Known for its diverse rugged landscapes, challenging alpine terrain, contrasting golden grasslands and vivid turquoise blue lakes, the Mackenzie is often overlooked by its neighbouring regions Westland and Central Otago when it comes to accessible tramping. The region is a hot spot for alpine club members and experienced climbers, but there’s so much more to this stunning part of the country than just technical mountaineering.
We sat down with local Mackenzie guides Cristina Simpkins (Tekapo Adventures) and Elke Braun-Elwert (Alpine Recreation) to chat about their favourite guided walks in the region, and what makes living in this part of world so remarkable.
ELKE BRAUN-ELWERT, ALPINE RECREATION
Born in Christchurch, Elke spent more of her childhood in Lake Tekapo where her father was a mountain guide. She learnt to ski at two and a half on the back lawn under the watchful eye of her eager dad. She’s climbed and skied throughout the New Zealand alps for most of her life, and has spent numerous seasons ski instructing in Switzerland, and has ski guided in Japan and climbed in Peru.
Her parents founded Alpine Recreation together in 1981. They were the first outdoor adventure company in New
