mount cook day hikes
Difficulty
Duration
8 Hours
Season
October to May
Gearlist
PRICE FROM $265 NZD
Mount cook day hikes
Escape the crowds and discover the many hidden treasures of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park on one of our guided day hikes.
A professional mountain guide will take you safely on an “off the beaten track” hike while sharing their extensive knowledge of the local area. We also provide all the gear you will need for the day and a picnic lunch.
Our day hikes include, but aren’t limited to, Mount Wakefield and Mount Sebastopol. Contact us to learn more about other little-known local tramping options.
Please note that these are on-demand trips. Advance booking is essential.
Prices from May 2024
| Group Size | Price per person in NZD |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $765 |
| 2 People | $435 per person |
| 3 People | $325 per person |
| 4 People | $265 per person |
Price Includes
Private professional mountain guide
Picnic lunch
Use of technical equipment
All trips start at 08:30 AM and finish at 5:00 PM
Check-in at Alpine Guides office in Mount Cook Village.
Please bring :
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm (we recommend 50 SPF)
Water bottles or water bladders - at least 1.5L
Hiking clothing: whenever possible choose lightweight quick-drying fabrics designed for outdoor activities. Avoid cotton clothing
Warm layers: mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in summer!
Warm hat and gloves
Sun protection: baseball cap or legionnaire hat, scarf/neck gaiter, light coloured quick-drying top
Don’t forget your camera!
We have hiking boots, rain jackets, pants, gaiters, backpacks, and hiking poles available to use.
Packing List
Experience and fitness
These are adventurous hikes, so previous trekking /hiking experience is essential. Our walks involve leaving marked and formed trails, uphill and downhill travel, stepped and natural surfaces.
You must have good aerobic fitness, and be able to walk for at least 5 hours over the day on uneven terrain, carrying a small backpack (4 to 5 kg).
MOunt Wakefield Day Hike
Mount Wakefield is a full-day guided hike at Mount Cook for fit walkers, taking about 7-8 hours, return.
Mt Wakefield dominates the eastern skyline of Mount Cook Village and sees very few hikers. In our opinion, it is probably the best day hike at Mount Cook.
The guided hike offers a 700-metre ascent to a scenic point above Wakefield's mighty scree fans. The climb begins steeply, under remnant native beech forest, then through grassy meadows of Mt Cook Lilies and Celmissia.
Our stopping point, home to NZ Falcons, gives uninterrupted views of Lake Pukaki, Tasman Glacier, and the ice-draped peaks of the Main Divide.
Fit parties who move well on rough terrain may continue to one of several small ‘peaks’ between 1,800 and 2,000 metres in elevation. The descent is by the same route.
Mount Sebastopol Day Hike
Mount Sebastopol (1,468 m) is the closest peak to Mt Cook Village. This is a fun first ascent, mixing hiking with scrambling and utterly spectacular views.
Total height gain is 750 metres (approx. 2,475 ft). The trip takes 4 - 6 hours to return, depending on your level of fitness,
You meet your guide at 08:30 at Alpine Guides base. The climb follows a maintained track to Red Tarns for approx. 300 vertical metres and then by an unmarked route to the breathtaking summit.
Higher on the ascent you must be confident on uneven ground. The scrambling section requires the use of hands and some “exposure” near the summit. The guide may use a rope for some sections.
Sebastopol summit gives uninterrupted views down the length of the Tasman Valley to Lake Pukaki, and across to the glaciated peaks at the head of the Tasman Glacier. Kea are common visitors up here.
In cooler months there can be snow on the upper route and your guide will provide crampons.
The descent is by the same route, with a possible scree-run for those keen for some adventure. The trip takes on average 5-6 hours.
Booking Conditions
When you book it is assumed you have read, and are happy with our terms and conditions. All guests must sign a waiver at check-in.
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Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form/waiver and a deposit of 25% of the trip fee.
The balance of payment is due within 21 days of the trip date.
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Mountain activities are weather-dependent. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if the weather is not safe/suitable for walking. Customers may transfer to another date if guide availability, the weather, and their itineraries allow.
Alpine Guides reserves the right to change the duration of the trip around changing weather conditions.
If a trip is shortened due to incoming weather, there is no refund due.
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Travel insurance is recommended to cover last-minute cancellations and potential loss of payment/deposits due to injury or travel disruption. Most standard travel policies will cover you for this, up to specific limits.
If we cannot operate due to the weather, a refund of 100% will be made
If paying by credit card the refund will be credited to the same card you paid with. Charges will appear in the name of ‘Alpine Guides Aoraki’ on the credit cardholder's statement.
General Cancellations
Cancellations 8 or more days in advance of the trip start date will incur no charge or a full refund.
Cancellations 7 days or less from the start date will incur a 25% cancellation fee.
No refund will be given for cancellations 24 hours or less before the trip starts, or for guests who do not show.
Cancellations should be made by phone (+64 3 435 1834), email, or in person.
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It is important that you understand the hazards involved when participating in these activities. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.
Guided hiking, climbing, and snowshoeing, are classified as “adventure activities’” There is a degree of risk of personal injury. While all precautions are taken to minimise risk we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety.
We operate in natural mountain features that present certain physical hazards. These hazards include, but are not limited to:
Uneven and icy terrain and slopes
Natural, uncontrolled terrain features
Potential exposure to cold
Potential exposure to UV light
All guests receive a full briefing on hazards.
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Most healthy people with 'average' and higher levels of fitness should enjoy these activities.
Health and fitness may limit your ability to take part in an activity. We request knowledge of pre-existing medical conditions, including medication, when completing your booking.
Lack of physical fitness or medical conditions may affect your ability to safely take part in, or complete a trip.
We reserve the right to shorten or cancel trips for guests whose fitness or ability is not appropriate. If you are unable to complete the activity, you will not be entitled to a refund.
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Children need to be at least 12 years old and confident on uneven terrain. We reserve the right to change these requirements due to terrain and weather conditions. There is no 'child' rate as the guiding responsibilities are unchanged.
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You must be 18 years or older to make a booking. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian traveling with you must complete your registration form prior to the trip.
