Mount Aspiring Climb
A Guided Ascent of the Matterhorn of the SouthMount Aspiring Climb - Guided Ascent
Often called the “Matterhorn of the South,” Tititea/Mount Aspiring (3,033 m) rises proudly from the heart of the Southern Alps as one of New Zealand’s most iconic and beautiful peaks. Its slender pyramid of rock, snow, and ice draws climbers from around the world, seeking not just a summit, but a journey into wild alpine landscapes. A guided Mount Aspiring climb offers the perfect balance of challenge, inspiration, and safety, with experienced mountain guides leading you step by step.
The adventure begins with a helicopter flight or a long and rugged valley approach, transporting you deep into the wilderness. From the alpine hut Colin Todd at the mountain’s base, the climb unfolds across sweeping glaciers, steep snow slopes, and narrow ridges. Roped together, guide and climber move as a team, navigating crevasses and exposed terrain with steady rhythm and focus. Each stage of the ascent brings new rewards – sunrise on glistening ice, the crunch of crampons on hard snow, and views stretching across jagged peaks and green valleys.
The final ridge to the summit is exhilarating and demanding, requiring determination, trust, and presence. Then comes the moment every climber dreams of: stepping onto the top of Mount Aspiring, with the vast sweep of the Southern Alps all around and the Tasman Sea shimmering to the west. It is a place of stillness, achievement, and awe, where effort and beauty combine in perfect harmony.
A guided ascent of Mount Aspiring climb is far more than reaching a summit. It is a journey of discovery, humility, and connection with the mountains, with your own resilience, and with the raw power of nature. Whether it is your first major alpine climb or part of a greater mountaineering dream, the experience is unforgettable.
Mount Aspiring, the “Matterhorn of the South,” offers one of New Zealand’s most iconic and rewarding alpine climbs. Rising to 3,033 metres, its elegant summit is reached through a journey of glaciers, ridgelines, and sweeping alpine views. Led by experienced guides, you’ll move as a rope team, crossing crevassed ice, ascending steep snow slopes, and finally stepping onto a summit that feels like the top of the world. More than a climb, this is an inspiring adventure, an encounter with raw wilderness, personal challenge, and the unforgettable beauty of the Southern Alps.
CLIMBING/ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Mount Aspiring Climb has an elevation of 1200m from Colin Todd hut. We guide it via few variations of the North West Ridge, depending on the time of the year and conditions:
– October to December we climb Mount Aspiring via the “Ramp” a steep snow slope leading straigth to a saddle at 2500m on the NW Ridge. We follow the ridge to the top from there. It’s mostly a snowy climb.
– December to January, we use a variation on the Ramp to join the NW Ridge lower, just below what we called the Buttress, a steep rocky part of the ridge. It’s a mixed snow and rock climb
– January to April/May, we guide Mount Aspiring Climb via the full North West Ridge, a beautifull alpine rock climb. First, we climb on the steep Iso Glacier on the North side of the Shipowner Ridge until we access the top part of the Therma Glacier and the start of the Norht West Ridge. Then we follow the ridge, at first technical, with lots of small steep climbs and scrtambling parts, then gradualy easying off, until the last steep 150m summit ice cap of Mt Aspiring.
The descent follows the same route down, according to the time of the year and conditions.
Climbing difficulty
Mount Aspiring climb is considered to be an “advanced climb”.
It required good mountain fitness, previous mountaineering and climbing/scrambling experience.
The technical grade of Mt Aspiring NW Ridge is NZ 2 // equivalent to European AD-
Long days for the approach and the climb are on the menu, but the reward is something!
Not sure if this climb is right for you?
We have help plenty of climbers and skiers to achieve their dreams, we can help you making yours come true.
Just reach out to us and will discuss together wether you are up for this trip or you will need to build more experience, we will help you to create a custum journey to achieve your goal.
Trip Info
ROUTE and LOCATION
North West Ridge – Mount Aspiring
DATES
October to April/May
DURATION
3 to 5 day trip
CLIMBING DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
GUIDE TO CLIENT RATIO / GROUP SIZE
1 Guide for 1 person max
Can be guided 1:2 – Please contact us to arrange it
PRICE
From NZ$3,950
Itinerary
Day 1. Approach to Colin Todd hut via Bevan Col – 10/12hrs walk // Helicopter access to Bevan Col is also an option at extra cost.
Day 2. Mount Aspiring Climb via the North West Ridge – 8 to 10hrs climb return to Colin Todd Hut
Day 3. Walk out to the carpark via Bevan Col – 9 to 11hrs walk.
Day 1. Approach to Colin Todd hut via Bevan Col – 10/12hrs walk // Helicopter access to Bevan Col is also an option at extra cost. Or approach to French Ridge Hut – 6hrs walk.
Day 2. Climb of the Rollin Pin Traverse from Colin Todd Hut – 6/8hrs. Or Climb from French Ridge hut to Colin Todd hut via the Quaterdeck and the Bonar glacier, option to climb Mount French along the way – 6/8hrs.
