1 participant only per guide.

NZ$ exchange rate.

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 7 days, hut fees, all meals while on the climb, surface transport from Lake Tekapo to Fox Glacier and return, hire of all mountaineering equipment (with the exception of boots), National Parks concession fees, 15% GST.

Meals and accommodation before/after tour are NOT included.

» Welcome Flats Hut is halfway up the Copland Valley, located next to the famous Welcome Flats hot pools.

» The ascent from Welcome Flats involves two open bivouacs at the snow line high up in the Scott Creek Valley.

» Climbers must carry their own sleeping bags, personal gear and some of the group equipment, food, stove, fuel, and cooking utensils (all provided by us) to the hut and bivouac.

» Previous mountaineering experience in snow and ice is strongly recommended. Participants need to be:

• exceptionally fit, and used to carrying heavy packs for several days
• well coordinated and have the ability to learn new skills quickly
• mentally strong and well balanced to cope with an extreme environment and height exposure
• in very good health

» We strongly recommend to participate in one of our Introductory Climbing Courses prior to a Mount Sefton climb.

WARM UP:

Mount Sefton, 3151m, is best climbed from the West Coast. Prior to the climb we spend a full day on the lower Fox Glacier practising ice axe and cramponing skills in order to maximise your secure footing when you need to depend on it later on in the climb.

COPLAND VALLEY - DOUGLAS NÉVÉ:

A 6 hour trek up the Copland Valley takes you to Welcome Flats Hut with its world-famous thermal springs. Another 7 hours of steep climbing takes you up Scott Creek, a narrow valley, past numerous waterfalls and house-sized boulders. This is a truly awe-inspiring and intimidating place. Your guide's local knowledge is essential to find a safe way through the wilderness. We camp at the snow line. Following steepening snow slopes we reach Welcome Pass and the Douglas Névé.

TO THE SUMMIT:

8 pitches of ice climbing up the summit pyramid take you to the top of this isolated peak. Climbing this awe-inspiring mountain all the way from sea level completely self-sufficiently is a very satisfying experience.

THE DESCENT:

We return the same way. The overnight stop at Welcome Flats with its hot pools is a welcome finish to a great climb.

» Later on in the season the Douglas Névé can pose problems with crevasses. In winter the route is not recommended due to a high avalanche risk.

» Best time is from mid November through to mid February.

» Check our latest snow and ice report.

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.