Gillespie Rabbit Alpine Traverse

We pick you up at your accommodation and depart for the Young Valley (close to Makarora River) to begin the guided Gillespie Rabbit Pass Alpine Traverse tour. If the rivers are high, then jet boat access to the start of the track is provided. The Young Valley is a wonderland of dense native forest and high peaks. The trail steepens and climbs steadily to tree line before reaching Young Hut.

7 hrs 650m ascent

The Gillespie Rabbit Pass Alpine Traverse winds its way up the valley sidewall under the awesome East Face of Mount Awful. This is really an alpine paradise with hanging snowfields and waterfalls galore. The Gillespie Circuit Track passes through open meadows that after 3 to 4 hours leads to the Gillespie Pass. The steep track winds up and up (and up) ending at Gillespie Pass and one of the great viewpoints of the Southern Alps. It’s pretty impressive with Mount Alba and Mount Awful dominating the skyline. Two hours downhill and you'll reach the Gillespie stream, before heading further down to the Siberia Valley and along the flats to stay at Siberia Hut (or camp if the hut is full).

6-8hrs 870m ascent 985m descent

The track meanders through the beautiful Siberia Valley and then plunges steeply to the Wilkin River, which is then crossed to access Kerin Forks hut. