There are no formal tracks through the alpine section of the route. You will be camping and need to be prepared to carry personal and group equipment and food. There are multiple unbridged stream and river crossings and feet may get wet.
Aspiring National Park Trekking
Lake Nerine Circuit Trek
The Lake Nerine Trek is 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. An excellent place to watch the sunrise high above the valley floor.
Day 1
Travelling from Wanaka through to Glenorchy, we head towards the Lake Sylvan Campsite and the start of the trail up the Rockburn Valley.
After a few hours, we reach Theatre Flat and prepare to camp for the night.
Day 2
The next day heads to the head of the valley and up to Park Pass, the divide overlooking Fiordland National Park. For the energetic, you can drop packs and take the side Trip up towards Park Pass Glacier before heading along the tops to camp at Lake Nerine. Early in the season, there will still be snowbergs floating in the lake.
Day 3
From the lake, it is a short hike to a pass. The route then sidles under Nerus Peak to North Col and the descent into the North Branch of the Routeburn. There are excellent Bivi rocks or you can continue to the flats, under Mount Somnus.
Day 4
On the final last day, you will continue down the valley before rejoining civilisation for the well trodden Routeburn Track back towards Glenorchy.
Equipment
You will need good personal outdoor clothing for the mountains and comfortable trekking boots. The route has many river and stream crossings so boots may get wet and stay wet.
You will be expected to carry your personal gear, some group equipment, and some fresh food.
New to trekking in New Zealand? Check out our Knowledge Base for advice on what to expect.
Fitness
Ascents and descents of up to 500m and up to 15km distance per day. 10 – 15kg packs. 6 – 8 hours.
Backcountry Experience
Requires recent experience in off-track trekking. This includes movement over scree, boulders, and tussock slopes. Experience on DOC tracks, camping and in huts. May be unbridged river crossings.
Availability
Get in touch to arrange private trips from November to March.
POA
‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around W?naka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’
— Michael, Siberia Hut Trip
