Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek Details | Hiking New Zealand

Tour Details

Start

8:30am, Wānaka
Meet your guide in Wānaka at 4.30 pm the day before your departure to check your clothing and equipment and confirm final details.

Finish

5:00 pm Wānaka

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jun 2026
Adult, per person (1 guide:2 hikers) NZD $3,950.00
Adult, (1 guide:1 hiker) NZD $7,150.00

Days

4 days

Fitness grade

Grade: E
(Uneven terrain and high passes)

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All departures are for private or custom groups. Simply request your dates and we’ll take care of the rest.

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Transport

What transport is used on the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek?

You have an hour journey to Makarora before you hike starts, followed by a helicopter transfer to start your hike.

Additional Costs

What additional costs should I budget for during the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek trip?

There are no additional costs for this trip, however, if the group are required to stay longer due to adverse weather conditions, additional charges will be made to cover costs. Currently the cost is $500 per party per day + $100 per person per day.

Grading & Fitness

What level of fitness is required for the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek trip?

The main aim is for mountaineers to enjoy this experience and be safe doing so. This is as much about the expectations, as well as being realistic about your current abilities. Hikers need to be capable of the following:

Capable of 1,000m + ascent and descent in a day

Capable of 8-10 hours of physical activity a day

Capable of 4+ consecutive days ascent and descent

Capable of carrying 8-12kg pack

Comfortable on rough, unmaintained tracks

Comfortable with heights and exposure

Recent experience on “rough track” terrain including steep hills, river crossings, scree, boulders etc.

No rope familiarity required

Some rock climbing experience is encouraged

Multi-day trekking experience using huts or camping

Accommodation

What accommodation is used on the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek trip?

You stay at mixture of Department of Conservation mountain huts and pre-placed camp sites. During busy times (typically Christmas/New Year holiday period) in the less remote areas of the hike such as Gillespie Pass, there are camping options available if DOC huts are crowded. Sit back in the door of your private tent while a good wholesome meal is prepared (no freeze dried food here!). Everything is supplied for you so all you need to do is relax and enjoy this alpine paradise.

What to Take

What to pack for the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek trip?

Please bring all your equipment to the scheduled pre-trip meeting.

Summer weather is usually quite warm however, you will be in a remote alpine location and winter type conditions can happen any time of year in New Zealand. Required clothing can vary somewhat according to the time of year or the current weather.

While parts of your trip are hut based, some huts can’t be reserved and in some cases clients should expect to camp during peak times of the season. You will need to carry your own personal gear as well as some group fresh food. Many people prefer to use their own sleeping bag, pad and backpack. We recommend an inflatable sleeping mat, 50+ litre backpack and 2 season sleeping bag graded to 0° C (and liner). Lighter is OK for mid-summer. On most days there are unavoidable river and stream crossings, so it is likely your boots will get wet and stay wet.

Inflatable sleeping mat – available to borrow
Backpack (50+ litres) – available to borrow
Sleeping bag (2 season, 0° C) & liner – available to borrow
Underwear
Base layer (150-200g weight, merino or polypropylene, no cotton. Example: Icebreaker 200
Oasis LS Crewe)
Top
Leggings
Mid layer top (fleece or windproof)
Insulating jacket (fleece or synthetic fill)
Waterproof jacket (eg Gore Tex® or similar)
Overpants ( waterproof as above) – available to borrow
Lightweight, quick drying shorts or trousers
Light collared trekking shirt or short sleeve t-shirt
Sturdy, worn in trekking boots - your boots will get wet from river crossings
Gaiters (recommended)
3-4 pairs of trekking socks (merino)
Sunhat - cap
Warm hat & neck gaiter
Sunglasses
Warm waterproof gloves
Bowl & spoon (supplied)
Personal toiletries and medication
Packliner or dry bags
Insect repellent - for sandflies
Sun cream and lip cream
Water bottle (at least 1 litre)
Camera
Headtorch

OPTIONAL - Personal preference Items

Collapsible trekking poles (recommended) - available to borrow
Light book or magazine
Earplugs (handy for communal huts)
Plastic cup for drinking from streams - available to borrow
Lightweight hut or camp shoes (eg Crocs)

Food

We put a lot of work into supplying you with wholesome meals with a variety of healthy and tasty ingredients and snacks catering to common preferences.

