New Zealand Trekking - Ball Pass Alpine Crossing

Hiking down the Hooker Valley

Ball Pass Guided Trek - The Detail

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers New Zealand's most spectacular alpine scenery. With all but one of its 29 peaks over 3000m, it is New Zealand's climbing mecca. Most peaks are accessible only to experienced mountaineers. However, alpine hiking or trekking is possible close to Mount Cook on the guided Ball Pass Trek, in the company of experienced mountain guides.

Ball Pass is a challenging 3 day alpine crossing of the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman to the Hooker Valley. The hiking route follows the Ball Ridge, high above the Tasman Glacier, and opposite the mighty Caroline Face of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest ice face. Guided hikers spend two nights at the private Caroline Hut at 1830m/6000ft, using the middle day to climb an easy peak and explore the Ball Glacier. The views of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding mountains, the highest in New Zealand, are breathtaking. You will encounter rich alpine flora and unique bird life.

On the Ball Pass Crossing you will enter a "topuni" area, a place of great spiritual significance to Ngai Tahu, the Maori tribe who were the first people to occupy most of the South Island. Aoraki Mount Cook is their most sacred ancestor, from whom they derive their identity and "mana" or status. Aoraki possesses power over life and death and represents a link between the natural and spiritual worlds. It is a huge privilege to pass through this area and take in the awe-inspiring views that Aoraki and the surrounding mountains offer.

You need to have previous hiking, backpacking, tramping or bushwalking experience. This trek is beginner mountaineering and is more demanding than other guided hikes in New Zealand, such as the Milford or Routeburn Tracks, because it is alpine, traverses snow fields and a small glacier and there is no track in parts. Where there is a track it is narrow, uneven and you have to place your feet carefully. All equipment is provided.

If you are planning to walk the Milford and Routeburn Tracks or any of the other Great Walks, then it is best to do these prior to the Ball Pass Trek, because those hikes are much easier than the Ball Pass Crossing.

Current snow conditions.

The Ball Pass Trek is a good alternative to the Copland Pass Track which is now only accessible to experienced mountaineers.

An easier option compared to the Ball Pass Crossing is the Aoraki Mount Cook Trek.

Want to discuss options? Ring free on 0800 006 096. Contact us.

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Itinerary

Climbers on Kaitiaki Peak south of Ball Pass

A challenging 3-day alpine trek which crosses the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman Valley to the Hooker Valley. Ball Pass is just to the south of the South Ridge of Mount Cook. The route allows close views of New Zealand's highest mountains and most spectacular alpine scenery. Ball Pass Map. Ball Pass Route (Aerial Photograph).

Day 1: After an equipment check with Alpine Recreation in Lake Tekapo you travel to Mount Cook (about 1 hour), and the end of the Tasman Glacier. You hike up the old Ball Hut Road, parallel to the glacier. From Ball Shelter you climb 850m up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The hut is fully stocked with food, firewood, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils, but some fresh items of food need to be carried, e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat. 6 hours trekking.

Day 2: Learn basic mountaineering techniques. Climb Kaitiaki Peak (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki. Maybe explore a crevasse on the Ball Glacier. Back at Caroline Hut take time to watch the sun set on Mt Tasman and the ice avalanches thunder down the Caroline Face. 6 hours return.

Day 3: This is the longest and toughest day, with exposed and steep slopes to negotiate. We cross Ball Pass at 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Aoraki, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The steep descent from Ball Pass usually requires the use of crampons. When snow conditions are icy a fixed line rope method is used to ensure no-one can slide down the slope. The terrain is rugged and untracked and you rely on your professional mountain guide to find a safe route around gorges and bluffs down to the East Hooker Valley. Following old moraine terraces you hike through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the National Park and return to Mount Cook Village. (8-10 hours). Return travel to Lake Tekapo.

The crossing of Ball Pass on Day 3 is subject to safe snow and weather conditions. The professional judgement of your guide will take into account all factors, including client fitness for the conditions. Please see our Bad Weather Policies.

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Trekking up Ball Ridge

Who is the Ball Pass Alpine Trek for?

The guided Ball Pass is suitable for experienced trampers capable of sustained hiking, at times over steep, rugged, untracked and very exposed terrain. It is beginner mountaineering and is definitely not "a walk in the park". Besides personal clothing you'll need to carry some items of fresh food to the hut. Your pack on Day 1 should weigh no more than 10-12 kg. Several walks of at least 6 hours' duration are recommended as preparation for Ball Pass. You do not need prior mountaineering experience.

Fitness Prerequisites

Participants of a Ball Pass crossing need to:

- be of above average fitness
- have extensive hiking, tramping or bushwalking experience
- be capable of sustained walking over steep, rugged, untracked and very exposed terrain
- be able to hike or climb at least 6 hours in a day without difficulty
- be sure-footed, well-coordinated and have good balance
- have no fear of heights or problems with vertigo

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Approaching Ball Pass with Mount Cook towering above

Huts

Caroline Hut is a privately owned mountain hut for the exclusive use of our guided parties. It is the only guide/operator-owned mountain hut in the Mount Cook National Park. The hut affords a commanding view of the entire length of the Tasman Glacier and of New Zealand's highest peaks. The hut can be heated.

Equipment

Alpine Recreation provides crampons and ice-axes. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking. Outdoor clothing, packs and boots can also be provided at no extra cost if necessary.

Booking

We recommend to settle guiding dates well in advance since peak season times are often booked up. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather. Book now.

Accommodation Pre-/Post- Tour

As our equipment check takes place at 8am on the morning of departure, you need to book accommodation in Tekapo the night before. After the tour, it is recommended to overnight in Tekapo again, or in Mount Cook. Accommodation options in Tekapo.

Insurance

In case of accident New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC) will cover the majority of costs (about 80%) involved with evacuation and injury treatment, even for visitors to New Zealand. However you still need ordinary travel insurance to cover such things as your cancellation if an injury prevents you taking part on the trip, or a close relative suddenly becomes ill; and medical insurance in case you become ill. More information re Accident Compensation. The New Zealand Alpine Club provides a good mountaineering specific travel insurance.

Photos

Please see the Ball Pass Gallery for more pictures. View clients' photos taken on their Ball Pass Crossings.

How green are we?

Alpine Recreation reduces its carbon footprint and environmental impact through such things as:

- restricting group size
- using fuel efficient vehicles
- minimising use of vehicles and aircraft
- recycling, re-using, composting, avoiding "consumerism"
- minimal impact huts
- bulk buying of food supplies
- promoting conservation of native flora and fauna
- supporting community efforts to encourage appreciation of the natural environment

For details please refer to our Environmental Care Action.

Anybody attempting a Ball Pass Crossing without a guide needs to be an experienced mountaineer with good judgement for snow and ice conditions, and safe route selection in a high alpine environment. The Ball Pass is a route only, NOT an established or marked track. Caroline Hut is not available to unguided parties.

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