are a must.
The temperature during the South Island summers range from 10‑30 ºC, with a pleasant 40‑ 50% humidity. Higher altitudes are always considerably cooler and snowfall is not uncommon even in summer. The Southern Alps act as a barrier to the moisture laden winds coming west across the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate on the west side of the mountains and a drier climate on the east side. The geography also creates a wind pattern, which can in summer be very hot, dry and fierce. Maximum temperatures we may encounter range up to 30°C. Minimum temperatures expected in the Southern Alps in Summer time are around ‑5°C. Weather is an integral facet of any mountain range and getting to understand and work with this major environmental factor is what will make you more prepared for your tour – any questions about what to expect on your tour talk to one of our sales team.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
