The Lake Alta Trail, located around 40 minutes from Queenstown, New Zealand is an uphill trek through The Remarkable Mountains leading to a magnificent glacial lake. The track is open all year round, however, the lake is only visible in summer and autumn, making the trip even more special.

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Quick Overview

Did you know there’s a hidden glacial lake tucked within the Queenstown mountains known as Lake Alta? It’s an intermediate-level, uphill hike with a 360-degree view the whole way, which makes the 3.4km walk brisk because you’ll be mesmerised by your picturesque surroundings.

 

Lake Alta Trail Facts

Distance: 3.4km
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 207m
Nearest town: Queenstown

About Lake Alta Trail

New Zealand is home to many significant tracks to explore, but if you’re specifically looking for a half-day hike, then Lake Alta is for you!

The trail is well known so you may encounter fellow hikers and exchange a few ‘Kia Oras’, which is hello in NZ. You’ll pass boulders, native flora, and hidden waterfalls, make sure to look out because there’s a lot to see. Once you reach the glacial lake, get prepared to be completely captivated by a real-life Microsoft wallpaper, yep.. it’s STUNNING.

 

How to Get to the Lake Alta Trail

The road to the trailhead is a scenic 24km drive from central Queenstown and is only accessible via The Remarkables ski field entrance. Take Kingston Road from the Frankton roundabout near the airport and continue until you reach The Remarkables ski field entry.

Essentially you’ll be driving up The Remarkables mountain range, which is a very steep and windy road, on a cliff’s edge. But, on a positive note, it is one continuous road. The view is absolutely spectacular, along the way there are many safe lookout spots for you to embrace the view.

Follow the road which leads directly to the base of the ski lodge car park, this is where you will start your hike.

Please note! It’s $10 per vehicle to enter.

Also, there’s an array of car rentals available direct from the airport or two businesses in Queenstown, if you require a rental car.

 

Where to Stay Near the Lake Alta Trail

There’s no accommodation on The Remarkables mountain, so you can only visit Lake Alta hike for a day trip.

However, your best option is to stay in stunning Queenstown. How does a lakeside cabin at Driftaway sound? Or maybe a cosy hotel for two at The Dairy? If you have the whole fam, check out the local caravan park, Creeksyde.

Skill Level for the Lake Alta Trail

Intermediate

The hike is considered to be of intermediate difficulty due to the incline up the mountain. Having an intermediate knowledge about hiking is ideal and the correct gear, such as hiking boots, is recommended, as you’ll encounter slippery sections, uneven ground, and unstable rocks along the way.

Unfortunately, due to the hills and rocks, the Lake Alta hike isn’t wheelchair friendly and it’s advised that all individuals take care while making their way along the unsteady track.

 

Essential Gear for the Lake Alta Trail

  • Water bottle
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Hat and sunnies
  • Camera or even a drone to capture the aerial shot of the lake
  • First aid kit
  • Warm clothes depending on the weather – there was a wind in January which made this hike freezing. It can get quite chilly all year round in New Zealand, so be sure to wear some layers to keep warm!
  • Swimmers – if you’re brave enough to jump in on a cold day, or lucky enough to be there when it’s warm!

Read more: 10 Tips on How To Tread Softly in Our Wild Places

What it’s Like to Hike the Lake Alta Trail

The trail starts at the base of The Remarkables ski slopes, where you’ll begin your ascent towards the mountain. On your left will be the ski lift, which you’ll follow for about 1km. As you make your climb up, everything becomes completely captivating, the rock formations, native plants, and mountain air.

 

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What to Lookout For

Along the way, you’ll encounter different perspectives of The Remarkables mountain range which is situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Wakatipu. It’s important to stay on track as the mountain is home to rare and fragile native alpine plants.

Many people miss the large waterfall, which is often hidden and only heard.

 

 

It’s on the trail but is situated in a ditch which is why people walk past. Be sure to take a snap of the boulders as you come closer to the end of the track, they’re unreal.

 

 

Finding Lake Alta

By following the trail directions eventually your landscape view will be consumed by a large mountain terrain. Hope you brought your swimmers, because this is where Lake Alta is hidden. A clear, green and blue magical pool in the middle of the mountains, it’s a location that may leave you lost for words. 

 

 

Fun Fact! Many people recognise this exact spot from a Lord of The Rings scene and refer to the lake as Dimrill Dale from the movie.   

Tips For Hiking Lake Alta

  • The track is open all year round. However the glacial lake isn’t visible in the winter due to snow coverage. The area is also used by skiers, so be cautious
  • Because The Remarkables are so high, it’s cold all year and snow can be present at any time. Ensure you check the conditions prior to visiting the Lake Alta trail. See updates via the Department of Conservation website

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