Overview
Mount Sebastopol is the closest peak to Mt Cook Village, offering a fantastic mix of hiking and scrambling, paired with truly spectacular views. This climb is an excellent choice for a first ascent in the area, providing a rewarding adventure for those with moderate fitness.
Key details:
- Total height gain: 750 metres (approx. 2,475 ft)
- Duration: 4–6 hours return, depending on fitness level
Your day begins at 08:30, meeting your guide at the Alpine Guides base. The climb starts on a maintained track to the Red Tarns, ascending approximately 300 vertical metres, before continuing on an unmarked route to the breathtaking summit.
What to expect during the ascent:
- Higher up, confidence on uneven terrain is essential.
- The scrambling section requires the use of your hands, with some exposure near the summit.
- A guide may use a rope for added safety in certain sections.
From the summit, enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the Tasman Valley, Lake Pukaki, and the glaciated peaks at the head of the Tasman Glacier. You might even spot kea, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrots, which are frequent visitors here.
In cooler months, snow may cover the upper route, and your guide will provide crampons if required.
The descent:
The return journey follows the same route, with the option for an exciting scree run for those who are keen on a bit of extra adventure. The full trip typically takes 5–6 hours on average.
Experience and Fitness:
These hikes are designed for experienced trekkers, as they involve leaving marked and formed trails and navigating uphill and downhill sections on stepped or natural surfaces. Good aerobic fitness is essential, as participants need to be able to walk for at least five hours in a day over uneven terrain while carrying a small backpack weighing 4–5 kg.
This trip is privately arranged. Please ensure you have checked your preferred date with us before booking!
Details
Difficulty: 3
Start: Aoraki/Mt Cook
Finish: Aoraki/Mt Cook
Includes:
- Private professional mountain guide
- Picnic lunch
- Use of technical equipment
Please bring:
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm (we recommend 50 SPF)
- Water bottles or water bladders - at least 1.5L
- Hiking clothing: whenever possible choose lightweight quick-drying fabrics designed for outdoor activities. Avoid cotton clothing
- Warm layers: mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in summer!
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection: baseball cap or legionnaire hat, scarf/neck gaiter, light coloured quick-drying top
- Don’t forget your camera!
- We have hiking boots, rain jackets, pants, gaiters, backpacks, and hiking poles available to use.
Overview
Mount Sebastopol is the closest peak to Mt Cook Village, offering a fantastic mix of hiking and scrambling, paired with truly spectacular views. This climb is an excellent choice for a first ascent in the area, providing a rewarding adventure for those with moderate fitness.
Key details:
- Total height gain: 750 metres (approx. 2,475 ft)
- Duration: 4–6 hours return, depending on fitness level
Your day begins at 08:30, meeting your guide at the Alpine Guides base. The climb starts on a maintained track to the Red Tarns, ascending approximately 300 vertical metres, before continuing on an unmarked route to the breathtaking summit.
What to expect during the ascent:
- Higher up, confidence on uneven terrain is essential.
- The scrambling section requires the use of your hands, with some exposure near the summit.
- A guide may use a rope for added safety in certain sections.
From the summit, enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the Tasman Valley, Lake Pukaki, and the glaciated peaks at the head of the Tasman Glacier. You might even spot kea, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrots, which are frequent visitors here.
In cooler months, snow may cover the upper route, and your guide will provide crampons if required.
The descent:
The return journey follows the same route, with the option for an exciting scree run for those who are keen on a bit of extra adventure. The full trip typically takes 5–6 hours on average.
Experience and Fitness:
These hikes are designed for experienced trekkers, as they involve leaving marked and formed trails and navigating uphill and downhill sections on stepped or natural surfaces. Good aerobic fitness is essential, as participants need to be able to walk for at least five hours in a day over uneven terrain while carrying a small backpack weighing 4–5 kg.
This trip is privately arranged. Please ensure you have checked your preferred date with us before booking!
