Equipment
You will need good personal outdoor clothing for the mountains.
You will be expected to carry your personal gear, some group equipment.
Glacier Trekking
Aspiring Glacier Trek
The Aspiring Glacier Trek is a multi-day expedition exploring the glaciers, passes, and valleys of Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit high alpine climbers’ huts and journey through the elevation zones showing the diversity of the region including glacier, sub-alpine scrub, and beech forest.
For ambitious trekkers, a glacier trek will provide the opportunity to learn new skills and experience the high alpine environment in the remote Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area of South West New Zealand.
For ambitious trekkers, a glacier trek will provide the opportunity to learn new skills and experience the high alpine environment in the remote Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area of South West New Zealand.
1
Day
We fly into Bevan Col with Aspiring Helicopters, on the edge of the Bonar Glacier, from the Matukituki Valley. From here it is a couple of hours across the glacier to Colin Todd hut, our base for one or two nights. There is time to explore the crevasses and ice sculptures of the glacier.
2
Day
The next day provides the opportunity to explore the area. The climb up to the top of Shipowner Ridge provides an excellent viewpoint along the North West Ridge to the summit of Mount Aspiring itself and down onto the icefall of the glacier as it disappears off the edge into the valley below. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to explore alpine tarns or to have a go at ice climbing on the glacier.
3
Day
The next day provides the opportunity to explore the area. The climb up to the top of Shipowner Ridge provides an excellent viewpoint along the North West Ridge to the summit of Mount Aspiring itself and down onto the icefall of the glacier as it disappears off the edge into the valley below. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to explore alpine tarns or to have a go at ice climbing on the glacier.
Fitness
The trip involves 1500m of descent down the steep French Ridge track requiring good balance and head for heights. Distances can be up to 20km per day.
Backcountry Experience
This is a challenging trek for people with some previous and recent trekking experience away from formed tracks on rough terrain, rock, and scree.
Technical Difficulty
Crampons and ice axes are required and the team will be roped together for security on the glacier. The use of these techniques and systems will be introduced by your guide during the trip.
Availability
Get in touch to arrange private trips from December to March.
Pricing
4 days: $3350 / $6190 per person for 2 / 1 people.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Includes GST, NZMGA certified guide, compliance costs, mountain food and accommodation, transport from Wānaka, technical equipment, and helicopter flight into Bevan Col.
‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around Wanaka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’
— — Michael, Siberia Hut Trip
