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- How long do the trips last?
We have trips lasting from 1 to 5 days. See the description for each of the particular trips.
- What equipment do I need ?
See the equipment list for each particular trip - it varies depending on how many days you are in the mountains. Please also read the extra pages attached to the equipment list as they provide more detailed information.
- How big are the groups?
The maximum group size for our backcountry ski touring or boarding trips is 4 to 6 clients plus one guide. We also offer private trips for yourself or your private group. If you have a large private group, contact us to see what an appropriate trip would be.
- What if I want to book as a single?
No problem, just book on to one of our scheduled trips and you'll meet up with other like-minded souls. If there is no trip 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 trip has a description of the level of experience required. Our tours vary from introductory to advanced, from gentle to steep terrain. 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?
Generally our winter trips are based from a hut. Most days there is only need for lunch, snacks, water, camera, jacket. When relocating or touring out, you will need to carry 10-15kg 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 either meet you at 5pm on the evening before your trip starts or at 8.30am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip. We will advise you on booking. At this meeting your gear is checked and the final details of your trip are discussed. There will be time for last minute purchases if required.
- Where do we stay when we are on the trip?
Generally you will be staying in huts. If your trip returns to Wanaka early, we will provide simple accommodation until the trip finishes. You may choose to stay elsewhere if you wish.
- What are the huts like?
You will either be staying in our private hut at Black Peak or in huts operated by the Department of Conservation. These huts usually have communal bunk rooms, no electricity and long drop toilets. They 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 July to October. 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 description for prices.
- What is included in the price?
Generally the price includes all meals and snacks, your qualified and friendly guide, park & hut fees, Goods and Services Tax, radio communications with base. On most trips any flights are an additional cost. Rental of backcountry ski or boading equipment is not included. See each individual trip description for what is included 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 any 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). Approximately 4 weeks before your trip we will email a confirmation on when and where to meet us in Wanaka for your trip. 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 Dunedin. Wanaka has ample accommodation to suit all budget types and as well as all the facilities necessary to equip you for a backcountry 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. During the ski season the town is very busy, so we do recommend booking early. 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 in 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 trip 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 multi-day Winter trips (whether tour or course).
The Weather Contingency does not apply to Treble Cone tours and 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 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 group trips. 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 a quality experience. If you are really concerned about your compatibility with others we offer private trips on request.
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