Guided
Ascents
Summer and winter ascents of popular New Zealand peaks
Summer Adventures Winter Adventures Climb Alpine AscentsGuided Ascents
Guided Ascents
Summer and winter ascents of popular New Zealand peaks
If you have aspirations of ticking off New Zealand's 3000m peaks or are simply looking for a new alpine challenge, our guided ascents programme can provide you with a safe and exhilarating mountain experience on one of New Zealand's premier peaks. We use our more experienced IFMGA / NZMGA guides for these ascents with a 1:1 or 1:2 guide-client ratio. This allows the flexibility to customize an itinerary to meet your objectives, fitness and experience.
Overview
Our guided ascents programme provides you with the flexibility to choose an objective suitable to your fitness, experience, time and budget. Many of the peaks can be climbed in both summer and winter.
Guided ascents use public huts that cannot be booked, and in the case of smaller huts, a tent may need to be used in peak season. The huts work on a first come first served basis and climbers must carry their own sleeping bags, personal gear and some of the group equipment, food, stove, fuel, and cooking utensils (all provided by us) to the hut.
Be prepared for a variety of mountain accommodation, as some ascents are not hut-based - you may need to carry a tent or bivvy gear. Many ascents do not have flying access.
We recommend settling 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.
| Dates | Spaces |
|---|---|
| 19 - 22 March 2025 | private groupN/A |
| 6 - 11 December 2025 | private groupN/A |
| Updated: 7 March 2025 at 9:35 pm | |
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 | 3 days price per person | 3 days price per person | 4 days price per person | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person | 5 days price per person | 6 days price per person | 6 days price per person | 7 days price per person | 7 days price per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private booking group size | NZ$3900 1 per guide | NZ$2350 2 per guide | NZ$5200 1 per guide | NZ$3050 2 per guide | NZ$6500 1 per guide | NZ$3780 2 per guide | NZ$7800 1 per guide | NZ$4445 2 per guide | NZ$9100 1 per guide | NZ$5150 2 per guide |
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$1,000.00
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
For travel to West Coast venues (ie. if you are flying from Fox or Franz Josef airports) an additional NZ$800 for vehicle and ground transport costs applies - this will be shared amongst participants.
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 Barron Saddle Hut | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,101.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Centennial Hut Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Horace Walker Glacier | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,284.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Murchison Glacier Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Pioneer Hut Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,284.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Plateau Hut | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,101.00 |
| Mt. Cook Airport to / from Tasman Saddle / Kelman Huts Lower pick-up option avaialble | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,467.00 |
| Raspberry Flat to / from Bevan Col | Helicopter | 3 | NZ$1,470.00 |
| Raspberry Flat to / from Bevan Col | Helicopter | 4 | NZ$1,960.00 |
| Raspberry Flat to / from Bevan Col | Helicopter | 5 | NZ$2,450.00 |
| Fox / Franz Josef Airports to / from Pioneer / Centennial Huts Lower pick-up option avaialble | H 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$770.00 |
| Fox / Franz Josef Airports to / from Pioneer / Centennial Huts Lower pick-up option avaialble | AS 350 Helicopter | 5 | NZ$1,050.00 |
| Fox Airport to / from Chancellor Hut | H 500 Helicopter | 3 | NZ$420.00 |
| Fox Airport to / from Chancellor Hut | AS 350 Helicopter | 5 | NZ$575.00 |
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
Depending on the ascent you wish to undertake, you will need some previous summer or winter mountaineering experience (or both). As you are booking a private guide, we can choose objectives to match your fitness and experience level. We will require you to submit a list of tramps and climbs over the last 5 years, plus details of your fitness training before we accept you for a pure ascent.
Difficulty Ratings
Endurance: 4 - Very challenging
A high level of fitness is expected. Fit people will still need to train prior to undertaking this adventure. Ascents of 1200+ vertical metres are likely. Expect 10-12 hour days or longer, carrying a 10-12kg backpack. Early alpine starts may be required. Expect some discomfort due to long days and exposure to elements. Must be dedicated and used to long days in rough, untracked terrain.
