- How long do the trips last?
We have trips lasting from 1 to 12 days. See each course or ascent description for particular trips.
- What equipment do I need ?
See the equipment list which has 5 pages of detailed information at the back.
- How big are the groups?
Our maximum group size for introductory courses is 4 clients plus guide. Advanced courses run with two or three clients depending on the course. We also offer private instruction courses. If you have a larger private group, contact us to see what an appropriate trip would be.
- What if I want to book as a single?
Most of our ascents are conducted on a 1:1 basis, so no problem there. If it is a course you are interested in, then just book on to one of our scheduled courses. If there is no course scheduled for your available dates, or if you prefer 1:1 guide-client ratio, then ask about a private trip. We can customise any trip for you.
- How hard are the trips? Am I fit enough?
Each ascent expedition has a NZ alpine grading which can be found on that trip's web page (ascent). Our courses are rated at introductory or advanced. Each course brochure lists the entry prerequisites. Our small group size means that you can go at your own pace. Alternatively complete our on-line questionnaire and we can help you choose which trip or course is best for you.
- How heavy does my pack need to be?
Most of our trips are based from a hut or camp. Most days there is only need for lunch, snacks, water, camera, jacket, tools. When relocating or walking out, you will need to carry 15-20kg which includes personal gear and some food.
- What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
One thing we hear every trip is “the food was great! I never knew it was possible to eat so well on a wilderness trip.” We put a lot of work into supplying you with a variety of healthy and tasty meals and snacks. From the fresh vegetables to the real coffee, you will be impressed. Vegetarian or other preferred diets are not a problem. You can inform us of your diet preferences when you book.
- Where do we meet?
Our offices are across from the lake, at 99 Ardmore Street, Wanaka. Entrance is around the back and up the stairs. Your guide will meet you at 8:30am on day one, where your gear is checked and the final details of your trip is discussed. There will be time for last minute purchases if required.
- Where do we stay when we are on the trip?
Depending on the trip we use a mixture of camping and huts. If your ascent or course returns to Wanaka early, we will provide simple accommodation until the course or ascent finishes. You may choose to stay elsewhere if you wish.
- What are the huts like?
Huts are operated by the Department of Conservation and usually have communal bunk rooms, no electricity and long drop toilets. These are remote huts and provide excellent shelter when the weather is rough.
BOOKING
- What time of year do the trips run?
Most of our trips run from October to May. Check out our Backcountry Calendar to give you an idea what is available at your most convenient time of year.
- How much do trips cost?
See each individual trip descriptions for courses or ascents
- What is included in the price?
Generally the price includes most of your technical equipment, all meals and snacks, your qualified and friendly guide, park fees, your flight in to the mountains, Goods and Services Tax, hut fees, landing fees, radio communications with base. On most trips the flight OUT is an additional cost. See each individual trip description for what is included or not includes in the price.
- How do I book a trip? How do I know if the dates I want are available?
You can book directly through our website page and specify the dates that you prefer. Alternatively you can complete a registration form and fax it to us. Feel free to email us if you have questions. If the dates you prefer are not available we will immediately notify you of the nearest available dates.
- How do I pay?
The easiest way to pay is on our secure server. If you prefer you may also pay by credit card over the phone or by fax. If you have a NZ bank account you can pay by direct debit. Email us for our bank account details.
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What happens after I pay my deposit?
Your deposit confirms your trip. We email you a booking confirmation. Your trip balance is due 60 days before your trip commences (we will email a reminder). We then email information on when and where to meet approximately 4 weeks before we are due to meet you. This email will prompt you for any outstanding paperwork and ask you for a copy of your equipment list, your travel information, and accommodation booking here in Wanaka, etc.
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
Where is Aspiring Guides located?
We operate out of the small, beautiful town of Wanaka. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park - a World Heritage Area. Wanaka is 1 hour from Queenstown (which has an airport), 5 hours from Christchurch (with an international airport) and 3 hours from Dundedin. Wanaka has ample accommodation to suit all budget types and as well as all the facilities necessary to equip you for a hiking and mountaineering holiday, for a map click here.
How do I get to Wanaka?
The closest airport to us is in Queenstown. Some flights from Australia come direct into Queenstown but for everyone else you will be arriving either through Auckland, Christchurch or Dunedin. From Auckland or Christchurch you can make a flight connection to Queenstown and transfer to Wanaka (one hour) by shuttle bus. There are regular shuttles between Wanaka and Queenstown airport. For shuttle information:
Wanaka Connexions (Queenstown -Wanaka)
http://www.time2.co.nz/transport/wanaka_connexions.
