Departure dates by arrangement. Contact us.
6 days | 1 participant per guide | NZ$4500
NZ$100 returning client discount available.
Prerequisites: exceptional fitness, previous mountaineering experience.
Want to discuss options?
Contact us. Ring free on 0800 006 096.
We recommend to settle guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather.
Mount Aspiring, 3027m/9928ft, known as the "Matterhorn of the South" is unlike most of the other New Zealand peaks over 3000m, which are clustered around Aoraki Mount Cook, because there is no demanding moraine to negotiate. The approach to the mountain via the grassy flats of the Matukituki Valley, through beech forest and on rock up to Bevan Col, then across the Bonar Glacier, is a rewarding adventure in itself. This is a rare opportunity to climb the whole of a 3000m peak without having to fly in.
While not technically very difficult, long distances need to be travelled with heavy packs over rough and very steep ground. Participants need to be exceptionally fit to walk in, climb the peak and walk out again, so unless your are used to carrying a heavy pack over challenging terrain, then we recommend you fly in to increase your chances of success. Please submit list of previous outdoor experience and schedule of personal fitness training. To allow a realistic chance of success with the weather we recommend 6 days for this climb.
1 participant only per guide.
| 2013-14 Season: Price per person in NZ$ (valid 1 May 2013 - 30 April 2014) | |
|---|---|
| NZ$100 returning client discount, if you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before. | |
| Participants | 6 days |
| 1 | 4500 |
Please note that on public holidays there will be a surcharge of NZ$190 (incl. GST) per person per day.
New Zealand public holidays 2013: New Year 1/1 & 2/1, Waitangi Day 6/2, Good Friday 29/3, Easter Monday 1/4, Anzac Day 25/4, Labour Day 28/10, Christmas Day 25/12, Boxing Day 26/12.
New Zealand public holidays 2014: New Year 1/1 & 2/1, Waitangi Day 6/2, Good Friday 18/4, Easter Monday 21/4, Anzac Day 25/4, Labour Day 27/10, Christmas Day 25/12, Boxing Day 26/12.
Included: NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guide for 6 days for walk-in walk-out option, or guide for 5 days with flight-in included, hut fees, all meals while on the climb, surface transport from Lake Tekapo to Wanaka/Matukituki Valley and return, hire of all mountaineering equipment (with the exception of boots), National Parks concession fees, 15% GST.
Aircraft access to Bevan Col one way: Helicopter carrying guide + 1 client + gear is about NZ$1000. You can often share costs with other climbers flying in on the same flight.
Meals and accommodation before/after tour are NOT included.
» Previous mountaineering experience is essential for all routes. For the Southwest Ridge and the Ramp Route of the Northwest Ridge participants should have good experience in the use of crampons and ice axe on steep ice.
» You should be:
» If you do not have this experience we strongly recommend to participate in one of our Climbing Courses prior to a Mount Aspiring climb.
» DAY 1:
Meet at Alpine Recreation's office, 30 Murray Place, Lake Tekapo (on the way from Christchurch to Wanaka) at 8am. Gear check and outfitting with any gear you need. Drive to Wanaka (2 hours) and walk up Matukituki Valley to Aspiring Hut (2 hours).
» DAY 2:
Climb to Colin Todd Hut via Bevan Col (10 hours).
» DAY 3:
Climb Mt Aspiring via Northwest Ridge (12-13 hours).
» DAY 4:
Descend to Aspiring Hut.
» DAY 5:
Walk out (2 hours) and return to Lake Tekapo.
» DAY 6:
Spare day in case of bad weather.
» FLYING OPTION:
If opting to fly to Bevan Col you walk from there across the glacier to Colin Todd Hut, approximately 1.5 hrs. Climb the North-West Ridge and descend the same way. Stay another night at Colin Todd. Descend to West Matukituki Valley and return to Wanaka.
Helicopter carrying 4 + gear to Bevan Col: NZ $1000 (subject to change). Flights out cost extra, but are usually cheaper if you can get the back-flight of another group flying in.
» You are recommended to allow an extra day spare after your booked dates in case we need to postpone the start of the trip by a day in case weather requires that and guiding schedules allow. Any spare days can be used for rock climbing or refreshing mountaineering skills if necessary.
» The hut is often crowded so it may be necessary to use a small tent.
» Depending on snow conditions there may be a choice of routes from Colin Todd to ascend and descend Aspiring (NW Ridge or Ramp) and also for the walk out (Quarter Deck to French Ridge Hut or Bevan Col).
Equipment:
Alpine Recreation provides all technical mountaineering equipment, at no extra charge. The only equipment that clients are requested to bring are their own mountaineering boots. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking.
Accommodation pre-/post- tour:
As our equipment check takes place at 8am on the morning of departure, you need to book accommodation in Tekapo the night before. After the tour, it is recommended to overnight in Tekapo again, or in Mount Cook. Accommodation options in Tekapo.
Insurance:
In case of accident New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) will cover the majority of costs (about 80%) involved with evacuation and injury treatment, even for visitors to New Zealand. However you still need ordinary travel insurance to cover such things as your cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip, or a close relative suddenly becomes ill; and medical insurance in case you become ill. More information re Accident Compensation. The New Zealand Alpine Club provides a good mountaineering specific travel insurance.