New Zealand Alpine Photography - Mount Sefton

Travelling up the Copland Valley.

Crossing one of the numerous wire bridges in the Copland Valley.

Welcome Flats Hut.

Welcome Flats is famous for its hot pools, a great asset after a long day's tramping.

Mount Sefton towers almost 3000m above.

Fine weather is critical for the three days needed to ascend Mount Sefton from Welcome Flats.

Evening cloud lingers on the Main Divide.

Local knowledge is essential for negotiating the many natural obstacles en route.

After the main waterfall a new world opens up, Scott Creek.

House-size boulders are strewn into a narrow valley flanked by vertical walls.

High up in Scott Creek valley.

Mount La Perouse and Aoraki/Mount Cook come into sight.

Across the Douglas Névé to the summit of Mount Sefton.

Climbing up the summit ice cap on fixed belays.

The Douglas Névé below left, the Copland Valley still in the clouds below right.

On the summit at last.

On top of a very impressive mountain, towering high above Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

After a second bivouac high up we descend again towards the Copland Valley. Sierra Range behind.

Back down again past the rushing waters of Scott Creek and the Copland River.

Time to relax and look at the many jewels en route.

Watch the Blue Ducks cruising the rapids.

From the "Surf to the Summit" completed.