New Zealand
Trans-Alpine Journeys, Crossings & Traverses
The best mountain adventure journeys in the Southern Alps
Alpine Crossings, Mountain Journeys & Traverses
Alpine Crossings, Mountain Journeys & Traverses
A selection of the best trans-alpine adventures in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Southern Alps are home to some of the most breathtaking alpine journeys in the world - from high mountain traverses to rugged backcountry hikes and ski mountaineering. Whether you're climbing, trekking, or ski touring, these iconic mountain adventures offer an unforgettable way to experience Aotearoa’s wild and remote landscapes.
Alpine Traverses & Mountaineering Expeditions
For those seeking a true high-alpine challenge, New Zealand’s mountain traverses provide a world-class mountaineering experience. Journey across rugged ridgelines, navigate dramatic glaciers, and summit remote peaks under the guidance of expert mountain guides.
Ski Touring & Split-Boarding Adventures
Winter transforms New Zealand’s mountains into an untouched playground for backcountry skiing and split-boarding. With consistent snowfall, varied terrain, and iconic mountain huts, multi-day ski touring trips offer an epic mix of adventure and wilderness.
Backcountry Hiking & Trekking
New Zealand’s alpine hiking routes take you deep into untouched wilderness, far from the crowds. Whether you prefer a scenic hut-to-hut journey or a challenging alpine crossing, these mountain treks showcase the raw beauty of the Southern Alps.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Whether you're after a challenging climb, a rewarding backcountry trek, or an exhilarating ski traverse, New Zealand’s unique alpine journeys offer something for everyone. Cross the Southern Alps with a friendly and experienced mountain guide - Alpine Recreation employ a professional team of UIAGM / IFMGA and NZMGA certified guides. Let us take the hard work out of planning and logistics and organise a great mountain adventure for you!
Articles
Features and editorials about Alpine Crossings, Mountain Journeys & Traverses
Pushing Limits and Finding Joy in the New Zealand Alps
Test Your Limits 2024 - New Zealand expedition
When you sign on to guide a trip like Test Your Limits, you know it’s going to be something special.
Ball Pass Crossing
Why going guided won’t cramp on your style
A certain thrill comes with completing a trip you’ve eyed up for decades. For me, this was the Ball Pass Crossing.
A Wild Mountain Journey
Crossing Brodrick Pass and Rafting the Landsborough River
There’s something deeply satisfying about threading a route through the heart of the Southern Alps — especially when it links two iconic backcountry experiences: crossing Brodrick Pass and rafting the…
Around Mount Cook
Transalpine Journey around Aoraki Mount Cook
I have wandered up a few pointy bits of landscape in the past, usually by the easiest route, but often after a long approach march to a more remote peak.
Symphony on Skis
Ski Mountaineering in the Southern Alps
In momentary surrender I hunched forward and rested my hands on my knees, breathing short and sharp, every expulsion filling the narrow band of light cast by my head torch…
From Sandflies to Summit
Back in the world of domestic, electronic and commercial nonsense, I find it hard to adjust to sitting still in fine weather, so I decide to put fingers to keyboard…
The Symphony on Skis
Original article by Gottlieb Braun-Elwert
A ski traverse is like a well composed piece of music. It flows with harmony, surprises with the unexpected.