US
1, 6, 12, 17, 22, 31 July, 2018
Period 1 Jun 2018
- 30 Aug 2018
1:3-4 NZD $2,150.00
1:2 Ratio NZD $2,690.00
The guide will meet you the day before departure, 5pm, at 58 McDougall Street, Wanaka, to do a full gear check and finalise last minute details.
Included in this trip are the helicopter flights direct to and from the ice, maximising your time on the ice routes.
What's included
Not included
If your party is unable to egress from the mountains at the end of your trip for any reason, a fee of NZ$550 plus expenses (including but not limited to hut & park fees) per extra day is applicable to your party, and is divided between the trip participants.
Grade: E
Technical Difficulty
This is the perfect place to learn what waterfall ice is all about. No mountaineering or rock climbing experience is required but it is highly recommended to have had some practice belaying. With the safety of a top rope you will be able to push your ability and learn the intricacies of climbing on ice. People with previous rock climbing experience will appreciate the technical differences offered when climbing with ice axes and crampons and may progress to controlled lead climbs under the supervision of the guide.
Physical Difficulty
A good level of fitness is required. Ice climbing puts a premium on balance and good co-ordination. Steeper climbing requires strong hands and arms but lower angled climbing uses the legs and calf muscles. The hut is located 300 vertical meters from the ice and if it snows it can be a challenging hike back at the end of the day. Good hill walking ability is essential. You will not need to carry a heavy pack. Expect short bursts of intense effort - your arms and calf muscles will wish you had warned them of what was coming!
Accommodation on this trip is in our cosy private hut (already set up with sleeping bags etc).
Sometimes the weather dictates we must stay elsewhere such as in a different alpine hut, in which instance you will need to have your own sleeping bag or hire one.
Body:
Head/face:
Feet:
Hands:
Technical equipment (supplied at no charge):
Personal equipment & accessories:
If you have these items please bring them along on your trip if it's not a hassle, otherwise they can be hired or purchased in Wanaka if they are needed. Your guide will discuss if these items are required when you do your equipment check at the beginning of your trip.
A lot of work is put into supplying you with wholesome meals with a variety of healthy and tasty ingredients and snacks catering to common preferences.
Where possible, fresh vegetables and real coffee will be provided. However, there will always be limitations when cooking in an alpine or wilderness environment. Meals like salads are limited or not possible to provide. Some trips/courses are not recommended for people with very restrictive or complex dietary requirements. If you do have a restrictive eating regime we ask that you disclose this at the time of booking and we may ask you to provide us with an advance copy of what you would typically eat on a wilderness trip.
For highly specialised diets requiring special food purchases - we may ask that you attend our offices on the day before your trip is due to commence. If you are joining a scheduled group that doesn't have food requirements, we may ask you to shop & pay for some of your preferred dietary requirements. You will also be required to carry this food and your guide may ask you to assist in the preparation of any separate meals required for you individually.
The specialist guides are 'hand-picked' from within the industry. The climbing team are qualified through the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. The NZMGA are affiliated to the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association who governs mountain guiding worldwide. The high level of expertise, comprehensive logistics support and refreshing personalities are the basis of our internationally renowned reputation for providing a quality and personalised service.
What about my other luggage and valuables?
Additional luggage and valuables can be securely stored at the office in Wanaka during your trip.
In an emergency are we in contact with the outside world while on our trip?
All climbing trips and courses are in radio and phone communications with the Operations/Safety base and the Department of Conservation local office that manages each National Park area. Weather information and coordination of helicopters are through these channels. In some circumstances mountain radio links are available for the relay of any urgent messages.
What about the weather?
New Zealand is famous for its changeable weather. The mountains here are characterised by long sunny fine periods mixed with sudden and sometimes heavy rain or snow. Our experienced guides are well equipped to provide the best possible trip and have many years experience in judging the conditions.
What if I want to book as a single?
Try to choose a scheduled date, and if that doesn't fit, let us know. We can book you as a single and then will try to match others to your dates. If we cannot find at least one other person for the dates you want, one month before the start date we will give you a full refund.
How heavy does my pack need to be?
You will only need to carry a day pack of about 5 – 8kg.
How do I get to Wanaka?
The closest airport is in Queenstown, 1 hour away. Some flights from Australia come direct into Queenstown. There are regular shuttles between Queenstown airport and Wanaka.
Changes
N.B : Please note that this itinerary is a sample only and the actual itinerary may vary at the discretion of your guide. Weather, conditions and personal ability and needs may make changes necessary or advantageous to the participants.
Payment
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
Cancellations
Over 60 days before tour: $200 per person
Between 60 days and 30 days before tour: 50% of total trip fee as a cancellation fee
29 days and 15 days: 75% of total course fee as a cancellation fee
15 days or less before tour: NO REFUND
No refund for any services not utilised after tour has started.
If the weather remains adverse and prevents the trip from operating, you have the opportunity to carry out sub alpine adventure and skill development activities. The Guide fee applies and any trip costs not utilised will be refunded.
Medical Conditions
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, anti-depressants, allergies to wasp/bee stings and food allergies.
Injuries are covered by the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). ACC pays for the majority of costs incurred in evacuation and treatment of injured people. They do not cover you in case of illness. We recommend that you have travel insurance that will cover you in being repatriated to your home country. Most standard travel insurance policies that cover lost deposit or cancellation fees will cover you in case you are somehow prevented from participating in the trip.
Notes
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
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