Ball Pass Trek
Ball Pass is a demanding 3 day trek which crosses the Mount Cook Range from the Tasman to the Hooker Valley. The route allows close views of New Zealand's highest mountains and most spectacular alpine scenery and follows the Ball Ridge, vis a vis the Caroline Face of Mount Cook, overlooking the Tasman Glacier. Guided walkers spend two nights at the fully furbished Caroline Hut at 1830m/6000ft.
The Ball Pass Trek is a good alternative to the Copland Pass Track which is now only accessible to experienced mountaineers
FITNESS: A high level of fitness is required. For experienced hikers or trekkers only.
GROUP SIZE: Minimum 2 participants, maximum 8 participants; 4 participants per guide.
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| Group Sizes |
2 to 8 people
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| Durations |
3 days
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| Required Skill Level |
Experienced
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| Required Equipment |
Included
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| Targeted Activities |
Hiking, Mountaineering |
| Our Certificatons |
Company Director, Gotllieb Braun-Elwert, is UIAGM certified and has been guiding for 34 years. His company has been operating since 1981. For supporting guides see our website. |
Group Types |
Private |
Groups |
Kids/Youth |
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Elderly |
Workshops/Seminars |
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Mountain Skills & Disciplines |
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Hiking |
Mountaineering |
Canyoneering |
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Backpacking |
High Altitude |
Caving |
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Camping |
Traversing |
Coasteering |
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Rock Climbing |
Aid Climbing |
Big Walling |
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Ice Climbing |
Free Climbing |
Ropes & Knots |
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Bouldering |
Solo Climbing |
Belaying |
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Indoor Climbing |
Lead Climbing |
Rappeling |
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Traditional Climbing |
Top Roping |
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Avalanche Awareness |
Outdoor Survival |
First Aid |
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Environmental Awareness |
Navigation |
Search & Rescue |
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| Day 1 |
Day 1: After an equipment check with Alpine Recreation in Lake Tekapo you travel to Mount Cook Village (about 1 hour), transfer to 4WD vehicle for old Ball Hut Road (about 45 minutes) then commence walking. From the Tasman Glacier you climb 850m/2800ft up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Mts Cook and Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The hut is fully stocked with food, firewood, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils so packs will be relatively light, but some fresh items of food need to be carried, e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat. 6 hours trekking.
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| Day 2 |
Day 2: Receive instruction and practice using crampons and ice-axe while climbing one of the peaks adjacent to Ball Pass: Pukaki Peak 2222m/7290ft or Turner Peak 2341m/7680ft. Dramatic views of the South Ridge of Mount Cook. 6 hours return.
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| Day 3 |
Day 3: Cross Ball Pass, 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Mount Cook, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The descent from Ball Pass is very steep and snow conditions may require the use of crampons (no previous experience required). The terrain is rugged and untracked and you rely on your professional mountain guide to find a safe route around gorges and bluffs down to the East Hooker Valley. Following old moraine terraces you meander through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the National Park and return to Mount Cook Village. (8-12 hours). Return travel to Lake Tekapo.
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| Meals |
All Inclusive
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| Local Transport |
Included
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| Insurance |
Not Included
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| Additional |
Caroline Hut is a privately owned mountain hut for the exclusive use of our guided parties. It is the only guide/operator-owned mountain hut in the Mount Cook National Park. The hut affords a commanding view of the entire length of the Tasman Glacier and of New Zealand''''s highest peaks. The hut can be heated.
The Ball Pass Trek is a Qualmark endorsed activitiy. |
| Nearby Attractions |
Lake Tekapo |
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Basics & Backgrounds
in Dutch
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