Aspiring Guides

Aspiring Guides Since 1990, Aspiring Guides has been guiding in the spectacular New Zealand Southern Alps and beyond.

Alpine climbing, skiing, hiking and trekking in New Zealand's Southern Alps.

Black Friday sale on now! Receive 10% off multi- day treks if you book before December 2nd, for the 2025/2026 summer sea...
21/11/2025

Black Friday sale on now! Receive 10% off multi- day treks if you book before December 2nd, for the 2025/2026 summer season!

Journey deep into Tititea / Mt. Aspiring National Park and experience native beech forests, ancient valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. Enjoy cosy backcountry accommodation, certified guides, and freshly prepared meals—everything you need for a seamless, unforgettable escape into the New Zealand wilderness.

To receive 10% off your multi-day trek, simply use code BLACKFRIDAY25 online or mention this ad to us when enquiring.

Check out the link in the bio to book your trip, or send us an email at info@aspiringguides.com

*Applies to multi-day treks during our 2025 & 2026 summer season. Group or private trips available; minimum numbers apply. Discount valid until December 2nd 2025.*

🏔️Congratulations to Will and Olivia on their ascent of Tititea/Mt. Aspiring last week with guides Xander and Rob! Extra...
18/11/2025

🏔️Congratulations to Will and Olivia on their ascent of Tititea/Mt. Aspiring last week with guides Xander and Rob! Extra special day for Olivia, reaching the summit on her birthday!

Looking to make your Ascent of Tititea this summer? Email us to find out more and to check availability at info@aspiringguides.com

Some great shots captured by on last week’s 5 day course at Plateau Hut. Our Mountaineering Skills Courses are official...
14/11/2025

Some great shots captured by on last week’s 5 day course at Plateau Hut. Our Mountaineering Skills Courses are officially off and running for the summer season and course availability is filling:

⛏ November 25th - 29th: FULL
⛏ December 3rd - 7th: FULL
⛏ December 10th - 14th: FULL
⛏ December 15th - 19th: 1 space
⛏ December 27th - 31st: 1 space
⛏ January 3rd - 7th: FULL
⛏ January 14th - 18th: 1 space
⛏ January 19th - 23rd: 1 space
⛏ January 28th - February 1st: 3 spaces
⛏ February 4th - February 8th: 4 spaces
⛏ February 18th - February 22nd: 4 spaces
⛏ March 4th - March 8th: 1 space
⛏ March 13th - March 17th: 4 spaces
⛏ April 2nd - April 6th: 2 spaces
⛏ April 8th - April 12th: 4 spaces

For more details and to book, click the link in bio!

🌞 One of the best things about joining us on a guided multi-day hike is that you get to travel light, while we do the he...
11/11/2025

🌞 One of the best things about joining us on a guided multi-day hike is that you get to travel light, while we do the heavy lifting! Our team pre-stocks the huts with delicious food and goodies, so you can focus on the adventure, not the weight on your back.

Last week, the crew spent two days deep in the Upper Wilkin Valley, restocking Top Forks Hut ahead of a busy summer season. The huts are ready, the sun is shining, and trekking season is officially here!

Keen to join us for a guided multi-day hike? Hit the link in our bio for more details or to book your next adventure!

Congratulations to our guide, Jimmy Armstrong, for successfully completing his ski guide assessments and earning the NZM...
30/10/2025

Congratulations to our guide, Jimmy Armstrong, for successfully completing his ski guide assessments and earning the NZMGA Ski Guide qualification. It's been awesome having Jimmy apart of the team, you will see him next year on our winter trips and courses.

Congratulations to our guides who have recently completed their exams and gained new NZMGA and IFMGA qualifications.We’r...
06/10/2025

Congratulations to our guides who have recently completed their exams and gained new NZMGA and IFMGA qualifications.

We’re incredibly proud of their dedication. These achievements reflect years of training, alpine experience, and a passion for guiding.

1. Callum Grant – IFMGA Mountain Guide

2. Adam Cotterell – NZMGA Ski/Splitboard Guide

3. Bronwen Waters – NZMGA Ski Guide

4: Rob Hofman NZMGA Assistant Ski Guide

5. Ryan Colley – NZMGA Assistant Ski Guide

Over the weekend, Aspiring Guides hosted their first Women’s Backcountry Weekend. Supported by North Face - Australia &...
22/09/2025

Over the weekend, Aspiring Guides hosted their first Women’s Backcountry Weekend. Supported by North Face - Australia & New Zealand & b.effect brewing company, this event was designed to break down barriers to the backcountry by showcasing female role models and creating a supportive environment where you can build confidence, develop new skills, and find a community that lasts well beyond the weekend.

Friday night kicked off with a fun community night with b.effect drinks, a film screening from The North Face, and inspiring stories shared by local female guides.

