Climb Antarctica has been hailed as the continent's best kept secret, and presents mountaineers with the opportunity to climb in the world's most remote and pristine environment.
Enjoy this exploration as an expedition in itself, or add-on to our Vinson Massif or South Pole expeditions to complete your Antarctic experience.
Terrain is unlimited and varied, from technical ascents to easy snow climbs and ridge traverses that offer views over the Ronne Ice Shelf and Polar Plateau. This unique experience of climbing in Antarctica has only been undertaken by a handful of people and the opportunities for attempting new routes and first ascents are a real possibility.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Dates 2023/2024
Trip 1: January 1 – 17, 2024
*Other trip dates are available on request, please enquire with our office.
Pricing Schedule
The cost of the expedition ex Punta Arenas in Chile is US$36,000.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$5,000 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 120 days before the trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
An expedition member may cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. We will also provide advice regarding travel and rescue insurance.
The Expedition Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Climb Antarctica Expeditions.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
On the Climb Antarctica expedition there is usually a 1:1 guide to climber ratio, however should you have a group or climbing partner with similar objectives and experience then we may operate at a higher ratio, depending on the technical difficulty of your objectives. You will find the Mountain Guides companionable and strong expedition leaders with considerable power and willingness to see you achieve your goals.
Logistics
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) provides the logistic support and safety backup for our Climb Antarctica expedition. The ALE staff have considerable experience and a strong involvement in Antarctica, including operating the charter plane services to and from the ice. You will receive several documents from our office that ALE requires before our expedition.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and the ALE medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
To join our Climb Antarctica Expedition you need to be physically fit and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. Expedition members can expect to be exerting themselves for about four to six hours per day and be capable of carrying a 25kg pack.
Because the climbing is varied and we can tailor the objectives to meet your experience level, members with modest mountaineering backgrounds can join this expedition so long as they have some overall cold camping experience, some basic mountaineering skills and are reasonably fit. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Preparing for Your Trip
Effective high altitude mountaineering requires a good (specific) physiology for the activity and a solid mountaineering background. It is often unknown who will perform well up high and who will not. There have been many instances of technically brilliant mountaineers not being able to climb at altitude whilst less experienced climbers, who do operate well up high, excel.
Our Climb Antarctica allows flexibility to choose peaks at a range of altitudes and technical difficulty, climbing from Union Glacier at 700m, up to peaks around 3000m or more. Of course there is much we can do to prepare for the expedition through specific training for altitude and mountaineering. Check out our Fitness Training page for more detailed information.
What You Carry
In general you can expect to carry around 15kg (35lbs) pack and haul an additional 12kg (25lbs) in your sled if your objectives involve moving away to a secondary camp. On summit days your pack is light, less than 8kg (17lbs). This reinforces the need to take just the right amount of equipment with you on the mountain and to ensure you are ‘pack fit’ before you arrive on the expedition. Your guide will help with your equipment check in Punta Arenas, but you will need to arrive fit and ready to tackle the challenge ahead.
History
Union Glacier is located in the Heritage Range amongst the Ellsworth Mountains, 700 nautical miles from the South Pole. These mountains are the highest in Antarctica and includes the continent’s highest Vinson Massif (4,892m). The mountains were discovered on 23 November 1935 by Lincoln Ellsworth on a trans-Antarctic flight, and he named them the Sentinel Range.
The Canadian company Adventure Network International (ANI) opened up this area to private expeditions and operated regular flights to its summer camp at Patriot Hills from 1985. In 2003/2004 they withdrew their Antarctic operations and Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE) stepped in. ALE is run by some of the same people that initially started ANI back in the 1980s and they now use a new camp at Union Glacier as their base to operate from in Antarctica.
The terrain and climbing in the area is varied with routes ranging from easy to technical levels. Under the leadership of experienced Antarctic guides, climbers of varying levels of experience can safely undertake the expedition.
While ALE will supply our transport to and from Antarctica, Adventure Consultants will provide all the leadership, guiding staff and team equipment necessary for the expedition.
Food
Freshly-cooked meals, baked goods and desserts will be served from Union Glacier Camp's fully-equipped kitchen, with fresh food regularly flown in from Chile. Buffet-style meals are served at set times which brings together all the camp residents, from mountain climbers to polar expeditioners and research scientists. Vegetarian options are available upon request and in between meals, self-serve snacks and beverages will be available. When in field camps lighter weight mountain meals will be prepared by your guide, although assistance with cooking tasks is always appreciated. We bring a variety of foods and snacks to cater to most tastes however if you have a favourite snack food/treat, we highly recommend you bring a small supply along with you.
