Lake Alta Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Climb to the picturesque glacial Lake Alta. In winter the route to the lake is through an operational ski field. It is not marked and covered by deep snow.

This DOC directory entry covers Lake Alta Track in Otago, within Remarkables Conservation Area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 2.4 km return via same track
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This walk climbs steadily to a picturesque glacial lake. There are information boards explaining the environment on the last part of the walk.

The track begins on the road behind the Remarkables ski field buildings and follows a ski field road to the top of the Alta Chairlift. From there, cairns and flagstones mark the way through alpine wetlands, up to the glacial cirque. Keep to the track to avoid damaging the rare alpine plants.

The track is high up (starts at 1600m, ends at 1800m) – this means it is cold all year and there can be snow at any time. Check the forecast before you go and pack warm, waterproof clothes.

Lake Alta route in winter (May to November)

There is deep snow in this area in winter and spring (generally May to November). The track is covered by snow and you cannot easily see it or walk on it.

We strongly recommend snowshoes and poles. It will be very hard to make your way through the snow to Lake Alta without these.

The Lake Alta route passes through a working ski field. If you want to try this trip in winter, you need to contact NZSki to ask about what route to take (www.NZSki.co.nz or call 0800 697 547).

There is no formed track in winter (as it is covered in snow), so you need to know where you are going and be confident navigating yourself in snow. The ski field web cam will show you the snow conditions that you’d need to walk through.

Be aware that there is avalanche risk in the Lake Alta area.

Not sure this trip is for you? These walks are all good winter options without snow and with great scenery: Lake Hayes Walkway, Bannockburn Sluicings, Mt Crichton Loop Track.

Getting there

Starting from the south of the Kawarau River on the eastern side of Lake Wakatipu, turn off SH 6 at the signposted junction to the Remarkables ski area. Drive up the road to the Remarkables skifield. To get there you’ll need to pay a road toll.

Check the road conditions before you go, as there is often snow on the road.

The road is mainly sealed but the last 3km are gravel. There are steep drops beside the road.

Road toll info and road weather conditions (external site).

Know before you go

What to take

For trips between December and April, take everything on the day hike gear list.

For trips between May and November, make sure you also bring: snowshoes, poles, very warm clothing (e.g. alpine/ski gear), waterproof raincoat, waterproof trousers, warm hat, scarf, waterproof gloves, sun/snow glasses and a headtorch.

Check the forecast and be ready for cold temperatures

Lake Alta is high in the mountains and it is often very cold – always bring lots of warm clothing, a waterproof raincoat and extra snacks.

Check the forecast here

There is deep snow in winter, you need special gear

Think carefully about whether you want to attempt this track in winter. There is deep snow covering the route, so you need snowshoes and poles plus extra alpine gear.

The route is through a working ski field.

Take all your rubbish away with you

There are no rubbish bins. Carry out any rubbish, including dog poo.

Stay on the track to protect alpine plants

This area is home to delicate and threatened alpine plants. Stay on the formed track/route to avoid stepping on them.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.