Hiking in New Zealand's Spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park

Wild Walks guides small groups of discerning clients on the wildest back country trekking and hiking in New Zealand. We operate primarily in Mount Aspiring National Park out of Wanaka or Queenstown. We are professional mountain guides not tour operators. We take you, not on the great walks, but the best walks.

No crowded huts and we rarely see other parties. We stay at pre-placed camp sites which means you only carry a light pack. All you need is appropriate clothing, a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots and a spirit of adventure. You will welcome the comfort of our fantastic home away from home. Our astonishing food is only outdone by the mountain scenery.

Here is an overview of of our Gillespie / Rabbit Pass Traverse

Minimum : 2 people
Maximum : 5 people
Private Groups - prices available on request
8 days


For people who have a wilderness itch that is hard to scratch, this is eight days of trekking through the heart of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

The Grand Traverse is the longest guided trek in New Zealand. Following the main divide of the South Island this route has exceptional views of the highest peaks, including Mnt. Aspiring. Even though this trek is challenging, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. No heavy packs needed, accommodation is a combination of beautiful mountain huts and our pre-placed campsites.

This is a constantly changing journey through wild New Zealand. From temperate rain forest to high alpine glaciers, this route is one of the most exciting mountain trips in New Zealand

Difficulty:
Hard (Difficulty Ratings Info)

Itinerary:
Day1. We pick you up at your accommodation and depart for the Young Valley. If the Rivers are high then Jet Boat access to the start of the track is provided. The Young Valley is a wonderland of dense native forest and high peaks. The trail steepens and climbs steadily to tree line. 7 hrs 650m ascent
Day 2. The track winds its way up the valley sidewall under the awesome East face of Mnt. Awful. This is really an Alpine Paradise. The climbing ends at Gillespie Pass and one of the great view points of the Southern Alps. 6hrs 550m ascent 550m descent
Day 3. It is all down hill today. The track meanders through the beautiful Siberia Valley and then plunges steeply to the Wilkin River where your mountain hut awaits. 5 hrs 650m descent
Day 4. Following the Wilkin River the track gradually rises until reaching the Top Forks. This area is one of New Zealand’s treasures with outstanding native bush and hanging glaciers. 7 hrs 300m ascent
Day 5. We leave our packs behind for a day trip to Lake Castilia. The track is rugged with plenty of stream crossings and boulder scrambling. Some may prefer a shorter day or just a rest day to swim and admire the world class views. 7 hrs 500m ascent 500m descent or a rest day
Day 6. An early start gets us up to Waterfall Flat. It is not hard to imagine where it gets its name with torrents of water pouring of the surrounding cliffs. The improbable scramble up the Waterfall Face leads to Rabbit Pass. A long descent through native herb gardens is a magical end to an exhilarating day. 7-8 hrs 900m ascent 650 descent
Day 7. Waking to sound of icefalls off the towering Mnt. Pickelhaub, we have a leisurely breakfast before heading down the East Matukituki Valley. Even with no track the going is easy through this isolated scenic valley. Once we come to the magnificent Bledisloe Gorge the climbing begins again. From open river flats, through ancient forest and up to the alpine, this is a day that has it all. We camp at our incomparable Aspiring Camp. 7-8 hrs 200m descent 300 ascent
Day 8. It is the last day of the trek, and we all know what that means, that’s right: pancakes, whipped cream and blueberries. The trail down to the valley floor winds through tall beech with Mnt. Aspiring dominating the view. Gradually the track opens out into farm land just before we meet out waiting transport back to civilization and a hot shower. 5 hrs 500m descent

Costs:
NZ$2130 per person. Two person min.
Discounts for group bookings

Costs include:
8 days guiding
Jet boat access to Young Valley
All Camping and hut fees
Sleeping bag and backpack if needed
Excellent food, vegetarians no problem
Mnt. Aspiring Park fees
All road transport ex Wanaka
12.5% Goods and Services tax