In the PM's steps at Mt Cook National Park

by COLIN MOORE

Helen Clark has stamped her imprimatur and her feet on the Ball Pass in Mt Cook National Park as a Prime Ministerial retreat that surely leaves any other way beneath.

The Ball Pass trek run by veteran Tekapo guiding company Alpine Recreation is not beyond the ability of most fit walkers, but it could still be a good way to shake off many an unwelcome official of adviser.

The trek from the Tasman Valley to the Hooker Valley involves using crampons and an iceaxe in places instruction is included but the rewards are magnificent views of Mt Cook, the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers, and Mt Sefton.

Alpine Recreation has its hut superbly sited at the top of Ball Ridge, perched opposite the inspiring Caroline Face of Cook.

The trek costs $650 a person with discounts for group bookings. There is a mininum number of two people on the trek and a maximum of eight, with a guide to client ratio of one to four.

Alpine Recreation also runs climbing courses at Caroline Hut.

Bookings for the 2000/2001 summer season are available from:

Alpine Recreation, Tekapo

Tel: (03) 680 6736

Fax: (03) 680 6765

E-mail: alprec@voyager.co.nz

Web site: www.alpinerecreation.co.nz