Christchurch - Wanaka:
http://www.intercity.co.nz/default.php
http://www.atomictravel.co.nz/
http://southernlinkkbus.co.nz
Wanaka does have a small airport with flights that connect from Christchurch. Unfortunately these flights are limited (2 per day and small number of seats). Often this does not work with connections from overseas and it is usually easier to fly to Queenstown unless you prefer to overnight in Christchurch. Check with Air New Zealand or your travel agent.
- Do I need a car?
No. Most people use shuttle bus transport from Queenstown Airport and accommodation in central Wanaka and find that they do not need to rent a car. Most cafes, restaurants and activities are within easy walking distance.
- Can I rent a car in Wanaka?
You can rent a car in Wanaka but there is no facility for dropping it off in another town or city. To do this the vehicle must be rented in either Queenstown or a larger city such as Christchurch.
- Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are in the hills?
Yes, no problem.
- Where can I leave my car?
We have a location to store your vehicle while you are on an adventure with us.
ACCOMMODATION
- Where is a good place stay before and after the trip?
Even though Wanaka is small it has excellent accommodation options for all tastes. We recommend Te Wanaka but there are many other places that may suit your tastes and budget. Click here for a list of accommodation, and click here for map of Wanaka.
WHAT IF's
- What if the weather is bad?
New Zealand is famous for its changeable weather. The mountains here are characterized by long sunny fine periods mixed with sudden and sometimes heavy rain or snow. Our experienced guides are well equipped to provide the best possible trip and have many years experience in judging the conditions. Travel in bad weather is an art in itself. By using Aspiring Guides you give yourself the best chance of success dealing with whatever the weather may throw at you. We offer a bonus one day weather contingency to all helicopter access trips. This means your trip could start a day late if you choose to use this option. Each course or ascent brochure will provide detailed information on weather and contingency plans. See also our booking terms and conditions Once a trip begins there are no refunds. Check out our excellent website for current mountain and weather conditions.
- How does our the Aspiring Guides Weather Contingency work? Aspiring Guides is the only NZ Guiding Company that offers this bonus to its clients. Instead of a wasted day doing other activities with your guide (inside or outside) as the weather permits, you can defer your trip for one day and not waste any precious guiding time. You will start the next day with the full number of days allocated for the trip still available. While one day may not be the cure for all bad weather situations, sometimes an extra day at the start of your trip can make all the difference.
- The bonus one day weather contingency applies to all Summer Ascent based trips and any Winter trips (whether ascent or course).
The Weather Contingency does not apply to any Summer Courses
- The one day Weather Contingency applies only to the start date of your trip. This means your trip could start a day late if you choose to use this option. Each ascent or winter trip brochure will provide detailed information on weather and contingency plans. See also our booking terms and conditions
- Once a trip begins there is no additional weather contingency days allowed. There are also no refunds for bad weather. Check out our excellent website for current mountain and weather conditions.
- What if someone is injured?
Obviously every situation is different; in case of a serious accident the guide will notify our base by radio and a rescue will be started usually by helicopter. Injuries are covered by the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). ACC pays for the majority of costs incurred in evacuation and treatment of injured people. They do not cover you in case of illness. For more information concerning what ACC covers click here. We recommend that you have travel insurance that will cover you in being repatriated to your home country.
- What about insurance? Good travel insurance is essential. In addition to medical/accident cover we highly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance. In some instances, our clients have injured themselves in totally unrelated accidents or had a family emergency which has meant that they have had to cancel their trips at short notice. Unfortunately we were unable to resell their places and had to insist on our cancellation policy. A bad situation for everyone! But it’s also one that can be avoided with relatively cheap travel insurance. You may have your own preferred travel insurer. If not, here are some suggestions for you. We do not recommend any company over any other.
- What if we do not fit in with the group ability wise?
This tends to be one of the major concerns of people going on courses. However, in our experience, it is very rarely a problem. Due to our small group size we largely avoid compatibility issues. We are careful how we build trips, and with over 20 year’s experience, we are proud of our record of providing quality trips. If you are really concerned about your compatibility with others we offer private trips on request.
- How do I train?
We offer two fitness tips: first from a client who has done a few trips with us, and secondly a more comprehensive read. It's important not to injure yourself while training. Some of our guides wrote down some useful tips.
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