Find freedom and challenge in a wilderness of mountains
Named for Mt Aspiring, one of New Zealand's highest peaks, this park is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes.
| An alpine heaven for hikers, mountaineers and heli-skiiers. |
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In the past, Maori trekked through the region on their way to the pounamu fields of the west coast; Europeans visited to map, name and explore geographical features of the area; settlers attempted to farm and mine some of the valleys - the relics have blended into the stunning scenery.
For wilderness lovers, the park offers an extensive choice of valley journeys - including the Routeburn Track. In summer, it's possible to walk from one valley to another over spectacular mountain passes.
Key Highlights
In straddling the 'great divide' of the Southern Alps, the Mount Aspiring National Park presents a breathtaking range of landscapes.
At its heart is a massive area of wilderness - glaciers, snowfields, mountains, valleys and wildlife habitats that require days of hiking to reach. To the west of the divide, where rainfall is plentiful, the beech forest comes with a sound track of birdsong and waterfalls. Deep in the glacier-gouged valleys of the east, grassy river flats are hemmed by imposing mountains. And above the tree line, subalpine gardens of tussock, lichens and dainty flowering herbs survive against all odds.
Rock forms are an unforgettable feature of the park. From the curiously coloured slopes of the Red Hills to the brittle grey schist of the alps, ice ages and huge tectonic upheavals have created beauty with a hard edge.
Accommodation
In the park
The only source of accommodation within the park is provided by the Department of Conservation. There are numerous hikers' huts along the major walks, including two 'Great Walk' huts on the Routeburn Track. Many of the tracks also have established camping areas. Huts need to be booked during the summer high season.
Around the park
The settlements of Makarora, Haast and Glenorchy act as gateways to the park. Makarora has B & Bs, cottages, chalets, farmstays and camp sites. Accommodation in Haast and Glenorchy includes motels, hotels and lodges.
Key Activities
Valley walks and mountain trails
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| The Matukituki Valley is walkable in any season. |
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Summer is the best time to walk the 3-day Routeburn Track, which runs between Lake Wakatipu and the Te Anau-Milford Road. The Rees-Dart track, a 5-day tramping circuit, follows the Rees River and the Dart River through the southern end of the park. From Wanaka, popular short walks include the Aspiring Hut walk (1 ½ hours) and the Rob Roy track (1 ½ hours). Good short and long walks can also be accessed from Makarora.
Jetboating
Some of the park's larger rivers (the Dart and the Wilkin in particular) are navigable by jet boat. Often jet boat trips are combined with a valley walk, to create a well-rounded adventure.
Mountaineering and heli-skiing
The park provides mountaineers with a wide choice of ascents - from Mt Awful to Mt Aspiring. Local guiding companies provide instruction for would-be mountaineers. Exceptional heli-skiing can be found on the Northern Buchanans and Albertburn.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Other Sites
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MT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
The Routeburn and other major tracks are enjoying plenty of attention, because summer is the height of the walking season. Mountain passes are generally open, but check with the Department of Conservation before you set out.
Key Tips
- Due to the elevated nature of the park, the majority of walks are best undertaken between November and March.
- Alpine areas are home to kea - mischievous mountain parrots that sometimes take an unhealthy interest in visitors' packs and tents.
- Always check with a Department of Conservation Visitors' Centre before embarking on one of the longer walks.
- The change from summer to winter can occur suddenly in this park, so pack for every weather eventuality.
- Only the Matukituki Valley can be safely walked at any time of the year.
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