Guided Ascent
Dixon Peak
Climb one of New Zealand's most iconic peaks
Explore Aoraki Mount Cook Summer Adventures Climb Alpine AscentsDixon Peak
Dixon Peak
Climb one of New Zealand's most iconic peaks
Mount Dixon (3004m) is a beautiful pyramid shaped peak located on the edge of the Grand Plateau, and is one of the best vantage points for viewing its neighbours, New Zealand's most iconic peaks - including Aoraki / Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman. Mount Dixon can be a good preparation for Mount Cook, but is a fantastic climb in its own right. It is climbed from Plateau Hut and an ascent typically takes 8-12 hours. The ascent involves steep snow, ice and mixed climbing.
Plateau Hut
Situated at 2200m opposite the East Face of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. A popular base for ascents of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Dixon and Specialized Alpine Climbing Courses.
It is a public hut that works on a first-come first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
Equipment:
Climbers must carry their own sleeping bags and food to the hut as well as some party equipment and their personal equipment.
Dixon Peak dates are scheduled on a case by case basis - please contact us with the dates you would like. We recommend that you settle guiding dates well in advance as guide availability during peak season is limited. Please allow extra time in case you are held up in the mountains due to weather.
Private bookings
Private guide: book a guide just for you and benefit from a completely custom itinerary.
Loyalty discount: If you have been on an Alpine Recreation trip before, you will be eligible for $100 off the standard trip price (does not apply to any already discounted prices).
| Private Guide Price | 6 days price per person |
|---|---|
| Private booking group size | NZ$6500 1 per guide |
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$1,500.00
The remaining balance of the trip price (including any applicable discounts) is due 60 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 60 days of the trip start, the full amount will be due.
Booking conditionsInclusions & Exclusions
All prices include the following:
- IFMGA / NZMGA certified mountain guide
- National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Local accommodation for any nights required during the trip
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Aoraki Mt. Cook return)
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL technical mountaineering equipment (with the exception of boots)
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.
- Flights are NOT included
Flights
Flights are not included in the price, as costs vary according to the venue, type of aircraft and occupancy. Depending on the venue, it is often possible to be picked up from a lower landing site on the return flight or to combine flights with other groups heading in to and out of the mountains to significantly reduce flight costs.
Weather dependent: As there is no guarantee of being able to fly (due to weather) and no obligation to fly, we like to be able to pass on any potential savings directly to our guests.
| Price per flight (the cost is split equally amongst guests) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Aircraft | Spaces | Price |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Plateau Hut | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,101.00 |
Please note: Flight prices are given as examples only and are subject to change by aircraft operators at any time. In addition to guests, each aircraft will also transport the guide and gear.
Previous Experience
Fitness:
Participants need to be very fit, well coordinated and mentally and physically strong to cope with sustained steep climbing, the extreme environment and height exposure. Summit day involves 8-12 hours climbing.
Experience:
A climb of Mt Dixon is technically easier and shorter than a climb of Mt. Cook, but can involve a lot of front-pointing in firm conditions. Previous mountaineering and technical snow and ice climbing experience is required. Participants should have good footwork and be competent on crampons.
If you are not able to climb safely with crampons on steep snow slopes, then you need to do a climbing course with us first.
You will be required to submit a list of previous mountaineering and climbing experience.
These requirements are in place to ensure the safety of you and your guide and to make sure you have a realistic chance of success. If you do not have the necessary experience or fitness to attempt Mt Dixon now, contact us. We will create a customised pathway to prepare you to achieve your goal in the future.
Video of climbing Mount Dixon (This video was made by Hegyi Barom and does not depict an Alpine Recreation party. It is available on YouTube and is provided here for your convenience).
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 5 - Extreme
Regular alpine starts with long and sustained days (14+ hours) on difficult or technical terrain. Expect to carry a heavy pack at times (12-16kg) between huts or bivvies. Consecutive days with ascents of 1200+ vertical meters in often steep terrain are expected. Prior experience with bivouac / snow camping is recommended. For hardened mountaineers only.
Agility: 5 - Expert scrambling/climbing agility
A high level of commitment required with serious consequences for mistakes. Frequent and sustained exposure to significant heights or large drops. Moderate - steeper (30-50°) slopes common. Concentration and focus required at all times. Recent mountaineering experience required. Solid footwork, cramponing (including front-pointing) and ice axe skills expected.
Technical Mountaineering: 4 - Advanced mountaineer
Efficient anchor management and fast adjustment of gear expected. Solid crampon and ice axe skills expected with ability to move efficiently across a variety of terrain and conditions. Confident climbing on rock (AU grade 16-20).
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more infoDixon Peak - Clothing & Equipment Checklist
Your gear check time will be provided at time of booking. Please bring as many of the items on the equipment list as you can. We can provide (at no extra charge), any of the items in list A that you are missing. Reminder: all food is provided.
All technical mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet, etc.) is provided.
