South Island
NZ$1,710.00
One of the most popular and spectacular treks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Ball Pass Summit Walk is for experienced hikers.
Climb 850m up to the superbly located Caroline Hut, on the Ball Ridge, straight o...
Overview
The Mount Wakefield Day Hike is a full-day guided adventure near Mount Cook, ideal for fit and experienced walkers. This return hike takes approximately 7–8 hours and offers some of the most rewarding views in the region.
Mount Wakefield rises prominently on the eastern skyline of Mount Cook Village and remains relatively untouched by hikers. Many consider it one of the best day hikes in the area due to its unique route and breathtaking scenery.
The hike features a 700-metre ascent to a scenic viewpoint above Mount Wakefield's impressive scree slopes. The climb begins with a steep section through remnants of native beech forest before transitioning to grassy meadows filled with Mt Cook Lilies and Celmisia flowers.
The main stopping point, which is home to New Zealand Falcons, provides uninterrupted panoramic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman Glacier, and the ice-covered peaks of the Main Divide.
For those with excellent fitness and confidence on rough terrain, the hike may extend to one of several small summits between 1,800 and 2,000 metres in elevation. The descent follows the same route, offering a chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes from a different perspective.
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: 4
Start: Mt Cook
Finish: 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
The Mount Wakefield Day Hike is a full-day guided adventure near Mount Cook, ideal for fit and experienced walkers. This return hike takes approximately 7–8 hours and offers some of the most rewarding views in the region.
Mount Wakefield rises prominently on the eastern skyline of Mount Cook Village and remains relatively untouched by hikers. Many consider it one of the best day hikes in the area due to its unique route and breathtaking scenery.
The hike features a 700-metre ascent to a scenic viewpoint above Mount Wakefield's impressive scree slopes. The climb begins with a steep section through remnants of native beech forest before transitioning to grassy meadows filled with Mt Cook Lilies and Celmisia flowers.
The main stopping point, which is home to New Zealand Falcons, provides uninterrupted panoramic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman Glacier, and the ice-covered peaks of the Main Divide.
For those with excellent fitness and confidence on rough terrain, the hike may extend to one of several small summits between 1,800 and 2,000 metres in elevation. The descent follows the same route, offering a chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes from a different perspective.
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!
The 800+ vertical metre ascent on Mount Wakefield starts on the east side of the Hooker Valley, just past the 2nd swing bridge. After a scrubby 100-metre scree slope ascent, the buttress is reached.
The rock eventually gives way to boulders and rubbly slopes. You “summit” just below our radio repeater, at almost 2,000 metres. The exit is a 2 to 3-hour descent along the Wakefield Ridge, or via the direct route down the scree fan adjacent to the Village.
The Guideless Route involves a degree of exposed climbing and ridge travel. It is a committing assignment for both guide and the participant.
We run the first half-day as a “warm up”, an opportunity to climb with your guide before the big day in the mountains.
The 800+ vertical metre ascent on Mount Wakefield starts on the east side of the Hooker Valley, just past the 2nd swing bridge. After a scrubby 100-metre scree slope ascent, the buttress is reached.
The rock eventually gives way to boulders and rubbly slopes. You “summit” just below our radio repeater, at almost 2,000 metres. The exit is a 2 to 3-hour descent along the Wakefield Ridge, or via the direct route down the scree fan adjacent to the Village.
The Guideless Route involves a degree of exposed climbing and ridge travel. It is a committing assignment for both guide and the participant.
We run the first half-day as a “warm up”, an opportunity to climb with your guide before the big day in the mountains.