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: 3 - Experienced mountaineer
Proficiency with technical rope skills and a basic understanding of rescue systems required. Comfortable crossing moderate-steeper snow slopes (30-50°) with ice axe and crampons. Experience climbing with 1 and 2 ice tools, front-pointing and 10-point cramponing technique in various snow/ice conditions. Competency climbing on rock (AU grade 12-15).
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more infoRoute Information
These are just some of the many great New Zealand peaks you can climb as part of our guided ascents programme. Even if the peak you wish to climb is not listed here, we are happy to put together a custom itinerary for you, please contact us.
It is often possible to climb several peaks from one venue. We recommend booking 6 or 7 days if you wish to climb multiple peaks.
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Gear check
Our guided ascents typically start with a gear check at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo on the morning of the first day. Any items of equipment that you have been unable to provide yourself will be provided free-of-charge. Good leather climbing boots are available if you do not have your own. All technical mountaineering equipment is provided (helmets, harnesses, slings, carabiners, rope etc.), but you are welcome to bring your own if you have them. Your guide will discuss the mountain weather and avalanche forecasts with you and the finer details of your plan for the days ahead.
A custom itinerary will be sent out at the time of booking.
The Footstool - 3 days
1 participant per guide
Climbed from Sefton Biv via the Eugenie Glacier.
Mt. Sibbald - 3 days
1-2 participant per guide.
Based from Macaulay Hut or a bivvy in Upper Tindall Stream.
Nun's Veil - 3-4 days
1 participant per guide.
Climbed from a bivvy in Gorilla Stream. The walk-in is challenging and usually requires catching a boat ride across the Tasman Glacier terminal lake.
Hochstetter Dome - 4 days
1 to 3 participants per guide.
A popular starting peak for many mountaineers. It is best climbed from Kelman Hut or Tasman Saddle Hut at the head of the Tasman Glacier either during a Glacier Ski Touring week or during an Specialized Alpine Climbing Course.
Elie de Beaumont - 5 days
1 or 2 participants per guide.
Technically easy and best climbed from Kelman Hut or Tasman Saddle Hut at the head of the Tasman Glacier either during a Glacier Ski Touring week or during an Specialized Alpine Climbing Course. Late summer the route can be cut off by large crevasses on the lower Anna Glacier; hence ascents of Elie de Beaumont should be planned for spring/early summer.
Minarets - 5 days
1 or 2 participants per guide.
Technically easy and best climbed from Centennial Hut at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier either during a Glacier Ski Touring week or during an Specialized Alpine Climbing Course.
Mount D'Archiac - 5 days
1 participant per guide.
A remote peak at the head of the Godley Valley of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It is climbed from the Godley Hut or from a bivouac higher on the mountain.
Mount Green - 5 days
1 or 2 participants per guide.
A popular Main Divide peak best climbed from Kelman Hut or Tasman Saddle Hut at the head of the Tasman Glacier either during a Glacier Ski Touring week or during an Specialized Alpine Climbing Course.
Mt. Arrowsmith - 5 days
1-2 participant per guide.
Based from Cameron Hut.
Lendenfeld Peak - 5 days
1-2 participants per guide.
Best climbed from Pioneer Hut at the head of the Fox Glacier during a Specialized Alpine Climbing Course.
Mt. Haidinger - 5 days
1 participant per guide.
Best climbed from Pioneer Hut at the head of the Fox Glacier during a Specialized Alpine Climbing Course.
Malte Brun - 6 days
1 participant per guide.
Located on the eastern side of the Tasman Glacier. It enjoys more favourable weather conditions than the peaks on the Main Divide. Malte Brun provides some fine rock climbing and can be combined with good rock routes on Aiguille Rouge, the peak to the south of Malte Brun. An ascent of Malte Brun involves several camps.
Douglas Peak - 6 days
1 participant per guide.
Best climbed from Pioneer Hut at the head of the Fox Glacier.
Torres Peak - 6 days
1 participant per guide.
Positioned to the north-west of Mount Tasman. A traverse of both peaks is regarded as one of New Zealand's premiere climbs. Climbed from Pioneer Hut.
Guided Ascents - 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.
