Standing at 2,319m The Remarkables mountain range has an imposing presence in the Queenstown area. It is one of the few mountain ranges in the world that is orientated directly north – south and in doing so acts as a compass, both physically (and perhaps metaphorically) for those living below. It is a privilege to live at the base of this mountain range as it tempts me daily to access its alpine heights either to ski, climb, walk or photograph.

And so it was, that I recently found myself rising at 5 o’clock in the morning to climb to its highest point, Single Cone, in order to access the most expansive views in the Queenstown area.

Ascending Single Cone is not for the timid but, if a challenging workout, a psychological head game and an adventure is what you are seeking then this might be for you.

Starting at the Remarkables Ski Field car park you have already gained approximately 1600 metres, from here it is a comparatively gentle walk up the ski field. These slopes eventually give way to steep schist scrambles (covered in snow during winter) and then vertical drop offs that get the heart pulsing and hands sweating as you pass by, just metres away.

Some rope work and specialist gear is required to negotiate the trickier sections and it is for this reason that I recommend hiring the services of a local guide, at any time of the year.

Once on the summit the journey is only half completed, but the effort so far is rewarded with the feeling of being omnipresent.

Surveying the land from your lofty position; gatherings of shrunken houses dot the landscape, fenced paddocks create a mismatched patchwork carpet, while neighbouring mountains (previously ominous) pale in significance, as you stand tall above them. The only sound is your breathing; this calms, peace descends; silence envelops; and it is you … and only you.

After absorbing the view and a few photos commemorate the experience, a nibble on a muesli bar and a hot thermos of tea to replenish the energy, it is time to prepare for the descent back into the earthly realms below.

If climbing Single Cone is something you would like to achieve there are specialist companies in Queenstown that can provide you with a safe, friendly and personal guided experience. Just pop into a local booking agent or visit the following websites: Independent Mountain Guides and Climbing Queenstown.