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Ball Pass - Alpine Trekking , Mt Cook

Ball Pass

Aoraki 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, in the company of experienced mountain guides. Current snow conditions.

Ball Pass is a challenging 3 day alpine crossing of the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman to the Hooker Valley. The route follows the Ball Ridge, opposite the Caroline Face of Mount Cook, and overlooks the Tasman Glacier. Guided hikers spend two nights at the private Caroline Hut at 1830m/6000ft. The views of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding mountains, the highest in New Zealand, are breathtaking. You will encounter rich alpine flora and unique bird life.

You need to have previous hiking, backpacking, tramping or bushwalking experience. This trek is more demanding than other guided walks in New Zealand, such as the Milford or Routeburn Tracks, because it is alpine, traverses snow fields and a small glacier and there is no track in parts. Where there is a track it is narrow, uneven and you have to place your feet carefully. All equipment is provided. Walking the Milford and Routeburn Tracks beforehand can be a good warm-up for Ball Pass.

The Ball Pass Trek is a good alternative to the Copland Pass Track which is now only accessible to experienced mountaineers.

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NZ$725

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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).

Alpine Trekking Mt Cook - Ball Pass

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.

2007/2008 season

Group Size: Minimum 2 participants, maximum 8 participants; 4 participants per guide.
Cost per Person: NZ$725
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, 12.5% GST. Meals and accommodation before/after tour not included.

Departure dates

November 2007: 4-6, 6-8, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 17-19, 19-21, 21-23, 24-26, 26-28, 28-30
December 2007: 1-3, 3-5, 5-7, 7-9, 9-11, 11-13, 13-15, 15-17, 17-19, 19-21, 21-23, 23-25(5), 25-27, 27-29, 29-31
January 2008: 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28, 28-30, 30-1 Feb.
February 2008: 1-3, 3-5, 5-7, 7-9, 9-11, 11-13, 13-15, 15-17, 17-19, 20-22, 22-24, 24-26, 26-28, 28-1 Mar.
March 2008: 1-3, 3-5, 5-7, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 15-17, 17-19, 19-21, 21-23, 23-25, 25-27, 27-29, 29-31, 31-02 Apr.
April 2008: 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-22, 22-24, 25-27, 28-30.

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.