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Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki/Mt Cook, 3754 metres

Aoraki/Mount Cook - 3754 Metres

The massive bulk of New Zealand’s highest mountain dominates Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Rising 3000 metres from the Tasman Valley floor, Aoraki is a significant mountaineering challenge. It requires skill, physical endurance and respect to reach its summit.

A 6-day "expedition"

We approach our guided climb of Mt Cook as an expedition. Six days are allowed for the attempt. We fly in to Plateau Hut (2,200 metres) to maximise time in the mountains, and the chance of a successful ascent.

Routes Guided

The Linda Glacier route is the most commonly guided. This a long, physically demanding and serious climb. Vertical height gain to the summit is 1600 metres (5,300 ft) from Plateau Hut. This usually takes 15 -18 hours return. See route map ››

Other (more technical) route options may be possible for suitably experienced clients. Check the Aoraki/Mount Cook Expedition detailed notes for more details on possible alternatives.

Top of Summit Rocks

Recommended Season: November - January

The Linda Glacier generally becomes impassable from late January onwards. Conditions each season will be different, but we normally recommend booking to start your climb before mid-January.

Scheduling and booking

No fixed departure dates for Mt Cook. Instead you can choose the start dates of the trip to suit your travel plans (subject to guide availability). Advance bookings are essential.

Experience requirements

Previous high alpine climbing experience on moderate/technical terrain using ice axe and crampons
High level of fitness
Check our Technical Mountaineering Course as a rough benchmark for experience

Download Details Here

Aoraki/Mount Cook notes ››

Pre-trip Information Notes ››

Check guide availability ››

Make a Booking ›

Pricing & Details: 2009/10

NZ$4895 per person

Guiding ratio: Strictly 1:1

Pricing for the 6-day package includes: All meals and snacks, aircraft access, accommodation, local transport, use of a range of technical gear, Alpine Guides Technical Manual.

Why 6 days? Why a 1:1 Ratio? Read our FAQ on Aoraki/Mount Cook ››

'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

Aoraki/Mount Cook holds a special spiritual significance for the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand, and the Ngai Tahu tribe in particular.

In respect to the wishes of the Ngai Tahu people Alpine Guides will not guide our clients on to the absolute summit of Aoraki. Instead we stop within a couple of metres of there, which is the highest safe point on the mountain.