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.

Staff Spotlight: Andrea Bruni 🇮🇹Originally from the Dolomites, in the eastern Alps, Andrea grew up skiing and climbing b...
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.

Climbing Tititea/Mt Aspiring never gets old. This iconic peak is a favourite among mountaineers, whether you’re a novice...
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!

📷:

We’re thrilled to launch our Staff Spotlight Series, where we celebrate the amazing and unique team who make Aspiring Gu...
11/12/2025

We’re thrilled to launch our Staff Spotlight Series, where we celebrate the amazing and unique team who make Aspiring Guides what it is. Kicking things off is the incredible Emily Warne!

Emily grew up exploring the bush and mountains of Aotearoa’s north island. Now she lives in Lake Hawea with her partner Frankie and is happiest when her spare time is filled with adventures in the mountains—tramping, rock climbing, skiing or biking, and finishing. She also enjoys creating delicious food and drinking a glass of pinot! Emily guides many of our day- and multi-day hikes, as well as rock climbing trips, with unstoppable energy and a bright smile. 

🥾What is your favourite multi day hike in New Zealand and why? 
The Routeburn to lake unknown, down to park pass and past lake nerine to north col, then across the serpentine range to lake wilson and out through the valley of the trolls. Spectacular country with lots of rock scrambling and ridge travel. Outrageous views!

🌞 One of the highlights of an alpine start is watching the fiery alpenglow light up the mountains. 📸:
07/12/2025

🌞 One of the highlights of an alpine start is watching the fiery alpenglow light up the mountains.

📸:

Congratulations to John and Graham of their double summit of Mt. Aylmer and Mt. Abel on their trip with Scotty and Andre...
27/11/2025

Congratulations to John and Graham of their double summit of Mt. Aylmer and Mt. Abel on their trip with Scotty and Andrea earlier this month. Beautiful weather and great climbing conditions made for a busy and memorable trip in the mountains!

We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Thomas Vialletet and his client on Aoraki. Thomas was a fantastic p...
26/11/2025

We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Thomas Vialletet and his client on Aoraki. Thomas was a fantastic person, a dedicated and highly respected IFMGA guide. Our thoughts are with his whānau, friends, and all who knew him.

Please consider supporting his family during this difficult time, with a donation to the Givealittle page that has been set up. You can donate here or via the link in the bio: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/emergency-support-for-thomas-wife-and-young.

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

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Aspiring Guides posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Aspiring Guides:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram