When you sign on to guide a trip like Test Your Limits, you know it’s going to be something special. Founded by Dr Heather Ross and an incredible team of leaders, Test Your Limits is no ordinary expedition — it’s a movement. It brings together individuals who are pushing their physical, mental, and emotional boundaries in support of cardiac care and research. Every few years, the team ventures into the mountains somewhere in the world to test themselves — this time, the Southern Alps of New Zealand were the proving ground.

As a guide with Alpine Recreation, I’ve led trips through every corner of the Southern Alps — but this one? It was different. It was an honour to be part of the guiding team, especially working alongside two legends of the mountains: Barry Blanchard and Tim Ricci from Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. Together, we led this spirited crew across alpine passes, up remote peaks, and down a thundering glacial river — an adventure from summit to sea and back that none of us will ever forget.

 

Up Brodrick Pass and Mt Mackenzie

We kicked things off with a hike up the stunning Hopkins and Huxley Valleys. The group was full of energy and anticipation as we followed the riverbeds, dodging matagouri and hopping over rocky side streams. Brodrick Hut gave us our first taste of real backcountry life — simple, rustic shelter from the elements.

Climbing Brodrick Pass was our first major alpine test. The route zigzags steeply through alpine scrub, tussock slopes and into the high alpine. Spirits were high, and so was the altitude. The weather gods smiled on us, and we were treated to expansive views into the wild Landsborough Valley. Some of the team even took on Mt Mackenzie for a bonus summit — snow slopes, a bit of rock scrambling, and that addictive feeling of standing on top of the world.

 

Whitewater and Wilderness: Rafting the Landsborough

Next up was a full-throttle change of pace — rafting the Landsborough River. After our descent from Brodrick Pass, we met up with the Hidden Valleys rafting crew at Creswick Flat. Helmets on, paddles ready, we pushed off into a river that winds through some of the most untouched terrain in Aotearoa.

We camped that night under the stars at Harper Bluff, where the sound of the river lulled us to sleep. Between swapping stories by the campfire, staring into the Southern sky, and the sheer joy of being completely off-grid, it was one of those rare moments when everything just feels right.

The next day? Rapids. Big ones. The Landsborough delivered with exhilarating whitewater, dramatic gorges, and smiles that couldn’t be wiped off anyone’s face.

 

Caroline Hut & Kaitiaki Peak: In the Shadow of Aoraki

After drying out over 3 days on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to Oamaru, the crew headed back to the mountains for round two. This time for a classic alpine experience at Caroline Hut — our base for the next big challenge. Sitting high above the Tasman Glacier with views straight onto the Caroline Face of Aoraki / Mount Cook, this spot is pure magic. Getting there was no small feat, with a steep climb that tested everyone’s legs, lungs, and resolve.

Kaitiaki Peak was our final mountaineering goal. It’s a real alpine ascent — rock, snow, exposure — and the team crushed it. The summit came with big grins, high-fives, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Being up there, looking out over New Zealand’s highest peaks, is a feeling you don’t easily forget.

 

Reflections from the Trail

Guiding this expedition was more than just a job. It was a privilege. Watching each person dig deep, support one another, and grow through the challenges reminded me why I love this work. It was about more than peaks and paddles — it was about purpose, connection, and shared triumphs in the wilderness.

To everyone who was part of the 2024 Test Your Limits journey: thank you. You brought your humour, your heart, and your courage. And to the mountains of Aotearoa — thanks for being the perfect testing ground.

 

📖 Follow the full journey here: testyourlimits.ca/new-zealand-2024
🏔️ Explore mountaineering adventures in New Zealand: alpinerecreation.com