Lake Alta Track

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.

Getting There

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.

Wildlife Spotting

The high-altitude environment of The Remarkables is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic and hardy bird species.

• Kea: These world-famous alpine parrots are very common around the car park and the lower sections of the trail. They are incredibly intelligent, cheeky, and often very curious about hikers. While it’s tempting to get close, please remember never to feed them. Keep a close eye on your gear and snacks, as a Kea will happily fly off with a stray sandwich or a shiny object!
• New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi): You’ll often see these small, streaky brown birds darting along the rocky ground or the ski road. They are known for their habit of wagging their tails up and down.
• Alpine Rock Wren (Pīwauwau): If you are very quiet and have a sharp eye, you might spot the rare Rock Wren among the boulders near Lake Alta. They are tiny, almost tail-less birds that hop through the rock debris. They are a "true" alpine bird, staying above the bushline year-round.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

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.

• Sturdy Footwear: While some do this in sneakers, the rocky and sometimes boggy terrain means hiking boots or shoes with good grip are highly recommended.
• Layers: Alpine weather is notoriously fickle. Even if it is 25°C in Queenstown, it can be chilly and windy at 1,800 metres. Bring a windbreaker or a fleece.
• Sun Protection: The UV rays are incredibly intense at this altitude. Wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen.
• Water: There are no water taps once you leave the base building, so carry enough for the 1.5-hour return trip.

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.

Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

After you’ve descended from the heights of Lake Alta, you won’t have to go far to refuel.

• The Remarkables Restaurant: Located right in the base building near the car park, this is the perfect spot for a post-hike lunch. They offer a great range of fresh sandwiches, burgers, and a massive salad bar. The best part? The sun terrace. Sitting out there with a cold drink while looking back up at the peaks you just climbed is a highlight in itself.
• The Remarkables Cafe: If you’re just after a quick caffeine hit or a slice of cake, the cafe in the same building has you covered. It’s a great place to relax and scroll through your photos before the scenic drive back down to Queenstown.

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

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.