Explore spectacular NZ alpine terrain
Join us as we trek through incredible alpine terrain, surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glaciers. This adventure will allow you the opportunity to learn basic mountaineering skills, summit a peak, explore unique alpine landscapes and soak in incredible views. This is a trip for all the truly adventurous women among us!
Aoraki Mt Cook Women’s Adventure
5 Days
Group Size 8
Trip Dates
No upcoming dates
$2995 per person
$1000 deposit to secure your place
Overview
Accommodation
2 nights in a comfortable Lodge in Lake Tekapo, 2 nights in a private Backcountry Hut
Food
On the trail – 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts, hot drinks and snacks
Lake Tekapo – 2 Restaurant meals, 2 breakfasts
We provide delicious, healthy fresh food and cater for all dietary requirements.
Details
This 5-day Aoraki Mt Cook Adventure is designed to give you:
- an incredible blast of adventure in a spectacular natural landscape
- an adventure where you can get out of your comfort zone and learn new skills
- an exhilarating break from the stresses of everyday life with other likeminded women
What an amazing adventure! It was beyond all expectations. Challenging and at times technically and physically difficult but I always felt safe. Such a professional operation. I’ll be back for another adventure!
Anna O.B. March 2019
DAY 1 – CHRISTCHURCH – LAKE TEKAPO
On Day 1, we’ll arrive in Christchurch. We will then be transported in a private vehicle through the stunning scenery to Lake Tekapo. We’ll be staying in a spacious lodge that sits near the shores of Lake Tekapo, with Aoraki Mt Cook as the dramatic backdrop beckoning us upwards. After a trek briefing and gear check with our two incredible mountain guides, join us for a group meal at Mackenzies Restaurant and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful town! D
DAY 2 – LAKE TEKAPO TO CAROLINE HUT (6 HOURS HIKING)
After a delicious breakfast, we will be transported by minivan to Mount Cook Township. We transfer to a 4WD vehicle and drive as far as possible, parallel to the Tasman Glacier. We will then climb 850m up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1820m, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. We will be led by two professional mountain guides for the 3 days on the mountain. When we arrive at our private hut, views take in Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The pot bellied stove will be fired up to keep us warm and toasty on the mountain! BLD
DAY 3 – CAROLINE HUT TO KAITIAKI PEAK RETURN (6 HOURS HIKING)
After an early breakfast, you will head off to climb Kaitiaki Peak at 2222m south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki Mt Cook. You will be taught basic mountaineering techniques using crampons and ice axes by your professional guides. At the end of an incredible day out exploring the mountain, you will arrive back at Caroline Hut in time to watch the sunset on Mt Tasman and the ice avalanches thunder down the Caroline Face. BLD
DAY 4 – CAROLINE HUT TO LAKE TEKAPO (5-12 HOURS HIKING)
Today is your last day on the trail, amongst the majesty of these lofty peaks. After an early breakfast, you’ll begin your descent back down the ridge towards Mt Cook Village. If weather conditions and group ability make it possible, you may be able to cross Ball Pass to the Hooker Valley. You will then head back to Lake Tekapo for a celebratory group meal in a local restaurant to talk about your awesome achievements. BLD
Wow. What a real adventure that was! Surrounded by the gnarley sounds of cracking glacial ice, the gorgeous beauty of nature in its raw elementary form and calming beauty in every direction. The Mt Cook experience was better than any therapy session I’ve been exposed to. Adventure on a new level. Thanks to Primal Adventures for an unforgettable weekend on the high passes and mountains of NZ.
Ralph M. March 2019
DAY 5 – CHRISTCHURCH
After a hearty breakfast, you will head back to Christchurch. We will transport you back to the airport in time for your return flight. You will have had an unforgettable adventure, with so many exciting stories to tell! B
GUIDES AND SAFETY
FITNESS LEVELS
WHAT TO TAKE
New Zealand experiences very changeable weather. It can be extremely cold at any time of the year and it’s necessary to prepare for all conditions and to have good-quality outdoor clothing. Jeans and cotton clothing are not suitable for hiking.
Essential Items
- Hiking boots (well broken in and waterproof, that are stiff enough for crampons) *1
- shirt (long-sleeved to avoid sunburn/keep cool)
- quick-dry trekking pants
- 2 pairs woollen socks
- Thermal leggings – wool or polypro
- Thermal top – wool or polypro
- wool beanie
- sun hat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen for face and lips
- Water bottle or bladder (minimum 2 litres)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Heavy duty plastic bags or pack liner
- personal underwear
- Any personal medication
- Passport
Extra Items – these can be provided free of charge if you do not have your own
- backpack minimum 45 litre capacity
- snow gaiters
- waterproof overpants
- long sleeved fleece jacket or puffy jacket
- waterproof jacket (with hood)
- gloves (polypro gloves are good, but you need warmer gloves or mittens as well)
- overmits
- ski/hiking poles
Other items:
- Change of clothes for Christchurch
- Small duffel bag to store any extra gear at Lake Tekapo (i.e. gear you don’t want to take up the mountain)
- Travel towel
- Shoes for hut i.e. runners
Optional items: Earplugs, camera.
Supplied: Buff (neck warmer/sun protector), crampons, ice axe, hiking poles, Sleeping bags, inner sheet, mattresses, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.
*1 To test if your boots are suitable for crampons, hold them at toe and heel and try bending the sole around like a banana. If you can do this your boots are too soft.
TRANSPORT
FOOD
START/FINISH
INVESTMENT
Investment: $2995
Investment: $2995
Includes 3-day guided alpine adventure, 2 nights accommodation in Private Backcountry Hut, 2 nights lodge accommodation in Lake Tekapo, transport by private minibus between Christchurch and the trail head, all meals as stated above together with healthy snacks, Department of Conservation permits, first aid kit, safety equipment and cooking equipment.
Excludes travel insurance (compulsory) and flights.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Full payment is required 8 weeks before the date of your trek.
CANCELLATIONS
20 to 10 days prior to departure – 50% refund of full ticket price
Less than 10 days prior to departure – NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Primal Adventures operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.
