The CMC Mountaineer of the Year award recognises significant contributions to the development of mountaineering in New Zealand and overseas.

The criteria are:
* The Mountaineer of the Year is awarded to an individual or team for significant ascent(s).
* The candidate(s) must have a tangible link to Canterbury either through ascents in Canterbury, or as a Cantabrian climbing in wider New Zealand or overseas.
* The recipient does not need to be a member of the CMC.
* Judging is weighted towards climbs made in the preceding year, but may take into account other recent climbs.

The CMC Mahi Aroha award recognises significant contributions to the club outside of climbing. It is named Mahi Aroha, a term that most closely translates to the concept of voluntary work. Mahi Aroha is the unpaid activity performed out of sympathy and caring for others in accordance with the principles of tikanga to maintain mana and rangatiratanga, rather than for financial or personal reward.

This award is only open to club members and aims to recognise those whose efforts, often over a number of years, make the club a home to its members in and out of the hills. The significance of these contributions are such that it is not awarded annually, but as and when a suitable nomination has been received. The recipient is awarded a piece of our history a trophy made from the old Lyell hut until the next club member is recognised.