Day 3. Mount Aspiring climb via the North West Ridge – 8 to 10hrs climb return to Colin Todd Hut
Day 4. Walk out to the carpark via Bevan Col – 9 to 11hrs walk.
Day 1. Approach to Colin Todd hut via Bevan Col – 10/12hrs walk // Helicopter access to Bevan Col is also an option at extra cost. Or approach to French Ridge Hut – 6hrs walk.
Day 2. Climb of the Rollin Pin Traverse from Colin Todd Hut – 6/8hrs. Or Climb from French Ridge hut to Colin Todd hut via the Quaterdeck and the Bonar glacier, option to climb Mount French along the way – 6/8hrs.
Day 3. Mt Aspiring climb via the North West Ridge – 8 to 10hrs climb return to Colin Todd Hut
Day 4. Weather Contengency day or extra climbing day
Day 5. Walk out to the carpark via Bevan Col – 9 to 11hrs walk.
Which trip is right for me ?
3 DAY TRIP
If you are trail and mountain fit with previous climbing and mountaineering experience and want a “fast and light” climb, this is for you!
4 DAY TRIP
This option allows to have a longer journey to the mountains for the Mount Aspiring Climb. We can choose to walk in to Colin Todd hut in 2 days, to brake the approach into 6hrs day, or have an extra day at Colin Todd for weather contengency or an extra climb ie Mount French, Mount Bevan or Rolling Pin.
5 DAY TRIP
The longuest option allows you have the flexibility of 1 or 2 days approach, plus an extra climb, ie Mount French, Mount Bevan or Rolling Pin. this also allows to be more flexible with the weather and/or to have the opportunity to learn more skills prior the ascent and be completly ready for it!
Dates & Pricing
PRICES - MOUNT ASPIRING CLIMB - NW RIDGE
| 3 day trip | NZ$3,950 |
| 4 day trip | NZ$5,290 |
| 5 day trip | NZ$6,190 |
DATES
Mid October to April/May
EXTRA WEATHER DAY
NZ$650/day
TRIP INCLUSION
- IFMGA/NZMGA Mountain Guide
- Ground Transport From Wanaka
- Technical gear climbing
- All mountain meals + snacks
- Alpine Huts Fee
- GST
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
- Helicopter Flights if applicable
- Personal Equipment
- Personal Insurance
- Cancellation Insurance
- Accomodation in Wanaka and meals in Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Extra Weather Day, What this is?
It’s a NON-GUIDED day, to add-on at the begining and/or the end of your trip at the time of booking, to guaranty the availiability of the guide, in the event of bad weather and the trip’s dates have to be shiftted slightly. The price is per group and per day and does not include accomodation or meals.
What If the weather is bad for my trip ?
The Southern Alps in New Zealand is a worldwide desired climbing and skiing destination due to its remoteness and wilderness beauty. Windows of nice settled weather between fronts are oftern in place. But as for all mountain ranges in the world, the Southern Alps also has challenging weather. After all, it’s a long, high mountain range located on a tiny island surounded by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Pacific Ocean…
Summit Explorers Mountain Guides are well experienced in judging the weather and conditions to provide you the best possible trip. They will go above and beyond to make the trip happen. But sometimes, it’s out of our control, so if the weather remains terrible and prevents the trip from happenning as originally planned, you will be offered a different location and/or climb. There will be no refund for bad weather and conditions. However, depending of the agreement and avaibility of the guide, an arrangment could be discussed to postpone the trip at a different date.
Should I get a trip insurance
We strongly advice that all clients purchase travel and cancellation insurance that specifically covers cancellation due to injury or illness as well as weather cancellation. This is highly recommended for all trips with Summit Explorers due to the nature of the trips we provide. We have a relationship with the provider Global Rescue which has an option which includes a “Cancel for any Reason” policy. Rescue and Extraction is covered by ACC in New Zealand, however ACC does not cover for any trip cancellation. Insurance policy costs will vary based on age, duration of trip and coverage selected. . You can learn more and get a free quote here: Global Rescue by Summit Explorers
How do I get to Wanaka
Queenstown airport is the closest to Wanaka. There are regular shuttles which service Wanaka.
For shuttle and taxi information:
Summit explorers Terms and Conditions
Please visit our Booking terms and conditions page
Why Choose Summit Explorers
YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL GUIDING EXPERIENCE
Our Company and our incredible team of mountain guides are passionate, talented climbers and skiers who have a extremely valuable guiding experience in the New Zeland mountains and Internationally.
SAFETY FOCUSED
Our number one priority is insuring that every body that join us on a trip, will enjoy a safe one! Certified Mountain Guides are trained to perform at the highest international standards of skills and safety.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
Adaptative to your needs and dreams, always on the search to make your mountain journey a memorable one, that’s what we do and how we guide.
Book your Mount Aspiring Climb via the NW Ridge
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