Wanaka based alpine guiding company, Adventure Consultants, is recognised as a world leader in high altitude mountaineering, mountain guiding and trekking expeditions under the direction of renowned New Zealand mountaineer, Guy Cotter.

Guy, who is an International Federation of Mountain Guides Association mountain and ski guide launched the company in 1992.

“Whether it’s the ultimate mountaineering adventure to Mt Everest, a grand slam of seven summits, reaching both the North and South Poles or a trip to Africa to trek Kilimanjaro, the company has created an extensive platform of expertise to achieve it,” says general manager, Suze Kelly.

“We have a team of 16 people working with us here in Wanaka along with permanent staff in our Chamonix and Kathmandu based operations. It’s an extensive network of highly specialised crew and the company has operated hundreds of expeditions and treks since its inception. On average we complete up to 40 trips per year.”

Suze says Adventure Consultants caters to a broad range of experience and not everyone has to be an expert to complete the journey.

“If you can walk, you can trek and climb. Trekking and climbing at high altitude requires an adventurous attitude and a commitment to getting fit – the most important thing is training and preparation.”

“While the high-altitude climbing expeditions are for experienced mountaineers, we have programmes to take beginner climbers through a progression to become experienced and many of our clients are on a training progression to be able to attempt big objectives such as an 8000m peak or even Mt Everest.”

The company has a reputation for operating safe and successful, well resourced and well planned expeditions with fun, supportive groups and inspirational leadership.

Suze says New Zealanders are choosing to take more expedition style trips with Nepal, South America and Africa topping the list.

“We have groups of friends, families and solos booking our trips 12 months out and then getting into their training. Treks to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya, Aconcagua and the Tour du Mont Blanc are very popular. Our Antarctic Peninsula active expeditions take you to another world, along with the trips to the South Pole and climbing Elbrus in Russia.”