I took a 2 month trip to the South Island of New Zealand in February 2007. First on the itinerary was a 4 night Introductory Mountaineering Course with Alpine Recreation. My friend Jared and I were guided up to the Caroline Hut below Mt. Cook where we would spend the following days exploring and learning from our guide Ewan. All the while the imposing Caroline Face of Mt. Cook would loom over us.
A 4×4 took us on a bumpy ride along the Moraine Wall above the Tasman Glacier where we would begin the steep climb to the Caroline Hut owned by Alpine Recreation.
Spectacular light caught my eye as we began our trek along the moraine wall above the Tasman Glacier
We were following a very steep goat track to ascend straight up to the hut we could see perched above. We took a break for a snack and to take in the spectacular view.
After gaining the ridge near the hut the spectacular surroundings came into full view.
Once at the hut it didn't take long for 8 curios Kea to arrive. They would provide endless entertainment during out stay.
The most spectacular light show I have ever seen would soon begin.
The sunrise the following morning was pretty good too!
Our days were spent learning safe travel and route finding techniques as well as roped glacier travel and some basic ice climbing. Our lunch stop was near Ball Pass which we would cross the final morning before descending into the Hooker Valley. This is the view out over Lake Pukaki.
We were shown the route we would follow down into the Hooker Valley on last day of the course.
Back at the hut the evenings were filled with endless photographic opportunities!
Taking a lunch break at the foot of the Ball Glacier after my first ice climbing experience. We had to dodge a few falling rocks!
The final day was our big climb across the Ball Glacier and then our descent from the pass. This was my first steep icy descent on crampons. Our discussion of a recent accident that killed 4 people on the route made it more exciting!
We paused for a rest at an area known as The Playground.
We soon set foot in the Hooker Valley and made our way back to the village.
With our course completed we enjoyed a few excellent Monteith's brews and some dinner in the village. The next day we would make the ascent to Mueller Hut on the opposite side of the Hooker Valley. The Mueller Hut is owned by NZ Park Service and is situated in a spectacular alpine amphitheater. One of the first peaks climbed by Edmund Hillary is just behind the hut. The deck provides an awesome viewing platform to take in the surrounding mountains!
After descending from the hut it was time to leave the park and head further south for some tramping in Fiordland! One final look back across Lake Pukaki to remember my experience!
