MOUNTAINEERING
Classic Peak Ascents | Ascents Week | Technical ClimbsEvery single mountaineering adventure starts with a strong desire to climb a peak, a face, a buttress or a ridge…. Standing on top of a peak is a feeling hard to describe, but the journey to this summit is probably what mountaineering is about: planning, committing, sharing, pushing the limits, learning and laughing!
A great alpine adventure with Summit Explorers Mountain Guides!
Classic Peak Ascents of New Zealand
New Zealand’s Southern Alps are home to some of the most iconic and rewarding alpine climbs in the Southern Hemisphere. With Summit Explorers Mountain Guides, you can experience these classic ascents safely and confidently, guided by seasoned professionals who know the terrain inside and out.
From the towering presence of Aoraki / Mount Cook to the sharp ridgelines of Mount Aspiring, the Southern Alps offer a collection of legendary peaks that have inspired climbers for generations. These classic ascents follow well-established “normal routes” that combine physical challenge, technical interest, and breathtaking alpine scenery — ideal for mountaineers looking to tick off bucket-list objectives.
Many of these climbs can be completed in a few days, making them perfect for those with limited time but big ambitions. Popular routes like the Linda Glacier route on Aoraki or the Northwest Ridge of Mt Aspiring offer a real taste of New Zealand mountaineering: glacier travel, mixed terrain, high alpine bivvies, and the indescribable feeling of standing on a summit surrounded by vast wilderness.
Our guided ascents are tailored to match your experience level and goals. Whether you’re looking for your first major peak or aiming to refine your alpine skills on a more technical route, we’ll help you choose the right objective, prepare for the conditions, and support you every step of the way.
With a strong focus on safety, skill-building, and classic alpine style, Summit Explorers brings you into the heart of New Zealand’s most celebrated mountains.
Dreaming of a summit?
Join us for a classic peak ascent in the Southern Alps — and experience the thrill of climbing in one of the world’s most inspiring alpine playgrounds.
Other Interested Guided Ascents
Single Cone 2319m
Highest peak of the Remarkables Range.
Day trip | All Year | Beginner
Mt Tyndall 2496m
A perfect 1st summit with stunning views.
2/3 days trip | October to May | Beginner
Mt Barff 2245m
Stunning views of Mt Aspiring and the West Coast from this summit located on the Main Divide.
3 day trip | October to April | Intermediate
Mt Earnslaw 2819m
A great summit to up skill yourself!
3 days trip | October to May | Intermediate
Mt Brewster 2515m
Easy access summit on the edge of the West Coast. Outstanding views of the Tasman sea.
2/3 day trip | October to March | Advanced
The Footstool 2764m
A fast access to the Main Divide after a night at the iconic Sefton Bivi.
2 day trip | October to January | Advanced
Mt Tutoko 2723m
Highest peak of the Darrans mountain range located in Fiordland NP.
3/5 day trip | November to January | Expert
Ascents Week - A Full Week of Alpine Climbing
If you’re dreaming of a week dedicated entirely to climbing — no logistics, no stress, just you, the mountains, and your guide — then our Ascents Week is designed for you. This is the ultimate alpine getaway for climbers who want to focus on what truly matters: climbing great peaks in amazing conditions.
With Ascents Week, you’ll spend a full 6 to 10 days in the Southern Alps with one of our experienced mountain guides. Each day is customized to match your goals, current conditions, and the best opportunities available in the region. Whether you have a tick list of classic routes or just a strong desire to get out and climb, we’ll build the week around your vision.
From technical ascents to remote alpine summits, the focus is on quality experiences and maximizing your time in the mountains. Flexibility is key — we move with the weather, chase the good conditions, and aim for the most rewarding climbs available during your stay. The result? A high-quality, immersive mountaineering experience that goes far beyond just chasing summits.
Bring your ideas — or just your motivation — and we’ll take care of the rest. We handle all planning, logistics, and guiding so you can stay focused, relaxed, and fully present in the adventure. Expect long days, big views, personal growth, and the kind of memories that only come from time spent in real mountains.
Ready to climb more, worry less?
Join us on our Ascents Week and enjoy a full week of alpine freedom, climbing some of New Zealand’s most inspiring peaks — your way.
Technical Alpine Climbs – The Sharp End of New Zealand Mountaineering
Some trips carry a different energy — the kind where even the guide is buzzing with excitement. These are not just climbs; they’re bold alpine missions, where the line between guide and client blurs into a true rope team partnership. If you’re drawn to steep faces, narrow ridges, remote locations, and the full spectrum of snow, ice, and rock — this is where it all comes together.
New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer a collection of world-class technical routes that demand commitment, precision, and a deep love for real alpine climbing. These aren’t your average peak ascents. They are masterpieces of mountaineering, requiring physical endurance, sharp decision-making, and a shared mindset between climber and guide.
These routes often involve long approaches, exposed ridgelines, mixed terrain, and the type of commitment that leaves little room for hesitation. But with that comes unmatched reward — the satisfaction of climbing a proud line in a wild setting, where every move matters and every summit is truly earned.
For some, these climbs are once-in-a-lifetime dreams. For others, they’re a natural progression in their alpine journey. Either way, the allure is undeniable — as intimidating as it is irresistible.
At Summit Explorers, we’re passionate about guiding technical ascents with purpose, care, and camaraderie. We’ll work closely with you to choose the right objective, plan the approach, and climb as a unified team — ready for whatever the mountain throws at us.
Ready to take on the real thing?
Explore our list of technical alpine climbs in the Southern Alps — and let’s climb something truly unforgettable, together.
All Year | Ratio Guide/Client 1:1 max | Advanced to Expert
South Face - Single Cone - 2319m
A great entry level mixed climbing route on the Summit of The Remarkables.
1/2 day trip | July to November | Advanced
North buttress of Sabre Peak
Master peice of climbing in the Darrans, Fiordland. Just a must do!
3/4 day trip | January to April | Expert
Balfour Face - Mount Tasman - 3497m
A steep South Face, a remote location, a snow and ice climb, all of that on the second highest peak of New Zealand… what we are waiting for??
4/5 Day Trip | July to November | Expert
South Face of Mt Aspiring - 3033m
A 700m face, master peace of mixed and ice-climbing…
3 day trip min | July to November | Advanced
Grand Traverse - Aoraki/Mt Cook 3724m
From the Hooker glacier to the Linda glacier via the lower, middle and high summit of Aoraki/Mt cook. What a line!
4 day min | November to January | Expert
Central Buttress - Sheila Face - Aoraki/ Mt Cook - 3724m
A direct line to the highest summit of New Zealand via one of its remote access route, the North Face, aka Sheila Face.
4 day trip min | November to January | Expert
East Face - Mt Walter - 2905m
A hidden gem, temple of ice climbing route located at the head of the Tasman Glacier, 1h approach from Tasman Saddle hut… just saying!
3 day trip min | July to November | Advanced/Expert
Central Gully - South Face of Douglas Peak - 3077m
Easy access from Pioneer Hut, this South Face line is a great way to enter the wolrd of cold, steep and icy mixed climbing!
3 Day Trip | July to December | Advanced
South Face - Mount Hicks - 3216m
Standing high at the head of the Hooker Valley, this face is one of the steeper of the Southern Alps.
3 Day Trip min | September to November | Expert
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.
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