History

The first recorded ascent was on 23 November 1909 by Major Bernard Head and guides Jack Clarke and Alec Graham. Head's party climbed to the summit ridge by the west face from the Bonar Glacier.

  • 1857: Mount Aspiring is first sighted by Europeans.
  • 1909: Mount Aspiring is first scaled.
  • 1964: Mount Aspiring National Park is established.
  • 2005: Landsborough Station is added to the park.
  • 2006: Milford Sound tunnel proposal is submitted.
  • 2009: Mining proposal is submitted.

Photo Credit: Hockney Collections – Uare Taoka O Hakena, University of Otago

First Accent of Mount Aspiring

Routes

  • North West Ridge (2+). This is the most popular route, it starts from Colin Todd Hut, and ascends the North West Ridge of the mountain. The route is mostly snow and ice, and requires some technical climbing skills. See on Fatmap
  • South West Ridge (3). This is a more challenging route, and is considered to be one of the classic alpine climbs in New Zealand. The route starts from French Ridge Hut, and ascends the South West Ridge of the mountain. The route requires advanced technical climbing skills. See on Fatmap
Mt Aspiring North West Ridge climbing routes

Planning

The best time to climb Mount Aspiring is during the New Zealand summer, from October to April. However, the mountain can be climbed year-round, if conditions are favorable.