Wanaka Mount Aspiring National Park

(Wanaka, Otago, South Island, New Zealand)

The Mount Aspiring National Park lies directly to the north-west and its relative proximity is the main reason why so many visitors choose to base themselves in Wanaka each year. Founded in 1964, the Mount Aspiring National Park can be found within New Zealand's scenic Southern Alps and is bounded by the Haast River, Otago and southern Westland, with the Fiordland National Park being located to the south.

The park itself is named after its tallest peak, Mount Aspiring, which towers at more than 3,000 metres / 9,840 feet tall and rather dominates the area, while other very notable mountain peaks include both Mount Brewster and Mount Pollux. Covering some 3,500 square kilometres / 1,350 square miles and part of the spreading Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site, the park's closest entrance is just over a 30-minute drive from Wanaka and is easy to find.

General Information

Famous across New Zealand for its hiking (tramping) and walking trails, as well as its exceptional mountaineering, the Mount Aspiring National Park contains more than 100 different glaciers spread around the park. The southerly Glenorchy area is especially popular with tourists and features leading tramping trails, including the Routeburn Track, where three-day guided walks are available.

There are however, many more suitable short walks closer to Wanaka, within the park's scenic Matukituki Valley, which start from the Raspberry Creek and can be easily reached along the Mount Aspiring Road, connected by regular shuttle services.

The Rob Roy Valley Track is of note and leads to the Rob Roy Glacier, while the West Matukituki Valley tramp may also be of interest and heads to the Aspiring Hut, and ultimately to the Liverpool Hut, where the views of Mount Aspiring are spectacular.

Longer tramps and mountaineering expeditions are really weather dependent and in adverse conditions, best undertaken with an experienced guide or Alpine-climbing company.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) booklet entitled 'Wanaka Walks and Trails' is highly recommended, and will ensure that you make the very most of your time exploring the Mount Aspiring National Park and its stunning Alpine scenery.