On Saturday, 35 women were guided into the Treble Cone backcountry. Those who just started their journey of ski touring & splitboarding, learnt the basics, from equipment use to skinning technique and backcountry safety. Our intermediate/advanced groups upskilled to travel through complex terrain, work on movement efficiency, terrain choice, and advanced touring techniques. Everyone got to ski and ride fun new terrain with epic snow.

A huge thank you to The North Face & B.effect for supporting this weekend, our amazing guides; Janina Kuzma, Lydia Bradey, Rose Frouin, Laetitia Campe, Monika Bischof, and Petrouchka Steiner-Grierson, and to everyone who joined us for such a memorable event.

We’re so excited to see this growing community of women who share a passion for exploring the backcountry!

*VENUE CHANGE. Women’s Backcountry Community Night | September 19th 2025 | 6:30pm New Location: Wānaka Community Hub, 34...
16/09/2025

*VENUE CHANGE. Women’s Backcountry Community Night | September 19th 2025 | 6:30pm

New Location: Wānaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street

Aspiring Guides and invite you to our first Women’s Backcountry Community Night in Wānaka.

Join us at Wanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street (please note venue change) from 6:30pm–8:00pm for an evening designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate women in the mountains. The night will feature inspirational guest speakers & , a film screening from The North Face, drinks and nibbles, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded ladies in the area.

This free event is open to the public and is the perfect way to kick off the Aspiring Guides & The North Face Women’s Backcountry Weekend. Come along, bring a friend, and be part of a growing community of women who share a passion for the backcountry.

📅 September 19th, 6:30–8:00pm

📍 Wanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street

💸 Free Event, Limited Capacity (SOLD OUT)

Our intensive 5-day Mountaineering Skills Course includes comprehensive instruction in all facets of mountaineering and ...
16/09/2025

Our intensive 5-day Mountaineering Skills Course includes comprehensive instruction in all facets of mountaineering and alpine climbing. It’s our most popular course, and for good reason.

Starting with the basics of ice axe and crampon techniques as well as glacier travel, we then move onto more complex alpine climbing techniques. An emphasis is placed on mountaineering students learning to become self-sufficient in the alpine environment.

Available Dates:

3-Day Mountaineering Skills Course
October 3rd-5th (4 spaces left)

5 Day Mountaineering Skills Course
October 29th-November 2nd- (2 spaces left)
November 5th-9th- (1 space left)
November 12th-16th- (2 spaces left)
December 15th-19th (1 space left)

Secure your spot:
https://www.aspiringguides.com/trips/5dayintermediatemountaineeringskillscourse

Over the past few days the Mt Cook region received over 70cm of snow. This group had a great time on our glacier ski tou...
09/09/2025

Over the past few days the Mt Cook region received over 70cm of snow. This group had a great time on our glacier ski tour based out of Plateau hut with guides Bron and Adam.

End your season on a high and join a 5-Day Glacier Ski Tour.

Available Dates:
October 3rd-7th- (4 spaces left)
October 8th-12th- (4 spaces left)

Book here: https://www.aspiringguides.com/trips/5dayglacierskitour

Already have a crew of four? Lets work out a date that suits.
Email: info@aspiringguides.com

Women’s Backcountry Community Night | September 19th 2025 | 6:30pmAspiring Guides and The North Face - Australia & New Z...
08/09/2025

Women’s Backcountry Community Night | September 19th 2025 | 6:30pm

Aspiring Guides and The North Face - Australia & New Zealand invite you to our first Women’s Backcountry Community Night in Wānaka.

Join us upstairs at B.Social from 6:30pm–8:00pm for an evening designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate women in the mountains. The night will feature inspirational guest speakers Lydia Bradey & Janina Kuzma, a film screening of Janina’s new film ‘Dear Superhero’ from The North Face, drinks and nibbles, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded ladies in the area.

This free event is open to the public and is the perfect way to kick off the Aspiring Guides & The North Face Women’s Backcountry Weekend. Come along, bring a friend, and be part of a growing community of women who share a passion for the backcountry.

📅 September 19th, 6:00–8:00pm

📍 B.Social Upstairs, Wānaka

💸 Free Event, Limited Capacity
Please RSVP - Link in bio

Aspiring Guides & The North Face Black Peak Basecamp 2025A huge thank you to those who attended and supported Black Peak...
03/09/2025

Aspiring Guides & The North Face
Black Peak Basecamp 2025

A huge thank you to those who attended and supported Black Peak Basecamp over the weekend. .effectbrewing

Although the weather made it impossible for overnight camping at Black Peak, everyone adapted, kept the energy high as we changed plan. Saturday we headed to the backcountry of Treble cone, and Sunday the weather cleared for a heli drop off. Spending the day touring multiple fun zones surrounding End Peak in great conditions.

Thank you to our guides Andrew, Adam and Tom. For sharing their wisdom and knowledge in the backcountry workshops and guiding us into endless powder turns.

Address

58 McDougall Street
Wanaka
9305

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 8am - 7pm

Telephone

+64273010466

Website

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