Mount Cook Aoraki Ascent

As for the Mt Cook trip, it was absolutely brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed it and the 10 day course taught me a lot! I'm already thinking of what I would like to climb next.... Possibly something in the Himalayas. Just need to keep up the fitness (and save up a lot of money!!).

Alex M. | Wakefield, UK
 
 

Best of Southern Alps Trek

This is the best trek to not feature in any NZ guide book. This adventure is packed full of highlights including the ascent of two 2000m peaks, exploring a remote lake and valley system as well as admiring the splendour of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring from high on remote ridges - thanks to spectacular helicopter transfers. Your trip begins with a drive to the highland lake of Lake Tekapo, the starting point of this outstanding trek. The first night on the trail is spent at Rex Simpson hut where you'll enjoy the superb alpine and lakeside vista. The next day you'll trek east along a ridgeline to the summit of your first 2000m peak before spending a day walking in the Mount Cook National Park, followed by a drive to the glacial lake, Lake Ohau. From Lake Ohau you will enjoy a rewarding full day trek exploring the remote lakes and spectacular valleys found in the beautiful Mackenzie Basin. In Wanaka, take a cruise on the picturesque Lake Wanaka that sits at the base of the Southern Alps. This amazing trek ends in sensational style as you enjoy a breathtaking helicopter ride to nearby tarns from where your day walk begins along the ridge to your second 2000m summit overlooking the stunning Matukituki Valley, Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring. If you want spectacular Southern Alps scenery without the crowds, you've found your trip.

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1 Join Christchurch, drive to Lake Tekapo, trek to Rex Simpson hut
DAY 2 Trek along ridge to summit of nearby 2000m peak, return to Lake Tekapo
DAY 3 Trek at Mount Cook and drive to Lake Ohau region
DAY 4 Trek to remote lake and valley, return to Lake Ohau
DAY 5 Drive to Wanaka, lake cruise and trek
DAY 6 Helicopter to nearby tarns for ridge walk to summit overlooking the Matukituki Valley and Mount Aspiring, heli-lift back to vehicle, drive to Queenstown, trip concludes

traveller reviews

I was extremely happy with the trip overall; great views, great accommodation, excellent trek leader = a very enjoyable trip

I. Wilkinson WA. Australia

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Trip Code: SAT
Trip Grading: Moderate
Duration:  6 days
Activities:  Trekking Day Walking
Countries: 
Next Trip:  10 November 2013
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price: £1,450.00 GBP
No local payments required
HS Public Holiday Supplement £32
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The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 4491. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom . Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.