The Remarkables

The Remarkables form the eastern wall of Lake Wakatipu, rising abruptly from the water to peaks around two thousand metres, and the name is usually explained by the fact that they are one of only two ranges in the world aligned almost exactly north-south - a claim repeated so often it has become part of the local script. Geologically they are a fault block of schist tilted and lifted along the range front, which is why the western face is so steep and sudden. In winter the ski area operates on the eastern side; in summer the access road opens to walkers and the alpine tracks begin at the base building. Lake Alta, a small tarn in a glacial cirque, is about forty-five minutes from the car park and is the standard walk. Longer routes climb Single Cone and the ridge. The access road is a serious piece of driving: steep, narrow, unsealed switchbacks with drops.

What you actually see

• The lake wall - the range rising straight from Wakatipu.
• Lake Alta - a cirque tarn, forty-five minutes from the base.
• The alpine tracks - ridge routes above the ski area.
• The access road - steep unsealed switchbacks with real exposure.

When to go

December to March for walking; June to October for the ski area. The road demands care in any season and chains in winter - check conditions before driving up.

Honest expectations

The access road is narrow, unsealed and steep with unprotected drops; some rental agreements restrict it. Alpine weather turns fast and snow lingers into December. There is no shelter on the ridges.

Nearby

Queenstown and Frankton are below; Lake Wakatipu runs the length of the range.