Mount Aspiring Trek
Mount Aspiring Trek
A stunning New Zealand alpine experience
Experience the wonderful contrast from grassy valleys and alpine meadows to jagged and ice covered peaks and vast glacial plateaus! Take in the stunning views of Mount Aspiring - the only 3000m peak outside of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Combine glacier trekking and some introductory level mountaineering for a great alpine adventure.
Overview
This 4-day trip has been developed for trekkers who have already done the Ball Pass Summit Trek or Ball Pass Crossing and seek something of a similar level of difficulty. The trip begins with an enjoyable walk up the Matukituki Valley to Aspiring Hut. Trekkers complete a loop up French Ridge, cross the Bonar Glacier and descend back down to the Matukituki Valley via Bevan Col. The route allows an up close experience of Mount Aspiring - the "Matterhorn of the South" - the only 3000m peak outside of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park). A climb of Mount French may be possible, if weather and snow conditions permit.
Our Introductory Mountaineering Course or the Ball Pass Crossing are recommended as ideal preparation for this trip.
Colin Todd Hut
Colin Todd Hut is located at 1800m below the north-west ridge of Mount Aspiring. It is a basic 12 bunk hut with a water supply, toilet, radio and an amazing view. As the hut is the departure point for ascents of Mount Aspiring, it is often crowded so it may be necessary to use a small tent or bivvy outside. 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).
French Ridge Hut
French Ridge is a modern alpine hut and a great base for alpine treks / hikes and mountaineering in the summer and ski mountaineering in the winter. It is located part way up French Ridge at 1480m and offers great views over the Matukituki Valley. It is a common access point for mountaineers aiming to climb Mount Aspiring. It is a 20 bunk serviced alpine hut with solar lighting, heating and cooking facilities. 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).
Mount Aspiring Trek 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 | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Individual bookings group size | NZ$2500 2 - 4 per guide * | NZ$3000 2 - 4 per guide * |
Please read the information on minimum and maximum group sizes below.
Group discounts: get a group of family and friends together and book as a group. The amount of discount you will be eligible for, will depend on the group size - the more people you book, the more your discount will be. If our scheduled dates don't suit your group's travel plans, please contact us so we can reschedule a trip to suit (subject to guide availability).
Please note that group bookings are not private bookings - if you wish to keep your group closed and have a private guide just for your group, a surcharge will apply.
| Group Discounts | 4 days price per person | 5 days price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Group booking of 3 | NZ$2,375.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$2,850.00 2 - 4 per guide |
| Group booking of 4 | NZ$2,250.00 2 - 4 per guide | NZ$2,700.00 2 - 4 per guide |
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:
- National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Ground transport (Tekapo - Raspberry Flat return)
The following items 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 |
| 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 |
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.
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$1,625.00 for 4 days, NZ$1,950.00 for 5 days ) - rescheduling to another trip/date
- a full refund
A maximum number of 4 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
Fitness & Endurance
Regular aerobic fitness training is a pre-requisite along with stamina to hike with a full pack (approximately 20kg) over uneven, rough ground for 9-10 hours.
Previous Experience & Agility
Previous mountaineering experience and good cramponing skills are essential. Your guide may elect to take snowshoes if conditions dictate. No prior experience of these is necessary and they are provided at no extra cost.
Our Introductory Mountaineering Course or the Ball Pass Crossing are recommended as ideal preparation for this trip.
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| Gear Check | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
Day 1
Gear check at Alpine Recreation's Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo. Drive to Wanaka, then Raspberry Flat (3½ hours). Walk in to Aspiring Flat and leave a load of fresh food for our return.
2 hours walking.
It is possible to meet your guide in Wanaka (on request) - this largely depends on how much equipment (if any) you may need to borrow from us.
Day 2
Continue up the Matukituki Valley to French Ridge and climb up through steep native beech forest to French Ridge Hut.
5-6 hours.
Day 3
Using crampons and ice axe, climb up to the top of French Ridge to gain the Quarterdeck and access onto the Bonar Glacier. In good conditions you may spend the night in a snow cave or bivvy at the base of Mount French or near Bevan Col. Alternatively continue to Colin Todd Hut for the night. If time and conditions permit, you may also climb to the summit of Mount French to savour the panoramic views of Mount Aspiring and its surrounding peaks.
6-8 hours.
Day 4
A big day descending steep and technical terrain from Bevan Col back down to the Matukituki Valley and Aspiring Hut. Your guide will provide protection with a rope over steeper rocky sections. Enjoy a big meal and well earned rest at the hut.
10-12 hours.
Day 5
Walk back out to Raspberry Flat and drive back to Wanaka/Tekapo.
2 hours walking.
Optional - air access
There is the option to fly in or out of Bevan Col. This can save a whole day, but is dependant on fine weather. Flights cost extra (see the prices section for details). Please ask is if you'd like this option.
Bad weather options
There is some flexibility within this programme to work around unfavourable weather conditions (for example, Days 1 & 2 could be combined or the trip can be done in reverse). We recommend leaving 1-2 days free at the end of your trip in case you get held up due to weather. We usally run this trip during the months of December through to March, but it may still be possible outside of these times with an alternate itinerary/route to work around difficult snow/crevasse conditions. Please email us to request your dates.
Mount Aspiring Trek - 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.
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.
