From Lake Tekapo township the drive along the lakeshore takes you to a typical high country sheep station. Three hours walking with a climb of 550m/1805ft brings you to the cosy and private Rex Simpson Hut, at 1300m/4265ft. The only sounds to be heard are the skylarks singing, or the chirp of an occasional pipit. This peacefulness is one of the first powerful impressions, giving a real sense of isolation and remoteness. The views over Lake Tekapo are expansive. Evening entertainment regularly comes in the form of an inspiring sunset behind the alps and/or spectacularly clear displays of the Southern Hemisphere stars.
Located in the Mackenzie country, Rex Simpson Hut is perched up on a hill overlooking the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. On a clear night this is a world-renowned place for star gazing due to the freedom from light pollution. The hut is equipped with solar lighting, gas, woodfire stove, sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses to sleep 15 people, even a long drop toilet with a view!
There is a nearby alpine stream if you are brave enough for a quick dip.
Trek along a 6 kilometre-long ridge-top, nicknamed "Snake Ridge", which was formed by ice-age glaciation, and ascend "Beuzenberg Peak" (2073m/6800ft). The terrain is untracked with a moderate gradient. As you gain height the splendour of the Southern Alps unfolds with the East Face of Mount Cook dominating the skyline. Unique alpine scree plants and maybe an alpine weta can be spotted by the observant. Early summer the tussock will be interspersed with mountain daisies, (Celmisia lyallii). In late summer the red berries of little mountain heath (Pentachondra pumila) dot the ground, along with white and pink snowberries. Return to Rex Simpson Hut to be well fed and entertained by your guide.
Enjoy a second night at the Rex Simpson Hut with another opportunity to view magnificent night skies.
Visit an old musterers' hut before walking back down through the farm and returning to Lake Tekapo. The hut door carries part of a dog collar, dated 1898, and the interior could be reminiscent of Scott's hut in Antarctica. Finish approximately 1pm (3 day option ) or 5pm (2 day option) in Lake Tekapo.
