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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Venture deep into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park on our Upper Wilkin Guided Hike, an unforgettable journey through one of New Zealand’s most spectacular backcountry landscapes. Nestled between towering rainforest and icy peaks, the Wilkin River carves a path into the untouched wilderness, leading you to the remote Top Forks Hut, our base for an immersive alpine adventure. From here, explore a breathtaking glaciated cirque, named by legendary explorer Charles Douglas, where peaks line the surrounding landscapes. With expert guides ensuring your safety, enjoy a perfect balance of challenge and reward, with daily hikes ranging from easy strolls to more demanding treks. Whether you’re capturing the pristine beauty through your lens or simply soaking in the serene majesty of the high country, this is an experience designed to leave you in awe. Step beyond the ordinary—discover the Upper Wilkin.
Day 1
Arrive Wanaka
Make your own way to Wanaka and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Enjoy this lovely town, perhaps a stroll by the lake to get the legs working or one of the plenty of cafes and restaurants to try for tonight's dinner.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Depart Wanaka for Aspiring National Park (4kms, 2 hrs walk)
This morning, head through to our office for an 8.30am meet up, where you will meet the guide and complete a full gear check as well as a review of the weather forecast. We then drive 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora. Here we board a helicopter and fly into Jumboland at the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. A leisurely 2 hour walk brings us to the Top Forks Hut. We spend the afternoon exploring this marvellous valley with the option of heading up through the Snow Bridge Gorge to Waterfall Flat. This seldom visited valley is a unique paradise surrounded by high peaks and flowing rivers. We return to Top Forks Hut for the evening and our overnight.
Meals: L,D
Day 3
Alpine Lakes Diana, Lucidus and Castilia (6-16kms, 4-8 hours)
Following our breakfast this morning, it is off to explore the Alpine Lakes. Upper Wilkin has a number of stunning alpine lakes including Lakes Diana, Lucidus and Castilia. Depending on the group preference and abilities, our hiking duration may be anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. The trails climb gradually, weaving through native beech forest before breaking out above tree line. The hiking gets rougher just before the lake with a short boulder scramble rewarded with a spectacular view of the valley and lake. Lake Castilia is some of the most rugged (and rewarding) terrain that you will encounter. After our day of alpine lakes, we gradually descend back down to Top Forks Hut for the night.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
South Bank of Wilkin River. Return to Wanaka (18kms, 6-8 hours)
Our final day is one of our largest covering 18kms of trails as we hike along the south bank of the great Wilkin River. The track can be challenging at times with numerous side stream crossings, so you can guarantee that your boots will get wet. We head through to Kerin Forks to meet our jet boat and enjoy a thrilling 30 minute jet boat ride back to our van before we transfer back through to Wanaka. You bid farewell to our guides and team before enjoying your night in Wanaka, perhaps with dinner and a celebratory drink or simply by kicking off the boots, and relaxing at your accommodation for the night.
Day 5
Trip ends in Wanaka
Your trip ends on check out from your accommodation in Wanaka. Please contact us if you wish to extend your stay and need extra nights accommodation.
What's included
What's not included
Spend the night camping in the wilderness. You will only be carrying your own gear plus sleeping bag and mat (no tent or food).
Experience the real New Zealand and spend the night in a back-country hut. These huts are fitted with bunk beds, kitchen, toilets (mostly outdoor) and communal area.
MODERATE - GRADE 5 This trip grading is described in our MODERATE levels. You need to be fit with previous trekking experience and in good health. The track is at times rugged, steep and exposed and you may need to wade through water at times. Hikers should be able to maintain a slow but steady pace up hill for an hour between rest stops and there are some days you will be walking 6-8hrs per day (not including rests). Trip is recommended for those with previous hike experience, looking for their next remote hiking challenge. A sure footing is required and the trip will be physically demanding. It is important that you are realistic in the self-assessment of your skills and experience and that you attempt this trip if you do have previous outdoor, multi-trek experience. Alpine environments are prone to change quickly, so quick adaptation may be necessary. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week for at least 4 months prior to your trip.. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. Day walking, including hills and/or stairs with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended at least once a week.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
Introductory