Wondering when should I hire a guide? Learn the right time to use a certified mountain guide for safety, skills, and bigger alpine goals.
Based in Wanaka, in the heart of the Southern Alps, Peak Experience offers guided mountaineering, ski touring, and alpine courses across Mount Aspiring National Park, Aoraki Mt Cook, Westland and locally in the Wanaka and Queenstown regions,.
The mountains don’t reward shortcuts — and neither do we.
Peak Experience was built on one principle: that real mountain guiding means putting safety, skill, and honest communication ahead of everything else. We’re IFMGA-qualified guides based in Wanaka, which means we’ve met the highest international standard for mountain guiding — the same certification recognised from Chamonix to Kathmandu.
We keep our groups small and our planning thorough. Every trip is led by guides who live and work in the Southern Alps year-round — climbing Mt Aspiring, skiing the Remarkables, teaching avalanche courses at Treble Cone, and guiding on Aoraki Mt Cook through every season. That local knowledge is something you can’t get from a textbook.
Whether you’re here for your first alpine skills course or returning for a Himalayan expedition, we’ll talk to you directly, help you set the right objective, and give you an honest assessment of what’s involved. No upselling, no filler — just professional mountain guiding from people who genuinely love what they do.
When it comes to the mountains, Peak Experience guides are the ultimate experts.
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Posted on Google Balazs MoldovanyiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Worked with many mountain guides all the world and Forrest from Peak Experience was one of the very best. He made climbing Mount Aspiring safe, rewarding, enjoyable yet challenging. Always the right hints and nudges on what and how to do, always perfect technique when short roping, belaying or abseiling. Mount Aspiring is a breathtakingly beautiful mountain and Peak Experience is the right choice to go with!
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Forrest made your climb of Mount Aspiring both safe and enjoyable. It's fantastic to know his guidance and expertise left such a positive impression.Posted on Google Michael DobbieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic trip to Mount Aspiring. Dave and Forrest were great guides, professional, relaxed and patient. The weather window we had was small and the guys timed our activities to perfection. Physically hard trip, and a few days recovery in Wanaka was very welcome.
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled Dave and Forrest made your trip enjoyable and well-timed despite the challenges. Your feedback highlights their dedication, and we're glad you took some well-deserved recovery time in Wanaka.Posted on Google Nicholas JacksonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing trip up Mt Aspiring with Peak Experience. Dave and Forest did a fantastic job as guides. It’s the most spectacular mountain I’ve been fortunate enough to climb and definitely a trip I won’t forget.
Owner's reply
Thanks Nick. Super stoked on your summit and your experience with Dave and ForrestPosted on Google Mary LarkinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a terrific experience with Mal whose depth of experience in the mountains and in life made for a very special adventure
Owner's reply
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear Mal made your adventure so special with his expertise and knowledge.Posted on Google Alex LewisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing day in the Treble Cone backcountry with Tim on sunday. We learnt heaps about skinning, picking lines, avalanche safety and skied some great snow. Tim was a fantastic and patient teacher who pitched the day at the perfect level for us
Owner's reply
Glad you had a great day out AlexPosted on Google Riley SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome four days with Mal on an ASC2 course. Learnt a lot and managed to get some good skiing in too - thanks heaps!
Owner's reply
Thanks Riley. Definitely great to have you out learning about avalanche conditions ❤️❄️❤️⛷️