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The Remarkables, Queenstown
3.5 km
1 hour 30 minutes
220 metres
If you are looking for a hike that delivers high-alpine drama without requiring a multi-day commitment, the Lake Alta Track is exactly what you need. Located high within the world-famous Remarkables mountain range, this 3.5km return journey is a true Queenstown classic. It manages to feel like a wild adventure into the heart of the Southern Alps, yet it is accessible enough to be completed in a morning or afternoon.
The journey begins at the top of The Remarkables access road, right at the ski field car park. Standing at an elevation of about 1,600 metres before you’ve even laced up your boots, you’ll already feel the crisp, thin mountain air. The first leg of the walk follows the ski field access road. While walking on a gravel road might not sound like the most traditional "hiking" experience, don't let it deter you—the surrounding scenery is nothing short of spectacular. As you ascend, the views back over the Wakatipu Basin and the shimmering fingers of Lake Wakatipu begin to open up, providing plenty of excuses to stop and "catch your breath" while actually just admiring the vista.
As you move beyond the main ski lifts, the track transitions from a wide road to a more rugged, alpine path. This is where the real fun begins. You’ll follow a trail marked by cairns (stacks of rocks) and yellow-topped poles, weaving through a unique landscape of tussocky grasslands and high-altitude wetlands. This section can be a bit of a scramble; you’ll be navigating over uneven ground and hopping across small streams fed by the melting snow above. It gives the hike a wonderfully adventurous feel that kids especially love—it feels like a natural obstacle course.
The final push involves a steady climb through a boulder field. It’s a bit of a "heart-pumper," with an elevation gain of 220 metres over the short distance, but the reward at the end is one of the most serene sights in the Otago region. The track culminates at the edge of Lake Alta, a stunning glacial lake tucked into a massive natural amphitheatre, or "cirque," carved out by ancient ice. It is a place of profound stillness, surrounded by jagged peaks that seem to touch the sky.
The undisputed star of the show is Lake Alta itself. Because it is glacially fed, the water possesses a striking blue-green hue that changes depending on the light. Even in the height of summer, you’ll often find patches of ice floating near the shoreline or snow clinging to the shadowed bluffs above, a reminder of the raw alpine environment you’re standing in.
Parking is available at The Remarkables Ski Field car park. Note that there is a road toll of approximately $15 NZD to access The Remarkables ski field road during summer months. Toilet facilities are available at the car park at the base building. The access road is a scenic drive, partially unsealed in its upper sections, and requires care.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located within the base building of The Remarkables ski field, offering a daily changing menu of fresh sandwiches, burgers, soups, and a large salad bar with a sun terrace and scenic views.
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Out and back
For the film buffs among us, Lake Alta holds a special claim to fame. This dramatic setting served as a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, specifically representing Dimrill Dale. It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this spot; standing on the shores of the lake, you feel as though you’ve stepped directly into Middle-earth. The towering grey schist walls of the cirque create a sense of isolation and grandeur that is hard to find elsewhere with such little effort.
Keep your eyes peeled for the small waterfalls that tumble down the surrounding bluffs. During the early summer melt, these become quite active, adding a musical backdrop to the silence of the mountains. If you are feeling particularly brave—and don't mind a bit of "ice-bath therapy"—the lake is swimmable, though most hikers prefer to just dip their toes in before retreating to a sun-warmed rock for a picnic.
To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to drive from Queenstown toward the Remarkables Ski Area. The turn-off is well-signposted on State Highway 6.
Be prepared for the drive itself—it is one of the most scenic (and steep) alpine roads in New Zealand. The road is sealed for the lower half but becomes a well-maintained unsealed gravel road for the final stretch. It winds its way up the mountain with several hairpin turns, so take your time and enjoy the lookouts along the way.
Important Note: During the summer hiking season, there is typically a road toll of approximately $15 NZD per vehicle to access the ski field road. This fee helps with the maintenance of the road and facilities. Once you reach the top, there is ample parking at the Remarkables base building, where you will also find public toilets.
The high-altitude environment of The Remarkables is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic and hardy bird species.
Best Seasons: The Lake Alta Track is best enjoyed during Summer and Autumn (December through April). During these months, the track is generally clear of deep snow, making the path easy to follow. In autumn, the light is particularly golden, and the air is crisp and clear.
Time of Day: Aim for an early morning start. The Remarkables can get quite hot in the midday sun, and there is absolutely no shade on this trail. Starting early also means you might catch the lake when it is perfectly still, offering mirror-like reflections of the peaks.
Dog and Kid Friendly: This is a fantastic walk for families. It’s short enough that most children can handle the incline, and the "moon-scape" terrain keeps them engaged. It is also dog-friendly, though it is best to keep your furry friends on a lead to protect the local wildlife (especially the Kea) and to respect other hikers.
The Remarkables range, or Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps), holds deep significance for the local Māori iwi, Ngāi Tahu. The mountains were traditionally used as landmarks for navigation and were seasonal hunting grounds. The name "The Remarkables" is said to have been coined by early colonial surveyors because they are one of the few mountain ranges in the world that run exactly North-South.
Geologically, the area is a masterclass in glacial history. The "Alta" in the name is Latin for "high," and the lake is a classic example of a tarn sitting within a glacial cirque. The jagged "razor-back" ridges of the range are composed of schist, which catches the light in a way that makes the mountains appear to glow purple and gold during the "golden hour" at sunset.
After you’ve descended from the heights of Lake Alta, you won’t have to go far to refuel.
Whether you are a local looking for a quick mountain fix or a tourist wanting that "top of the world" feeling, the Lake Alta Track is a must-do. It’s short, punchy, and offers some of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the Southern Lakes region.
Best time: Year-round
Xenicus gilviventris
As New Zealand's only true alpine bird, the tiny Rock Wren inhabits rocky crevices and is a member of an ancient endemic family.
Best time: Year-round
500m away
A cafe situated within the main base building of The Remarkables ski area, providing refreshments and a place to relax before or after your hike.