Trekking

Wānaka Day Hikes

A selection of our favorite local guided day hikes around Wānaka. These can be tailored to a range of abilities from young families and upwards and an excellent way to sample the best hiking adventures possible in the Mount Aspiring National Park and around Lake Wānaka.

Wānaka Heli-hikes

Personalised helicopter-accessed hiking experiences. Each private trip can be tailored to the aspirations of the group and offer exclusive uncrowded pristine day trip or overnight trips deep within the Mount Aspiring National Park.

Glacier Heli-hikes

Personalised helicopter-accessed glacier hiking experiences. Each private trip can be tailored to the aspirations of the group exploring the high alpine environments, crevasse and peaks of the Mount Aspiring National Park.

Matukituki Valley Trek

2 – 3 days, Easy

From $790 per person 1:3-4

The West Matukituki Valley is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Stay at Aspiring, Liverpool, or French Ridge Huts. The valley provides excellent views of the surrounding peaks including Tititea / Mount Aspiring and the Rob Roy Glacier. Suitable for young families or those new to trekking in New Zealand with overnight or longer options available

Siberia Valley Trek

2 – 3 days, Easy

A trekking option with helicopter access to the remote Siberia Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park. Explore the valley, icebergs of Lake Crucible, and views of Mount Awful, before descending to the Wilkin Valley and an exciting jet boat ride out. Suitable for young families or those new to trekking in New Zealand with overnight or longer options available.

Gillespie Pass Trek

4 days, Moderate

from $1790 per person

A classic journey through the heart of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Traversing between the Young, Siberia, and Wilkin valleys over an alpine pass and past the ramparts of Mount Awful. The trip finishes with a descent into the Wilkin River Valley and an exciting jet boat ride out.

Upper Wilkin Valley Trek

3 days, Easy – Moderate

$1750 / $2390 per person, 1:3+ / 1:2

Top Forks and the Upper Wilkin is a remote and less travelled part of Mount Aspiring National Park. Helicopter in for day trips with light packs to the alpine lakes of Lucidus and Castalia and up to Waterfall Flat on the Rabbit Pass route. Walk down the Wilkin to Kerin Forks for a jet boat ride out.

Whare Kea Luxury Trek

2 – 3 days, Easy

The Whare Kea Chalet experience redefines a luxury approach to remote trekking in New Zealand. The Chalet, in association with Aspiring Helicopters, offers luxury accommodation and a spectacular base for a range of trekking options in an exclusive location high in the mountains on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Lake Nerine Circuit Trek

4 days, Moderate – Hard

A remote wilderness journey into the depths of Mount Aspiring National Park. A rare circular route, this alpine crossing connects two of the region’s most beautiful valleys takes you well off the beaten track. The highlight is visiting Lake Nerine with it’s rugged glacier carved rocks.

Rabbit Pass Trek

4 days, Moderate – Hard

A challenging crossing from the Wilkin into the East Matukituki Valley right through the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. The Pass itself is straightforward but is guarded by the formidable Waterfall Face and a tricky descent into the Matukituki.

Alpine and Glacier Treks

3 – 4 days, Moderate – Hard

For ambitious trekkers seeking to explore above the bushline and the glaciers of Mount Aspiring National Park including French Ridge or Brewster Glacier. Visit remote wilderness areas requiring good fitness, technical skills and equipment.

Cascade Saddle Trek

2 days, Moderate

Contact us for pricing

A challenging route crossing from the West Matukituki Valley and crossing under the Isobel Glacier and to the Dart Valley and down towards Lake Whakatipu.

Lake Hope Trek

3 days, Moderate – Hard

Contact us for pricing

A seldom-travelled region through the Hector Mountains south from the Remarkables Ski Field. Camping at alpine tarns or at the lake itself and options to scramble over a number of named (and unnamed) peaks along the way.

Adelaide Cirque Trek

4 days, Hard

A challenging off-the-beaten track journey through the rugged Darran mountains of Fiordland National Park. Starting in the lower Hollyford valley and taking in Moraine Creek, Lake Adelaide, the infamous Gifford’s Crack, Adelaide Saddle and Barrier Knob to Gertrude Saddle.