5 Great Day Walks in Mt Aspiring National Park

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Mount Aspiring National Park is part of a World Heritage Area, and it's big! Explore it easily with these top 5 day walks 

1. The Blue Pools

A short walk through native beech forest leads to two swing bridges looking down upon crystal clear blue pools. A perfect walk for the kids and a refreshing summer swimming spot. This track is accessed in the Makarora area and is well worth the hours drive. 
Instagram image by @Hami84

2. Rob Roy Glacier

Undoubtedly the sparkling jewel in the crown of the National Park and one of the best, and most varied, half-day walks in NZ. The easy / moderate 4-5hour return walk rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Rob Roy Glacier flanked by waterfalls 600ft high.

3. Siberia Valley

Accessed from Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka, you can get into the Siberia Valley by either jet boat, helicopter, aeroplane or the old fashioned way (on foot) - the Siberia Valley offers a variety of spectacular half and full day walks. Check out the various 1-day fly-walk-jet boat combos available. If you wish to stay overnight - the 20-bunk Siberia Hut is the ideal basecamp for longer walks.  

4. Aspiring Hut

An easy 2-hour walk (one way) along river flats of the West Matukituki Valley surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers leads to Aspiring Hut - an ideal introduction for families or first-timers new to staying in a Kiwi backcountry hut. If staying the night be sure to bring a head-torch to check out the glow worms in the evening the next day. Try one of the many short walks around the hut. FYI - you can bike this track to!

5. Mt Brewster Track

If you want a good steep day hike then Mt Brewster Track this is the one! After an initial river crossing (watch for rainfall conditions) you head straight up through lush beech forest then bush until you reach the hill top with stunning views and aching calves! Surrounded by snow capped mountains, waterfalls and an idyllic red hut there are some beautiful images to be captured up here. Stay the night in the 12 bed hut for more of an adventure.

Getting There
Raspberry Creek car park is 60mins drive from Wanaka and is the access point to the Matukituki Valleys. Makarora is 50mins drive from Wanaka and provides access to the Siberia and Wilkin Valleys as well as the Gillespie Pass Circuit.

For hut passes and the latest backcountry safety information contact: Department of Conservation, Mt Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre.

Safety in the Mountains
Before you go check out How to Stay Safe in the Outdoors, always check the weather forecast before you head out, let someone know your intentions and check track conditions with the Department of Conservation.