Hiking Aotearoa

Welcome to Base Camp Mt Cook - Aoraki 2027. We are excited to announce our 10th anniversary of the annual extended multi-day Base Camp trip to the South Island, organized through Meetup. To commemorate this milestone, we have planned a special nine-day journey, featuring hikes and climbs in the Mt Cook region. This area holds significance as the site of our inaugural South Island Base Camp trips in 2018 and 2019.

The first event spanned just five days and included only 13 participants, with hikes that were less ambitious, yet enticing enough to encourage return visits. If the weather cooperates, this trip promises to be truly breathtaking. From January 23rd to January 31st, 2027, we will embark on hikes in and around Mt Cook on the South Island. Our itinerary includes flying into Christchurch, followed by driving two rental vans for approximately four hours southwest to Mt Cook village, where we will establish our base for hiking and climbing in the region.

Throughout most of our time there, the group will be divided, except on Days 1, 4, and 9. For those seeking more challenging multi-day hikes, there is an option to undertake a two-day trek over Ball Pass, followed by a three-day climbing expedition on the Upper Tasman Glacier, which will involve helicopter transport to and from the Tasman Saddle hut. If you are looking for an experience that offers a 'Wow factor,' then this is the event for you!

Group 2 will have slightly less demanding options, yet still feature remarkable hikes, including an overnight stay at the renowned Mueller Hut, which overlooks Mt Cook and Mt Sefton. Additionally, there is a three-day multi-day trek in the Two Thumbs range, which provides views of the Tussock land with the surreal sky blue Lake Tekapo beyond. On Day 4, both groups will come together to ascend Sefton Bivy and Hooker Hut for more stunning views.

Given the unpredictable weather conditions in the Mt Cook region, we have developed a contingency plan to substitute multi-day excursions, which will occur in the Two Thumbs Range close to Tekapo. To wrap up our adventures, similar to previous years, we will organize a 'Farewell Dinner' on our last evening. It is anticipated that a projector will be utilized to display photographs that commemorate and celebrate the 10 years of Base Camp events in the South island.

It is essential to thoughtfully evaluate the participants for this event, as ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and convenience of all attendees is paramount. We seek individuals who are physically fit, collaborative, experienced, considerate of others, and require minimal supervision. Participants who frequently attend Hiking Aotearoa events will be given priority over those who participate infrequently. While you may add your name to the waiting list for potential consideration, please note that there is no assurance of being moved to the 'going list,' even if you are at the top of the waiting list. Additional details are still being finalized, and further information will be provided soon.