Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Alpine Recreation
( 03-680 6736, 0800 006 096;
www.alpinerecreation.com
)
Based in Lake Tekapo, Alpine Recreation
organises high-altitude guided treks, as well as mountaineering courses and ski touring.
Also on offer are guided ascents of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and other peaks.
TRAMPING, CLIMBING
Snow Sports
Alpine Guides
( 03-435 1834;
www.alpineguides.co.nz
)
Ski-touring, heliskiing, guided climbs and mountaineer-
ing courses. Its store in the Hermitage sells travel clothing, outdoor and mountaineering
gear, and rents ice axes, crampons, daypacks and sleeping bags.
SNOW SPORTS
SNOW SPORTS
Southern Alps Guiding
( 03-435 1890;
www.mtcook.com
;
Old Mountaineers, 3 Larch Grove Rd)
From June to October heliski-
ers can head up Tasman Glacier for a 10km to 12km downhill run ($830 to $870). Private
guiding is also available, as well as three- to four-hour helihiking trips on Tasman Glacier
year-round ($450).
Other Activities
Glentanner Horse Trekking
( 03-435 1855;
www.glentanner.co.nz
;
1/2/3hr ride $70/90/150; Nov-Apr)
Leads guided treks on a
high-country sheep station with options suited to all levels of experience.
HORSE RIDING
Glacier Sea-Kayaking
( 03-435 1890;
www.mtcook.com
;
per person $145; Oct-Apr)
Guided trips head out on the termin-
al lake of the Tasman or the Mueller Glacier. There are usually icebergs to negotiate, but if
this is your prime reason for taking the trip, it pays to check in advance whether there ac-
tually are any. Because of the danger of ice carving from the ends of the glaciers, you can
only admire them and the larger icebergs from a distance. Expect to spend about an hour
on the water; book at the Old Mountaineers Cafe.
KAYAKING
Big Sky
( 0800 686 800;
www.hermitage.co.nz
; adult/child $60/30, planetarium only $24/12)
NZ's southern sky is
introduced by a 45-minute presentation in the Alpine Centre's digital planetarium, before
participants venture outside to study the real deal with telescopes, binoculars and an astro-
STARGAZING
