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3 Day Ball Pass Alpine Hike

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This 3 day challenge is an alpine crossing of the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman to the Hooker Valley. You’ll follow the hiking route of the Ball Ridge, high above the Tasman Glacier, and opposite the mighty Caroline Face of Mount Cook.

This adventurers alpine trek crosses snow fields, a small glacier and untracked rugged terrain. On this guided hike you’ll spend 2 nights at the private Caroline Hut at 1830m/600ft, using the middle day to climb an easy peak and explore the Ball Glacier. You can just image the views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the surrounding area. Discover the rich alpine flora and unique bird life.

For this hike you need to have previous hiking, backpacking, tramping or bushwalking experience. It is a beginner mountaineering trek, and is more demanding than other guided hikes in New Zealand, such as the Milford or Routeburn Tracks. You’ll need to be of above average fitness (be able to climb up 300 vertical metres within an hour) and be capable of sustained walking over steep, rugged, untracked and very exposed terrain.

The crossing of this Pass is subject to safe snow and weather conditions. The professional judgement of your guide will take into account all factors, including client fitness for the conditions.

Day 1 - Ascending to Caroline Hut

With an early start we travel to Mount Cook (about 1 hour), and the end of the Tasman Glacier. Hike up the old Ball Hut road, parallel to the glacier. From Ball Shelter we climb 850m up towards Caroline Hut perched right oposite the awe-inspiring Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

The hut will be fully stocked so we will only need to carry some fresh items of food such as bread, fruit, vegetables and meat as well as your personal clothing/equipment.

Day 2 - Mountaineering Techniques

You'll learn basic mountaineering techniques today, as we climb up Kaitaki Peak (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views. 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 - Descent to Mount Cook Village

This is the longest and toughest day, with exposed terrain. Today we cross the Ball Pass at 2130m/7000ft, taking in the views which open to the South Face of Aoraki, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. When the snow conditions are icy a fixed line rope method is used to ensure no-one can slide down the slope. You'll hike through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the National Park and return to Mount Cook Village after a tough 8-10 hour journey. Return travel to Lake Tekapo.