The Remarkables Ridge Traverse

8h
New Zealand
Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R.
Tour Provider
View Douglas’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
8h
Group size
1-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

A narrow line of rock rises above Queenstown, catching the first light of the day. The Remarkables Ridge Traverse is a journey along that line — high, open, and quietly dramatic. From the moment you step onto the ridge, the world drops away and the Southern Lakes stretch out in every direction.

The day is a true alpine ridge adventure. After a steady hike to gain the crest, you move roped along natural rock features, climbing and scrambling toward Double Cone, with Lake Wakatipu far below. The exposure is real but never overwhelming, and the views are constant companions. The traverse continues across airy ground before descending toward Single Cone and Lake Alta, where the pace finally softens.

Well planned and surprisingly accessible, this is a full day in the mountains — light packs, classic terrain, and a rhythm set by weather and conditions. If you’re ready to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic ridges, come and walk the skyline with us!

Price: Private 1:1 - $1,450

from
$856
per tourist
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Sep, 2026 and 30 Apr, 2027 are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
1-4 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
For over 30 years we’ve been taking you with us into New Zealand’s backcountry. Wether you're looking for a senic day-hike, or an unfortgettable overnight trek to an alpine hut, our experienced guides are ready to join you on your next adventure. Our guides are carefully selected, internationally certified professionals who accompany you from the very first contact. Whether you’re climbing alpine peaks, backcountry skiing, or trekking through valleys and mountain passes, you’ll be guided by experts who truly live and breathe the outdoors.

Tour highlights

Double Cone to Single Cone
Link two iconic summits on one continuous alpine line, moving across natural rock and ridges
Remarkables climb rock
Walk the Skyline
A classic ridge traverse high above Queenstown, where every step comes with space, air, and open views
Remarkables climb rock
Big Views, Light Packs
Carry only what you need while the Southern Lakes unfold beneath your feet

Route details

The day begins at 8:00am in Wanaka, where you meet your guide for a full gear check and weather briefing before heading out toward Queenstown. From there, a scenic drive brings you to The Remarkables Ski Area. Starting at the car park, you hike for around 90 minutes with a light pack to reach the ridge. Once on the crest, you rope up and scramble across natural rock toward the summit of Double Cone, using the terrain for protection. Along the way, wide views open over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding ranges. The return follows the eastern side of Single Cone, descending past Lake Alta. On warm days, there’s often time to stop for a refreshing swim before heading back. The full journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours.

*Please note this itinerary may vary depending on weather, snow, and group ability — flexibility is part of the adventure.

Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape
Tour provider's comments

Our main aim is for mountaineers to enjoy this experience and be safe doing so. This is as much about the expectations you form as well as being realistic about your current abilities. If you’re in doubt, we recommend using the following guide to determine if this course is for you:

  • Capable of 500m ascent and descent in a day
  • Capable of 6-8 hours of physical activity a day
  • Capable of carrying 5kg pack
  • Comfortable with heights and exposure
  • Some mountaineering experience required
  • Some rope familiarity encouraged
  • Some rock climbing experience is encouraged

Conditions

Included
  • GST Included (New Zealand 15% goods and service tax);
  • transportation from Wanaka to and from the the climbing location;
  • IFMGA or NZMGA certified mountain guide;
  • terrain fees;
  • technical equipment;
  • picnic lunch and snacks.
Extras
  • accomodation;
  • flight tickets.

It's important to know

What should I bring?

Throughout the summer season, a full range of conditions and temperatures can be expected in the
New Zealand Mountains. Due to the remote nature of the the terrain, clients need to be suitably
prepared. Your guide will do a comprehensive gear check at your pre-trip meeting.

Your trip is designed as a day trip departing from town each day. You will need to carry your personal
gear and potentially might be asked to assist in carrying some small group equipment each day (such as
emergency shelter, PLB or some climbing equipment).

BODY

  • mid layer top (fleece or windproof);
  • insulating jacket (fleece or synthetic fill);
  • waterproof jacket (eg gore tex® or similar);
  • lightweight, quick drying trousers or softshell climbing trousers;
  • collared trekking shirt;

FEET

  • lightweight approach shoes / hiking boots;
  • rock climbing shoes*;
  • 2 pairs of trekking socks;

HEAD/FACE

  • sunhat – cap;
  • warm hat & neck gaiter (eg buff®);
  • sunglasses – glacier rated category 4;

HANDS

  • chalk bag*;
  • light gloves;

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT (FOC)

  • climbing helmet*;
  • climbing harness*;
  • belay device*;
  • sling – nylon or dyneema®, 120cm*;
  • 2x locking carabiners – at least 1 hms preferred*;
  • 4x snaplock carabiners*;
  • 2x 6mm prussiks – 1x 60cm, 1x 120cm loop length*;

ACCESSORIES

  • backpack (30+ liters)*;
  • water bottles – 2 liters capacity;
  • head torch – and spare batteries;
  • toiletries – blister kit & personal medication;
  • small container of sunblock & lip screen;

OPTIONAL – PERSONAL PREFERENCE ITEMS

  • collapsible trekking poles*;
  • camera;
  • swiss army knife or leatherman;

*Available for loan as part of trip cost

Please bring all your equipment to the scheduled pre-trip meeting. If you have any equipment questions prior to your trip, please feel free to contact our team.

Please note
Risk Disclosure
Where do we meet?
Why should I get insurance for my trip?
Can I hire equipment?
What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
What if I don't fit with the group ability?
Do I have to pay for a trip if the weather is bad?
Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are on the trip?
How do I get to Wanaka?
Payment
Do I need a rental car?
Organizational details
Cancellation of booking

Available dates

Select preferred date
Select preferred time
Duration 8h
Preferred time
24-hour time format
Number of individuals
1-4 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Add optional comment
Any comment regarding the tour

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

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