About a guided climb of Mt Cook

Mount Cook / Aoraki is situated in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, in the grand alpine environment of Mt Cook National Park. Because of the terrain and weather, Mt Cook has the respect of climbers from around the world.

A guided climb of Mt Cook involves remoteness, large vertical height gain, intensely crevassed terrain, variable snow and ice conditions and New Zealand's often changeable weather scenarios. It requires a climbing team with good stamina and drive and people who like to set themselves challenging goals.

Route Description for Mt Cook

There are many different ways to climb Mount Cook. All have their own challenges and difficulties. No way is "easy" as Mt Cook is a serious peak. A guided climb of Mt Cook with an Alpinism & Ski mountain guide is an ascent to the High Peak (the mile long summit ridge has 3 peaks) via the Linda Glacier Route. This is the least technical way up, difficulty NZ grade 3 on a scale from 1-6 (approx. PD European alpine grading). Click here to see a photo of the Linda Glacier route on Mt Cook

Access to Plateau hut is via ski plane or helicopter. The summit day is commonly 15 - 18 hours. It involves glacier travel during the night and day, moderate and steep cramponing on snow and front pointing through the mixed terrain of the summit rocks. It is not unusual to have a complete rest day after a guided climb of Mt Cook. It is possible to fly out to the village if flying conditions allow or it is a 7 - 10 hour mountaineering day to hike out. Click here to see a topographical map of Mt Cook

Pre-Requisites for a Mt Cook guided climb

Fitness and stamina are required for a guided climb of Mt Cook. Experience with ice axe and crampons is essential. Ideally, you would previously have done a mountaineering course or have a background in mountaineering.

Logistics
Price:	NZ $ 4630 (GST of 15 % incl.)
Length of trip:	6 days
Difficulty	NZ grade 3 on a scale from 1-6
Season:	November to early Jan (dependant on seasonal glacier access)
Transport:	Drive to Mt Cook village, fly to Plateau Hut. Fly/walk out of Plateau Hut. Return drive to Wanaka.
Price Includes:	Guide fee for 6 days, hut fees, Mt Cook village / Wanaka accommodation during the 6 days, transport Wanaka-Mt Cook village return, high quality food, party technical equipment e.g. rope, snow pickets, ice screws
Price does not include:	Personal clothing and equipment, flights in and out of mountains, personal rental equipment. The flight can range from NZ$450 up to NZ$900 for a flight in, depending on flying conditions and loadings of the day. More about flights

Click to view photos of a climb of Mt Cook

Article by Phil Melchior

Mt Cook Clients say

"We summited Mt Cook which made the entire trip... and the days after with Iris were only "lagniappe", a Louisiana saying meaning just great extras. Thanks for being so professional and making our New Zealand adventures exceptional".

Kalozdi family, December 2007,
Louisiana USA

Mt Cook Images

Click on thumbnail to bring up larger image and slide show

Guiding Qualifications

To become an internationally fully qualified alpine guide takes approximately 5-7 years of training and assessment. Kiwi guides are trained and assessed through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA) which is overseen by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).

Ready to book? please e-mail us