Cheryl Cottine
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
5.0/5
I did the Ball Pass crossing, and this trip is as good as it sounds!
Alpine Recreation was a pleasure to work with from arranging dates all the way through to the end of the trip. Everyone I communicated with in the office leading up to the trip was helpful, as was all the information they shared. Anna, my guide, was excellent. Her passion for and knowledge of the mountains was evident throughout, and her ability to read the weather and the terrain, appreciated. We ended up doing the crossing on the second day due to an incoming weather system, and as a result we had unbelievably good conditions, with breathtaking views from the pass and on the descent. Staying at Caroline Hut was lovely and the meals provided were excellent. Since we did the crossing a day early, we had a third day for other activities. We talked over various options and settled on doing some rock climbing in the Mt. Cook area and navigation practice on an orienteering course in Lake Tekapo. I very much appreciated the opportunity to practice some skills under the watchful eye of my guide, as well as her willingness to tailor the experience to my interests. I would highly recommend this company to anyone who is keen to do the crossing. I will certainly book with them again for future outings!
Thank you, Cheryl, for taking the time to share your experience of a Ball Pass Crossing with others who are keen on mountain hiking. We're really pleased you found the time worthwhile, despite the bad weather forecast for Mt Cook on the third day. Anna, your guide, certainly made sure the time was well utilised with teaching you new skills.
Anne
Alpine Recreation