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Even during summer, you can expect to have snow on the mountain tops - Lake Nerine Alpine Circuit Guided Hike, New Zealand
Even during summer, you can expect to have snow on the mountain tops
High alpine lakes provide a perfect backdrop and camp - Lake Nerine Alpine Circuit Guided Hike, New Zealand
High alpine lakes provide a perfect backdrop and camp
Trekkers on the high alpine trails of Lake Nerine - Lake Nerine Alpine Circuit Guided Hike, New Zealand
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
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
View dates to Book
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?

121 scheduled departures between 1 Dec 2026 and 31 Mar 2027.

  • Departs 1 Dec 2026 – ends 6 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 2 Dec 2026 – ends 7 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 3 Dec 2026 – ends 8 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 4 Dec 2026 – ends 9 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 5 Dec 2026 – ends 10 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 6 Dec 2026 – ends 11 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • … and 115 more departures.
View dates to Book

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.

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?
On this trip, there are no set rules on where you can or cannot put your tent

Alpine Wilderness Camp

Accommodation on the circuit will be at wilderness camps located in remote and undeveloped natural areas. All gear including tents, sleeping bags, food, and cooking equipment etc will need to be carried in and there are no amenities such as toilets, water taps, or shelters. Wilderness camping offers a true backcountry experience, allowing adventurers to fully immerse themselves in nature, enjoy solitude, and explore untouched landscapes.

The comforts of a superior room

Hotel

Accommodation in Queenstown is based on twin/double share rooms with ensuite bathroom. All linen is supplied. Free Wifi is provided for guests. Rooms have coffee and tea making facilities, hair dryer, TV and are modern and comfortable. Location is just on the edge of the CBD, making it easy walking distance to the restaurants, cafes and shops.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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