AORAKI MOUNT COOK TREKKING HOLIDAY

QUICK FACTS

December-April, ex Lake Tekapo

2 days | 2-8 participants | from AUD $645 per person

Prerequisites: above average fitness, multi-day hiking/trekking experience with 4+ hour days

Season 2010 - 2011 Dates

Ring first to check availability!! We can advise you instantly of the most up to date trip availability.

Phone: 61 3 5364 2977  or Email: info@awt.travel

Nov 2010: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-22, 23-24, 27-28, 29-30

Dec 2010: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-22, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30, 31-1Jan

Jan 2011:  2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 13-14, 15-16, 18-19, 20-21, 23-24, 26-27, 28-29, 30-31

Feb 2011:  2-3, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 18-20, 21-22, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28

Mar 2011:  2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 20-21, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28, 29-30, 31-1Apr

Apr 2011:  2-3, 4-5, 7-8, 10-11, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-22(Easter), 25-26(Easter), 27-28

Aoraki Mount Cook Guided Trek

Climb up the Ball Ridge and confront the mighty Caroline Face of Aoraki Mount Cook. On this guided hike you will go as close as it's possible to get to Mount Cook on foot without actually being on the mountain.

The Aoraki Mount Cook Trek is an easier 2 day option compared to our Ball Pass Crossing. It is designed for people who want to enjoy a high alpine experience without the strenuous and long crossing of Ball Pass on Day 3. Day 1 remains the same as for the Ball Pass Crossing, while on Day 2 you will descend back into the Tasman Valley. Maximum walking time will be 4-6 hours on any one day, instead of the challenging 8-12 hours on Day 3 of the standard Ball Pass Crossing.

You will experience this beautiful area and spend one night at our Caroline Hut in its stunning location, straight opposite the awesome Caroline Face of Aoraki.

Itinerary

DAY 1

8am gear check at our office, 30 Murray Place, Lake Tekapo.

Travel to Mount Cook (about 1 hour), and the end of the Tasman Glacier. Hike up the old Ball Hut Road, parallel to the glacier. From Ball Shelter, climb 850m up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki.

As the hut is fully stocked we only need to carry some fresh items of food (e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat) and our personal clothing and equipment.

4-6 hours trekking.
 

DAY 2

Option to climb Fergun's Knob on the ridge above Caroline Hut before returning via the Ball Ridge and Tasman Valley, finishing at 5-6pm back in Tekapo.

Group Sizes, Prices & What's Included

Group Size: 2-4 participants per guide, up to 8 with 2 guides.
Individual bookings welcome. If you end up being the only person on a trip you will have the option of changing to another date or a full refund
 
Price: AUD $590 per person

Prices valid until 30 April 2011

What's Included: guide, hut accommodation, all food & transport ex Lake Tekapo, all equipment and boots if required, National Parks concession fees

Meals and accommodation before/after tour are NOT included

Fitness & Trekking Experience Required

This alpine adventure is suitable for fit hikers and backpackers, able to climb 850m over rugged, untracked terrain in up to 6 hours.

You need to be sure-footed, have good balance and have previous hiking, tramping or bushwalking experience. Crampons and ice-axe are not required.

 For an easier option, we recommend the Tekapo Trek.

Further Information

Equipment: Boots, ski poles and helmets are provided. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking. Outdoor clothing and packs can also be provided at no extra cost if necessary.

Accommodation pre-/post- tour: As our equipment check takes place at 8am on the morning of departure, you need to book accommodation in Tekapo the night before. After the tour, it is recommended to overnight in Tekapo again, or in Mount Cook. Accommodation options in Tekapo.

Insurance: In case of 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 you still need ordinary travel insurance to cover such things as your 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. More information re Accident Compensation. The New Zealand Alpine Club provides a good mountaineering specific travel insurance.