Mount Cook National Park offers New Zealand's most spectacular alpine scenery. With all but one of its 29 peaks over 3000m, it is New Zealand's climbing mecca. Most peaks are accessible only to experienced mountaineers. However, hiking or trekking is possible close to Mount Cook on the guided Ball Pass Trek.
Ball Pass is a demanding 3-day trek which crosses the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman to the Hooker Valley. The route follows the Ball Ridge, vis a vis the Caroline Face of Mount Cook, and overlooks the Tasman Glacier. Guided walkers spend two nights at the fully furbished Caroline Hut at 1830m/6000ft.
Breathtaking views of Mount Cook and New Zealand's highest mountains. Rich alpine flora and unique bird life. Moderate snow and glacier travel. You need to have previous backpacking, tramping or bushwalking experience. All equipment is provided.
The Ball Pass Trek is a good alternative to the Copland Pass Track which is now only accessible to experienced mountaineers
Itinerary DAY 1 - After an equipment check with Alpine Recreation in Lake Tekapo you travel to Mount Cook Village. From the Tasman Glacier you climb 850m/2800ft up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Mts Cook and Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. 6 hours.
DAY 2 - Receive instruction and practice using crampons and ice-axe while climbing one of the peaks adjacent to Ball Pass: Pukaki Peak 2222m/7290ft or Turner Peak 2341m/7680ft. Dramatic views of the South Ridge of Mount Cook. 6 hours return.
DAY 3 - Cross Ball Pass, 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Mount Cook, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The descent from Ball Pass is very steep and snow conditions may require the use of crampons (no previous experience required). The terrain is rugged and untracked and you rely on your professional mountain guide to find a safe route around gorges and bluffs down to the East Hooker Valley. Following old moraine terraces you meander through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the National Park and return to Mount Cook Village. (8-10 hours). Return travel to Lake Tekapo.
Included Guide, hut accommodation, all food, transport ex Lake Tekapo, crampons, ice-axe, and all other climbing equipment and boots if required, National Park concession fees, 12.5% GST. Meals and accommodation before/after tour not included. Guide:client ratio 1:4, minimum 2 participants, maximum 8 participants
Fitness/ Skills The guided Ball Pass is suitable for experienced hikers capable of sustained walking, at times over steep, rugged, untracked and very exposed terrain. Participants need to be secure footed and have good balance. No mountaineering experience is required. Qualified mountain guides will accompany you and give full instruction on how to cross snow slopes safely using crampons and ice-axe. If necessary your guide will belay you on a rope for the steep snow descent. Several walks of at least 6 hours' duration are recommended as preparation for Ball Pass.
Caroline Hut is a privately owned mountain hut for the exclusive use of our guided parties. It is the only guide/operator-owned mountain hut in the Mount Cook National Park. The hut affords a commanding view of the entire length of the Tasman Glacier and of New Zealand's highest peaks. The hut can be heated.
Equipment Alpine Recreation provides all technical mountaineering equipment at no extra charge, including boots. A detailed equipment list will be sent at time of booking. Accommodation in Lake Tekapo before and after the tour is needed.
Anybody attempting a Ball Pass Crossing without a guide needs to be an experienced mountaineer with good judgement for snow and ice conditions, and safe route selection in an high alpine environment. The Ball Pass is a route only, NOT an established or marked track. Caroline Hut is not available to unguided parties.
