Conquer Mount Aspiring

5 days 4 nights
New Zealand
Photo Tim S.
Tim S.
Tour Provider
View Tim’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Group size
1-2 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

There’s a moment, high above the Southern Alps, when the world below turns to silver and silence. That’s where your Mount Aspiring journey begins — surrounded by glaciers, ridges, and the wind that whispers across untouched wilderness. Known as Tititea, this elegant 3,033-metre peak rises like a dream from the heart of the South Island, a beacon for mountaineers drawn to its grace and challenge.

During five unforgettable days, you’ll fly deep into the mountains, landing on the Bonar Glacier before crossing its gleaming expanse to reach the remote Colin Todd Hut. Each ascent tells a different story — from the snow-laden curves of The Ramp, to the striking ice couloirs of the South West Ridge, to the exposed rock and sweeping views of the Full North West Ridge. Every route offers its own rhythm and reward, whether you’re taking your first alpine steps or chasing your next summit.

This is more than a climb — it’s an immersion in the wild soul of New Zealand. Expect long glacier crossings, crisp mountain air, and nights under a canopy of stars. Helicopter transfers, expert guidance, and carefully planned routes ensure safety and comfort throughout your ascent. Join the adventure and find yourself on the roof of the Southern Alps — where every path leads higher!

*If there are 2 participants, the total cost is NZ$6,890.

$3,476
per tourist for 5 days
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
1-2 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Or request private custom tour
Any dates between 1 Nov, 2026 and 30 Mar, 2027 are available.
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Photo Tim S.
Tim S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Tim is based in Wānaka with his young family. He has been climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout the Southern Alps since arriving in New Zealand from the UK in 2008. He has climbed and skied around the world and in other roles, he mentors, trains, and assesses prospective ski patrollers and mountain guides and is a member of the local Alpine Cliff Rescue team. When not out in the hills guiding or instructing, he will be usually found introducing his young family to the outdoors, away on his own adventures, or out at the local rock climbing crags.

Tour highlights

mount cook view
A True Alpine Journey
Climb, camp, and descend through the ever-changing landscapes of Aspiring — the perfect progression for aspiring mountaineers
helicopter flight
Scenic Alpine Flight
Fly over glaciers and peaks into the remote heart of Mount Aspiring National Park — an adventure that begins in the sky
aspiring mountain climb
Choose Your Ascent
Tackle The Ramp, South West Ridge, or the Full North West Ridge — each route a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and thrill

Route details

Day 1
Into the Heart of Mount Aspiring

The journey begins with a scenic flight from the Matukituki Valley to Bevan Col, followed by a 1.5–2 hour traverse across the Bonar Glacier to Colin Todd Hut — deep within the wild heart of Mount Aspiring National Park.

This small alpine hut, equipped with bunks, mattresses, and a cooking bench, serves as a base for summit attempts. From here, most routes take between 9 and 15 hours return, gaining and losing around 1200 metres of elevation. For the South West Ridge route, climbers may choose to bivouac closer to the base or, early in the season and in good conditions, approach directly from French Ridge Hut.

aspiring mountain climb
aspiring mountain climb
aspiring mountain climb 2 more photos
Day 2
Walking Out of the Wilderness
Day 3
The Ramp: Classic Summer Route
Day 4
South West Ridge – The Classic Line
Day 5
Climbing the Full North West Ridge
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape
Tour provider's comments

A guided ascent of Mount Aspiring is achievable for most people with some experience off-track trekking over rough ground and a good level of fitness. For detailed information please see the FAQ section. 

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Upscale
Camp Site / Tent
4 nights
4 nights
Kea Lodge in Albert Town

If you need accommodation before or after your trip, please inquire about room options when booking. Twin or double rooms available with shared or private bathrooms.

Kea Lodge is located just a short walk from the Albert Town commercial area, home to the popular Pembroke Patisserie, Albert Town Tavern, and a local convenience store. The Hook — a table-to-plate salmon fishery and restaurant — is also nearby.
Walking and biking trails along Mt Iron and the Clutha River are within easy reach, including the scenic Outlet and Deans Bank tracks.

Another option
4 nights
Mountain huts

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included
  • GST;
  • NZMGA certified guide;
  • compliance costs;
  • mountain food;
  • ground transport from Wānaka;
  • accommodation during the trip in mountain huts or our Kea Lodge;
  • technical equipment.
Extras
  • other personal expenses;
  • helicopter flight into Bevan Col is $1000 – $1500,depending on if it is possible to share with other parties. This is subject to change by the helicopter company. Get in touch to discuss walk-in/out options.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Body:

  • underwear;
  • base layer top and bottoms (merino or polypro, no cotton);
  • mid-layer top (fleece or windproof);
  • insulating jacket (synthetic fill preferred);
  • waterproof jacket and trousers;
  • softshell climbing or trekking trousers.

Head / Face / Hands:

  • sunhat or cap;
  • warm hat & neck gaiter (eg Buff);
  • category 4 (glacier-rated) sunglasses;
  • lightweight gloves;
  • warm climbing gloves.

Accessories:

  • backpack, around 50-litre capacity, with ice axe attachments and the ability to carry overnight gear*;
  • water bottles (1.5 to 2 litres capacity, one wide-mouth preferred);
  • small container of sunblock & lippy;
  • head torch and spare batteries.

Feet:

  • mountaineering boots: full shank November/December (eg La Sportiva Nepal Evos ® ) or ¾ shank from January onwards (eg La Sportiva Karakorum or Trango ® )*;
  • snow gaiters*;
  • hiking socks.

Technical gear (can be provided):

  • ice axe (and hammer for Ramp or SW Ridge;
  • boot crampons;
  • climbing helmet;
  • lightweight mountaineering harness;
  • long (120cm) and short (60cm) prusik loops;
  • 120cm length sling;
  • belay device (eg Black Diamond ATC Guide ® );
  • 4-6 carabiners;
  • ice screw.

Overnight:

  • 2+ season sleeping bag and liner*;
  • personal toiletries (blister kit & personal medication);
  • bivi bag and sleeping mat (trip dependent)*.

Recommended:

  • trekking poles*;
  • approach shoes (for at hut and walk out);
  • goggles rock climbing shoes (for weather days).

*Available to hire, $20 per item per day

Where do we meet?
Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
Equipment for Mount Aspiring
What to Expect
Preparation
Insurance
Cancellation of booking

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Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Nov, 2026 – 30 Mar, 2027
    Request to book
  • $3,476
    2 – 6 Nov
    5 days 4 nights
    Request to book
  • $3,476
    9 – 13 Nov
    5 days 4 nights
    Request to book
  • $3,476
    23 – 27 Nov
    5 days 4 nights
    Request to book
  • $3,476
    30 Nov – 4 Dec
    5 days 4 nights
    Request to book
  • $3,476
    7 – 11 Dec
    5 days 4 nights
    Request to book

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