New Zealand Mountaineering
Written by: adeguia
New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the world’s famous mountaineers, learned to climb in the Southern Alps. He was among the first mountaineers to discover and try the adventure that the mountain range offers.
The New Zealand Mountaineering industry is centered in the Southern Alps in the South Island. These mountains are not high by global standards but what makes them remarkable are the “Roaring Forties”. Southern Alps lie in the path of these wild winds. Moreover, the difficulty to climb these mountains may be well-attributed to the inclement weather, heavily crevassed glaciers, and spires and ridges of shattered rock.
Likewise, the peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park, the Darran Mountains in Fiorland, and at the heads of the Rangitata and Waimakariri rivers also welcome mountaineers who desire to have a thrilling mountain climbing experience.
The weather in New Zealand has always been legendary. Some peaks may be wet with rain while others would be extremely dry. Thus, hopping from one slope to another may give the mountaineer a whole new experience.
Mount Tasman and Mount Cook compete with the imposing nomination of the grand plateau. Mount Tasman looks graceful and white with snow flutings and cornices, while Mount Cook is massive and dark with rock. Mount Tasman is reached via the upper Fox Glacier from the Pioneer Hut. It is approached via Linda Glacier from the Plateau Hut. Another route could be from the west via the Empress Hut. However, the second one is relatively more difficult and involves a two-day approach.
Other mountain ranges in the Southern Alps are also the favorite of some mountaineers. Malte Brun is located opposite Mt. Cook on the east side of the Tasman Glacier. It is beautiful with its long alpine route. Mt. Aspiring is another choice for a wonderful Ice Climbing experience.
New Zealand is a great place for mountaineers. With its numerous mountain slopes of varying features and degrees of difficulty, climbers and adventure seekers will find what they are looking for in the mountains of New Zealand.
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