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Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

Mount Aspiring National Park is located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.  It is just north of Fiordland National Park and is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.  The park was established in 1964 and attracts many local and international visitors each year.

Popular hiking tracks

With so much land to explore, it is understandable that there are a number of different tracks.  Each of which will have its fair share of sights and different degrees of difficulty.  Top tracks include the Gillespie Pass Circuit, the Matukituki Valley, the Rees-Dart Circuit and the Routeburn Track.

The Routeburn Track is easily one of the top choices.  It is 32km long and visitors normally start on the Queenstown side and finish on the Te Anau side.  The local department of conservation has classified this track as a New Zealand Great Walk and is actually the one track that overlaps two national parks (Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks).

No matter which track you choose, you are in for some of the most amazing views and plenty of fresh air.

Visitor activities in Mt Aspiring National Park

To explore Mt Aspiring National Park, this can eather be done from Te Anau on the Western side of the park; or Wanaka for the Eastern Mt Aspiring National Park. Hiking through the mountains and valleys is obviously one of the most popular ways to explore any national park.  It's a great way to stretch your legs and spend an extended period of time outdoors and surrounded by nature.

There are plenty of companies in the area that offer various ways of exploring the national park.  A popular way to enjoy an aerial view is by helicopter.  The pilots are fully trained and experienced in navigating the area and are always aware of the weather conditions.  They will only fly if the weather permits.

If you want to enjoy the park's rivers, a jet boat is the way to go.  Jet boats are designed to glide across the surface of shallow rivers without upsetting the delicate local ecosystem.  You can make your way along the water without worrying about disturbing nature or the life forms that live under water.  Of course, it is important to note that this is an adventure in every sense of the word!  Hold on tight and enjoy the rush!

There's a lot to see no matter how you decide to explore this fantastic park.  Make sure that you take your camera along as well as a sufficient supply of refreshments and snacks.  If you are planning on hiking, ensure that you wear the right clothing, shoes and be aware of the weather.  Heavy rain can result in less than desirable hiking conditions and your expedition might be better off put on hold.