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Ball Pass Trek offered by supplier M06144 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 3 day(s) Group Size: 2 - 8 people Destination(s): New Zealand   Specialty Categories: Hiking & Trekking   Mountain/Rock Climbing   Season: November - April Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 980 New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Maximum Per Person Price: 1080 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

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 hikers 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 hiking or backpacking experience. All equipment is provided. A high level of fitness is required. For experienced hikers or trekkers only.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: After an equipment check with Alpine Recreation in Lake Tekapo you travel to Mount Cook (about 1 hour), and the end of the Tasman Glacier. You hike up the old Ball Hut Road, parallel to the glacier. From Ball Shelter you climb 850m 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 basic mountaineering techniques. Climb Kaitiaki Peak (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki. Maybe explore a crevasse on the Ball Glacier. 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: This is the longest and toughest day, with exposed and steep slopes to negotiate. We cross Ball Pass at 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Aoraki, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The steep descent from Ball Pass usually requires the use of crampons. When snow conditions are icy a fixed line rope method is used to ensure no-one can slide down the slope. 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 hike 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.

Note: The crossing of Ball Pass on Day 3 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.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Group Discount Prices:
3-5 persons: NZ$1030 p/p (You need to book a minimum of 3 persons to qualify for this rate.) 6-8 person group: NZ$980 per person. 1:4 guide-client ratio.
- 6-8 persons: NZ$880 p/p (You need to book a minimum of 6 persons to qualify for this rate.).

Price Includes:
- Guide
- Hut accommodation
- All food
- All climbing equipment and boots if required
- Transport between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook
- National Park concession fees
- 12.5% Goods and Services Tax.

Price Excludes: Meals and accommodation before/after the tour.

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Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania   New Zealand   Outdoor: Land Rambler   Hiking & Trekking   Mountain/Rock Climbing  

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