The highest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook is truly Himalayan in size, protruding 3,000m from the valley floor. It is an impressive and massive peak with five sides, six faces and seven main ridges.
Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular objective and we ascend via the classic Linda Glacier route. The climbing is strenuous and of moderate technical difficulty; the summit is one of the most satisfying and exhilarating in Australasia.
| RATIOS | 6 DAYS |
|---|---|
| 1:1 Only | $8,990 NZD $ |
We fly into Plateau Hut, and base ourselves here for our summit attempt. We follow the Linda Glacier which steepens to moderately challenging ice-climbing, followed by a couple of pitches of steeper rock and mixed climbing through the summit rocks. The angle then eases a little as we focus on the summit ice cap for the final push to the highest point in New Zealand! The climb takes 16 to 22 hours and to get the best of the conditions we schedule our departure for around midnight.
There is no easy route to the top and gaining the summit is a significant achievement. When weather and time permit we may elect to climb over two days, with a bivouac halfway up the route to give ourselves a good start for the following morning and time to soak up the high-alpine ambiance.
Adventure Consultants guides are NZMGA and/or IFMGA qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards.
Being a great climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well.
You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.
Adventure Consultants employs only IFMGA or NZMGA qualified guides, the most advanced training and certification program internationally. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years (5–7) to attain and ensures you are getting a world-class professional service.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Aircraft Access
Aircraft access alleviates long and tiring walks into the alpine region with heavy packs. It allows you to start the expedition fresh, gain more valuable time in the mountain region and take advantage of fine weather periods. For this reason, we utilise helicopters to access Bevan Col, close to Mount Aspiring.
We will endeavour to walk out - travelling through the alpine into sub alpine terrain, or we have the option to utilise a short flight to return to civilisation again - at additional cost. Your guide will be able to discuss with you at the beginning of your trip what egress arrangements you prefer.
Registration, Deposit & Balance Payments
In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Registration Form and a deposit of NZ$1,000.
The balance of payment is then due 60 days prior to the start date.
Please note: In order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance. This especially applies to the high season period (November through March).
Payment Options
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank: Bank of New Zealand
For the account of: Adventure Consultants Limited
Account number: 02 0673 0043443 00
Account Type: NZ Dollars
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card payment fee.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent. This is usually packaged together with your travel insurance and covers you for loss of deposits should you not be able to make the trip for personal reasons.
The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Aoraki Mount Cook Guided Ascents.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Our Guides
Adventure Consultants guides are NZMGA and/or IFMGA qualified mountain guides. They are professional mountaineers and operate to the highest industry standards.
Being a great climber alone is not enough to work with us; our standards demand that trip leaders are great guides as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.
Adventure Consultants employs only IFMGA or NZMGA qualified guides, the most advanced training and certification program internationally. In order to gain these qualifications guides must undergo rigorous training and assessment on climbing skills, instructional skills, avalanche training and assessment, wilderness first aid, rescue training and much more. The qualification takes many years (5-7) to attain and ensures you are getting a world class professional service.
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.
Your Health
Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.
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
To make the most of your climbing experience we encourage you to work on your fitness prior to the trip. You will find that training with a 15kg + pack on is the best preparation for the mountains, with the aim of getting ‘pack fit’ and building your endurance. Your guide places special focus on fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your ascent.
History
Aoraki Mount Cook is a Topuni area to the Ngai Tahu Maori of the South Island, New Zealand. The summit of Aoraki is regarded as the head of one of their ancestors; of which the head is sacred (or topuni) to New Zealand Maori. Adventure Consultants respects the wishes of Ngai Tahu, hence we do not stand on the summit but remain a few metres from the top of the mountain.
Food
We place emphasis on providing nutritious meals and a good supply of snack food throughout the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration.
Accommodation
Wanaka has a range of accommodation from backpackers, youth hostels, motels, and hotels to luxury lodges.
We are happy to assist with your accommodation and bus transfer arrangements.
Adventure Consultants will provide your accommodation while the trip is running which is from 9.00am on Day 1 until 5.00pm on Day 6.
