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Upcoming Expeditions |
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Aoraki/Mt Cook Guided Climb
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Aoraki/Mt. Cook is the largest and highest peak in NZ and a formidable climb by any route. To reach the summit at 3754m requires a day climb of over 1500m from the Grand Plateau Hut. Using the Linda Glacier route is the least technical and fastest. However the Zurbriggen's Route is a direct and challenging alternative for fit and competent climbers.
A high level of fitness is required and because the peak is 600 metres higher than surrounding ridges, it is exposed to high winds and rapid changing weather conditions.
The Climb: Meet in Wanaka or Mt Cook. Fly by chartered ski plane or helicopter flight to Grand Plateau. The ascent from the Grand Plateau hut involves 1,500m of climbing including glacier, steep ice and rock in an arduous day of 15 - 19 hours. We like to shorten the climbing days by bivouacing at a halfway point in the Linda glacier if possible. This also provides a unique climbing experience away from crowded huts.
The descent to the Mt Cook village from the Grand Plateau is steep and a moderate to long day including considerable moraine crossing. A back flight is possible in fine weather at a small additional cost.
Cost:
$3,595
Included in cost are: Guiding fees for the 3-4 day trip,
chartered skiplane access, food, group
& personal alpine eqt., Nat. Park fee, Grand Plateau
hut fees - 3 nights plus gst.
Additional days are charged
@ $495/day.
2nd person cost is $3,000 (an additional guide is used.
Additional days @$400)
Note:Access flight cost based on Cessna charter. The use of a Pilatous
Porter or helicopter will incur an additional surcharge.
Departs Wanaka or Mt. Cook village.
Timing: We attempt the
peak 2-3 times a year with groups of 3-5 persons in Nov/Dec/early
January. Access through the Linda glacier can be very difficult due to
large and complex crevasses. For this reason we do not routinely
conduct ascents after mid-January.
(Click
here for Equipment List) (Click here for Trek/Course Notes) and
(Registration Form)
(Also see Private Guiding Expeditions)
MountainRec. Director Geoff Wayatt was the 1st person to ski Mt. Cook and has 23 ascents to his credit (1968-2008)
BOOKING: A completed registration form and 50% deposit are required to confirm the booking. See Cancellations & Refunds section. We will endeavour to allow a 6/7 day window for the expedition to optimize weather prospects.
ACCESS: Travel via Intercity from Christchurch daily arriving early afternoon. Chartered ski plane flight to Grand Plateau. (Travel & Location Notes)
ACCOMMODATION: NZ Alpine Club's Unwin Hut, 3klms from Mt Cook Village or YHA, Mt. Cook.
FITNESS: Strong mtn fitness is vital to the successful enjoyment of the climb along with competence with Ice Axe and Crampons. Details are required with booking. (See Previous expeditions - Mt. Cook GT article)
EQUIPMENT:Separate
list supplied . see Equipment List &
MtnRec. Mailorder Equipment
Sales
Map:
Mt Cook Nat. Park 1:50,000 ($14.50 from MtnRec)
Guidebook: Mt Cook- A. Palman ($30 from
MtnRec)
History: Aoraki/Mt Cook has a long and
interesting geological and cultural history including the
beliefs of the indigenous people, the Nga Tahu tribe.
This was recognised with a status change in 1998. For
more information visit their Nga Tahu web site.