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Aspiring Guides

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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.

05/03/2026

This week’s staff spotlight is IFMGA guide Xander Berger!

Xander grew up in Austria and started out as a professional orienteering athlete before discovering his passion for the mountains. After studying biomedical engineering and sport science, a long trip through New Zealand opened the door to a life of mountaineering. Since then, he has climbed all over the European Alps, in Patagonia, Nepal and Peru, and explored remote regions from Colombia to Indonesia. As a guide, Xander loves helping people build confidence enabling them to create safe, memorable adventures in the mountains. When he’s not guiding, you’ll probably find him chasing waves or soaking in hot springs under a sky full of stars.

🏔️⛏️What inspired you to come an IFMGA mountain guide, and what is your favourite part about the job?
Some years back I was travelling through NZ and did a Ball Pass crossing where I met a mountain guide. I talked with him about the job and I thought to myself: “that’s the coolest job in the world, I want to do that!”
So I went back home and dedicated my life to becoming a mountain guide so that today I can be back to live my dream.

My favourite part about the job is meeting interesting, new people on every trip and spending quality time with them in an amazing environment.

02/03/2026

Five ladies, six days and a whole lot of fun!

This group tackled our six day Upper Wilkin + Gillespie Pass Traverse last week and had a blast! Friends, mountains and beautiful views, what’s not to enjoy? 🏔️🌞

16/02/2026

Our first-ever Women’s Rock Climbing Weekend was a hit! 🙌

The stoke was high, new friends were made, new skills were mastered, and the weekend was an all-round great success. A huge thank you to all the amazing ladies who joined us, and to our incredible guides, Frankie and Emily, for quite literally teaching everyone the ropes.

Proudly supported by and .effectbrewing

Missed out? We’re looking to launch a second event — stay tuned! ✨

12/02/2026

Staff Spotlight: Assistant Ski and Climb guide !

Scotty has been working professionally in the mountains both as an alpine/ski guide and an alpine rescue specialist since 2013. During that time, his work has taken him from the national parks of America to the ice fields of Antarctica and the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Scotty is an assistant mountain guide with the NZMGA as well as with the AMGA, and most recently spent the last three years working and living at the foot of Aoraki / Mount Cook. When not found in the high peaks, Scotty likes to spend his time catching waves on the East Coast, going on long trail runs, baking bread, and hosting game nights with friends.

🏔️What inspired you to want to become a mountain guide?

Mountain guiding is something that I stumbled into, ironically. As a kid, I didn’t grow up around alpine mountains, but spent time hunting and fishing with my dad. I was obsessed with cowboys to the point that I wanted to be one and went to the rodeo each year for my birthday for nearly a decade. In 2012, I was fortunate enough to work as a cowboy and wilderness ranger outside Yellowstone National Park, but I quickly realized that horses and trailers weren’t quite as travel-friendly as my skis and climbing gear. With that, I traded in my chaps and spurs for crampons and GORE-TEX. Since that summer, I’ve worked as a ski guide, an alpine guide, and an alpine rescuer on multiple international SAR teams. Throughout all that, I’ve been consistently learning international best practices, improving my proficiency, and honing my craft. It’s been a long journey, but achieving my Assistant Mountain Guide certificate with the NZMGA was a big accomplishment. Now, I’ve got my sights set on continuing to learn about New Zealand’s Southern Alps as part of Aspiring Guides’ team and passing my final Climb and Ski exams.

11/02/2026

🧗GIVEAWAY ALERT

Whether you want to upskill or simply sample some classic Wanaka multi-pitches, Aspiring Guides knows some of the best rock climbing routes in the region.

That’s why we’re giving away a Private Guided Rock Climbing Day Trip to one lucky winner and three of their mates - including guide, transportation, gear and lunch!

Are you in? Here’s how to enter:
➡️ Follow .guides
➡️ Tag a mate in the comments below
➡️ Share this post to your Story for an extra entry

We’ll draw the winner on February 25th 2026 - keep an eye on your inbox!

