Alpine trek, views and terrain to enjoy

The easy access to the Remarkables Alpine Area means great adventures daily…….

Alpine treks are suited to safe travel and our guests aspirations and fitness on the day, there is a lot to see and do!

Posted in Hiking, Home, Mountaineering | Posted by chris

Camping Wye Creek

10 am on a Sunday morning, the sun hasn’t quite made it through the clouds and there is a cool breeze whipping off the lake, 19 sleepy looking kids pile out of their mini buses and look up the Wye Valley with bleary eyes…. “We’re hiking all the way up there?!”

After a quick gear check and a few instructions, Rupert and Rose set off leading the ‘Little Brown Kiwi’ group up the 4×4 track to gain the path that would lead them up the North branch of the Wye Valley. The kids are fast and fit and pretty soon everyone is warmed up.

A leisurely lunch was followed by a few more hours of tramping through the beech forest and a couple of river crossings to reach our campsite. Space was a little tight with all eleven tents but after some careful maneuvering we were all squeezed in and the kids promptly fell asleep for an afternoon nap! After a rest we were keen to do some more hiking and continued up the valley, alongside the waterfall above our campsite. Some tricky moves were required to avoid the spiky spear grass and we soon had fantastic views of Single and Double cone to our right (the highest peaks on the Remarkable Mountains) and Lake Wakatipu on our left. There was an impromptu stone-statue building competition and then we all headed back to camp for tea and medals.

Dinner was followed by a few rounds of group juggling and catching last few rays before watching the sunset. It was an early night for most of the team – wiped out after carrying their heavy packs up the valley.

After a good nights kip we woke to sunny skies and a gentle meander back across the river and down the valley. We were really impressed by the positive attitude of the group throughout the two days; we didn’t hear one single complaint! Special mentions go to ‘Shazza’ for making it all the way up the valley, James for taking a two minute bath in the (very cold) river and to Mr Hay and J-Lo for making it all the way down the valley with surprise rocks in their packs – sorry fellas, karma!

Posted in Hiking, Home | Posted by Dave

Wye Creek Trekking

A new product which we have just launched, is the two day Wye Creek Circuit. Classic Kiwi alpine trekking in a stunning location just out of Queenstown. This trip is a mixture of formed trail and an unformed route up and over Wye saddle. Nice and remote with your own personal guide, who is qualified in alpine trekking and has years of local experience. Give Dave an email to find out more details – dave@climbingqueenstown.com

Posted in Hiking, Home | Posted by Dave

Watch your gear around the Kea

The Kea is New Zealands (and the worlds) only alpine parrot.

They are a New Zealand native and are protected by law.

It is considered to be the most intellegent bird in the world

The Kea lives in a very hostile environment and its survival is dependant on its very inquisitive and sometimes invasive behaviour.

While they are often seen as sometimes too inquisitive it is their home that we are visiting.

Keep food and equipment well covered (rocks are good) if no one is around to monitor them.

Their great intelligence is to be admired and their survival abilities in the mountains are second to none.

They are great company and are often a very entertaining distraction.

Posted in Hiking, Mountaineering | Posted by chris