7 days alpine climb, 1 participant per guide.
Climbers on Bevan Col with Mt Aspiring behind. (Photo Elke Braun-Elwert)
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 difficult 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 resorting to flying for ease of access. 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. 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 and we allow an extra contingency day for free. NZMGA/IFMGA mountain guides.
| Departures: | by arrangement. Contact us. |
| Start: | 8.00am Lake Tekapo. |
| Cost per party: | NZ$4100 1:1 guide-client ratio; or NZ$2600* per person 1:2 guide-client ratio (valid until 30 April 2009). NZ$ exchange rate. * We will only consider a 1:2 guide-client ratio if you have done an Intermediate Climbing Course or similar with us. |
| Included in price: | Guide for 6 days for the walk-in walk-out option, or guide for 5 days with flight-in included, plus 1 contingency day in each case, hire of all mountaineering equipment with the exception of boots, and all other climbing/camping equipment, all food while on the climb, hut fees, surface transport from Lake Tekapo to Wanaka/Matukituki Valley and return, National Park concession fee, 12.5% Goods and Services Tax. Accommodation and meals in Lake Tekapo before and after the climb are not included in price. |
Climbers on the North West Ridge at dawn.
(Photo Elke Braun-Elwert)
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.
Day 7: Extra contingency day if needed for bad weather.
The one extra contingency day is not charged for and allows the guide to be available to start the trip a day later if weather dictates that. Any spare days can be used for rock climbing or refreshing mountaineering skills in the Wanaka area 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).
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. Flights cost extra: Helicopter Access to Bevan Col: NZ $ 800 (subject to change).
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. If you do not have this experience we recommend one of our climbing courses first.
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The ascent to Bevan Col. (Photo Peter Frick)
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.
We recommend to settle guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. The company may allow a postponement of the climb in case of bad weather provided other guiding commitments permit this. Book now.
Our equipment check takes place at 8am on the morning of departure, so you need to book accommodation in Tekapo the night before. Accommodation options in Tekapo.
New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme will provide some assistance to visitors to New Zealand who are injured, but you are strongly advised to have full travel insurance to cover such things as your cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip; and medical insurance in case you become ill. More information re Accident Compensation.