“High Peak Challenge”, Penny Webster
The Mountaineers Who Aspired to Climb Aotearoa’s Highest Peaks
Penny Webster
Foreword by Lydia Bradey
Published by Mary Egan Publishing
Premium large-format hardback | 17 February 2027
328 pages | RRP$80 | 978-1-991436-12-2
High Peak Challenge follows a small group of mountaineers drawn to one of New Zealand’s most demanding mountaineering objectives. Its definition has shifted with maps and measurement. Today, the challenge means climbing all 24 peaks above 3000 metres.
Set in the heart of Aotearoa’s Southern Alps, where Aoraki/Mount Cook rises highest, this work of creative nonfiction tells the story of the people who have pursued the challenge over decades. From its beginnings in the 1950s to the present day, the narrative captures the climbing techniques, equipment and attitudes of each era, and the realities of a climbing day – sometimes routine, sometimes epic.
While some mountaineers seek speed or records, for most the challenge becomes a lifelong relationship with the high peaks, demanding huge patience and commitment. Blending history, biography and reflective essays, High Peak Challenge is written for mountaineers and general readers alike.
At its heart, the book speaks to anyone who has taken on a difficult goal. It asks a question with no easy answer: why do some people feel compelled to keep going higher – and what do they carry back when the challenge is finally behind them?
About the Author
Penny Webster is a New Zealand athlete, thru-hiker and mountaineer whose writing explores the history of climbing at Aoraki/Mount Cook, particularly those who have climbed—or are working towards climbing—all of its 3000-metre peaks. Drawing on personal experience, investigative journalism and extensive research, she brings this rich history to life in a compelling narrative.
High Peak Challenge is Penny’s first book. She is currently studying towards a Master of Writing at the University of Canterbury and lives in Christchurch. Whenever time allows, she heads to the West Coast for transalpine adventures or embarks on overseas thru-hikes lasting from several weeks to several months.
Step inside the book
Explore a selection of pages from this 328-page hardback, bringing the people and history of the High Peak Challenge into view.
Click on an image below to take a closer look.
Be among the first to own High Peak Challenge
The book is at the printer, and you can reserve a signed copy directly from author Penny Webster, for yourself or as a gift, with dispatch before Christmas 2026.
Email pennyawebster@gmail.com with your name, postal address and the number of copies you’d like. If you’d like a personalised dedication on the signed bookplate, please include who each copy should be made out to.
There’s nothing to pay now. Penny will be in touch with the total cost, including postage, and payment details. Your signed book will be dispatched once it’s ready and payment has been received.
High Peak Challenge will be available through bookshops nationwide from 17 February 2027.