Climb Aoraki/Mount Cook - New Zealand itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch → Transfer to Aoraki Village
Arrive in Christchurch (New Zealand). Meet our representative and transfer by road to Aoraki / Mount Cook Village (approx. 5 hours). Evening gear inspection, safety briefing, and team introductions. Overnight at village lodge. (For Indian climbers, Shikhar can arrange flights, visa assistance, and pre-departure orientation in Delhi.)
Day 2: Fly to Plateau Hut & Acclimatisation
Morning weather briefing and helicopter or ski-plane flight to Plateau Hut (2,200 m) your mountain base. Practice glacier travel, rope techniques, and acclimatise to alpine conditions.
Overnight in Plateau Hut.
Day 3: Summit Attempt: Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724 m)
Start around 1–3 a.m. Climb via the Linda Glacier Route, negotiating steep snow and ice slopes to the summit ridge. From the top, enjoy spectacular 360° views across the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea. Return to Plateau Hut in the evening. (Climbing time 14–18 hrs.)
Overnight in Plateau Hut.
Day 4: Contingency / Weather Day
Reserved for rest, skill practice, or an additional climb on nearby peaks depending on weather.
Overnight in Plateau Hut.
Day 5: Descend → Return to Mount Cook Village
Fly or trek down to the valley. Team debrief and certificate distribution. Evening celebration dinner. Overnight in Mount Cook Village or transfer to Tekapo/Christchurch.
Day 6: Departure / Optional Sightseeing
Drive to Christchurch for onward flights. Optional post-climb sightseeing at Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Gardens, or Queenstown adventure activities.
Participant Requirements
➾ Prior experience in snow/ice or Himalayan climbing
➾ Strong physical fitness (10 - 12 hrs of sustained ascent)
➾ Familiarity with crampons, ice axe, rope travel, glacier safety
(Shikhar can arrange pre-expedition fitness and technical training in India.)
What to Carry (Essential Gear)
➾ Mountaineering boots (crampon-compatible)
➾ Crampons & two technical ice axes
➾ Harness, helmet, headlamp + spare batteries
➾ Waterproof shell jacket & trousers
➾ Down/insulated jacket & thermal layers
➾ Gloves, mittens, hat, sunglasses
➾ 35–45 L backpack & water bottle
➾ Personal first-aid & medications
➾ Sleeping bag (for hut) & energy snacks
Why Climb Aoraki with Shikhar
➾ Seamless international coordination (India ↔ New Zealand)
➾ Expert IFMGA/NZMGA guides and safety-first operations
➾ End-to-end services: visa, insurance, gear, training, logistics
➾ Environmentally & culturally responsible approach
➾ Flexible private and group departures
Tour Highlight
Inclusions
➾ IFMGA/NZMGA certified mountain guide (1:1 or 1:2 ratio)
➾ All meals during the expedition (Day 1 lunch – Day 6 lunch)
➾ Group climbing gear – ropes, safety equipment, protection gear
➾ Mountain hut accommodation (Plateau Hut)
➾ National Park entry and hut fees
➾ Aircraft transfers (ski plane/helicopter) between village & hut
➾ Ground transfers within Aoraki region
➾ Full expedition coordination by Shikhar Travels India + NZ local partner
Exclusions
➾ International & domestic airfares
➾ Pre-/post-expedition hotels in Christchurch
➾ Personal climbing equipment (available for hire)
➾ Travel & mountaineering insurance – mandatory
➾ New Zealand visa processing
➾ Extra weather days beyond itinerary
➾ Personal expenses – laundry, tips, phone, snacks
Duration: 5 Day 4 Night
Places Covered:
Thredbo, NSW
Duration: 6 Day 5 Night
Places Covered:
Sirimon-Naro Moru Route
Duration: 6 Day 5 Night
Places Covered:
Zermatt - Hörnli Hut - Summit Day
Duration: 8 Day 7 Night
Places Covered:
Mineralnye Vody - Mt. Cheget - Mountain Refuge Camp - Pashtukov Rocks - Moscow
Duration: 11 Day 10 Night
Places Covered:
Timika → Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp → Summit → Base Camp → Timika
Duration: 19 Day 18 Night
Places Covered:
Talkeetna – Kahiltna Base Camp – Carry – Kahiltna Pass – Cache Gear – Back Carry – Windy Corner – High Camp – Summit – Return to Talkeetna
