Activities in Mount Aspiring National Park
Tracks and walks
Tramper near Gillespie Pass
Short walks abound and are usually concentrated at the access roadends at the Matukituki Valley and Glenorchy. Short walks along the Haast Pass highway on SH6 have the easiest access to the flora and fauna in the park. The Routeburn is one of many excellent tramping tracks.
The Rees-Dart river circuit, Gillespie Pass circuit, Greenstone and Caples tracks and the Wilkin Valley are wonderful valley walks, with options to continue over higher passes and into alpine areas. In summer these tracks are suitable for people of average fitness and experience. The West Matukituki Valley hosts a choice of huts boasting exceptional views.
In winter many tracks are impassable or require alpine skills. It is possible to take a guided walk on the Gillespie Pass, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks.
Snow activities/climbing
Most of the park's alpine areas lie over the Southern Alps. Glacier and high alpine adventures are popular but suitable only for experienced trampers/mountaineers with the appropriate equipment. Mountaineering, ski touring, ice climbing, rock climbing and abseiling are possible within the area.
Adventure activities: Jet boating
Jetboat trips can be enjoyed on a number of the park's larger rivers such as the Dart and the Wilkin.
Scenic flights
Aerial sightseeing by helicopter or fixed-wing plane is available from Haast, Makarora, Wanaka, Queenstown and Glenorchy.
Specialist activities: Photography
Parts of the park are easily accessible by vehicle from State Highway 6 and offer easier opportunities for the photography of flora and fauna.
Scenic and nature tours
Those wishing to venture further into the park can enjoy vast variety of terrain and landscapes. Siberia Valley hosts a range of landscapes; an alpine herb field on the Crucible Lake day walk from Siberia Hut and dramatic alpine vistas of Mount Dreadful and Mount Awful from the Siberia Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit are recommended. Siberia Valley is accessible on foot and by aircraft from the township of Makarora on State Highway 6. From the township of Glenorchy, near Queenstown, it's possible to view stunning vistas from the road or on foot for those wishing to explore further afield.
Guided activities
Guided expeditions into the park have expanded to tramping, mountaineering, hunting, fishing, canyoning, kayaking, canoeing, jetboating, eco-tours, scenic landings and ski touring.
Kiwi Ranger programme
Earn the title of Mt Aspiring National Park Kiwi Ranger. This programme offers interactive activities that help you learn more about the natural features of the region. More about Kiwi Ranger - Mt Aspiring National Park.
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Guided activities and tours