Where possible, we provide fresh vegetables and real coffee. However, there will always be limitations when cooking in an alpine or wilderness environment. Meals like salads are limited or not possible to provide. Some trips are not recommended for people with very restrictive or complex dietary requirements. If you do have a restrictive eating regime we ask that you disclose this to us at the time of booking and we may ask you to provide us with an advance copy of what you would typically eat on a wilderness trip and the team will shop and cook accordingly.

Guides & Safety

Guides are hand-picked, qualified to international standards, and there with you from your first day. You’re paired with people that live and breathe guiding.

Their mountaineering achievements are matched only with their level of passion for creating experiences for clients that linger in your soul long after the descent. They’re there as you accomplish lifelong ambitions, reach new heights, and dig deep as you pursue the grittiest of adventure experiences. Overcome your limits, and discover the moments that lead to enduring achievement and pride of what you can accomplish.

How do I get to Wānaka?

The closest airport to us is in Queenstown. There are regular shuttles between Wānaka and Queenstown airport (one-hour drive).
For shuttle and taxi information:
Ritchies Transfers
Yello Taxi Service
Wanaka Transfers

Where can I leave my extra bags while I am hiking?

You are welcome to store for anything you aren't taking on your trip at the guide offices. There's no electricity, internet or phone connection available, so it's best to leave most of your electronic gear with us for the duration of your trip.

What if the weather is bad?

New Zealand is famous for its changeable weather. The mountains here are characterised by long sunny fine periods mixed with sudden and sometimes heavy rain or snow. The experienced guides are well equipped to provide the best possible trip and have many years experience in judging the conditions. Travel in bad weather is an art in itself.
If the weather remains adverse and prevents the trip from operating as planned, you'll have the opportunity to carry out sub-alpine adventure and skill development activities. The guide fee applies and any trip costs not utilised will be refunded.
It is important that you have read and understood our booking terms and conditions. Once a trip begins there are no refunds.

Can I hire any gear?

You will be provided an equipment list at the time of booking your trip. The guides can provide any technical equipment such as ice axes, crampons, climbing equipment, climbing helmets, ice axes, avalanche equipment, trekking poles etc. for no additional cost.
For items such as backpacks and clothing, we encourage clients to bring their own or source the appropriate layers.
A gear check will take place the day before your trip, at which you will have the opportunity to check over any items you might need to hire.

Booking Conditions

What are the booking terms and conditions for the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek trip?

Weather can be temperamental in our mountains and can impact on trips and planned itineraries and routes. If weather events require the guides to alter the original trip itinerary, we will find another amazing alternative where weather is more favourable. Every effort will be made to ensure the trip can be enjoyed as planned.

If the trip cannot proceed, some costs that were not incurred may be refunded, such as a heli transfer, however other costs that are absorbed in planning and booking will not be refunded, such as guide costs. The guides may refund up to 50% off trips that do not proceed at all, or offer a credit on future trips. Any cancelled trips are assessed individually for refund options.

If the group are required to stay longer due to adverse weather conditions, additional charges will be made to cover costs. Currently the cost is $500 per party per day + $100 per person per day.

Payment:
For bookings made four or more months prior to the departure date, a deposit of NZD$1000 per person is required, with the remainder due 95 days before your trip. For bookings made within four months of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations:

45 days or more prior to departure date: Full refund, less $500 per person forfeited.
44 to 31 days: 50% of tour price forfeited.
30 days or less: 100% of the tour price forfeited.

Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance required for the Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek trip?

We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek