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Superb advice there from Josh. Follow it to the letter. If anything could be added its "be very careful with all rivers, don't go into anything that is discoloured even in a vehicle" and know your own limitations as they'll kill you slower but just as dead as a fall.
Clean any/all oil from the inside of your bolt.
When you get to the point you only have sky above take a seat and glass down, climb then climb some more.:thumbsup::D
About camping on snow (in the open like Mt Cook area) GooseBay's advice above is very good.
I'd add: take plenty of fuel as you could be melting all water.
Use two sleeping insulation eg closed cell foam plus thermarest.
Keep your feet dry as much as possible.
Avoid camping in avalanche runout areas.