Lake Hope Trek

The Lake Hope Trek is a seldom traveled area nestled amongst the tops of the Hector Mountains south of the more popular Remarkables. The area can be accessed from a number of directions and options to camp by alpine tarns or scramble over a number of named (and unnamed) peaks along the way including Mt Tuwakaroria (2307m), the highest peak of the range and equal to Double Cone in the Remarkables range.

Location

From the Remarkables ski field, it is a short climb to Wye Saddle and a sharp contrast of the ski field infrastructure to the alpine backcountry. Initially, the Wye Creek route is followed before gaining the main ridge of the Hector mountains extending south. Options exist to scramble along the ridge or hop between basins and alpine tarns on the eastern side overlooking the Nevis Valley and Carrick Range to the east. Return can be made back to the ski field or descending into the Wye Valley for a shuttle back to Frankton.

There are many places to camp and time can be spent swimming in the tarns or climbing peaks. The area around Lake Hope itself is a special place with bright blue waters and characteristic scree and fellfield alpine flora and fauna to investigate.

The trip area can also be accessed via Wye Creek from the Frankton to Kingston Highway. This option is less exposed but is more strenuous with 1000m of elevation gain.

In winter, this area provides an excellent ski mountaineering adventure. Get in touch to discuss requirements.

Lake Hope Trek Fitness and Difficulty Requirements

Wanaka Mountain Guides [] Lake Hope Trek

Trekking fitness of up to 20km in a day with ascents and descents of up to 1000m.

Requires some experience on DOC tracks and overnight hut or camping stays.

Details and Pricing

Duration: 3 days

Private trips available on request from December to March.

2023/24 Price:

$1490 / $1090 / $890 per person for 2 / 3 / 4 people

Includes: GST, guide fees, compliance costs, transport from Wānaka, group equipment, and food.
Excludes: Shuttle from Wye Creek if not doing a return trip.

Maximum ratio: 1:4

‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around Wānaka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’

— Michael, Siberia Hut Trip

‘Thank you again. That was an awesome day out and I really appreciated how generous [our guide] was with his time and knowledge. He crammed in more than I thought possible in a day.’

— Megan, Remarkables Alpine Rock Climbing Course

‘It was 4 days I’ll never forget! The experiences I had I only want to grow on. I set out to accomplish a task, but I got so much more! You showed me a whole new world with your sport and I can’t thank you enough! Absolutely exceeded my expectations!!! Thanks Wānaka Mountain Guides!

— Landen, Mitre Peak Ascent