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Summit: 3151m (10,335ft) grade 2+
Mount Sefton is a classic New Zealand alpine climb. It is about 500 metres lower than Aoraki/Mount Cook. Our guided route is via Scott Creek/West Ridge.
The trip as a whole is a classic New Zealand alpine trip incorporating alpine and bush travel. This would be on par with an ascent of Mount Aspiring but in a more remote setting. It is part of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, but accessed from the Westland National Park. From all directions, and most particularly from the east and south, it is a prominent landmark.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park extends from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to the remote beaches of the wild West Coast. Its eastern boundary is shared with Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park yet it could not look more different, situated as it is on the 'wet side' of the Alps. Like Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland is also part of Te Wāhipounamu South - West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Split by the Alpine Fault, Westland Tai Poutini is a place of dramatic contrasts. To the east of the Fault the Southern Alps rise suddenly - steep forested slopes cut deeply with impassable gorges. High above, permanent snowfields feed a myriad of glaciers, including the Fox Te Moeka o Tuawe and Franz Josef Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Glaciers which descend right down to the lowlands. Dense rainforest covers the lowlands west of the Fault. Nearer the coast scenic lakes, wetlands and wide river mouths feature.
Logistics
| Duration |
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5 days fly-in and walk-out (plus 1 day weather contingency) |
| Season |
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November-April |
| Cost |
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NZ$ 3,450* / person (1:1) or NZ$ 2,495* / person (1:2) |
| Access |
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Fly in, walk out |
| Guide Ratio |
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1 guide : 1 client or
1 guide : 2 clients |
| Prerequisites |
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No previous mountaineering experience necessary. Good fitness and endurance. Good balance and secure footing |
| Weather contingency |
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A great bonus. This one day could apply to the START of your trip (day one could be delayed by a day) |
| Accommodation |
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Hut or tent or bivy |
| More info |
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Sefton trip information PDF (340KB)
Equipment list
Skills questionnaire
Registration form
Detailed equipment list
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* Package includes, air access, meals and energy snacks, technical equipment, hut and landing fees, guide fees, and 12.5% Goods and Services Tax.
Standard grading system for alpine routes in normal conditions
| 1 |
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Easy scramble. Use of rope generally only for glacier travel.
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| 2 |
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Steeper trickier sections may need a rope. |
| 3 |
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Longer steeper sections generally. Use of technical equipment necessary. Ice climbs may require two tools.
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| 4 |
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Technical climbing. Knowledge of how to place ice and rock gear quickly and efficiently a must. Involves a long day.
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| 5 |
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Sustained technical climbing. May have vertical sections on ice.
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| 6 |
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Multiple crux sections. Vertical ice may not have adequate protection. Good mental attitude and solid technique necessary. May require a bivvy on route and be a long way from civilisation.
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| 7 |
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Grade 7 and beyond is possible but not yet established in the region.
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