Clothing & Equipment
A full clothing and equipment checklist will be sent to all expedition members, once their booking is confirmed. Our Equipment Co-ordinator will be available prior to the trip to provide advice and discuss individual equipment questions.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive in Puntas Arenas |
| 2-3 | Gear checks and welcome meeting |
| 4 | Fly to Union Glacier |
| 5-7 | Expedition Preparations |
| 8-15 | Climbing |
| 16 | Return to Punta Arenas |
| 17 | Fly home |
PLEASE NOTE: Early arrival allows for expedition preparation and also allows a buffer for flight and luggage delays should your travels to Chile not go as scheduled. Flights to Antarctica are not held for delayed passengers or luggage.
| Day | |
| 1-3 |
We will arrange a specific time to come to your hotel and review your personal clothing and equipment. Please lay out all of the items on our Required Clothing and Equipment List in your hotel room so we can go through each item with you. We will help sort the items to pack in your checked luggage vs. your carry-on bag and what items to leave behind in Punta Arenas. The evening before your Antarctic flight, you are invited to our office for an important safety briefing to be followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. At the briefing, we will describe the flight dispatch process, update you on the current weather, and prepare you for arrival at Union Glacier. Please stay to enjoy pisco sours served over ancient Antarctic ice with your fellow travelers. |
| 4 |
Fly to Antarctica: We will call you at your hotel in the morning to advise you of current conditions in Antarctica. If the weather is suitable for our flight, we will pick you up at your hotel within the hour. Please meet us in the lobby with hotel bills paid, ready to board the bus. At the Punta Arenas airport, we board our chartered jet for the 4¼ hour flight to Antarctica. Our route crosses the Drake Passage, then follows the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the spine of the Ellsworth Mountains. We land on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway on Union Glacier where you will take your first steps on Antarctica. Climb aboard one of our specially-adapted vans for the 5 mi (8 km) shuttle to our main camp. Our friendly staff will provide a welcome tour of camp and show you to your tent. *Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled flight date and we will depart as soon as weather and runway conditions permit. Please understand that delays are common in Antarctic travel. All flights are dependent on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. Our staff will stay in close contact with you and will provide you with regular flight updates. |
| 5-7 |
Expedition Preparations: Your climbing team will spend the first few days at Union Glacier brushing up on skills and getting acclimated to the Antarctic conditions. You’ll practice rope work, crevasse rescue, navigation, weather observations, and polar camping skills. During this period, you will also discuss and plan your objectives with your guide and pack your equipment to ready for departure. While based in Union Glacier Camp, you may also have time to join an excursion to one of the near-by scenic destinations such as the Drake Icefall or the beach at Rossman Cove. |
| 8-15 |
Climbing: It’s time to explore Antarctica as it should be, untracked and pristine. Peaks, ridges, and canyons await and your itinerary is up to you and your guide. Together you’ll develop an expedition plan to match your skills and interests. You can do local day trips and return home to Union Glacier Camp each evening for dinner, or you can set out on a multi-day expedition to explore many of the valleys and peaks in the Heritage Range. Routes vary from technical ascents and easy snow climbs to magnificent ridge traverses with views over the Ronne Ice Shelf and Polar Plateau. Each experience is unique and the opportunities for exploration are endless. Only a handful of people have traversed this remote region and you may be the first person to attempt a new route and marvel at the view below. Once your climbing dreams are fulfilled, you’ll return to Union Glacier Camp to enjoy a celebration meal and toast your achievements! |
| 16 |
Fly to Punta Arenas: When weather and runway conditions permit, our intercontinental aircraft will arrive at Union Glacier to transport you back to Chile. Our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you back to your hotel. |
| 17 |
Flexible, Depart for Home: We recommend booking your flight home one week after your return Antarctic flight. If you purchase a full-fare ticket, most airlines will allow you to move your departure date. It is important to give yourself a buffer as delays are common in Antarctic travel. Our Punta Arenas team can provide a list of local tour operators and excursions if you wish to explore Chile before you return home. |
Elephant’s Head
Ride in one of our vehicles to this dramatic marble buttress overlooking the blue-ice runway. Beautiful ice pools and moraines offer endless opportunities for photography. If you’re looking for something more active, you’ll have the opportunity to hike up to the base of Elephant’s Head or all the way to the top of Rhodes Bluff for panoramic views of Union Glacier and the Heritage Range.
Drake Icefall
Named in the 1960s after geologist Benjamin Drake IV, this impressive icefall tumbles off the polar plateau into Union Glacier. Winds from the South Pole carve huge waves into the blue-ice and polish the surface into a high shine.
