Copland Pass
Alpine Crossing
A classic Southern Alps crossing
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Copland Pass Crossing
The classic Southern Alps crossing from Mount Cook Village to the West Coast
The Copland Pass was once one of New Zealand's greatest alpine crossings, linking the grandeur of Mount Cook, with the West Coast bush and the hot springs at Welcome Flats. Erosion of the Stewart and Copland Gullies in the mid 1990's on the Hooker Valley side of the pass has made the crossing significantly more challenging, with the Hooker Hut left stranded on an inaccessible piece of lateral moraine.
The Copland Pass route crosses rough glacial moraine. Alpine Recreation recommends the Fitzgerald Pass as a more pleasant alternative.
Overview
The Copland Pass Crossing is a challenging 4 day alpine traverse of the Southern Alps from the Hooker Valley to the Copland Valley. The route follows the shore of the Hooker Lake and the lower Hooker Glacier, before ascending up the steep and crumbling moraine wall to the base of the Copland Ridge. From here, the traditional Copland Pass route can be followed, clambering up Copland Ridge to the Copland Shelter.
Cross the pass with your guide and descend on the western side of the Main Divide to Douglas Rock Hut. Continue on your own along the DOC track to Welcome Flats Hut and the West Coast while your guide returns back over the pass back to Mt Cook Village.
Bivvy
Spend one or more nights camping under the stars.
Equipment:
Participants must carry their own sleeping bags, sleeping mats, bivvy bag (or lightweight tent), personal gear and some of the group equipment, food, stove, fuel, and cooking utensils (all provided by us).
Douglas Rock Hut
Douglas Rock is a basic 8 bunk hut situated in the upper Copland Valley. It is a public hut that cannot be booked and works on a first-come first-served basis.
Equipment:
Participants must carry their own sleeping bags, personal gear and some of the group equipment, food, stove, fuel, and cooking utensils (all provided by us).
Copland Pass Crossing 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.
Standard bookings
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).
| Standard Price | 3.5 days price per person |
|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$2525 2 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Deposit Payment
A non-refundable per-person deposit is payable to secure a booking:
- NZ$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
- ALL meals (including snacks & energy bars) for the duration of the trip
- ALL mountaineering and trekking equipment
The following items are NOT included:
- Meals and accommodation before/after the trip are NOT included.
Minimum & Maximum Group Size
A minimum number of 2 participants is required to run this trip. If you end up being the only person booked on the trip, you will be offered the choice of:
- paying an additional fee to run the trip at a reduced guide-to-guest ratio
( NZ$1,650.00 for 3.5 days ) - rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 2 participants per guide is defined by our safety management plan. For groups larger than this, it is usually possible to allocate additional guides.
Previous Experience
Trekking Fitness & Endurance:
Previous mountaineering experience and good cramponing and ice axe skills are essential. Participants need to be very fit in order to accomplish the crossing from the Hooker Valley to Douglas Rock Hut in a single day (approx 10-11 hours).
Prerequisites:
We strongly recommend that participants do a guided Ball Pass Crossing or Introductory Mountaineering Course with Alpine Recreation first in order to learn the necessary mountaineering skills and to allow guides to assess participants' suitability
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: 4 - Advanced scrambling agility
Committing and challenging for experienced trekkers. Sustained concentration and focus required for difficult sections. Exposure to heights or large drops likely. Confident footwork and scrambling over rough, loose and steep terrain required (eg. pulling yourself up on vegetation, clambering over boulders). Crampons and ice axes required for crossing moderate snow slopes (≤ 35°), alpine passes and/or glaciated terrain.
Technical Mountaineering: 2 - Introductory-intermediate mountaineer
In-depth crampon, ice axe, self-arresting and climbing skills instructed by guide. Basic rope skills, knots, abseiling, anchor placement, belaying skills instructed if applicable. Ability to apply skills with coached practice and demonstrate proficiency required to progress to next grade. Prior rock climbing experience beneficial.
