This mix of regions is home to only a few mountains worthy of first class mountaineering. You have to go to the extreme corners of these already desolate regions, but when you find what you are looking for you won’t be disappointed. Africa has the stunning Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro, both moderate climbs in a fantastic setting. The South Pacific mostly lacks a good climb until you come to New Zealand of course. Antarctica, although rarely visited by non-scientists, has several highly technical peaks that are only starting to be explored.
- Mt. Kilamanjaro, Tanzania
The perfect snow capped cone of Kilimanjaro is receding fast, so climb Africa’s highest peak before it is gone.
- Carstensz Pyramid, Papua New Guinea
The snow covered, 16,024 foot Carstensz Pyramid is the highest peak in Oceania. You can get to the base camp, from where you will have a 12-15 hour ascent, by a 5-7 day trek or a short helicopter ride.
- Mount Vinson, Antarctica
It’s only 16,050 feet above sea level, but Mount Vinson is the highest peak on the entire Antarctic continent. The extreme cold and wind add to the technical element of the climb, making it just as tough as trip to Nepal.
- Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s 14,793 foot Mount Wilhelm is the most popular mountain for climbers in the country, who are welcome to stay in National Parks huts.
- Mount Aspiring, New Zealand
With a name like Mount Aspiring, this 9,950 foot peak was destined to be one of the country’s favorite climbs. Often called the Matterhorn of the south.
- Mount Cook, New Zealand
Mount Cook, also known as Äoraki in Maori, can be ascended via three different routes of varying grades. The 12,316 foot peak is the highest in New Zealand.
- Mount Tutoko, New Zealand
This 8,934 foot mountain sits in New Zealand’s wonderful Fjordland National Park. The granite mountain rises directly out of the ocean and rainforest, allowing for specatacular views from the summit.
- Mount Damavand, Iran
The 18,406 foot summit of Mount Damavand in Iran’s Alborz Range is one of the worlds most mysterious. The peak isn’t overly technical though, making it a good training mountain for higher peaks elsewhere in the world.
- Mt. Kenya
At 17,057 feet, this is Africa’s second highest peak. There are three summits, some easier than others.
- Mount Cameroon, Cameroon
The summit of Africa’s highest active volcano and the highest peak in all of West Africa can be reached in a 3-4 day climb.