Lord of the Rings fans might recognize the lake as “Dimrill Dale.” That’s right, this area was used for filming the scene where the fellowship escapes the Mines of Moria in the LOTR.

Officially known as The Lake Alta Track

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.

• 1.5-2.5hrs return The trail is steep, gaining about 200 meters (656 feet) in elevation in just under 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)

• Check the forecast before you go and pack warm, waterproof clothes: https://www.theremarkables.co.nz/weather-report/

• Dog friendly! (on leash)

• In summer there is a $15 road toll at the bottom of the road to access the Remarkables skifield.

• In winter when the skifield is operational it is worth checking with ski patrol prior to commencing the walk to find out the safest route through the ski area and what snow conditions to expect

Handy Sites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5BASyIY9U8

https://myqueenstowndiary.com/lake-alta-track-queenstown/

https://planmywalk.nz/tracks/lake-alta-track

https://churnewzealand.com/lake-alta-track/

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/remarkables-conservation-area/things-to-do/lake-alta-track/