*1 Grade B3 Mountaineering Boots: an insulated rigid leather boot as per the Mountain Boot & Crampon Guide, eg. La Sportiva Nepal Evo or Scarpa Summit GTX. Boots must be well broken-in and waterproofed. While we recommend that you invest in your own boots for technical ascents, you can hire boots from: Gnomes Alpine Sports, Darfield; Small Planet Sports, Queenstown; or MT Outdoors, Wanaka. Book any hire equipment well in advance.
*2 Blister kit: we recommend Compeed and Leukoplast - available at chemists in Christchurch, Queenstown and Wanaka.
A. Equipment which Alpine Recreation can provide if you do not have your own:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| avalanche safety equipment transceiver, shovel, probe | 1 |
| backpack - 45L must have side tension straps | 1 |
| buff / sun scarf for protecting ears & neck | 1 |
| eating utensils mug, bowl, spoon | 1 |
| gaiters to fit over trekking / mountaineering boots | 1 |
| high lumen headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| mountaineering equipment helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners, slings, prussics | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 2 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 2 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| warm gloves / mittens | 1 |
| waterproof gloves / mitts with removable inner for quick drying | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| waterproof pack liner to keep your gear dry | 1 |
| waterproof parka must have a hood | 1 |
| wool hat / balaclava | 1 |
| woollen socks | 2 |
B. Equipment you must bring yourself/Alpine Recreation do not provide:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 4 season sleeping bag lightweight | 1 |
| camera | 1 |
| down jacket | 1 |
| drink bottle wide-mouth, minimum 1.5 litres | 1 |
| ear plugs in case of snorers | 1 |
| lightweight insulated sleeping mat if not going to a hut | 1 |
| personal first aid please provide your own blister kit | 1 |
| personal underwear | 1 |
| quick-drying shirt long-sleeved, for sun protection | 1 |
| quick-drying trekking pants / shorts | 1 |
| small dry bags for organising gear | 1 |
| snow goggles | 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| technical mountaineering boots Grade B3 Mountaineering Boots | 1 |
| toiletries please keep these to a minimum | 1 |
How do I make a booking?
Simply click on Book Your Adventure, fill out the enrolment form, and pay your deposit fee. Once you have submitted your completed enrolment form and we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your reservation on the trip. You will receive a formal confirmation receipt by email.
What happens if we have really bad weather?
New Zealand's weather is notoriously fickle. It is possible you could be delayed getting into or out of the mountains due to the weather. For this reason, we recommend leaving 1-2 days spare at the end of your trip to avoid disruption to other travel plans. Your guide will endeavour to provide alternative activities/venues to give you the best possible experience. In some cases, if all participants and the guide have flexibility with time, it may be an option to postpone the whole trip by a day (however we cannot guarantee this option and it is at the discretion of the guide).
In many cases, the weather may not be as bad as the forecast might lead you to believe - please remember that we are used to dealing with New Zealand's weather on a regular basis and know where to go and what to do to make the most of it!
Please see our Bad Weather Policies for more information.
When is the gear check?
All trips start with a gear check at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. For your specific trip gear check and start times, please refer to the Itinerary section of the relevant product page.
What mountaineering equipment do I need to bring?
Please refer to the clothing and equipment checklist in the Equipment section. Any technical equipment you need to borrow (including ice tools, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) is provided FREE OF CHARGE and will be issued by your guide at the gear check. Please note that we can only provide boots for less technical objectives and recommend you bring your own.
Do I need travel insurance?
In the case of an 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, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance, as you still need cover for things such as 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. Many standard travel insurance policies DO NOT cover high-risk adventure activities so be sure to check the wording of your policy.
More information on New Zealand's Accident Compensation scheme (ACC).
Recommended insurance providers:
→ New Zealand Alpine Club provides mountaineering specific insurance options for New Zealand or Australian residents.
→ Austrian Alpine Club provides world-wide rescue and repatriation insurance to members.
→ World Nomads provides travel insurance for guided adventure activities.
→ Insure4less provides cover for a selection of high-risk activities for Australian residents.
How do I get to/from Lake Tekapo?
The easiest way to get to Lake Tekapo is to catch the bus from Christchurch or Queenstown, or hire a rental car. Most buses arrive in Tekapo around midday.
→ Lake Tekapo Transport recommendations.
Where is the best place to stay in Lake Tekapo before/after my trip?
Alpine Recreation provides accommodation at Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. This is also where your gear check takes place before departure. It is recommended you book the nights before and after your trip here to facilitate the gear check and to allow flexibility in case of any delay in trip start due to weather. To book your nights, simply answer the relevant questions on your trip booking form.
→ Other Lake Tekapo Accommodation recommendations. We strongly recommend that you book your accommodation well in advance, as Tekapo is a popular tourist destination and options become limited during peak season.
Where can I park my car?
Secure off-street parking is available by Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge. Please leave your car keys with us (in case we have to move your vehicle if someone is parked in and so you don't lose your keys on the mountain!).
What do I do with my spare gear while on the trip?
We have a gear storage room at Edelweiss Lodge for you to leave any spare bags or gear while you are on your trip.
