This awesome New Zealand trekking adventure takes you above Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest glacier) to the crest of Ball Pass. Gaze in wonder at the dramatic faces of Mount Cook, ascend the summits of nearby peaks, descend steep snow slopes into the gorges and bluffs of the rugged Hooker Valley, then trek along moraine terraces through lush vegetation. Stay in a warm, comfortable alpine hut surrounded by a spectacular panorama of New Zealand's highest peaks. Learn basic alpine skills from qualified mountain guides. Relish the challenges and stunning beauty of this three day alpine trek crossing the Mount Cook Range.
Dates:
22nd - 26th April, 2010
Training Package:
Comprehensive 12 week Trek Fitness pre-adventure training program in Sydney
Accomodation:
Hotels and mountain huts
Food:
All meals as indicated in itinerary. Emphasis on fresh, healthy wholefood
with minimal processed foods
Max group size:
7
Flights:
Not included however recommended flights will be available through Harvey World Travel, Manly
Transport:
Private shuttle bus and 4wd vehicles
Price:
AU$1650
Itinerary
Day 1, April 22nd - Arrive in Christchurch
We will be met by a Hiking New Zealand representative at the airport and driven to Tekapo on a private shuttle bus, approx 3.5 hours. Stay at Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort.
Group members will be free to explore beautiful Tekapo in
the evening before the adventure begins...
Day 2, April 23rd - Tekapo to Mt Cook Village to Caroline Hut (6 hours hiking)
After an equipment check in Lake Tekapo, travel to Mount Cook Village (about 1 hour), transfer to 4WD vehicle for the old Ball Hut Road (about 45 minutes) then commence walking. From the Tasman Glacier we climb 850m/2800ft up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The hut is fully stocked with food, firewood, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils, but some fresh items of food need to be carried, e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat. LD
Day 3, April 24th - Climbing and instruction near Caroline Hut (5-6 hours hiking)
Learn basic mountaineering techniques. Climb Kaitiaki Peak (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki. Maybe explore a crevasse on the Ball Glacier. Back at Caroline Hut take time to watch the sun set on Mt Tasman and the ice avalanches thunder down the Caroline Face. BLD
Day 4, April 25th - Ball Pass to Mt Cook Village to Tekapo (8-9 hours hiking)
Cross Ball Pass at 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Aoraki, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The descent from Ball Pass is very steep and snow conditions may require the use of crampons. If snow conditions are icy a fixed rope will be installed for your safety. The terrain is rugged and untracked and you rely on your professional mountain guide to find a safe route around gorges and bluffs down to the East Hooker Valley. Following old moraine terraces you meander through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the national park and return to Mount Cook Village. Return travel to Lake Tekapo. BL
Day 5, April 26th - Transfer to Christchurch
Free morning in Tekapo. Board bus at 12.40pm arriving back in Christchurch at approximately 6.15pm for flights to Sydney.
If you would like to book a place or find out more
information on the Adventure in New Zealand 2010 then please email info@adventurefitness.com.au or call Alex on 0410 451256.
"Thank you Alex, for the calming reassurance your Trek Fitness Program gave me. Your ideal pre-trip fitness program meant that I was able to actually enjoy the walk, the whole experience of trekking was amazingly wonderful"