When in the mountains you will stay in mountain huts with shared bunkrooms and basic facilities. There are no single rooms available and unlike European huts you need to provide your own sleeping bag. Some mountain nights may be spent in tents or bivvies where you will be more exposed to the elements but the final decision on this will be made by your guide after weighing up all the factors. To find out more about New Zealand's Alpine Huts see our Alpine Huts page.
If our schedule requires us to overnight at Aoraki Mount Cook either side of the trip we utilise the New Zealand Alpine Club facilities at Unwin Hut which has dormitory style accommodation and if in Wanaka we accommodate you in dormitory style backpackers with shared bathroom facilities. You may decide to upgrade to single accommodations in Wanaka or at Aoraki Mount Cook Village at your own expense, should you require.
Clothing & Equipment
Climbing in the Southern Alps requires you have the highest quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment while keeping your pack as light as possible.
Your guide will go through the equipment checklist with you at the beginning of your trip. Actual equipment taken may vary subject to seasonal weather and route conditions. All group equipment including ropes and cooking equipment will be organised by your guide.
Adventure Consultants can help with all your equipment needs prior to your trip departing. We have a dedicated equipment coordinator that can answer any questions you may have, or you can also read the following equipment notes which are designed to help you when making decisions about which equipment best suits your personal needs.
We carry a good range of modern rental equipment. If you will be renting equipment from us please advise your requirements in advance to ensure correct sizing and availability.
In addition, our extensive retail catalogue and gear store provide the added service of purchasing your clothing and equipment needs directly from us. We are regularly outfitting climbers from head to toe to help them prepare for their course, ascent or trek! We also have a range of products available at our headquarters for any last minute purchases on the day of departure.
We can offer secure storage at our office for your luggage and valuables during the trip.
Communication & Messages
Our guides are in radio/cell/satellite phone communication with our operations base and Department of Conservation headquarters throughout the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, helicopter co-ordination and safety back up. Urgent messages can be relayed via our office to the field if required. Each party carries a locator beacon for additional security.
Climbing Season
We guide Aoraki Mount Cook all year as conditions allow.
In November and December we can expect more snow cover on the routes, and as temperatures warm up into the summer months of January and February, we traditionally experience more settled weather and mixed climbing conditions (snow, ice and rock).
From March through April, late summer conditions exist and daylight hours get shorter.
Subject to seasonal conditions, access up the Linda Glacier can be compromised at certain times. In the event access is restricted or the hazard rating is high, we will offer an alternative route or peak.
Winter conditions are less predictable and days shorter, however, for experienced climbers the winter solitude will be incredibly rewarding.
Travel
We commence this trip from our base in Wanaka. The nearest airport is located in Queenstown, approximately one hour's drive away. Air New Zealand and Jetstar airlines provide daily services to Queenstown from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. There are also direct international flights from most major Australian cities.
A shuttle service operates several times daily between Queenstown and Wanaka (from $35 each way), see https://www.ritchies.co.nz/wanaka. We are happy to assist with your transfer arrangements.
Bus services also operate daily between Christchurch and Wanaka (approximately 6 hours' travel time).
Weather
New Zealand has a maritime climate, and the weather is always a consideration in the high mountains. In the event conditions were not suitable to enter the mountains at the start of the trip, we can delay for up to two days subject to your guide’s schedule. We recommend you allow some flexibility with your travel arrangements to create this advantage.
When booking your trip please specify the dates you are available.
| Day | |
| 1 | Meet your guide in Mount Cook Village or in Wanaka for the drive to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Check gear and fly into the mountains to Plateau Hut in the early afternoon. |
| 2 |
Acclimatisation day. Consolidate skills or ascend a practice peak such as Mount Dixon. |
| 3 |
Summit day, start 1am, and finish 7pm! OR climb part of the route then bivvy out overnight. |
| 4 |
Second day of the climb, rest day, contingency day or fly out on a back flight to Mount Cook Airport. |
| 5 | Weather contingency day. |
| 6 |
Weather contingency day, or alternative activity (such as rock climbing). |
It is possible to walk into Plateau Hut (it is a solid days walk of approximately 12 - 16 hrs), but the benefit of flying in is that it alleviates the walk- in, and the usual necessary recovery day, allowing more time to be spent on actual climbing in the high mountains. Most importantly it can allow us to take advantage of ‘windows’ of fine weather which are typical of the maritime climate of New Zealand. An access flight is included in the trip price.
