All of us at Aspiring Guides Mountaineering are mourning the loss of our friend and colleague Anton Wopereis. Hugely respected in the Wanaka outdoor community, he was a fully qualified international mountain guide with experience in NZ and around the world.

The accident occurred close to the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook on Jan 1st 2008. He was guiding an Aspiring Guides Mountaineering client on mixed snow and ice terrain when he fell 60m down the mountainside. The client was unhurt and rescued by helicopter.

Anton first summited Aoraki/Mount Cook in 1976 and this was to be his 31st ascent of New Zealand’s highest mountain. He had also climbed, skied, or guided in Australia, the Himalayas (on Everest), Canada, Alaska, Peru, Ecuador, Antarctica, and Europe. He was very active in the community, and a member of the Wanaka Search and Rescue, and Wanaka Mountain Safety Council (avalanche and alpine safety coordinator). 

Hugely respected in the Wanaka outdoor community, Anton will be sorely missed by all of his friends, his many clients, and also by the various guiding companies that he regularly worked with. We at Aspiring guides Mountaineering are deeply affected by this tragedy and extend our heart-felt sympathy to his family and loved ones.

Click here for a press report http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4343115a19756.html

"I have been stunned all day and we have spent the evening reminiscing and trying to understand it all. I dont really know what more to say other than I am thinking of you and Anton's family and I feel blessed to have met and been guided by such a wonderul, kind man". FA

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