Journey to Lake Hope

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

Group size

1-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Somewhere beyond the ski lifts and the sound of roads, the world opens into silence. Here, in the shadow of the Hector Mountains, the Lake Hope tour winds through a landscape untouched by time — a maze of ridges, tarns, and wide horizons that belong only to the wind and the clouds.

Starting from the Remarkables, the trail leads you up to Wye Saddle, where the man-made world fades behind you and the wilderness begins. Traverse the high ridges of the Hectors, scramble over hidden peaks, and camp beside bright alpine tarns under skies so close they seem to hum. Around Lake Hope, turquoise waters mirror the raw, rugged beauty of the range — a place few have ever walked.

This trek welcomes those with experience and curiosity in equal measure. Choose your route — from the Wye Creek ascent to the ridge trails above the Nevis Valley — and discover a quieter, wilder side of the Southern Alps. Whether you come for the solitude, the summits, or the shimmer of alpine light, Lake Hope will leave its mark. Join the journey into the high country!

*$1950 / $1350 / $1490 per person for 2 / 3 / 4 people

National Park Tours

Tim S. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English

Tim is based in Wānaka with his young family. He has been climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout the Southern Alps since arriving in New Zealand from the UK in 2008. He has climbed and skied around the world and in other roles, he mentors, trains, and assesses prospective ski patrollers and mountain guides and is a member of the local Alpine Cliff Rescue team. When not out in the hills guiding or instructing, he will be usually found introducing his young family to the outdoors, away on his own adventures, or out at the local rock climbing crags.

Tour highlights

The Shimmer of Lake Hope

Camp beside electric-blue waters framed by scree slopes and wild alpine blooms

Choose Your Own Path

Reach the range from the Wye Creek route or traverse the ridges — each trail a different story

A True Backcountry Escape

Swim in glacial tarns, cook beneath the stars, and rediscover what quiet really sounds like

Route details

Starting from the Remarkables ski field, it’s a short climb to Wye Saddle — where the developed ski slopes give way to the untouched beauty of the alpine backcountry. From here, follow the Wye Creek route to reach the main ridge of the Hector Mountains stretching southward.

Depending on your pace and preference, you can scramble along the ridge itself or walk between high basins and sparkling alpine tarns on the eastern side, overlooking the vast Nevis Valley and Carrick Range. The return journey can follow the same route back to the ski field or descend through the Wye Valley for a shuttle transfer to Frankton.

1 more photo

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Trekking fitness of up to 20km in a day with ascents and descents of up to 1000m.
Requires some experience on DOC tracks and overnight hut or camping stays.