Adventure Magazine

Glentanner Heli Hike
The Mackenzie Region Is home to some of New Zealand's most
recognisable Icons such as Aoraki and the piercingly blue lakes
of Pūkaki and Tekapo. The region (which includes the townships
of Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Twizel) also
boasts the world's largest gold dark sky reserve, New Zealand's
largest glacier and some of the most spectacular trails and
backcountry to adventure in. It's no wonder the region was
one of the most popular international visitor spots prior to the
pandemic.
Here's our top adventures to put on your list in 2022:
Ski The Tasman Glacier
Dark Sky Project, UC Mount John Observatory
1. Overnight next to Aoraki
Alpine Guides' Plateau Hut Overnight trip Is the perfect 'easy'
mountain adventure with no mountaineering experience
necessary. Stay In the modern NZ alpine hut (where
mountaineers stay before they make their Aoraki ascent)
and enjoy the 'big mountain' terrain. You'll accompanied by
a professional guide who will show you all that’s required for
safe glacier travel, including crampons, snowshoes and ice
axe skills. One of the many highlights is a non-technical climb
to the summit of Glacier Dome (2,452m) – a snow-clad peak
on the very flanks of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The experience Is
great for astrophotographers and star lovers who love a taste of
adventure. Alpineguides.co.nz
Alpine Recreation's Mt Cook Trek is a two day guided trek
through amazing alpine terrain In Aoraki/Mount Cook National
Park. Enjoy a night In the private Caroline Hut whilst savouring
the mindblowing views (and sounds) of the 2000m high Caroline
Face of Aoraki. You'll be awed by the sunsets, stars and the
sounds of avalanches rumbling down Aoraki. The Mt Cook Trek
Is beginner mountaineering and more demanding than any of the
Great Walks - you'll need to have previous hiking, backpacking
or bushwalking experience. alpinerecreation.co.nz
2. Grow your mountaineering skills
Amping to get into the mountains but don't quite have the
technical capability or confidence to do your dream alpine
adventure? Alpine Recreation, Alpine Guides and Southern
Alps Guiding provide a range of group and personalised
mountaineering and climbing courses to help aspiring and
experienced mountaineers build their technical abilities and
confidence, setting solid foundations for future years of
exploration. Learn the technical skills of mountaineering, risk
awareness, how to assess weather and hazards, and more.
After completing a course you’ll be able to plan your own trips
above the snowline, choose a safe route, travel confidently
through snow, and other essential skills for safe mountaineering.
alpineguides.co.nz, mtcook.com, alpinerecreation.co.nz
3. Experience rural Mackenzie
The Mackenzie is renowned for its spectacularly rugged farming
terrain and tough pioneering spirt. If the challenging alpine
terrain within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Isn't what you're
after - then try a single or multi day guided walk across one of
our Iconic high country stations. You’ll gain a rich insight into
what it takes to farm in this rugged part of the country.
Roundhill Ski Area
Four Peaks High Country Track is a 2-4 day/night walk or
mountain bike ride over a historic sheep station, in the hills near
Fairlie, 2 hours from Christchurch. The track is an initial 17km
drive in a 4WD vehicle to the start of the track. The walk itself
is an approximate 25km round trip over Four Peaks Station
following the route taken by pioneer farmers and shepherds
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