Trip Difficulty Ratings - more info
Route Information
Copland Pass is a Main Divide crossing over rough glacial moraine and traverses steep snow slopes. Fine weather, safe snow and moraine conditions and good timing are crucial for a successful crossing. The present route over Copland Pass involves crossing rough and unstable glacial moraine around the Hooker Lake and on the lower Hooker Glacier, as well as climbing the steep and crumbling moraine wall to the base of the Copland Ridge.
The Jubilee Route over Fitzgerald Pass (now considered the "modern" Copland Pass route) is a good alternative to the traditional Copland Pass route and bypasses problems associated with the retreating Hooker Glacier (the steep and crumbling moraine wall, and rockfall and flooding on the Hooker Lake shore).
| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Day 1
Gear check at the Alpine Recreation office, Lake Tekapo.
Drive to Mt Cook, hike up the Hooker Valley and around the western shore of the Hooker Lake. Clamber over rough moraine on the lower Hooker Glacier before climbing up the steep and crumbling moraine wall to the base of the Copland Ridge. Camp on the moraine terrace under the stars. If time permits (dependant on the condition of the glacial moraine, which can be very time-consuming to cross), you may continue on up to Copland Shelter to sleep there instead.
6-8 hours trekking over very rough and loose ground.
Day 2
Pack up camp (overnight camping gear can be left on the terrace for the guide to collect on the way back) and begin the climb up the Copland Ridge to Copland Shelter. Your guide will belay or short-rope you up the steep snow and ice slopes to Copland Pass.
From Copland Pass it is a short and easy descent to the top section of the Copland Valley route. From here, although there is a track, it has become a lot rougher and more difficult to find, due to washouts, and old avalanche debris. Your guide will continue with you to Douglas Rock Hut, another 5-6 hours from the pass, making it a 10-11 hour day altogether.
Day 3
Your guide will return back over the pass to Mount Cook Village, taking any equipment you have borrowed, and you will continue on your own down the Copland Valley track.
From Douglas Rock Hut to Welcome Flats Hut takes 3 hours - please note that Welcome Flat Hut fees are not included in the price (many opt to continue out the Copland Track to the road - a further 6-7 hours).
Day 4
Welcome Flats Hut to road end is 6-7 hours along a well marked track.
Options
There is some flexibility with this programme to work around unfavourable weather or snow conditions. Due to the unstable nature of glacial moraine, access around the Hooker Lake and up the moraine wall is often not possible after heavy rain events and the Fitzgerald Pass route may be used instead.
Copland Pass Crossing - 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 Boots: must be well broken-in and waterproofed, and stiff enough for crampons. To test boot stiffness, hold them at toe and heel and try bending the sole like a banana. If you can do this, your boots are too soft. Please note that we stock boots ranging from EU size 37-48; if you have feet outside this range and do not have suitable boots of your own, you will need to hire boots independently 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| headlamp with spare battery | 1 |
| mountaineering equipment helmet, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners, slings, prussics | 1 |
| polypro / merino thermal leggings | 1 |
| polypro / merino top long-sleeved | 2 |
| sun hat | 1 |
| synthetic / fleece jacket | 1 |
| trekking / hiking poles | 1 |
| trekking / mountaineering boots sturdy enough for crampons | 1 |
| warm gloves / mittens | 1 |
| waterproof hard-shell pants full-length zip | 1 |
| waterproof over-mitts | 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 |
|---|---|
| 3 season sleeping bag lightweight | 1 |
| camera | 1 |
| down jacket | (optional) 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 | (optional) 1 |
| sun and lip screen high UV rating for snow | 1 |
| sun glasses high UV rating for snow | 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.
Your scheduled dates don't work for me - what should I do?
Please contact us with your available dates. We may be able to accommodate your request.
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 trekking equipment do I need to bring?
Please refer to the clothing and equipment checklist in the Equipment section. Any equipment you need to borrow from us will be issued by your guide at the gear check. We can provide boots, trekking poles, outdoor clothing and packs at no extra cost if necessary.
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.
