Mount Aspiring National Park

Due to its location on the South Island, Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the least developed national parks in New Zealand. It, therefore, has a large area of untouched wilderness, which is attractive to the more adventurous spirits. Travel to this remote place and soak up the towering views of rugged mountains and glaciers. Venture into the remote Siberia Valley, and tackle a three-hour walk. Or go on a thrilling jet boat ride on the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers.

Where should you visit Mount Aspiring National Park?

About

Mount Aspiring National Park is named after Mt Aspiring, one of New Zealand's highest peaks which has an elevation of 3033 metres above sea level. It is located in the Southern Alps of the South Island near Lake Wanaka and neighbours the largest national park, Fiordland National Park.

Explore a world heritage area

Mt Aspiring National Park is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. This area covers a good ten per cent of New Zealand's land mass and spans over 450 kilometres. The early Maori named Mt Aspiring Tititea, meaning steep glistening white peak. The national park covers 3562 square kilometres and besides Mount Aspiring, has two other important peaks: Mount Pollux at an elevation of 2542 metres and Mount Brewster at 2519 metres.

Highlights

With an extensive range of landscapes, Mount Aspiring is popular for walking, hiking and mountaineering. Considered a hard-edged beauty for the sheer untamed nature of the habitat, it will still take your breath away.

It is easy to explore the park from the towns of Glenorchy and Wanaka. Highlights include visiting the stunning Blue Pools, hiking to Brewster Hut, and being blown away by Thunder Creek Falls.

Things to do

Walking routes through the park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a hiker's paradise. You can discover the park via different routes and there are hiking trails for all fitness levels with long and short walks that wind through beautiful valleys. The most popular routes are the Routeburn Track, the Wilkin Valley and the Rees-Dart River Tracks.

Take your time exploring the wilderness

The best time to walk the famous three-day Routeburn Track is summer. Walk through the forested section of this 32-kilometre track and spot an abundance of birdlife such as the tomtit and yellow-crowned parakeet. The highest point is 1255 metres above sea level and the views of valleys, waterfalls and lakes are spectacular.

Hike the West Matukituki Valley

You will be in awe as you hike through the breathtaking Matukituki Valley to the famous stone Aspiring Hut. The hike is easy and therefore suitable to do with children and for those new to hiking. The huts get booked out very quickly and work on a first-come-first-serve basis. Book early to ensure you enjoy this incredible experience.

Enjoy stunning views

The walk to Aspiring Hut gives amazing views up and down the valley. Breathe in the fresh air and take your time to soak up the breathtaking landscape of forest, waterfalls, glaciers and mountain peaks. If you want a longer walk, you can continue further on the French Pass and Liverpool Hut tracks.

Explore the Rob Roy Glacier

A symbol of the Mt Aspiring National Park, the Rob Roy track takes hikers through the dramatic alpine landscape of the park to the Rob Roy Glacier. This hike takes approximately three to four hours to complete but time will seem insignificant as you pass cascading waterfalls and hilly rock faces. It's a beautiful hike that features in the Top 50 South Island Walks.

Blue Pools

The Blue Pools walk is considered one of the area's best short walks. An easy track that is mostly flat leads through the forest to pools of blue glacial water which flow into the Makarora River. You can cross a swing bridge to a viewing platform, where you have a beautiful view of crystal clear pools.

Tip: Be sure to wear insect repellent and long pants when visiting Blue Pools. There are sandflies at the pools and their bite can be very itchy.

Jetboating

If you like the thrills of an adventure, a jet boat tour might just be the thing for you. Experience Mt Aspiring National Park and the stunning World Heritage Area from a fun and unique perspective. Some jet boat trips are combined with a valley walk so you get both a water and land experience of the park.

Mountaineering and heli-skiing

For mountaineers, there are several choices of ascents from Mt Awful to Mt Aspiring. To ascend Mt Awful start via the Wilkin Valley and then up Siberia, or the Young Valley from Makarora. The Colin Todd Hut is the most commonly used base for climbs of Mt Aspiring.

The best heli-skiing can be found in the Northern Buchanans and Albertburn. Experience an alpine landing (depending on weather conditions) and set foot in one of the most remote and pristine parts of New Zealand. Get your adrenaline going with the ultimate snow experience and either ski or snowboard downhill in natural, off-trail surroundings.

Wanaka

Wanaka town is in the Otago region of the South Island and is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps, it rests at the southern end of Lake Wanaka. Mt. Aspiring National Park and the surrounding landscape provide endless adventures and it's what makes people return to this area.

Explore a lively town and mingle with locals

For adventure seekers, there is a range of activities from skydiving and mountaineering to hiking or biking. The clear water of the lake makes it ideal for fishing and kayaking and in winter it comes alive with skiers and snowboarders. Explore shops and restaurants, strike up conversations with locals and relish the warm and vibrant energy of the place. Enjoy the perfumed scents of the Wanaka Lavender Farm, take pictures at the renowned Wanaka Tree or head to the ski fields of Cardrona.

How to get there?

The best way to arrive at the Mount Aspiring National Park is via the towns of Wanaka, Glenorchy, Queenstown and Te Anau. You could fly into Queenstown airport and drive to Wanaka or take a domestic flight to Wanaka airport.

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations in Mount Aspiring National Park and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• Well-organised holiday, designed just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to New Zealand

• Peace of mind with a local network in New Zealand and a 24/7 emergency number

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.