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Mt. Aspiring National Park is the crown jewel of the Wānaka region. And it’s vast. Explore it easily with these top five day walks.
A short walk through native beech forest leads to two swing bridges looking down upon crystal clear blue pools. It’s just 3km return and takes about 40-50 minutes, making it perfect for families with little legs in tow, or anyone after a quick dose of nature.
The turquoise colour that gives these pools their name is the result of glacier melt, and is most vivid on sunny days. This glacier melt means the water is icy cold – perfect for a cold dip on a hot summers day, but make sure you go prepared. Look down from the bridges and you’ll likely spot large trout feeding in the pools. Keep your ears open for the calls of yellowhead birds in the forest canopy too.
How to get there: The Blue Pools are about an hour’s drive north of Wānaka on State Highway 6, just past Makarora. There’s a good-sized car park opposite Cameron Flat campsite with toilets.
When to visit: If you can, visit early morning or late afternoon to miss the crowds.
Top tip: Pack insect repellent. The sandflies here mean business.
If you’re a confident day hiker and only do one walk in Mt. Aspiring National Park, make it Rob Roy Glacier. The steep 10-12km return track takes 4-5 hours and rewards you with some of the best alpine views in New Zealand. We’re talking unobstructed views of the Rob Roy Glacier, towering peaks, and waterfalls tumbling 600ft down from the ice above.
The star of the Show is the glacier, which is very much alive. You’ll hear the crack and rumble of avalanches, see ice calving off the face. It’s spectacular.
How to get there: The track starts from Raspberry Creek Car Park at the end of Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road. It’s recommended you have a 4WD, as the last 30km of this road is unsealed gravel, and you’ll cross a handful of stream fords depending on conditions. The final 10km is fine-weather road only. Before you head out, call the DOC Visitor Centre on 03 443 7660 to check road conditions.
Important seasonal information: Between May and November, sections of this track cross avalanche paths. DOC strongly recommends turning around at the lower lookout during these months unless you’re carrying avalanche rescue equipment and have proper training. Check avalanche.net.nz for current conditions and talk to the team at the DOC Visitor Centre.
The Siberia Valley offers something different: wilderness without the commitment of a multi-day tramp. The classic way to experience it is through the “fly, walk, jet” combination. You take a 25-minute scenic flight into the valley, walk 10km through untouched backcountry for about three hours, then jet boat out through the Wilkin Valley. The whole thing takes about four hours, which you can book through Southern Alps Air.
It’s an incredible way to experience remote country close to Makarora that most people never get to see.
How to get there: Flights depart from Makarora, about a 50 minute drive from Wānaka.
Alternative option: If you prefer to walk in the traditional way, the Gillespie Pass Circuit will get you there, though you’ll need to cross rivers, so this is for experienced hikers only, and it’s always recommended you check conditions with DOC before you go.
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.
The track is gentle enough that you can even bike it. If you’re staying overnight, bring a head torch. The next day, explore some of the short walks around the hut. The track towards Liverpool Hut gives you direct views of Mt. Aspiring.
How to get there: You’ll start from Raspberry Creek Car Park (the same as Rob Roy Glacier).
Booking your hut: Book your space through bookings.doc.govt.nz. Summer weekends book out fast, especially December through February, so get in early if you’ve got fixed dates.
If you’re an experienced hiker and looking for something a little more challenging, the walk to Liverpool Hut is an excellent choice. The hut sits at 1,000 metres elevation across the valley from French Ridge, with direct views of Mt. Aspiring.
From Aspiring Hut, the route covers 5km to Pearl Flat before climbing up to the hut. It’s manageable as a day trip if you are staying at Aspiring Hut, or you can stay overnight at Liverpool Hut itself (10 bunks available). The walk gives you a real sense of being deep in the mountains, with that incredible alpine scenery all around you.
Most people who do this walk stay overnight at Aspiring Hut first, then do Liverpool Hut as a day trip with a light pack before heading back down.
How to get there: Start from Raspberry Creek Car Park (same as Rob Roy Glacier), walk to Aspiring Hut (2 hours), then continue to Liverpool Hut from there.
Best for: Experiened hikers staying at Aspiring Hut looking for a day trip with big mountain views and a bit more challenge.
These mountains demand respect. Before any walk, it’s important to check the weather forecast, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Download the Plan My Walk app for track-specific forecasts and alerts. Register your trip through AdventureSmart, and consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon. There’s little to no mobile phone reception out here.
Alpine conditions can arrive any time of year. Rivers rise quickly with rain or snowmelt. Carry warm, waterproof gear even in summer, and pack extra food in case of emergency. If conditions turn, don’t push it. The mountains will still be here tomorrow.
For current track conditions, hut bookings, and local knowledge, talk to the team at the Department of Conservation Mt. Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre on Ardmore Street. Call them on 03 443 7660 or visit DOC.
