Aoraki/Mount Cook. Photo by Dave Sproul

Aoraki/Mount Cook Expedition - 6 days

Climbing Mt Cook (NZ's highest peak) is a long, physically demanding and serious venture for experienced mountaineers. Alpine Guides' Mt Cook Expedition is a 6-day guided package, based from Plateau Hut (2,200 metres).

The Mount Cook Guiding Package

Aoraki is a significant mountaineering challenge, rising 3,000 metres from the Tasman Valley floor. Our parties fly to Plateau Hut.

Vertical height gain to the summit is 1,600 metres (5,300 ft). After an alpine start (01:00), the return time is normally around 15 -18 hours.

Climbing Season | November through mid-February

The Linda Glacier is the most commonly guided route.

  • NZ Alpine Grade 3 - approx European AD
  • The route normally becomes impassable from late-January
  • We recommend booking to complete your expedition before the end of January

Conditions may improve in late February/March. This varies from year to year, and is never guaranteed. Other route options are possible, for suitably experienced climbers. See the detailed notes for more route info ›

Mt Cook Summit Ridge

The 6-day package gives time to:

  • Sort gear and fly to Plateau Hut
  • Work around changing weather and snow conditions
  • Attempt a training peak, or refresh skills (if required)
  • Attempt Mt Cook
  • Fly or walk out

Why 6 days? Why fly in? See the NZ Expedition FAQ ›

Experience Required

  • High level of aerobic fitness
  • Previous high alpine climbing experience on moderate/technical terrain
  • Experience climbing with 2 tools on 45° to 50° snow and ice

AGL Skill Check

Difficulty
11111

Endurance
11111

Season: Summer (November- mid-February)

Trip Type: NZ Expedition

Length: 6 days

Guide /Participant Ratio: strictly 1:1

 

Price: NZ$5,100 per person

Cost Includes:

  • Guiding fees
  • All meals and snacks
  • Accommodation and hut fees
  • Air access to Grand Plateau
  • Free use of a range of technical gear

Scheduling and Booking

  • There are no fixed dates for Mt Cook.
  • Each expedition start date is privately arranged - to suit your travel plans.
  • Dates are subject to guide availability.
  • Advance bookings are absolutely essential.
"Kia tuohu kotou, Me he maunga teitei, Ko Aoraki anake."
 

"If you must bow your head then let it be to the lofty mountain Aoraki."

Read about Topuni and the significance of Aoraki to the Ngãi Tahu people ›

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