We guide Aoraki Mount Cook on a 1:1 basis due to the technical nature of the terrain.
Our Aoraki Mount Cook guided ascent operates over a six day period which enables us to fly in to Plateau Hut at the base of the mountain, from where the climb is staged. We aim to make the ascent during the most favourable period for weather and conditions, and on occasion will make a high bivvy, which puts us in close proximity to the summit the following day.
The usual route that we climb on Aoraki Mount Cook is the Linda Glacier route. We must first weave through the crevasse field on the lower part of the glacier before turning to head into the upper Linda glacier. Progress is made to the head of the glacier and onto the sustained snow/ice face of the Linda Shelf where the ground becomes increasingly steep. From the Linda Shelf we climb a moderately steep (55º) snow and ice gully and gain the ridge near the top of Zurbriggen's Ridge. After this we must tackle the Summit Rocks for several pitches up rock that is often iced up. Having negotiated the pitches of mixed climbing through the summit rocks we revert to straight snow and ice climbing again to ascend the final summit ice cap through to the highest point in New Zealand!
We allow 16-22 hours for the return trip from Plateau Hut and hence an early morning alpine start is necessary on the day of the summit climb. Fitness and route conditions are the factors that determine the exact timing. Climbers attempting Aoraki Mount Cook should come prepared for a very physical and demanding climb. It may only have the ultimate elevation of 3,754m/12,316ft, but it is still a challenging ascent. The Linda route is the most commonly climbed and is a classic mountaineering adventure, requiring good technical skills and stamina.
Other more technical routes are available on application to those with the necessary experience, such as the East Ridge or Zurbriggen's Ridge.
Special occasion? Celebration? Staff function? Or just looking for something deliciously different? Our gourmet catered Hike & Dine Treks are exactly that! Fly into our First Tracks Geo Dome Camp where you'll head out for guided hike taking in spectacular views of the nearby Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before returning to the Domes for lunch prepared by our experienced professional chef. Create unforgettable memories wining and dining in a location quite unlike any other.
Return helicopter flights included, prices tailored to your group, contact us for further details and menu options.
Wanaka has some of the most relaxing and beautiful accommodation in New Zealand. Let your friendly liaison know if you would like to discover some of the potential options that Wanaka has to offer.
Take a private transfer between Queenstown Airport and Wanaka in a Jaguar F-Pace S.
Available any time of the day or week, the service is personalised and includes an airport meet and greet at the gate.
A Frankton shopping stop can be included in this service, as can a brief Wanaka orientation tour upon arrival.
Each transfer can be tailor-made to meet your needs and transport can be included for up to 4 passengers.
Please see Wanaka Chauffeured for more information.
(Photo: Wanaka Chauffeured)
Wild Wire - Our top pick!
Experience a via ferrata (iron rung) climb on soaring waterfall whilst in Wanaka. Wild Wire is a truly great guided day out climbing a private via ferrata at Twin Falls in the Matukituki Valley. A safe and fun adventure activity for all ages.
Scenic Flights
In Wanaka we are surrounded by a myriad of lakes and mountain ranges as well as South Westland and Fiordland National Park, with the world famous Milford Sound. Seeing such sights from above by helicopter or plane is a must whilst visiting the South Island. Talk to our office about booking a flight.
Feel the spray on your face and adrenaline through your body as you shoot through the rapids on one of Queenstown Rafting's numerous options, from short half day trips to three day wilderness experiences, there is something for everyone.
Experience paragliding with Wanaka Paragliding, New Zealand's most Scenic Tandem Flight with lake and mountain views across the stunning Matukituki Valley. On a clear day enjoy spectacular views of Mt Aspiring, Lake Wanaka, Roy's Peak and the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy a fun and adventurous half day boat and bike tour which combines a scenic lake cruise on the pristine Lake Wanaka with a mountain bike tour skirting the lakeshore with our friends at Wanaka Bike Guides.
Discover the scenery, history, food and wine of Wanaka and Central Otago with Wanaka Wine Tours. Catering to all, from complete wine novices to dedicated wine connoisseurs, their explorations of the local vineyards are a delight to the senses!
Bungy… the quintessential New Zealand activity that speaks for itself. And Canyon Swing! Let us organise this for you after your trip with us and take the hassle out of it. Talk to our staff about it today!
Canyoning adventures are a journey unlike any other. Get in touch with a special natural world and see beauty such as you’ve only dreamed of… From the raw power of strong waterfalls to the tranquillity of deep, forested pools, from sculptural rockscapes to glowing green moss droplets, you will be immersed in a world you never knew existed.
Fiordland Helicopter Flight, Cruise or Remote Scuba Dive
Take an incredible scenic helicopter flight through Fiordland National Park, a listed World Heritage Area, where you will land on a private boat in the very remote Dusky Sound. Enjoy a cruise of the Sounds and if you're feeling adventurous then don your dive gear and head underwater for a phenomenal dive in the unique underwater world that Fiordland has to offer. Feast on an amazing lunch of fresh seafood, before heading back to civilisation. Truly an experience not to be forgotten.
Rock Climbing
After your course you could add-on a multi-pitch single day 1:1 ascent with your guide. Depending on your skill level, there is a range of excellent options for rock climbing in the region. This is a superb way to consolidate the skills that you learnt, and an opportunity to feel the real exposure of multi-pitch climbing.
While you are in New Zealand, you could pop over to Australia to climb one of the Seven Summits, Kosciuszko the highest mountain in Australasia. Let us take the hassle out of the logistics and organise everything for you. It is a fantastic country and a really fun, non-technical, adventure. Contact our office for a detailed quote.
Have a camera man join your course or ascent and document the entire thing! Choose from a variety of options for different budgets. You could have a full colour book and short film, or a full documentary for television. Your trip is the trip of a lifetime; why not keep it to show your friends and family. Contact us or see our specialty Film & Photo Services page for more information.
Let us take the hassle out of buying new gear. We can sort all of your expedition equipment requirements for you from head to toe with specific personal purchases that will leave you with all of the best gear for use on the mountain. Contact us or see our specialty Gear Store page for more information.
Your friends or family may wish to join you on your holiday but don't like the idea of actually climbing a mountain. Let us know if this is the situation and we will be able to put together an itinerary that keeps them busy while you are up high. There are so many wonderful things to do, so have a chat with us and we will put together the perfect programme.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your trekking and mountaineering adventures 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 Frequently Asked Questions answers serve as a helpful guideline for the Adventure Consultants New Zealand Guided Ascents, Courses and Treks. 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 have Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants commenced operations in 1990 and has been guiding internationally ever since. You can read the full story of the company on the AC History page. The New Zealand guiding operation for Adventure Consultants under CEO Guy Cotter’s leadership was established after 1996 and quickly propelled AC to become New Zealand’s largest guiding operation within a few years.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
As a New Zealand company leading clients to the summit of Mount Everest, we are renowned for our expertise at high altitude and the expansive logistics that are necessary to be able to be extraordinarily successful guiding in such extreme environments. This ‘top down’ approach is applied to all our planning and processes and we are proud to apply this service and level of detail to each and every trip we operate. We maintain such high standards by focusing on quality and by attracting the best guiding and headquarters administration staff in the business.
What showers and washing (clothes) will be available?
At our Wye Creek Camp and standard New Zealand alpine huts, there are no showers or clothes washing facilities. On our Luxury Backcountry Trekking trip, Whare Kea Chalet does enjoy hot shower facilities. The standard alpine huts and AC Base Camps have a small supply of fresh water for a basic wash cloth refresher and/or wet-wipes can be handy for a tidy up during your hut or camp stay.
What food will be available?
During your trip or course, we will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks and ample hot and cold drinks to keep you well-nourished and hydrated. We can cater for a variety of diets and with the convenience of flying in and out of the mountains, we are able to provide a good variety of fresh goods, protein sources and produce.
What is the food like?
All of our NZ guides are proficient cooks who aim to prepare high-quality popular dishes that are filling and nutritious. Please indicate any special dietary requirements on your application form, so that we can take this into consideration when planning.
What are the NZ Mountain huts like? Can I have my own room?
NZ offers some fantastic huts in amazing locations and most often these provide dormitory style bunk rooms and communal kitchens. Toilets are 'long drops' and many are famous for their views! Expect to share the huts with other like-minded climbers. Read more on our New Zealand Alpine Huts page.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
With an early start on Day 1, we do ask that you arrive at least one day prior to your trip start. This will allow you to get settled in and organized, and also provides some leeway in case of delays or lost baggage. This also means that you start your trip well-rested and ready to get into the mountains. You are welcome to arrive several days early or stay for extra nights at the end, and we are happy to assist with accommodation bookings and/or travel advice.
When should I book my ticket?
If you are joining a group course we generally ask you to wait until 60 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 or you run the risk of losing your ticket if we do have to cancel the trip.
If you are joining us for a 1:1 course or ascent, or with a group of friends then you are welcome to book your tickets as soon as you have your trip dates confirmed.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Therefore, we highly recommend using a travel agent.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
The majority of our NZ trips start at the Adventure Consultants head office. The exceptions are our Wye Creek ice climbing trips, which convene at the Heliworks Hangar, Queenstown Airport, Tex Smith Lane, Queenstown, and our 1-Day Summer and Winter Climbing Skills Instruction courses that start either at our office, or meet at the bottom of the Remarkables Ski Area road.
Our summer trips/courses start at 9:00am and winter trips and courses start at 8:30am. We can easily arrange for your guide to come pick you up from your accommodation and your Client Liaison will be happy to assist with booking airport transfers.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for local attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, once your booking form and deposit have been received, we will send you out a specific gear and equipment checklist along with additional equipment notes, which will provide a description, example and recommendations for each item required.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, all of the items on the list (except those marked optional) are necessary for mountaineering in New Zealand. Due to the variable weather and conditions in the New Zealand Mountains some of the listed items may or may not be utilised on your trip and your guide will discuss this with you during your gear check on arrival.
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
A sleeping bag rated up to 3-seasons or better (approx -5˚C and containing anything from 550gms–750gms down fill) is ideal for New Zealand summer mountaineering conditions. For winter courses and ascents bring a bag rated as 4-seasons or 700g+ down fill (approximately -5˚C to -10˚C).
We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear some clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
How much weight will we carry?
Once we arrive at our alpine base we will be able to leave most of our gear and only carry what is required for each day. This is all course/ascent dependent, but you will need to be able to carry a day pack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day plus a share of group climbing equipment. Generally, it will be a medium weight of approximately 5 to 10kgs (10 to 20lbs). You need to be prepared to carry a full pack of about 20kg for trips and/or courses that finish with a walk out of the mountains, and for advanced trips and/or courses such as our Alpine Expedition Course, where hut to hut traverses may be possible as well as overnights outside of the alpine huts.
What first aid supplies will be available on the trip?
All our guides carry a full first aid kit to deal with any medical emergency on the trip. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus some extras. Also, bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild pain relief medication.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
You will find the trip ratio in the 'Trip/Course Notes' section above. Generally, our group scheduled courses are guided at a maximum ratio of 1:4, whereas guided ascents are at a 1:1 ratio. Depending on your experience and objectives Private Instruction Courses operate at a ratio of between 1:1 and 1:4, and Ascents Weeks at 1:1 or 1:2.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers and ski tourers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. We provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from those seeking skill development to those looking for assistance in reaching the world's highest mountains. We love what we do and we look forward to assisting you with whatever mountain adventure you’re dreaming up.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for my trip or course?
We encourage you to work on your fitness prior to your course/ascent. When training, it is recommended you carry a pack for long periods on hills and uneven terrain. Over time, increase the pack weight until you are comfortable with 15-20kg. Gym training, swimming, running and cycling also add to your base fitness and are a great addition to a pack training program.
Arriving fit and prepared for your trip is an essential key to a successful and enjoyable time. Here at Adventure Consultants, we have partnered with the experts at Uphill Athlete to create scientifically sound training plans designed by two professional coaches and leading mountaineers. Together we provide a range of training programs designed specifically for mountaineering, as well as one on one online coaching options. Check out our programs at Training Peaks or see our Fitness Training page for more information.
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?
Yes, our guides take satellite phones on our NZ ascents/courses and you are welcome to use these at a cost of US$4 per minute. In some huts and camps, you will be able to get cell phone coverage, but please do not depend on this.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The best place to reach a loved one is through our office, as we can pass on messages when the guide calls in with updates.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the course/ascent?
We highly recommend fully charging your phones and cameras before heading into the New Zealand Mountains. Once at the huts and camps, there are no charging facilities. We recommend that you bring a camera that uses standard batteries and it’s a good idea to bring some spare batteries as a backup.
Which weather reporting service do you use?
On the days leading up to your trip, your guide will be looking closely at the weather and we utilise a variety of websites as well as being lucky enough to receive updates from landowners, the Department of Conservation and others already in the mountains. Once in the mountains, your guide will contact our office on a regular basis via satphone to receive weather updates and any changes to the perceived weather pattern for the week.
What happens if the weather is bad during my trip?
Access into the New Zealand high mountains is always weather dependent and we are used to working around it. Your guide, along with our operations team closely monitor local weather conditions to ensure that every trip has the best possible outcome, for some of our trips, such as instruction courses this means that we often won’t make decisions on course location until the days leading up to departure.
From time to time adverse weather can delay or prevent your trip from accessing the high mountains, if this happens your guide will endeavor to choose alternate venues for your chosen activity, and continue with instruction and skills development, whether it be at the local rock crag, on the lower reaches of one of our glaciers, or at an alternate mountainous venue experiencing more favourable weather conditions at the time.
In such cases refunds will not be given, and unused trip expenses, such as helicopter fees, will be held in credit for you for a future trip.
What happens if conditions on the mountain aren’t ideal?
The mountains are a dynamic landscape-snow, ice and glacial conditions are constantly changing and this means that access and routes on some mountains aren’t always open and safe. If your guide considers mountain conditions too dangerous during your trip they will suggest an alternative programme that best fits with your skill level so that you can still make the most of your time in the hills!
In such cases refunds will not be given, and unused trip expenses, such as helicopter fees, will be held in credit for you for a future trip.
What insurance do I need to get?
We strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation insurance and travel insurance to protect yourself in case of injury, mishap or cancellation prior to/or whilst on our trips. The New Zealand Alpine Club offers insurance options for Australian and New Zealand residents, and your client liaison will send you more details on this option.
While our number one focus is on safety and our track record supports this, the mountains do have hazards and there is always the potential for mishap.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself.
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 cancellation insurance for all of our trips and courses. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip, then we will refund your fees paid. However, if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute trip cancellation insurance will cover your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred in the lead up to your trip.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes we have a secure online credit card payment service using Payment Express. A 3% credit card payment service fee is added to all transactions. We also accept payment by bank wire transfer and please seem further details in the 'Payment Conditions' sections above.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Each trip page on the website has a downloadable pdf document with exactly what is and what is not included in the trip. Please see the 'Payment Conditions' and 'Trip Notes' sections above. International airfares are not included in the trip price however, we recommend excellent travel agents should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
We are proud to be leaders in the industry offering a variety of courses, trips, treks, and expeditions worldwide. We base our prices on the high level of operation and services we provide throughout the entire trip experience with us. Some of the things that set us apart are our internationally qualified guides, many of whom are world-renowned, our partnerships with proven dependable local operators, our small group sizes which provide for safe client-to-guide ratios, high-quality equipment, and extensive pre-trip support, plus all those extra services along the way that help to make your experience with us extraordinary.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a 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.
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.
Suze Kelly, General Manager
Climb Kosciuszko
