Prior experience is not necessary however moderate fitness is required for this trip. Your experienced mountain guide will ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable.
Tour Highlights
- Mountain walking/mountaineering
- Arthurs Pass National Park
- Scenic drive “The Great Alpine HIghway”
- See Kea (NZ mountain parrot)
- Summit a mountain in Craigieburn range (weather/group dependent)
Itinerary
Day 1
Leaving Christchurch we drive west across the Canterbury Plains, stopping at “The Famous Sheffield Pie Shop” (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided but you may like to try a classic NZ pie). leaving the plains we drive over Porters Pass 920mts and into the mountains. Our mountain walk starts from Mt Cheeseman Ski area.
Arriving at Mt Cheeseman your guide will fit you out with Crampons, ice axes and suitable clothing for the day. The goal for today is to acquire some mountain skills and get comfortable moving around in the snow. If the conditions allow you will have the opportunity to make your way up to the Craigieburn ridgetop and over to Mt Cockayne 1874 Mts) today.
Leaving Mt Cheeseman ski area in the afternoon we drive west to Arthurs Pass township. We spend the night in Arthurs Pass in a private lodge with sheared bunk rooms and hot showers.
Day 2
This morning we take a short drive to Arthurs Pass summit lookout 900mts. We often see Kea (NZ native mountain Parrot) at the lookout and in the village. Leaving Arthurs Pass we head back east to Broken River Ski area, approx. 45mins drive. Our mountain walk today starts and finishes at Broken River Ski Area carpark. Our goal (weather dependent) is to summit Hamilton Peak 1922 Mts. The mountain walk takes most groups 4-5hrs return and requires a good level of fitness.
Its a 2 hr drive back to Christchurch. You will be dropped back to your accommodation or at the drop point at Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave, in the city center.