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ELKE BRAUN-ELWERT, ALPINE RECREATION<br />
Born in Christchurch, Elke spent more of her childhood in Lake<br />
Tekapo where her father was a mountain guide. She learnt to ski<br />
at two and a half on the back lawn under the watchful eye of her<br />
eager dad. She’s climbed and skied throughout the New Zealand<br />
alps for most of her life, and has spent numerous seasons ski<br />
instructing in Switzerland, and has ski guided in Japan and<br />
climbed in Peru.<br />
Her parents founded Alpine Recreation together in 1981. They<br />
were the first outdoor adventure company in New Zealand to<br />
offer ski touring using cross-country and telemark skis. Over the<br />
years they have won numerous tourism awards for eco-tourism,<br />
quality and natural heritage.<br />
With that type of upbringing, naturally Elke's whole life has<br />
revolved around the outdoors. She now lives in the region with<br />
her family where she is lucky to be able to introduce people to<br />
the mountains she loves and grew up in.<br />
TEKAPO TREK<br />
(2 OR 3 DAYS)<br />
Enjoy a sense of isolation and freedom<br />
as you get "above it all" in the Two<br />
Thumb Range, Te Kahui Kaupeka<br />
Conservation Park.<br />
The 2 or 3-day Tekapo Trek takes<br />
place in the foothills of the Southern<br />
Alps, to the east of the Main Divide,<br />
where both weather and landscape are<br />
gentler. A private hut is used, reached<br />
after 3 hours hike up from the carpark,<br />
at the head of Lake Tekapo. We climb<br />
Beuzenberg Peak, 2073m, on Day 2<br />
and enjoy grand views all along “Snake<br />
Ridge” out over the Mackenzie Basin<br />
and Lake Tekapo, and at the same time<br />
get an impressive view of the main<br />
peaks of the Southern Alps, including<br />
the East Face of Aoraki/Mount Cook<br />
and Mount Tasman.<br />
The evening light of the Mackenzie High<br />
Country as it bathes golden tussock,<br />
snow-capped peaks and the turquoise<br />
of Lake Tekapo is pure magic. The<br />
climb of a 2070m peak is a rewarding<br />
adventure, especially when topped<br />
off by the return to a cosy mountain<br />
hut, where you can savour the sun<br />
set, while sipping a pre-dinner drink.<br />
Evening entertainment is provided by<br />
a star-studded sky - one of the clearest<br />
and darkest skies in the southern<br />
hemisphere.<br />
This trek is suitable for families,or those<br />
relatively new to tramping, or older<br />
trampers, wanting to take advantage<br />
of lighter packs, a bookable bunk and<br />
the benefits of a knowledgeable guide,<br />
who can take care of everything from<br />
equipment, safety back-up, logistics<br />
to cooking. It takes 6 hours to hike the<br />
12km return from the hut at 1300m,<br />
along the curving Snake Ridge up to<br />
Beuzenberg Peak, the highest point<br />
of the Te Araroa Trail. For younger<br />
children this day can be shortened,<br />
because you still get great views all the<br />
way along Snake Ridge, without having<br />
to go all the way to the top.<br />
Those who only have two days to<br />
spare, and have the energy, can opt to<br />
come back out to Tekapo after the peak<br />
climb on Day 2. Those who can afford<br />
the time can relax and enjoy a second<br />
night at 1300m, before returning to<br />
civilisation about 1pm on Day 3.<br />
THE TEKAPO TREK:<br />
Duration: 2 or 3 Days<br />
Operates: November - April<br />
Abilities: see Alpine Recreation<br />
website for fitness and experience<br />
requirements<br />
Info: www.alpinerecreation.com
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