The South Island is well known for the spectacular Southern Alps which extend down the centre of the Island from the Nelson Lakes in the North to Fiordland in the South, with many impressive peaks including Mt Cook - the highest in New Zealand at 3754 metres.

Guides can design an appropriate trip ranging from a classic peak climb, to a helicopter drop-off, to a cross-terrain trek based on your previous experience.

There are a number of commercial Guiding Companies particularly in the South Island, in places such as Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Mt Cook, Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland with popular peaks including Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, Mt Aspiring and Mt Tutoko.

In the North Island, most climbing is around the central volcanic plateau with popular peaks being Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. There is also good climbing on Mt Egmont in Taranaki.

New Zealand weather can be changeable, so careful planning is essential. The main climbing season is November to March.