Mount Madeline: Snow Ridges of the Darran Mountains

5 days 4 nights
New Zealand
Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R.
Tour Provider
View Douglas’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Group size
2-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Mount Madeline stands quietly among the sharp granite walls of Fiordland, its snow-covered ridges cutting a clean line through the heart of the Darran Mountains. Reaching this peak means stepping into a landscape shaped by glaciers, stone, and fast-changing weather, where every movement feels deliberate and earned.

The journey begins with a flight into Turners Biv, a remote shelter beneath massive granite blocks. From here, the days unfold naturally: moving across snow slopes, crossing glaciers, and building confidence in the terrain. The summit attempt follows a steady line up the west face, climbing snow and mixed ground with ice axe and crampons. From the top, the view opens wide — Mount Tutoko, Milford Sound, and the dramatic relief of Fiordland stretching in every direction.

Life on Mount Madeline is simple and focused. Nights are spent at the bivy, with time allowed for weather, exploration, and nearby granite climbs when conditions shift. The final day leads down the valley and back toward civilisation, carrying the quiet satisfaction of a true alpine ascent. Join us to experience Fiordland at its most honest — wild, demanding, and deeply rewarding!

from
$5,271
per tourist for 5 days
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Dec, 2026 and 31 Mar, 2027 are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
2-4 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
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Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
For over 30 years we’ve been taking you with us into New Zealand’s backcountry. Wether you're looking for a senic day-hike, or an unfortgettable overnight trek to an alpine hut, our experienced guides are ready to join you on your next adventure. Our guides are carefully selected, internationally certified professionals who accompany you from the very first contact. Whether you’re climbing alpine peaks, backcountry skiing, or trekking through valleys and mountain passes, you’ll be guided by experts who truly live and breathe the outdoors.

Tour highlights

mount madaline
Snow Ridge Above Fiordland
A clean snow ridge leads to wide views over Milford Sound and the Darran Mountains
new zealand national park
Turners Biv Experience
Camp beneath a granite boulder in one of Fiordland’s most remote alpine locations.
mount new zealand
A True First Darran Peak
An inspiring introduction to Fiordland mountaineering and future objectives

Route details

Day 1
Flight into the Darrans

This plan is a sample only and may change depending on weather or other conditions. Please use it as a guide.

Fly to Turners Biv, located on the edge of the Darran Mountains, and set up camp beneath a large granite boulder that provides natural shelter.
As this is one of the wettest regions in the country, cloud or rain may delay the flight. When the weather clears, the dramatic scenery quickly explains why this place is so special.

new zealand national park
new zealand national park
Mount Aspiring South-West Ridge 1 more photo
Day 2
Mountain Orientation Day
Day 3
Glacier Warm-Up and Summit Preparation
Day 4
Summit Ascent
Day 5
Final Climbs and Walk Out
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Our main aim is for mountaineers to enjoy this experience and be safe doing so. This is as much about the expectations you form as well as being realistic about your current abilities. If you’re in doubt, we recommend using the following guide to determine if this course is for you:

  • Capable of 500-1,000m of ascent and descent in a day
  • Capable of 8-10 hours of physical activity a day
  • Capable of 3 consecutive days ascent and descent
  • Capable of carrying 8-12kg pack
  • Comfortable walking on snow / ice with crampons or snowshoes
  • Comfortable on rough, unmaintained tracks
  • Comfortable with heights and exposure
  • Comfortable in a range of adverse weather conditions
  • Some mountaineering experience required
  • Multi-day trekking experience using huts or camping

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
4 nights

We recommend staying in Wānaka the night before your trip as we will meet and leave from Wānaka the day of your trip.

Wānaka offers a vast range of options for your pre and post trip accommodation. It can be busy over the winter and summer season, so it is a good idea to book well in advance.

4 nights
Bivy

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
  • qualified guide (IFMGA or NZMGA certified climbing guide);
  • technical equipment;
  • meals and snacks for the duration of the trip;
  • hut or tent accommodation (not all huts allow for bookings, and if they are full during high season we might be required to camp);
  • transporation from Wanaka to and from the staging area;
  • terrain fees;
  • heli flights into mountains;
  • GST included (New Zealand 15% goods and services tax).
Extras
  • flights;
  • any other personal expenses.

Please note, sleeping bag is not included.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Throughout the summer season, a full range of conditions and temperatures can be expected in the
New Zealand Mountains. Due to the remote nature of the the terrain, clients need to be suitably
prepared. Your guide will do a comprehensive gear check at your pre-trip meeting. These are usually flyin, fly-out trips based at alpine huts. You will need to carry your personal gear and will be asked to assist
in carrying some food and group equipment from the heli-landing site to the hut. All equipment needs
to fit into one pack per client.

BODY

  • underwear;
  • base layer (150–200g weight, merino or polypop, no cotton. example: icebreaker 200 oasis ls crewe);
    top;
  • leggings;
  • mid layer top (fleece or windproof);
  • insulating jacket (fleece or synthetic fill);
  • waterproof jacket (eg gore tex® or similar);
  • over-pants* (as above);
  • lightweight, quick drying trousers;
  • collared glacier/trekking shirt;

FEET

  • mountaineering boots*;
  • nov to jan – full shank, 3 season (eg la sportiva® nepal);
  • jan to april – 3/4 shank, 2–3 season (eg la sportiva® karakorum or trango);
  • snow gaiters (to knee)*;
  • 2 pairs of trekking socks (merino);

HEAD / FACE

  • sunhat or cap;
  • warm hat and neck gaiter (e.g., Buff®);
  • sunglasses – glacier rated, category 4.

HANDS

  • warm windproof gloves;
  • light gloves.

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT (FOC)

  • climbing helmet*;
  • crampons – with anti-balling plates*;
  • ice ax*;
  • ice hammer*;
  • climbing harness*;
  • belay device*;
  • sling – nylon or dyneema®, 120cm*;
  • 2x carabiners – hms preferred*;
  • 2x 6mm prussiks – 1x60cm, 1x120cm loop length*;
  • ice screw 16cm*;
  • snow stake*;

ACCESSORIES

  • backpack (50+ liters);
  • sleeping bag (2 season, 0°C) & liner;
  • water bottles – 2 liters capacity;
  • head torch – and spare batteries;
  • toiletries – blister kit & personal medication;
  • small container of sunblock & lip screen;

OPTIONAL – PERSONAL PREFERENCE ITEMS

  • collapsible trekking poles*;
  • camera;
  • swiss army knife or leatherman;
  • earplugs for sleeping;
  • lightweight approach/hut shoes (eg crocs);
  • for any time staying in town – towel and change of clothes;

*available for loan as part of the trip cost.

Please bring all your equipment to the scheduled pre-trip meeting. If you have any equipment questions prior to your trip, please feel free to contact our team.

What is included in the price?
Pre-Trip Prep
Planning your trip
Please note
Risk Disclosure
Where do we meet?
Why should I get insurance for my trip?
Can I hire equipment?
What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
What if I don't fit with the group ability?
Do I have to pay for a trip if the weather is bad?
Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are on the trip?
How do I get to Wanaka?
Equipment
Payment
Do I need a rental car?
Cancellation of booking

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Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Dec, 2026 – 31 Mar, 2027
    Request to book

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