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By alpinism, March 11, 2013 10:27 am

Mt Avalanche Glacier

This autumn, guided trekking to Rob Roy Glacier cirque will end 1st of April as the bridge is going to be closed for replacement. How about trying out the guided trek up the Eastern branch of the Matukituki valley instead? Glacier Burn and views of Avalanche glacier might be just the right alternative.

Summer continues to spoil us with perfect weather. A few good weeks for mountaineering in the Southern Alps are still available.

Planning a visit to Wanaka?  our Alpinism studio is there for your independent holiday, be it over Easter, during the Festival of Colour or the Autumn Art School.

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By alpinism, December 20, 2012 12:48 pm

Wanaka is just stunning as we near Christmas – find our greetings and latest news here at the bottom of the page. Mountaineering conditions are fantastic at the moment and guided trekking excursions are on the menu as well. Iris will soon be heading to Mt Cook National Park for an overnight trip to Mueller hut and is looking forward to revisit this magic spot with guests from Finland. The Total Alpinism course from 6-12 Jan. has still two spots available for keen and fit climbers. The holiday studio at the Alpinism & Ski base is busy for the coming week but available from January onwards for visitors to our awesome paradise.

The chief guide Gaz has again been on TV with episode four of the Search and Rescue series check it out here

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By alpinism, October 31, 2012 3:05 pm

Spring in Wanaka and it is beautiful watching the various native flowers emerge, from Patotara to Kowhai, now the delicate looking New Zealand Iris and dark red delicious Pittostorum are appearing. Ski touring season has come and gone, guided trekking to Rob Roy glacier cirque started and our mountaineering season is shaping up.

For any interested mountaineers, we have a Technical Mountaineering Course from 6-12th Jan. 2013 with 3 spots left. An alpine climbing instruction course with top New Zealand instructor Gary Dickson in person.

Black Swan family, Matukituki valley Wanaka

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By alpinism, October 11, 2012 10:04 am

Fresh snow again on the hills around Wanaka

For those of you following this and still keen on ski touring this season, here a fantastic site for information: http://skitouring.co.nz/ great job Jo and Jethro!

Alpinism & Ski has finished the ski touring season, a bit earlier then usual as chief Gaz is off sailing, back for alpine climbing in November. The first spot of our Total Alpinism mountaineering course in January is taken now, three more places available, email if you are interested.

Guided trekking is again happening, from now until 8th November and again after 8th December.

Enjoy Spring adventures if you are Downunder and autumnal beauty if in the Northern Hemisphere.

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By alpinism, August 8, 2012 10:47 pm

We are still  in Switzerland, currently enjoying a week of rock climbing sessions on beautiful lime stone formations above Leysin.  Only a few weeks before we are back in Wanaka and welcoming our first ski touring team of the season for a trip mid September. Guided trekking excursions will start up again and we are counting on some more snow to fall for our return, to have some fun on the local ski fields. The best times for ski touring adventures in the Southern Alps of New Zealand in our humble opinion is during September and October. Days are longer and snow conditions often optimal, with participants having had time to acquire winter fitness on skis or snowboard.

Fabulous terrain for back country adventures

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By alpinism, March 5, 2012 10:40 am

Views from the guided hiking excursion to Rob Roy glacier

February guided hiking included visits to Rob Roy glacier and here some feedback:

“Iris, thank  you for a terrific day! We got a lot more out of the hike to Rob Roy glacier by doing it with you. We hope we can remember half of what you told us! We will be sure to recommend you. Bart & Jean Alfano”

and more from where they stayed in Wanaka: “The guests absolutely loved their time with you- we wanted to pass on the written comments that they left from their stay…..

“Iris, of Alpinism + Ski (recommended by Craig) did a great job guiding us on the Rob Roy Glacier hike- a good choice for a couple in their mid 60’s who are reasonably fit. “

Thank you for providing our guests such an enjoyable excursion!

Warm regards, Carole, Whare Kea Lodge

Guided hiking photos can be seen here and more comments this last summer:

” Dear Iris, Today was a brilliant hike, thanks so much for guiding me on the trek, it was brilliant to be able to learn about the local flora and fauna, something I’ve always been curious about! All the best, Atif” 13.12.2011

” This is one of my best one day hikes. The weather is nice and the scenery is beautiful and of course the guide Iris was so knowledgeable on plants, birds and history etc. It was memorable, I will come back again.” Yang Yue from Singapore, 3.12.2011

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By alpinism, January 16, 2012 1:31 pm

This morning Iris headed   off with one other friend to do some personal trekking in the Greenstone/Caples/Steeple creek area.  The weather is perfect for 3 days, which is how long they expect to be out there.

Guided trekking , hiking or walks with Iris is the perfect way to enjoy time whilist staying in the Wanaka area. When Iris gets back from this personal trek, she’ll catch her breath as she has a person arriving for some guided trekking over a couple of days.

You can look forward to some photos of flora, fauna and classic Southern Alps landscapes in a few days.

Come and enjoy the wealth of local knowledge trekking guide Iris knows

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By alpinism, January 5, 2012 12:06 pm

Cameron hut and Mount Cook lillies - giant buttercup

Magnificient views on the Rob Roy glacier track

Keas, welcoming you to Rob Roy glacier cirque

Beginning of January and the weather has been outstanding here for at least three weeks, fantastic for all sorts of walks and hiking adventures. Iris has been on her guided trekking excrusions to Rob Roy a couple of times and privately for personal recreation, hiking to Cameron hut and Breast Hill. For more recreation, the Alpinism & Ski team has climbed Sharks Tooth in the Matukituki valley with friends Gordy and Katrin. Also on the program a few sailing excursions on lake Wanaka, perfect alternative to the mountains. Want to join us for some fun? just ask!

Climbing up and up towards Shark's Tooth with brilliant views of Mt Rob Roy

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By alpinism, November 28, 2011 8:18 pm

Manuka, one of the fine smelling native plants of NZ

The purple Bladderwort is found along the lake edge in Wanaka

Native plant of NZ, Matagouri or Wild Irishman

Come on a guided trekking trip, hiking or guided walk  with us and you can see right now :

Panakenake and orchid flowers are appearing, ground covering daisies and the amazing vegetable sheep; dark, like wine colored pittosporum flowers have come and gone, also the fragrant Matagari or Wild Irishmen with the amazing thorns shows flowering buds.

We have another announcement with regard to our sustainable  business practices: the statement or policy is now available through our website from the home page at the very bottom or from the ‘about us‘ page. This sustainability statement is a growing document, thanks for your patience.

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By alpinism, November 25, 2011 3:32 pm

Glorious forest walk: Glacier Burn track

Mt Avalanche and avalanche glacier

Avalanche Glacier seen from Glacier Burn track

From Wanaka, drive about an hour up the Matukituki valley, cross the first ford, then walk across the first swing bridge and along the valley floor up the Eastern branch. Pass the old homestead, then up the Glacier Burn. Another great day out in Mt Aspiring National Park and spring time is fabulous to watch these healthy farm animals with their young all along the valley. The forest is rich and beautiful, here some more photos

Supposedly a 'false beech', this one just magic

delicious water and delightful mosses

Kio kio, Blechnum capense, part of the edible native plants