Walking the Ball Pass, Mount Cook

A challenging 3-day alpine crossing of the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman Valley to the Hooker Valley. Ball Pass is just to the south of the South Ridge of Mount Cook. The route allows close views of New Zealand's highest mountains and most spectacular alpine scenery. Ball Pass Map. Ball Pass Route (Aerial Photograph).

Day 1: After an equipment check with Alpine Recreation in Lake Tekapo you travel to Mount Cook Village (about 1 hour), transfer to 4WD vehicle for the old Ball Hut Road (about 45 minutes) then commence walking. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The hut is fully stocked with food, firewood, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils, but some fresh items of food need to be carried, e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat. 6 hours trekking.

Day 2: Learn how to use crampons and ice axe, how to self-arrest and how to safely cross snow slopes while climbing Peak 2222 (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass. Dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki. Back at Caroline Hut take time to watch the sun set on Mt Tasman and the ice avalanches thunder down the Caroline Face. 6 hours return.

Day 3: Cross Ball Pass, 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Aoraki, 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. If snow conditions are icy a fixed rope will be installed for your safety. 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. (8-12 hours). Return travel to Lake Tekapo.

Who is this walk for?

The guided Ball Pass is suitable for experienced hikers capable of sustained walking, at times over steep, rugged, untracked and very exposed terrain. It is NOT a tourist excursion. Besides personal clothing you'll need to carry some items of fresh food to the hut. Your pack on Day 1 should weigh no more than 10-12 kg. Several walks of at least 6 hours' duration are recommended as preparation for Ball Pass. You do not need prior mountaineering experience.

Fitness Prerequisites

Participants of a Ball Pass crossing need to:

• be of above average fitness
• have extensive hiking, tramping or bushwalking experience
• be capable of sustained walking over steep, rugged, untracked and very exposed terrain
• be able to hike or climb at least 6 hours in a day without difficulty
• be secure-footed, be well-coordinated and have good balance
• have no fear of heights

Packages

The track is open from November through to late April each year.

2010/2011 season

Group Size: Minimum 2 participants, maximum 8 participants; 4 participants per guide.
Cost per Person: NZ$980
Included in Price: 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, 15% GST. Meals and accommodation before/after tour not included.

If you would like more information on this walk just fill out our enquiry form or send us an email. Full itineraries and scheduled departure dates are available on request.