Even during summer, you can expect to have snow on the mountain tops

High alpine lakes provide a perfect backdrop and camp

Trekkers on the high alpine trails of Lake Nerine

The perfect spot for a campsite - remote New Zealand at its best

Lake Nerine Alpine Circuit Guided Hike

New Zealand

6 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: GWN

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Essential Information

Duration

6 Days

Activities

guided walk

Accommodation

2 nights hotel, 3 nights wilderness camping

Meals

3 Dinners
4 Lunches
3 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

7 / 10

Challenging

Carbon Footprint

16kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(81kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Breathtaking circuit crossing Park Pass and North Col
Camp beside the tranquil, deep-blue waters of Lake Nerine
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in one of the most pristine and secluded corners of Mt Aspiring National Park
Perfect for photographers and nature lovers
A demanding but rewarding tramp for experienced hikers
True New Zealand backcountry hike

Overview

The Lake Nerine Circuit is an unforgettable alpine adventure, weaving through the breathtaking landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park. This demanding high-route traverse follows the main divide, crossing over Park Pass at the head of the Rockburn Valley and North Col at the head of the North Branch of the Routeburn. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with sweeping mountain vistas, dramatic ridgelines, and pristine alpine terrain. A true highlight of the journey is an overnight camp by the serene waters of Lake Nerine, where rugged rock knolls frame the crystal-clear lake, and panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see. Remote, untouched, and utterly awe-inspiring, this circuit is a must-do for experienced trampers seeking a truly wild and magical backcountry experience in New Zealand where very few get to hike this pristine wilderness.

Itinerary

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Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital, where you will be able to check into your accommodation from 2.00pm. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the many sites that Queenstown has to offer. This afternoon there will be a gear check (done remotely) at a pre-determined time to ensure that you are fully ready and prepared for the adventures to come. Spend the evening enjoying the many dining options on offer in Queenstown, or simply relaxing before your adventure begins.

Meals: Nil

This morning, you will be collected from your Queenstown accommodation ready for your alpine adventure over the next few days. We will drive out to Glenorchy, where the magic of Middle-earth came alive in Lord of the Rings, and the gateway to some of New Zealand's best hiking trails, Lake Nerine being one of them. Here is where our true backcountry hiking adventure will begin, taking us into remote regions of New Zealand that very few others have discovered. The trail starts in virgin bush leading into the Rockburn Valley. There are many options of campsites along the side of the river, or depending on how the group is feeling, we may decide to push through to Theatre Flat for a second shorter day. Our home for the evening will be a wilderness camp set up where we find a great spot to camp or a sufficient clearing.

Meals: L,D

This morning we carry on up the valley through the impressive Theatre Flat, flanked by smooth slabs and jagged peaks. A short climb through the last of the bush brings us into the upper valley and to Park Pass beyond. From Park Pass we follow the steep ridge before descending to the alpine tarns. Your companions along the way are the snowy Fiordland peaks of Madeline and Tutoko. The tarns overlook the Rockburn Valley with views across to the Park Pass glacier and east to the peaks of the Earnslaw massif. Not a place tor rush with plenty to explore before the final short climb over the saddle to arrive at Lake Nerine. Plenty of time in the afternoon to swim, take photos and relax in this stunning part of the National Park.

Meals: B,L,D

Make sure you fuel up at breakfast this morning as today is perhaps the most challenging day of the trip. Lake Nerine catches the first rays of the morning sun but we shortly leave these behind as we cross on to the shady western aspects of Nerus Peak, overlooking Hidden Falls creek that drains into the mighty Hollyford River. A traverse route brings us to North Col and the head of the North Branch of the Routeburn. Here begins the challenging long descent to the flats over a variety of rough terrain including scree, scrub and following river beds. Camp next to the towering rock walls of Somnus this evening.

Meals: B,L,D

Following a couple of long days on the circuit, we reach our final day and a gentle fe hours on ever improving tracks until we reach the Routeburn Flats. From here the contrast is felt as you jump onto the busy Routeburn track after days of remoteness and solitude, arriving back to the road end and completing the circuit. We transfer back through to Queenstown, where perhaps a celebratory drink or dinner is in order and the sharing of photos and stories of your adventures.

Meals: B,L

Your trip ends on check out from your accommodation in Queenstown. Please contact us if you wish to extend your stay and need extra nights accommodation.

Meals: Nil

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

2 nights central hotel/motel accommodation in Queenstown, twin share
3 nights wilderness camping in tents
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Professional qualified guide
All group camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and mat)
Return private transport from Queenstown to the trail head
Water and snacks while trekking
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Transport to/from Queenstown
Drinks (other than water)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

About your guide

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. That is why we work hard to make sure we hire the best guides. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry. Our guides will ensure that your time with us is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.