Climb to summits high above New Zealand's most iconic glaciers, we'll look after everything else
The Franz Joseph and Fox glaciers on New Zealand's wild west coast are some of the most famous rivers of ice in the world. They also offer fantastic moderate alpine objectives with spectacular views over the Tasman Sea and Mt. Cook. Combine this with ideal climbing bases in the form of the New Zealand Alpine Club's Centennial and Pioneer huts and you have a fantastic destination for an ACC international camp.
Camp Manager and ACC board member, Frank Spears and ACMG guide Andrew Rennie came up with the idea for this camp over a meeting in the GMC dining tent in the summer of 2017. Now we're making it happen!
Climbers on Lendenfeld, a potential objective from the Pioneer Hut
Where we'll be visiting
The nearest international airport is Queenstown, a picturesque mountain tourist hub below the majestic Remarkable Range on New Zealand's South Island. From there you'll travel to Wanaka, set on the southern end of its namesake lake to meet the group and camp staff over dinner as well as to perform last minute gear checks and purchases.
Following a night's stay in a hotel, your journey out into the Southern Alps will commence with a private shuttle to the Fox Glacier Township. From there, a spectacular helicopter flight will carry you to the upper Franz Joseph or Fox glaciers. Guests will have the opportunity to stay at either the Pioneer or Centennial huts, or even a combination of the two, over a solid week's climbing.
If the weather doesn't play ball. There's no shortage of other great options in the region, including climbing on the Mt. Cook side of the range.
Climbing objectives
After running over glacier travel skills and techniques and assessing conditions, we will have a six day window to climb some spectacular, remote objectives which include Mt. Lendenfeld, Mt. Tasman, Grey Peak and Mt. Haast - some of which are pictured here.
The objective of the camp is to reach technically moderate, but beautiful summits largely climbing on snow and ice. However, with 2 fully certified alpine guides on the camp staff there will be room to cater for individual abilities and preferences.
Mt Tasman and Lendenfeld from the Pioneer Hut
Why Join Us?
1. Our guides and guiding ratios
With a local guide on staff and our lead guide - Andrew Rennie - having spent significant time in the region, you know you'll be getting in-depth and expert knowledge of the local region and conditions. The camp capacity is also capped at 6, meaning a 3:1 ratio of guests to alpine guides and a 2:1 ratio of guests to rope leaders.
2. On staff ACC Camp Manager
Having long term Board member, Frank Spears, acting as Camp Manager for this adventure will provide a true ACC touch to proceedings. Frank's fantastic organization skills will also ensure your trip is taken care of - from transfers, food, accommodation and permits through to the small details.
3. Price
Priced at under $5,500 per person, the ACC is seeking to make this as affordable camp as possible for our members. Your camp fee will cover all in-country transportation (including helicopters), hut and hotel accommodation, guiding and camp staff support, food, permit fees, group equipment (including satellite phone rental).
4. A unique and remote destination
This really is one of the most stunning alpine regions of the world. Breathtaking views await you not only from alpine summits but even flying into Queenstown and driving to the island's west coast via Wanaka. Gigantic glaciers almost dropping down into the ocean, snow capped peaks reflecting in scenic lakes and temperate rainforest carpeting lower slopes; this region really has it all!
Grey Peak, Mt. Haast and the location of the Pioneer Hut