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Our Top Trekking Picks for the 2024 Trekking Season
New Zealand's Great Walks are iconic, drawing adventurers from around the globe to explore their well-worn trails. However, beyond these popular routes lies a world of raw beauty and remote wilderness waiting to be discovered. Learn more about some of our favourite "off-the-beaten-track" trekking trips for this summer.
For those seeking a true escape into the backcountry of New Zealand, there are lesser-known treks that offer rugged terrain with striking landscapes, free from busy crowds. Whether you're looking for challenging alpine passes, stunning glacial valleys, or secluded mountain chalets, here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the hidden gems of New Zealand's backcountry this summer.
4 Day Gillespie Pass
Our Signature Trekking Trip
The Gillespie Pass Circuit is a very special trek not far from Wānaka. Offering a journey through the pristine Young and Siberia valleys, these locations will captivate you with their crystal-clear rivers, and alpine meadows. This 4-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, where you'll cross the dramatic Gillespie Pass, towering
at 1,600 meters. The journey is both challenging and rewarding, as you navigate rugged terrain, tackle steep climbs, and are rewarded with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the lush beech forests. You will also have the opportunity to hike up to Lake Crucible, a stunning alpine like filled with ice blocks in the early season, if you're up for the challenge. Perfect for experienced trekkers or those looking for a bit more of a challenge, this trek offers the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment.
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3 Day Upper Wilkin Valley
A "New Zealand great walk", without being a great walk
For those who want to experience the rugged wilderness in a shorter timeframe, the 3-day Upper Wilkin Valley trek is an excellent choice. This trek is a great long-weekend option allowing you to tailor your journey to the pace you'd like to enjoy. This trek begins with an exciting helicopter flight into the Upper Wilkin Valley where you'll explore for the days to following days. Enjoy leisurely walks in the valley or for those wanting to create more of a mission out of your trip, you can explore the incredible alpine lakes of Lake Lucidus, Lake Castilla or venture to waterfall flat near the start of Rabbit Pass.
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Siberia Overnight
Our Favourite family friendly trek
For those who want to experience a taste of the Gillespie Pass circuit without the challenge of going over the pass itself, the Siberia Overnight is a perfect taster platter. This adventure starts with a scenic flight deep into the Siberia Valley. From here the next two days are tailored to you! Slow the pace down and enjoy the tranquility of the valley on or enjoy a challenging hike up to Lake Crucible. You'll finish the trip with an exciting jet boat ride back down the Wilkin River. The combination of air, land, and water offers a unique and thrilling way to explore the wilderness within 48 hours!
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3 Day Plateau Hut Experience
Experience the iconic terrain surrounding Aoraki/Mount Cook
Get up close and personal with New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. This unforgettable 3 day trip bases from Plateau Hut at the base of Mount Cook and provides the opportunity to explore the glaciers, snowfields in this incredible location. The journey to the hut itself is an adventure with a memorable scenic helicopter flight in and out of the hut. Once there, you can spend your days exploring the surrounding glaciers or simply soaking in the spectacular views of the Alps.
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Whare Kea Chalet Overnight
A touch of luxury in the wilderness
The Whare Kea Chalet Overnight experience is an unparalleled summer escape. Perched on the edge of the Southern Alps at 1,750 meters, this mountain chalet offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Accessed via helicopter, the chalet provides one of the most unique views of Tititea/Mount Aspiring. The experience includes heli-accessed ridge hiking following by a stunning evening in your unique alpine retreat with option to include a gourmet dining experience.
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4 Day Lake Nerine
A True Wilderness Adventure
This 4-day rugged adventure is perfect for experienced trekkers. This exciting loop-track takes you through challenging terrain filled with rocky ridges, vibrant alpine meadows, and dramatic panoramic views overlooking Fiordland’s expansive wilderness.
Beginning in the Routeburn Valley, you’ll venture through forested paths before rising above the treeline to reveal expansive views of the Southern Alps. You'll be self sufficient on this trip providing a true "backpacking" experience. Once at Lake Nerine, you’ll camp along the unique rock knolls with beautiful reflections on the lake's pristine waters. The journey involves navigating high alpine passes and steep descents, making it ideal for those seeking a more challenging adventure.
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We'll handle the logistics
We aim to make our trips as easy and enjoyable as possible for our clients. We take care of all the supplies and logistics so you can simply arrive with you personal items knowing the journey ahead is well taken care of. The huts we utilise in the Young, Siberia and Wilkin valleys are well-stocked each season with food and equipment so we can keep your packs as light as possible while still enjoying delicious cooked meals. All you will really need to carry is your sleeping bag, personal items and some fresh food.
Standard trip inclusions:
- Experienced guide
- Hut / Tent accommodation
- Cooked meals, and snacks
- Transport from Wānaka to staging locations
- Helicopters/Jet Boat inclusions will vary based on trip location
- GST
No two trips with Aspiring Guides are the same. We go beyond a surface level experience and provide a chance to immerse yourself in remote landscapes. Enjoy these locations with experienced individuals who live and breath guiding and sharing unique experiences in the mountains.
We can't wait to guide you.
Treks by Aspiring Guides
Our Top Trekking Picks for the 2024 Trekking Season
Trip Report: Spring Basecamp
Family Friendly Trekking Ideas For Summer
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We’re at our best when we’re scaling rock, ice and snow but we give this email thing a crack every so often (Monthly-ish). If you want to hear about new adventures and updates, then join our newsletter.
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