There is a daily radio check-in and weather update to all the alpine huts in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. This is at 4:45 pm. There are instructions in the hut that explain how the radio update is done.
Fees
$20 ($10 New Zealand Alpine Club members, free for Canterbury Mountain Club members).
Pay at Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre.
Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.
The route to Empress Hut is highly technical and only suitable for very experienced mountaineers.
The approach and conditions change constantly through the year, depending on the snowpack. There are multiple hazards.
Mountaineering routes to/from Empress Hut are included in Aoraki Tai Poutini: A guide for mountaineers by Rob Frost. It is available for sale at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre or on the New Zealand Alpine Club website.
There is also information available on ClimbNZ about the Hooker Glacier area.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BX15
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1367622, N5169076
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 435 1186 |
| mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |