FATMAP by Strava

Lake Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - O’Leary’s to Falcon’s Nest

Adventurous multi-day trekking in the Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie High Country

Hiking Severe

Distance
4.9 km
Ascent
679 m
Descent
910 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
2.3 km
Gradient
28˚
MapGPX Flyover
Lake Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - O’Leary’s to Falcon’s Nest Map

<b>Private land:</b> Access to the Cass Valley, O'Leary's Hut and Falcon's Nest is by permission from Glenmore Station: https://www.glenmorestation.co.nz

Overlooking Tin Hut Stream from the ridge above Falcon's Nest Hut
Overlooking Tin Hut Stream from the ridge above Falcon's Nest Hut Photo: Alpine Recreation
Boulder fields on the climb to the ridge above O'Leary's Hut
Boulder fields on the climb to the ridge above O'Leary's Hut Photo: Alpine Recreation
O'Leary's Hut, Cass Valley, Glenmore Station, Lake Tekapo
O'Leary's Hut, Cass Valley, Glenmore Station, Lake Tekapo Photo: Alpine Recreation
Photo from Lake Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek - O’Leary’s to Falcon’s Nest
  • •
  • •
  • •
  • •

Description

Hike up the alpine meadows above O'Leary's Hut and into a bouldery basin to cross a high pass into Tin Hut Stream, about 2 hours trek from the hut. Take a side trip to a nearby summit to enjoy your packed lunch with a stunning vista over the Cass Valley and its surrounding peaks, waterfalls, moraine walls and glaciers. Great views of the Southern Alps from the upper ridges. Descend boulder fields, alpine meadows and steep scree slopes to Tin Hut Stream, then a short hike up the stream to Falcon's Nest at 1450m. Enjoy cooling your feet in the stream by the hut on a hot day while taking in your beautiful alpine surroundings!

4-6 hours trekking across rough alpine terrain with steep scree slopes. It may be necessary to cross snow fields near the pass. Your IFMGA / NZMGA qualified alpine trekking guide will ensure your safety and teach you the skills required for a safe crossing.

<b>Guided hike:</b> enjoy the full experience (including a 4WD adventure) with the knowledge and skills of a professional alpine trekking guide on our Lake Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek https://alpinerecreation.com/tekapo-hut-to-hut-trek.html

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between November and May

Features

  • Alpine
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike