Mt Aspiring was named Tititea ('Glittering Peak') by New Zealand Maori and is often referred to as the ‘Matterhorn of the South’.
This beautiful mountain offers various routes of high quality, from the grand but attainable North West Ridge, to the divine arête of the South West Ridge. From the summit great views abound as we look into the deep and glaciated valleys to the west and beyond to the Tasman Sea.
| RATIOS | 5 DAYS |
|---|---|
| 1:1 Only | $5,850 NZD $ |
We ascend the North West Ridge either via the ‘Ramp’ or alternatively by the full NW Ridge. Climbing the Ramp involves moderate-angled snow climbing that requires the use of two ice tools on the steeper sections. The route meets the NW Ridge about halfway up and is technically straightforward climbing for the last 300m to the summit.
The full North West Ridge is a classic route that we generally climb later in the season once it is free of snow. This route follows the long NW Ridge requiring exciting traverses around rock towers with fabulous exposure!
The more demanding South West Ridge is a climb to suit technically orientated mountaineers. The route ascends a gradually steepening arête culminating in several steep ice pitches to the summit. It is one of New Zealand’s premier alpine routes.
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 Mount Aspiring 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.
Prerequisite Skills
Climbers attempting Mount Aspiring by any route must have basic snow and ice climbing skills, glacier travel and crevasse rescue experience. It is also important to have good fitness, balance, coordination and the ability to carry a pack of 12–15 kg over rough, untracked terrain for 8–10 hours. While you will be carrying light packs for your acclimatisation and summits days, you will be required to carry a full load on the first day to Colin Todd Hut and again on the 2-day walk out to the road end. Climbers considering the South West Ridge should have solid technical climbing skills, including being comfortable ice climbing with two ice tools on steep ice and mixed terrain. If you do not have the prerequisite skills, then we recommend that you join either our introductory Mountaineering Instruction Course or our Mount Aspiring Course & Ascent.
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.
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 food and accommodation while the trip is running which is from 9.00am on Day 1 until 5.00pm on Day 5 (or Day 7 if on the 7 day trip). All food and accommodation outside this time will be at your expense.
When in the mountains you will stay in mountain huts with shared bunk rooms and basic facilities. There are no single rooms available. 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. For more information on New Zealand's Alpine Huts see our Alpine Huts page.
If you experience a delay with entering the mountains caused by weather you will be accommodated in Wanaka in dormitory style backpackers with shared bathroom facilities. You may decide to upgrade to single accommodations in Wanaka 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 Mt Aspiring all year as conditions allow although our main climbing season is from November through to April. 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 which result in a combination of rock and ice routes. However, from May onwards cooling temperatures can bring snow falls to the Alps. Winter conditions are less predictable and the days are shorter, however for experienced climbers the winter solitude will be incredibly rewarding!
We do specialise in winter climbing and ice climbing through the months of July-September and whilst the days are shorter the mountains are virtually abandoned. Our guides are also experienced ski guides so enquire about combining ski touring with your ascent!
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 are not suitable to enter the mountains at the start of the trip, we can delay for up to two days subject to your guides’ 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 Wanaka, check gear, drive to the road end and fly into the mountains in the early afternoon. A 2-hour walk across the Bonar Glacier takes us to Colin Todd Hut (1,780m/5,840ft). Alternatively we may opt to camp in tents on Bevan Col (1,850m/6,070ft). |
| 2 | Acclimatisation day, ascend a smaller peak such as Mount Bevan (2,030m/6,660ft) and undertake some familiarisation skills with your guide. |
| 3 | Summit day (3,033m/9,951ft), start 3am, and finish as late as 7pm - OR contingency day. |
| 4 | Commence the 2-day walk out to the road-end, either via French Ridge or Bevan Col, depending on conditions OR contingency day. PLEASE NOTE: The walk out from Mount Aspiring (particularly the Bevan Col route) is a long, challenging trek that many people find as challenging as the climb of Mount Aspiring. Climbers need to be fit and capable of carrying a fully loaded pack through steep, untracked terrain for 8–10 hours after a long summit day. |
| 5 | Complete walk out to road end, (or optional flight out at extra cost) to vehicle at the road end. |
NOTE: Due to the nature of the terrain and duration of the walk out, we sometimes utilise the option to fly out on a back flight at the completion of the climb. This is weather dependent, so climbers must be prepared to walk out of the mountains if the helicopters are unable to fly. The optional flight out is an additional cost for which we are happy to give you an estimated price at the time of booking.
The Ramp and North West Ridge routes are of similar technical grade and conditions can sometimes favour one of these routes over the other. Often the decision on the most appropriate route to climb can only be made once you are in the region. The South West Ridge is a more difficult climb and people attempting this will need prior ice climbing and technical mountaineering experience. All three climbing routes take on average around 14–16 hours return. The walk into the Mount Aspiring region is a beautiful but long walk (12–16 hours) via Bevan Col or French Ridge to Colin Todd Hut, where we base ourselves for the climb. Most of our guests utilise helicopter access to Bevan Col on the edge of the Bonar Glacier in order to arrive fresh and take advantage of fine weather periods. For this reason, we have included the cost of a helicopter access flight in the trip price.
The Ramp
This is a steep snow route (35–50 degrees) ascending from the Bonar Glacier, which meets the North West Ridge halfway to the summit. It is our most commonly ascended route and an all-time classic. We ascend this route until late December, when access is cut off by open crevasses.
The North West Ridge
A rock route which follows the ridge, deviously avoiding any really difficult climbing, but has plenty of exposure! The North West Ridge is mainly exposed rock scrambling done in mountaineering boots with several pitches of snow or ice at the summit. The rock is largely exposed but easy scrambling but being comfortable climbing Grade 14 (US 5.6 US/UK 4b HS) will help on the trickier sections. We usually follow this route from mid-late December onwards.
The South West Ridge
This climb is a real gem for more technically orientated mountaineers. A long fine arête gradually steepens to culminate in a technical gully section of steep ice, mixed terrain or rock, depending on the time of year. Finally a two-pitch ice face takes you almost to the summit itself.
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
