The latest in the mountains

The summit of Mt Earnslaw 12/10/09, perfect, photo by Rupert Gardiner

The Alpine Peaks of the Wakatipu are waiting for you

Stone Peak, Glenorchy, showing a misty profile 14/10/09, photo Chris Prudden

Expedition Camp in the Wakaari, Glenorchy 14/10/09 photo Chris Prudden

Saturday19/09/09, the magic snow arete leading to Single Cones Summit.

The super view of Lake Wakatipu from Single Cone 19/09/09

Weather check link

Posted in Home, Mountaineering | Posted by chris

Training for mountain travel

Our team are seasoned mountaineers and hold NZOIA  (New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association) qualifications for Rock and Alpine.

We are here to help you gain current skills, judgement and independance in the mountains, courses can be suited to your aspirations and time contraints.

We also offer training to gain NZOIA Rock and Alpine awards to ensure you go to your assessment well prepared.

NZOIA link

Posted in Mountaineering | Posted by chris

New Ice Route

Two of our local guides Dave Bolger and Rupert Gardiner have established a new 2 pitch WI 5 in the south Wye Valley. The route is only 2.5 hours walk from the carpark and has a very steep and sustained second pitch. Rupert described it as the hardest ice route he has done in NZ. The route is at a lower elevation therefore it is vulnerable to warmer temperatures. We would expect conditions to be marginal on the route currently as the last week in Queenstown have been very warm. If you are looking for ice I  would suggest the higher elevation of the north Wye ice.

Rupert leading the second pitch of Haskins drop - WI5

Posted in Home, Mountaineering | Posted by Dave

Watch your gear around the Kea

The Kea is New Zealands (and the worlds) only alpine parrot.

They are a New Zealand native and are protected by law.

It is considered to be the most intellegent bird in the world

The Kea lives in a very hostile environment and its survival is dependant on its very inquisitive and sometimes invasive behaviour.

While they are often seen as sometimes too inquisitive it is their home that we are visiting.

Keep food and equipment well covered (rocks are good) if no one is around to monitor them.

Their great intelligence is to be admired and their survival abilities in the mountains are second to none.

They are great company and are often a very entertaining distraction.

Posted in Hiking, Mountaineering | Posted by chris

Ice Climbing

Aaron Ford on the Fear of Flying curtain WI5 Wye Creek.

Posted in Mountaineering | Posted by Dave