Communication with the outside world

In the mountains 2-way communication is possible, but communications can be limited at times. Please think carefully about your trip if you are required to contact home regularly - this is not always possible.

VHF Radio | Mount Cook and Westland areas

All guides carry handheld FM/VHF radios and regularly keep in touch with Alpine Guides base. Mountain Huts also have Department of Conservation radios installed. Messages can be relayed to you through your guide or the hut radio system.

Satellite Phone | In Other Mountain Areas

Outside of the Mt Cook region our guides carry a satellite phone and/or EPIRB. Satellite phones are usually only switched on when the guide needs to talk to base. This can mean a delay in communication. The guide will check regularly for TXT messages from base.

You will be trained how to use radios, satellite phones, and EPIRB devices in the event that your guide is not able to call out.

Cell Phone Coverage

Cell phone communication is limited in NZ Mountain areas. You can usually leave that particular burden of civilization back at base...

On many high peaks (especially around the Main Divide) there is usually coverage to call home and boast about your achievements.

At lower elevations, and in valley systems, signals are patchy (at best) or nonexistent.

Mt Cook Village has good coverage of the major networks in NZ:

How "hard" will the course be?

Are you ready? How does Mt Cook compare to Mount Aspiring? Read about Trip Difficulty ›

Is your gear suitable for mountaineering?

Do you have questions about your existing equipment? See our guide to Equipment for Mountaineering in New Zealand ›