• 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 ascent or course equipment list which has 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?
  We can either put you in with an existing booking. If there is not trip scheduled, or you prefer 1:1 guide-client ratio, we offer a 7 day Summit Week package. 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 trips 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 email us your completed pre-trip 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?
  Technical equipment, all meals and snacks, guiding, Park fees, flight in, 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 descriptions for courses or ascents.

   

  
  
  

• How do I book a trip? How do I know if the dates I want are available?
  You could complete a registration form and fax it to us, or book directly through our website page and book for the dates you want or 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.

• What happens after I pay my deposit?
  Your deposit confirms your trip. We email you a confirmation and receipt. 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 introduce you to your guide, ask 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) and 5 hours from Christchurch (with an international airport). 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 or Christchurch. 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/

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 in 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

   

  
  
  

• 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.

   

  
  
  

• 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?
  We recommend that you have travel insurance no matter where you live. If you are interested in purchasing mountaineering insurance you may do so through the New Zealand Alpine Club. Your membership will automatically provide you with discounts and benefits. You can also try the web based but reliable  IHI for a reasonable rate http://www.ihi.com/english.asp

   

  
  
  

• 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 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.