Expert Mountain Adventures Since 1966

From glaciers to legendary ascents, our NZMGA/IFMGA guides have been leading alpine journeys since 1966.

Alpine Skills Course climbers learning to traverse safely through towering seracs and crevassed glacier terrain.

60+

Years Guiding in Aoraki

New Zealand’s longest-running mountain guiding company since 1966.

47,000+

guests Guided Safely

Climbers, skiers, and adventurers from all over the world.

15,000,000+

Vertical Metres Climbed

Training, courses, and ascents across glaciers, ridges, and peaks.

100%  

love and respect for the mountains

Our work begins and ends with deep respect for Aoraki and the alpine environment we guide in every day.

Mountains Define us.
Your Journey Starts Here.

Alpine Guides offers unmatched access to the vast mountain playground of the Southern Alps. Based in Aoraki Mount Cook, we have 26 of New Zealand’s 27 peaks over 3,000 metres on our doorstep.

Our professionally guided trips span climbing and mountaineering instruction, glacier heli-hikes, and backcountry ski touring — from Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring, to the Westland glaciers and granite giants of Fiordland.

Group observe their helihike guide cutting steps on the glacier.

Trips Worth Checking Out

Featured Trips

Avalanche course participant shovelling snow

Avalanche Awareness

Learn to recognise avalanche terrain, travel safely, read snow and weather conditions, and respond in an avalanche emergency.

Skiers celebrating a great day sking at the Tasman Glacier

Ski The Glaciers

A guided alpine ski touring experience for skiers and split-boarders exploring the glaciated névés of the Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland regions.

Backcountry avalanche course participants skinning uphill

Backcountry Avalanche Course

A four-day, Mountain Safety Council–accredited backcountry avalanche course in the Canterbury Alps.

Tasman Glacier Helihike group hike on glacier

Tasman Glacier Helihike

A spectacular heli-hike experience exploring the white ice of New Zealand’s longest glacier with a professional glacier guide.

Private guiding participants ascending a snowy slope on skis using skins

Private Guiding

A tailor-made package for bespoke mountaineering and ski touring in the Southern Alps.

Ice Climbing Adventure guest ice climbing

Ice Climbing Adventure

Heli-accessed ice climbing on the Haupapa Tasman Glacier, stepping onto New Zealand’s ultimate ice playground in the Southern Alps.

Mountain Skills Course climbera ascending a snowy slope using crampons and an ice axe

Mountain Skills Course (MSC)

A 3.5-day introductory winter mountaineering course focused on safe travel and survival skills above the snowline.

Where We Guide

Where we go in New Zealand

Explore The Map

Tap a region to see trips and details.

Our Way in the Mountains

Our Approach

Guided by Experts

Driven by kaitiakitanga (guardianship), our guides share their passion for the Southern Alps, prioritising safety and technical excellence in every mission.

Guide Scott Scheele

Guide Matt Sutton

Ski Guide Ben Taylor

Testimonials

Hear From Those Who’ve Joined Us