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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
This trip has everything from beautiful scenery, alpine rivers, native beech forests, alpine tussock and snowgrass, snow capped mountains, ice covered lakes, waterfalls, grassy meadows, and a high pass crossing. We spend several days hiking around the alpine lakes, valleys and waterfalls near the Upper Wilkin river and then head downstream, crossing the Wilkin river into the famous Siberia Valley. The names here reflect the challenging geography for the early explorers - Siberia Valley, Mount Awful and Mount Dreadful. A side trip to Lake Crucible is well worth the effort before camping at our site at Gillespie Stream. By the time you are heading over Gillespie Pass at 1600 metres you will be hiking fit, and able to enjoy the magnificent views of Mount Awful. Descending steeply into the Young Valley, our final night is spent in the Young Hut. Staying at local mountain huts and our pre-placed campsites, the trip is suitable for fit and experienced hikers who are comfortable on uneven ground and wanting a moderate trek in the New Zealand mountains.
19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(136kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Wanaka
Make your own way to Wanaka and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. You should allow enough time to purchase any snacks you wish to bring for the next 6 days should you wish. There is a conveniently located supermarket in central Wanaka usually open until about 10:00pm daily and plenty of cafes and restaurants to try for your tonight's dinner.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Depart Wanaka for Aspiring National Park (16kms, 4-6 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 the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. A leisurely 2 hour walk brings us to the Top Forks Hut. Dropping overnight gear, the rest of the day is spent walking to Lake Diana, Lake Lucidus or if the group is strong - Lake Castilia, a high alpine lake surrounded by cliffs and hanging glaciers. The trail climbs gradually as it weaves through native beech forest until 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. Overnight will be at Top Forks Hut.
Meals: L,D
Day 3
Hike to Kerin Forks Hut (18kms, 6-8 hours)
This morning we head down river through to Kerin Forks Hut at the confluence of the Siberia and Upper Wilkin Rivers. We walk a gentle downhill grade along the southern back of the river. The track is surrounds by lush native bush with lots of ascents and descents along the way as well as numerous river crossings. Our accommodation for the night is at Kerin Forks hut, where we enjoy our evening meal looking out over the great Wilkin River.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Hike to Siberia Hut (9kms, 3-4 hours)
Make sure you fuel up at breakfast this morning, as from Kerin Forks Hut, our journey is an uphill one, on a steep track that leads to Siberia Valley. Surrounded by high mountains, the early surveyors of this land had a sense of humor naming the two largest and most beautiful mountains, Mount Awful and Mount Dreadful. Depending on weather conditions, we will either camp in the meadow or stay the night in Siberia Hut.
Day 5
Hike to Lake Crucible (14kms, approx 7 hours)
A short distance from the Siberia Hut, we depart the valley via a steep climb through native forest, heading to today's destination. Gaining 550 metres of elevation, we come across a small river crossing at Siberia Stream and then a final ascent through a snowgrass flat up to the lake. Surrounded by towing walls, Lake Crucible is a geographic marvel carved out by the glaciers themselves. Those that did not want to do this walk, could remain back at camp and simply relax for the day.
Day 6
Ascend to Gillespie Pass for great views of the Southern Alps 12kms, 6-8 hrs walk)
Today we reach the high point of the trip, Gillespie Pass at 1600 metres. This is a real accomplishment and you will be rewarded with one of the great views of the Southern Alps. The trail climbs steeply from camp before we reach the top of the pass, then steeply winds its way down (a long way down) to the Young Valley and Young Hut, our final accommodation for the night.
Day 7
Complete hike and return to Wanaka (20kms, 6-7 hrs)
After leaving Young Hut this morning, the trail continues its steep descent into the rainforest. We follow the Young River which gradually flattens out and becomes a tranquil route through native forest for the final three hours of our journey. A final river crossing and we are met by the vehicle to take us back to Wanaka, where you can relax at your accommodation, or head out for a celebratory dinner and drinks on completing this fabulous hike.
Meals: B,L
Day 8
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 TO CHALLENGING - GRADE 6 This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our MODERATE and CHALLENGING levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity with several challenging stages. 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.
6Days
Moderate to Challenging
5Days
Moderate
Challenging
4Days
Introductory