Alpine Recreation - Our Company

Our Purpose:

We aim to give you:

• one of your most memorable mountain holidays,
• the satisfaction that comes from meeting new challenges and achieving new goals,
• the stimulation that comes from new experiences and new friendships,
• all the while keeping in tune with the natural environment and ensuring that those who come after us find it just as good or better than we found it.

^top

Our Values:

• Safety - high professional standards
• Service - conscientious attention to detail
• Sustainability - minimal environmental impact
• Spirit - our people are passionate and enthusiastic.

^top

Background:

When Gottlieb Braun-Elwert emigrated from Germany in 1978 he was already an internationally certified UIAGM/IFMGA mountain and ski guide. He was invited to become involved with the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association and assisted them to gain international recognition for their training and assessment scheme. This they gained in 1981 and Gottlieb continued for many years to train and assess many of New Zealand's well-known mountain guides, who went on to set up guiding companies of their own.

Gottlieb founded Alpine Recreation Canterbury Ltd. in 1981, together with his wife, Anne. They were the first outdoor adventure company in New Zealand to offer ski touring using cross-country and Telemark skis. In 1985 they built Rex Simpson Hut in the Two Thumb Range in the high country above Lake Tekapo to use as a base for ski touring and snowshoeing in winter and for the Tekapo Trek in summer. With the building of another private hut in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park they established the Ball Pass Trek operation, recognised by a Tourism Award in 1991. Since 1981 they have been the preferred operator for the German Alpine Club's trekking tours of New Zealand, gaining tourism awards for eco-tourism and natural heritage.

After 32 years of operation Alpine Recreation continues to stay at the forefront of mountain guiding in New Zealand. We are a member of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand TIANZ.

^top

• Ball Pass trips and Introductory Climbing Courses are based at our Caroline Hut. It is the only owner-operated hut in Aoraki - Mount Cook National Park. The hut is for your exclusive use and guarantees your bunk space. Located in a spectacular high alpine setting it is outfitted with a wood-fired stove for heating, has solar lighting, and has full kitchen facilities with gas stoves. It has sleeping bags and is also stocked with non-perishable food. Load carrying is thus being minimised. If bad weather forces a climbing course indoors, you are ensured of a private classroom, conducive to learning. Climbing crags, snow and ice fields are nearby, thus minimising travelling time and maximising learning.
• By not relying on flying for our climbing courses and the Ball Pass Crossing our activities are less weather-dependent and less expensive! Nor do we have to factor in extra weather-allowance time.
• We include equipment in our tour packages, so no hidden costs. Our sturdy Meindl leather mountaineering boots are ideal for the peri-glacial area of Ball Pass. Plastic boots as hired out by other operators are NOT suitable for this setting.
• We provide a freephone service and satellite phone access.
• Another quality owner-operated hut: Rex Simpson Hut in the Two Thumb Range provides an excellent base for hiking in summer and ski touring and snowshoeing in winter.
• We have a catering manager to prepare food: fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, quality cheeses and meats. Together with the gourmet skills of the guides, this ensures a consistently high standard cuisine. All snacks included. Non-perishable food is at the hut.
• Because food quantities are carefully planned and prepared there is minimal waste to be carried out at the end of the trip and minimal effect on the environment.
• Our clients consistently give us top marks in their feedback ratings for environmental responsibility. See below for our environmental policy.
• With the quality of our hut facilities, our experienced guides and the high standard of service provided from food to equipment, our trips offer excellent value-for-money.
• We are a family-run business, involving our guides in the running of the business, and taking a direct and personal interest in ensuring you have a good time.
• After 32 years of operation Alpine Recreation continues to stay at the forefront of mountain guiding in New Zealand. Founder Gottlieb Braun-Elwert's safety research has been published recently in Europe and in Canada.

^top

Alpine Recreation reduces its carbon footprint and environmental impact through such things as:

• restricting group size
• using fuel efficient vehicles
• minimising use of vehicles and aircraft
• recycling, re-using, composting, avoiding "consumerism"
• minimal impact huts
• bulk buying of food supplies
• promoting conservation of native flora and fauna
• supporting community efforts to encourage appreciation of the natural environment

For details please refer to our Environmental Care Action.

^top