Australian tourist Matthew Varghese (18) stands on a spike on a ridge during a traverse of the Remarkables range during a guided climb earlier this week.
Mr Varghese's guide, Queenstown mountaineer Chris Prudden, said recent fine weather meant the mountain range was particularly busy with walkers, rock climbers and mountaineers from New Zealand and overseas.
"In terms of an alpine place to visit on a one-day basis, it's probably one of the best spots in the country.
"You can climb a really nice peak, get some fantastic views and be back in a bar in the evening.''
The pair's traverse was a round trip of about 8km that began and ended at the Remarkables ski area and included the peaks of Double Cone and Single Cone.
The 10-hour trip required a good level of fitness, basic climbing skills and a "head for heights'', he said.