Charles Peak Windscoop
Discover the power of wind on ice as you wander through a sparkling turquoise corridor. If you’re truly adventurous, this is a prime place to try ice climbing with one of our experienced guides. For the less vertically inclined, you can rock hunt to your heart’s content. Just remember to leave them in place, as nothing may be removed from Antarctica.
The Beach at Rossman Cove
Another spectacular setting for blue-ice photography and panoramic views! Take cross-country skis with you or a picnic lunch and enjoy Antarctica’s version of a glacial beach getaway. Hidden Valley Our staff’s favorite getaway—this secret canyon opens up to a beautiful valley prime for hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to camp, we have a variety of activities for all abilities. You can check out a pair of cross-country skis or a fat-tire bike and take a spin around our groomed 10k loop or you can enjoy a cup of tea, an Antarctic book, or fun game in our camp library. In the evenings, we regularly offer lectures and films tailored to your experience.
Our Climb Antarctica Expedition is also available as an Add On to our existing Vinson Massif and South Pole Expeditions. Please enquire with our office for more details.
If you feel you want to additional support to carry equipment for you then please contact the office to discuss pricing for this option. We can arrange for a personal porter to carry for you throughout the expedition but due to the high cost of operating in Antarctica, the costs for this service are substantial.
We offer Privately Guided Expeditions in Antarctica and have been fortunate enough to work with many private groups over the years with exceptional results. Please enquire with our office for more details.
South Pole Ski the Last Degree
Imagine being able to have the pleasure of standing on the geographical South Pole? Well, our South Pole Ski the Last Degree Expedition is easy to do either as a stand-alone trip or as an add on to your Climb Antarctica expedition. We are experts in polar journeys having led a number of private groups to the South Pole. Please enquire with our office if interested in this option.
Fly to the South Pole
Journey to this ultimate destination following your expedition, covering the distance that took the early explorers many months of hardship, in just a few hours. Contact us for more details.
Three Glaciers Camp is an exclusive retreat nestled deep in the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, at the base of Mount Sporli and at the head of the Schneider, Schanz and Driscoll glaciers. It can be booked as an accommodation experience for members on Mount Vinson, Mount Sidley, Climb Antarctica and Ski Antarctica expeditions, as well as Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Voyages.
Each of the eight guest tents is heated, furnished with cozy sitting areas and equipped with a charging station for personal electronics. Three suites feature king beds and five have two extra-long twin beds. Double-walled tents and window shades create a dark retreat after long days in the Antarctic sun. There are even shower facilities, with melt snow gathered straight from the glacier to maintain a piping hot supply. Guests can enjoy unobstructed views of mountains and glaciers from the warmth of their private patio.
In the dining room and lounge area, a private chef will create original dishes with fresh ingredients flown in from Chile. In between meals, you can relax on the sofa with a book from the polar library or enjoy a coffee from a leather lounge chair.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your adventure to Antarctica or the Arctic's North Pole region can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Climb Antarctica Expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. What makes you the first choice for your climbers travelling to Antarctica?
In December of 1992, Adventure Consultants founders Rob Hall and Gary Ball ran their first commercial expedition to Antarctica in conjunction with Adventure Network International (ANI). Rob had already climbed Antarctica's Vinson Massif in 1989, a feat that he repeated along with Gary in 1990. Adventure Consultants has continued guiding in this remote part of the world ever since and has established a strong relationship with our partner in this region, Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE). The 2019/20 season will mark Adventure Consultants' twenty-six year of expeditions to this continent. We are, therefore, experts in all of the intricacies of travelling to Antarctica.
What will accommodation be like on the ice?
At Union Glacier Camp you will stay in a two-person 'clam tent'. These have double walls to withstand Antarctic conditions, with a high-tech nylon coverings and durable aluminium frames that open up like a clam shell. They are tall enough to stand up in and incorporate a wooden floor to provide solid footing and insulation from the snow. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, pillow, linens, towels and wash basin. During excursions outside of Union Glacier we will stay in mountain tents usually shared with another climber.
What showers and washing (clothes) will be available on the expedition?
Showers and laundry facilities are available at the Punta Arenas Hotel prior to and after the expedition. There may be the chance for a shower at Union Glacier, so bring a lightweight towel and small wash kit for this eventuality. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for an impromptu wash while on the expedition.
What food will be available?
Food is one of the most crucial factors for mountaineering in Antarctica. We serve nutritious and filling food that will sustain you well for any ascents, and during the planning stage we will ask you for any dietary requirements in order for us to adjust our menus accordingly.
What is the food like?
Union Glacier Camp enjoys a fully-equipped kitchen, where the chefs create freshly-cooked meals, baked goods and desserts. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses are regularly flown in from Chile. All meals are buffet-style and served at set times, with snacks and beverages always available. When in field camps lighter weight mountain meals will be prepared by your guide, although assistance with cooking tasks is always appreciated. We bring a variety of foods and snacks to cater to most tastes however if you have a favourite snack food/treat, we highly recommend you bring a small supply along with you.
What are the hotels like? Can I have my own room?
Prior to and after this expedition, we stay in a fantastic hotel right in the centre of Punta Arenas. This hotel offers classical elegance and its friendly helpful staff always look after the AC teams exceptionally well. Facilities include a restaurant, Wi-Fi and laundry service. Personal items can also be left in the hotel's secure storage when travelling to Antarctica.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
When traveling to Punta Arenas for any Antarctic departure, it is very important to arrive on the indicated arrival date. All of the group gear must be weighed for loading at least one day prior to departure for Union Glacier. Flights to and from Antarctica are subject to weather, therefore delays can and often do occur so it is very important to allow some flexibility with airline travel arrangements at the end of the expedition.
My travel agent says I can just get an ‘e’ ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be issued a physical ticket.
'E' tickets are standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your flight should this be required.
When should I book my ticket?
We generally ask that you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights then ensure you can make changes to your tickets and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
Specifically for expeditions to Antarctica, we strongly advise against buying a ticket online, as internet fares and frequent flyer fare purchases often have limited or no flexibility should you need to reschedule.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Upon arrival into Punta Arenas' Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our partner, ALE, who will transport you to your hotel and confirm the time and place of your initial briefing.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations in regards to sightseeing that you can enjoy. Please let our office know your specific plans.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated equipment coordinator who will be happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list as there are limited options for purchasing additional equipment in Punta Arenas.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. In particular for camping on the ice, you will need a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be as cold as -40°C (-40°F). We cannot recommend enough buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes inside if it is especially cold.
What are supergaiters? And where can I buy them?
Supergaiters have a rubber band which fits snugly over your plastic boot, for protection from crampon damage. The uppers are lined with insulation and most have convenient front zips. These are not available in New Zealand, but are available in Australia, the USA and the UK. We suggest doing an internet search for “supergaiters” and finding your nearest supplier. Our equipment coordinator can provide advice on where to obtain them.
I will be climbing at altitude, so does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
On all of our programs, we seriously consider the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before/during the expedition?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits but you will need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
On the Climb Antarctica expedition there is usually a 1:1 guide to climber ratio, however should you have a group or climbing partner with similar objectives and experience then we may operate at a higher ratio, depending on the technical difficulty of your objectives.
How much weight can we carry on the expedition?
Team members work together to carry group and personal equipment above the Union Glacier Base Camp. This can amount to 25kg (55lb) per person, so this reinforces the need to be 'pack' fit before arriving on the expedition.
Can I hire a porter?
If you feel you want additional support to carry equipment for you, then please contact the office to discuss pricing for this option. We can arrange for a personal porter to carry for you throughout the expedition but due to the high cost of operating in Antarctica, the costs for this service are substantial.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels ranging from those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip for Climb Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for an Antarctic expedition?
We invite you to check out our Fitness Training for Expeditions page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. For our Antarctic expeditions, you should be comfortable walking for 8-10 hours with a medium to heavy weight pack and sled hauling.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
Your expedition guide will have an Iridium satellite phone and you are welcome to use this at US$4 per minute. As we rely on solar power, we cannot guarantee that the phone will be available 24hrs a day. Cold severely affects the system and delays can occur for re-warming. If you anticipate that you may need to make frequent or long calls then please make arrangements before the expedition through our office.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The Adventure Consultants New Zealand office receives updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the expedition? What voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. It is possible to charge via USB at Union Glacier Camp so if your equipment has this facility please bring this along. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost. Please enquire with our office.
What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report in the summit bid phase?
During the expedition, your guide will receive daily weather updates from the team at Union Glacier as well as updates from the Adventure Consultants office. This will then allow your guide to gauge the best summit window.
What insurance do we need to get?
Traveling to Antarctica requires specialised medical and evacuation insurance. We do also highly recommend trip cancellation insurance to cover for cancellation due to medical and personal reasons.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Absolutely and as it is so imperative for departures to Antarctica, your insurance cover is double checked before you are allowed to travel down to the ice.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
When you have booked on an Antarctic departure, we will send you information on the insurance option which will serve you best.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for expeditions to Antarctica. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small groups sizes and safe guide-to-client ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to polar regions.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
