Discovering Aoraki with Doug
Further adventure awaits, as propositions turn to plans, and perpetual dreams become reality
Doug Beech, Minaret Station’s General Manager of Operations, shares one of his personal favourite Minaret Station Experiences, Aoraki/Mount Cook. At the heart of the South Island this incredible mountain named “cloud piercer” captivates and humbles all who visit.
Doug developed a connection to the mountains and a desire for exploration from a very young age. Despite growing up in the North Island, Doug’s parents were keen mountaineers and trips to the South Island were a regular occurrence for his family. His parents would host “slideshow nights” where they would share stories and showcase different mountain objectives to Doug and his siblings.
The deep dedication from his parents and the adventures they shared together ignited a sense of curiosity in Doug. Aoraki/Mount Cook specifically holds a very special place. It was on Doug’s first trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook at the age of 19 when he visited Tasman Saddle Hut, where his understanding of adventure and the rugged mountain environments truly blossomed and brought to life his own passion for exploration. These foundational characteristics have driven Doug’s joy for educating his family and Minaret Station guests about the outdoors and helping to facilitate their own connection to the wilderness.
The Aoraki/Mount Cook experience
Minaret Station’s Aoraki/Mount Cook Experience takes guests via helicopter to this awe-inspiring location. Breathtakingly nestled in the shadow of New Zealand’s highest mountain is our longest glacier, Tasman Glacier. Following the incredible flight north, guests land amongst the crevasses to explore the seracs, icefall, and renowned caves of ancient blue ice by foot. View the unique textures of the landscapes and breathe in the crisp high-alpine air.
This region grants guests the rare opportunity not only to encounter this glacial country up close but to see the entire lifecycle of ice – from its source at the summits of the alps to the moraines and waterfalls at the snout of the glacier and the rivers where the water finally reaches the ocean. Doug explains,
“Most people have never been in this type of wild environment. This trip is special because you’re out there doing it alongside experts. With crampons or snowshoes on your feet, you’re physically exploring this grand environment. It doesn’t matter who you are. Every time you visit, it verifies and humbles our place in life.”
“We share with guests the profound history and importance that Aoraki holds to Ngāi Tahu as a tapu, or sacred mountain, as well as the rich history of the early pioneers of mountaineering within New Zealand. From the historical huts we might visit, to the changing landscape we navigate, this experience often feels like walking into the past”
The grandeur of Aoraki/Mount Cook is spiritual for many. Being intentional about removing oneself from the day-to-day and creating a moment of pause can help unlock new potential. Especially in today’s world, immersing oneself in nature helps to heal and provide a deeper understanding of what is truly important.