The T&Cs: No purchase necessary. Winner will be randomly selected using a random number generator. Draw will be on February 25, 2026 and the winner will be contacted via DM and then email. Prize is non-negotiable, non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative available. Date and time of private rock climbing day trip is subject to availability, weather and general T&Cs and expires at the end of 2026. Day trip will leave from Wanaka and take place in the surrounding area. Aspiring Guides is not responsible for guests’ travel to and from Wanaka. Giveaway is not associated with Instagram.

Good luck out there people!

**Scam accounts** Please be aware of scam accounts circulating on Instagram. You will never be asked to follow any links by Aspiring Guides for this giveaway. Please block any bot accounts that follow you claiming to be .guides. Aspiring Guides only has one official account.

23/01/2026

🧗✨Join us for our first-ever women’s rock climbing weekend. Led by our experienced female guides, this weekend is all about building confidence, learning new skills, and connecting with like-minded women in a supportive environment. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or ready to take the next step, come along to this weekend! Proudly supported by & .effectbrewing
🔗 Space is limited, so make sure to check out the link in the bio to secure your spot today!

23/01/2026

Congratulations to the Brick family on their summit of Tititea/Mt Aspiring! What a great achievement to be able to celebrate as a family. ✨

19/01/2026

⛏️ 7 Day Advanced Mountaineering Skills Course. Guide was joined by Kel and Luke last week up on the Tasman Glacier for a week of mountain skills training. This course offers a great opportunity to build upon your existing skills, and gain confidence in advanced techniques such as glacier travel, crevasse reduce and more!

There is still time to book your course for this summer. 🔗 Head to the link in the bio for more information or to book your trip.

11/01/2026

Staff Spotlight: With the New Year in full swing, we’re excited to have in the staff spotlight this week! Forrest is new the to Aspiring Guides this summer and has been a great asset to the team.

Forrest has been working professionally in the mountains since 2012 as a guide, alpine rescue specialist and ski patroller. Growing up near the mountains, Forrest fell in love with climbing and skiing at an early age and became a guide to help people develop their skills in the backcountry and enjoy experiences the mountains have to offer. He currently splits his time between the Southern Alps of Aotearoa / New Zealand and the north west mountains of the United States. Forrest is a NZMGA and AMGA Ski Guide and Assistant Climb Guide.

🧗What is your favourite rock climbing route in New Zealand and why?

My favorite route is probably the North ridge of Mt Moir. It’s home to some sound granite, aesthetic positioning and thoughtful problem solving. Even though you’re near the roadway, you feel quite remote. Adding in a bivy creates a super fun outing and allows you to make the most of your time up there. Once you’re up high, you’ll see many more future outings that will keep drawing you back for more!

09/01/2026

Happy New Year from all of us at Aspiring Guides! 🎉
It’s been a busy few weeks for the team over the holiday season with mountaineering skills courses, private guided ascents and multi-day treks!

Here are some highlights from ’s mountaineering trip with client Chris.
📍The Remarkables, NW Ridge of Tititea/Mt Aspiring & Rolling Pin!

17/12/2025

Staff Spotlight: Andrea Bruni 🇮🇹
Originally from the Dolomites, in the eastern Alps, Andrea grew up skiing and climbing but has spent most of the last 6 years living and working in New Zealand. Andrea studied Forestry and Environmental Sciences and certified as an IFMGA Guide in 2009. He has an impressive list of travels and expeditions including Australia, Alaska, Patagonia, Chile, Madagascar, Cuba. Andrea is a popular guide and instructor, with a calm, confident and methodical approach. Most importantly he is known for his great cooking (after all, “I’m Italian”). He’s an absolute frother for rock climbing.

🏔️What is your favourite region to climb in New Zealand and why?

My favorite area for mountaineering is the West Coast. The view of the sea from the huts or from one of the summits along the main divide is really an unique and spectacular experience.The option for climbing are many and varied in style with some good alpine rock as well.Unfortunately the weather is very tricky and problematic. This factor associated with very challenging walking access limit the time we can go there.

16/12/2025

Climbing Tititea/Mt Aspiring never gets old. This iconic peak is a favourite among mountaineers, whether you’re a novice or highly experience.The routes are plenty and the views unmatched!

📷:

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

http://www.aspiringguides.com/

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