After an 8am gear check at Eidelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place, Lake Tekapo, travel to Mount Cook Village (about 1 hour), transfer to 4WD vehicle for the old Ball Hut Road (about 45 minutes) then commence walking. From the Tasman Glacier you climb 850m/2800ft up the Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut at 1800m/6000ft, perched right opposite the awe-inspiring Caroline Face of Mount Cook. The panorama includes Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, all the mountains adjoining the Tasman Glacier, and Lake Pukaki. The hut is fully stocked with food, firewood, sleeping bags, cooking and eating utensils, but some fresh items of food need to be carried, e.g. bread, fruit, vegetables, meat.
The privately owned Caroline Hut sits in a stunning location high on the Ball Ridge and directly opposite the Caroline Face of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook. Experience superb mountain views from the comfort of this well-equipped hut. A wood-fired stove, gas, and solar lighting ensure that your stay there will be warm and dry, while superb scenic views can be enjoyed from the privacy of the rustic toilet.
Learn basic mountaineering techniques. Climb Kaitiaki Peak (2222m/7290ft) south of Ball Pass and take in the dramatic views of the South Ridge of Aoraki. Maybe explore a crevasse on the Ball Glacier. Back at Caroline Hut take time to watch the sun set on Mt Tasman and the ice avalanches thunder down the Caroline Face.
Experience a second night high in the New Zealand Southern Alps in the superbly located and well-equipped Caroline Hut.
Cross Ball Pass at 2130m/7000ft. Now the view opens to the South Face of Aoraki, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, Mount Sefton and the Copland Pass. The descent from Ball Pass is very steep and snow conditions may require the use of crampons. If snow conditions are icy a fixed rope will be installed for your safety. The terrain is rugged and untracked and you rely on your professional mountain guide to find a safe route around gorges and bluffs down to the East Hooker Valley. Following old moraine terraces you meander through some of the lushest vegetation to be found in the national park and return to Mount Cook Village. Return travel to Lake Tekapo.
