A Scenic Wilderness Near Wanaka and Queenstown
Mount Aspiring National Park is one of New Zealand’s most iconic wilderness areas, located between Wanaka, Queenstown, and the remote West Coast. Named after the towering Mount Aspiring / Tititea, this park is a haven of soaring peaks, braided rivers, waterfalls and ancient beech forests. It’s a go-to destination for trampers, climbers and those craving space and scenery.
Explore trails like the Rob Roy Glacier Track, where hanging glaciers spill from alpine cliffs, or the Blue Pools Walk, with its crystal-clear river and swing bridges. The park also connects to world-renowned multi-day routes like the Routeburn Track, making it ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers. It’s wild, spectacular and refreshingly uncrowded.
Canyoning, Glacier Walks and Backcountry Adventures
For thrill-seekers, canyoning in Mount Aspiring National Park offers a unique way to experience the terrain up close. Guided canyoning trips near Wanaka lead you through hidden gorges, over waterfalls, and down natural rock slides using ropes, jumps and harnesses. It’s a hands-on way to explore parts of the park few others see.
Beyond the adrenaline, there’s still plenty of peaceful wilderness. Backcountry huts allow for multi-day treks deep into alpine valleys, while heli-hiking and mountaineering tours open up access to snowfields and glaciers. With native birdsong echoing through ancient forest and starlit skies at night, this park rewards the curious and the adventurous alike.
Top Things to Do in Mount Aspiring National Park
Here’s a list of unforgettable things to do in and around Mount Aspiring National Park:
- Walk the Rob Roy Glacier Track for alpine and glacier views
- Try canyoning in alpine gorges near Wanaka with a local guide
- Hike the Blue Pools Walk and cross the swing bridges
- Begin a multi-day hike on the Routeburn, Dart or Rees Tracks
- Join a heli-hiking or mountaineering tour with local operators
- Stay overnight in a DOC hut for a full backcountry experience
- Visit the Matukituki Valley for river walks and picnic spots
- Photograph alpine wildflowers and waterfalls in summer
- Spot native birds like kea and tomtits in the alpine zones
- Combine with a stay in Wanaka or Glenorchy for easy access
Explore the enchanting world of Mount Aspiring National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking the ultimate retreat into New Zealand's remarkable landscape. Submerge yourself in the richness of almost 600 indigenous plant species, including over 70 ferns and members of the fern family, encapsulating the essence of the country's natural splendour.
Summer months transform the alpine terrain into a vivid tapestry, as dazzling wildflowers burst to life. Witness the alluring charm of the park's inhabitants, including mischievous kea, tomtits, robins, fantails, and native trout.
Begin an extraordinary journey through the park's trails, marveling at the amazing beauty of its flora and fauna. Remember, the fragile balance of this ecosystem requires our respect and care. Adhere to Leave No Trace principles to safeguard this sanctuary for generations. Your commitment is crucial to the thriving of this varied ecosystem. Relish and cherish Mount Aspiring National Park – a true treasure in the heart of New Zealand.
