Video of a solo ascent of Aoraki Mount Cook - 2017

What is it like to be on the summit of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook?

Click on the word video to see this amazing solo climb by Greg Duley  of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain just a few weeks back. 
When I was much younger, I climbed Aoraki three times. The first in 1968 by the Linda route, then on Christmas Day 1971 I did the east ridge with Chris Timms, descending into the Hooker valley. Then in 1973 I did a guided ascent with 64 year old client Vern Leader, and fellow guide Aat Vervoorn. Some photographs of various climbs of Aoraki. 
All photographs by Bob McKerrow

                           An aerial shot of Aoraki Mount Cook taken in 2016

                                          Just approaching the summit of Aoraki. 1973

                                                              On the summit ice-cap

Aat Vervoorn (l) with 64 year old Vern Leader on a Grand Traverse of Aoraki Mount Cook.

                                                 East Face of Aoraki Mount Cook

                           Aoraki Mount Cook from the west. Taken from Hokitika.

On the East Ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook with Chris Timms on Christmas day, 1971.

Aoraki Mount Cook visit yesterday

Yesterday, 27 December, I left Tekapo at 5.50 am for a trip to Aoraki Mt. Cook, home to the highest peaks in New Zealand. I worked  for the Natiuonal Park in 1971-73 as a mountaineer-general where I had mountain rescue, guiding and general conservation work. The best years of my life. In the winter, there were 350 women working in the tourist trade and only 90 men. But it was the mountains that called me back and back again since i foirst climbed here in 1966..

My first view of Aoraki Mount Cook looking across Lake Pukaki. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Trees, lake and mountains as I drive closer. Photo: Bob McKerrow

A reak delight to see the NZ Alpine Club. Photo: Bob McKerrow

One of the old cottages at the Hermitage and Mt. Sefton (l) and Footstoll (r). photo: Bob McKerrow

A statue of Sir Edmund Hillary who learnt to climb on ice and snow at Mount Cook and started climbing with Harry Ayres. Photo: Bob McKerrow

A close-up of the summits of Aoraki Mt. Cook. The east ridge is on the right skyline an ascent I did with Chris Timms in Dec 1971 Photo: Bob McKerrow

The south face of Aoraki Mount Cook and to the left of the south face is the Hillary Ridge. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Compare the above photos to the one I took in the winter of 1972 . Photo: Bob McKerrow