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AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
This isn’t a quick stop-off at an Instagram spot – we put in the hard yards to get there. We travel on foot carrying all of our food and equipment.

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BUILD CONFIDENCE
We can provide the support you need to try things that previously seemed daunting. You’ll gain confidence from the new-found knowledge that you can do it!

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UNIQUE PLACES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
We aim to visit places where few people go – we usually won’t rely on huts or marked tracks.

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BE CHALLENGED
We’ll learn as much as we can about your experience and your ambitions, so that we can gently push you a little further outside your comfort zone, no matter what level you’re at.

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SHARING THE EXPERIENCE
These trips are about discovering new places together, helping each other, and making decisions together.

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LEARN NEW SKILLS
Whether you join us for a guided journey or an instruction trip, you will come away with more skills and knowledge. Journeys can be tailored to include specific things you’d like to learn.

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NOT YOUR TYPICAL HOLIDAY
Sometimes you’ll get wet, sometimes it won’t be comfortable, but our aim is to enjoy these places. It isn’t about suffering – it’s about the enjoyment of being in the mountains.

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TRIPS THAT ARE TAILORED FOR YOU
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GENUINE TRANSALPINE ETHOS – RIVERS, FORESTS, TUSSOCK, AND SNOW
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GENUINE TRANSALPINE ETHOS – RIVERS, FORESTS, TUSSOCK, AND SNOW
FULLY SELF-SUFFICIENT – NO HELICOPTERS
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NEW ZEALAND’S BEST GUIDES AND INSTRUCTORS
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NEW ZEALAND’S BEST GUIDES AND INSTRUCTORS

“Engaging and confidence-inspiring guides, routes off the beaten track, and top notch food – perfect. You can tell the guides have a real passion for this.”

Dave King

“I went on a couple of Rob’s early trips and have to say they were completely brilliant! The level of care and attention to detail put into all aspects of the trip was above expectations and Rob himself is so easy going, knowledgeable and reassuring, you can’t help but have a good time. Epic places, coffee, food, and chats. Definitely recommend and will go on more trips in the future.”

Ellie Doughty

“Rob knows how to plan a spectacular trip that you will remember for a lifetime! He is attentive, patient, and taught me a lot. Definitely would go on a Mountain Journeys trip again!”

Kelly Davenport

“I went on a trip with Mountain Journeys up the Rangitata and over Butler Saddle. Rob and Bia are great guides, juggling all the tasks that ensured everybody had a great (and safe) time. It really was a brilliant, challenging adventure for all of us, yet at the same time stress-free.”

John Roper-Lindsay

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS

We’ve just scheduled more than 12 months of trips! Get 20% off courses and 10% off guided journeys if you sign up and pay by 31 January 2025.

GUIDED JOURNEYS

Instruction Courses

MOUNTAIN CELEBRATIONS

WILDERNESS PROJECT SUPPORT

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Mountain Journeys

1 week ago

Snow camping is a magical experience in the right conditions, but needs careful planning to be enjoyable. It doesn't involve just taking your standard tent to the snow, pitching it normally, and simply taking more warm gear to deal with the cold.First you'll need to choose a site which is safe from avalanches, not too exposed to the wind, and is reasonably flat.Winds can be strong up in the snow, so you'll need to dig out your camp site before pitching your tent and/or make some snow walls around your tent after pitching it. Having a snow shovel is essential for both of these. Once your tent is pitched, digging down further in the vestibule improves your storage space and your ease of entry/exit.You'll need to figure out how to anchor your tent as you can't use standard pegs. Fabric snow/sand anchors, large aluminium snow-specific pegs, or buried snow-filled stuff sacks with cord around them all work well. Don't plan to use your ice axes, shovels, and walking poles as anchors - it renders them unavailable for anything else.A proper four-season tent not only deals with strong winds, it's also easier to seal up to prevent windblown snow getting inside and reduce draughts. The fly should go to ground level (no gap along the bottom edge) and you should be able to cover up all mesh panels on the inner tent. (Some ventilation is still important, but it should be controlled by you, not by unavoidable excessive airflow in a lightweight tent.)If you're in a group you'll need to consider where you'll position your "latrine" - a large hole in the snow where people can get some privacy to use their poo bags (you're not leaving it up there).Many stoves are unsuitable for using directly on the snow, but placing your stove on a small thin piece of plywood (20x30cm) works a charm. Bring a small bowl in which to place your gas canister in warm water - it makes it perform way better in the cold.Want to learn all of these techniques using someone else's expensive gear? Join one of our 3-day Essential Alpine Skills courses - possibly the only introductory course in Aotearoa which includes snow camping. You'll also learn about how to move in the snow, and avalanche risk and rescue techniques.Two instructors, maximum of six participants, and based at a comfortable alpine lodge.Dates for 2025:11-13 July (Women only)25-27 July8-10 August19-21 September ... See MoreSee Less

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Alpine Skills | Mountain Journeys

mountainjourneys.co.nz

Learn how to move through alpine environments safely and comfortably. This course covers essential skills for trampers aiming to cross alpine passes, hunters seeking tahr or chamois anytime other than...

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AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

BUILD CONFIDENCE

UNIQUE PLACES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

BE CHALLENGED

SHARING THE EXPERIENCE

LEARN NEW SKILLS

NOT YOUR TYPICAL HOLIDAY

TRIPS THAT ARE TAILORED FOR YOU

GENUINE TRANSALPINE ETHOS – RIVERS, FORESTS, TUSSOCK, AND SNOW