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Overview Glacierburn - 1 day Mt Aspiring glacier trekking - 2 days Black Peak Alpine Trek 1-3 days Cascade Saddle 3 or 5 days Rainbow Valley - 3 days Copland Pass - 4 days Rabbit Pass - 4 days Five Passes - 7 days
Mt Aspiring glacier trekking - 2 days

We are your local alpine specialists for activities in the Mount Aspiring National Park. We have designed this trek in order to provide a true alpine experience without venturing into mountainous terrain requiring more technical skills.

Join us for a two day breathtaking glacier trek. We fly into Bevan Col and walk across the Bonar glacier (gateway to Mount Aspiring (3027m). Before descending down the `Quarterdeck' at the edge of Gloomy Gorge we venture off track for an hour to climb Mount French. The ‘Quarterdeck’ is a reminder of the awesome configuration carved by the ice age. The glacier gives way to open ridge tops and tussock fields leading us to French Ridge hut where we spend the night.

On the final day we descend down the ridge line and along a steep track through the beech forest and out along the river flats of the West Matukituki valley.

The magnificence of this region speaks for itself. It is however a demanding trip and requires previous outdoor experience and a good fitness level. It is an opportunity to discover the grandeur of the alpine regions and develop an approach to the mountain environment.

Mount Aspiring itself is a majestic peak and the only peak over 3000 metres outside Mount Cook National Park. The Mount Aspiring National Park is renowned for its wonderful mixture of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. It is a walker's paradise and a must for mountaineers. The views are endless and unforgettable. The park is part of Te Wahipounamu - Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Mount Aspiring National Park straddles the southern end of the Southern Alps.

Rifleman, bellbird, South Island robin, yellow crowned parakeet, mohua (yellowhead), tomtit, South Island fantail and New Zealand pigeon are common bush birds. Towards evening, native bats and moreporks (small owls) may be seen and heard. Blue ducks and paradise shelducks live in the valley.

Mount Aspiring is often referred to as the ‘Matterhorn of the South'. The local Maori people have several names for the peak, ....`Tititea' which means Glistening Peak and `Te Maakahi o Tuterakiwhanoa ' which comes from the traditions of the Waitaha people and describes the wedge(maakahi) of a legendary figure, Tuterakiwhanoa who used it to shape landscapes.

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Logistics
Duration   2 days – plus 1 weather contingency days
Cost   NZ$ 895 all inclusive package*
Access   Fly-in and walk out
Guide Ratio  

1 guide 4 clients (minimum of 3 clients)

Season   Treks run once a week – mid January to mid April
3 day option available February-mid April
Prerequisites   No previous mountaineering experience necessary. Trekking and hiking experience required for long days walking. Trekking boots & walking poles unless conditions dictate otherwise.
Accommodation   Hut
Bonus  
  1. Most technical gear provided
  2. Optional 1 day weather contingency
More information  
*The price includes; Qualified Guide and permit fees, all trip related meals and energy foods, hut fees, equipment, helicopter access and landing/permit fees (for the fly/walk option), and 12.5% NZ Goods and Services Tax. Additional expenses are for rental equipment required. Early confirmation is particularly encouraged for the coming season.
Mt Aspiring's south face
French ridge hut
   
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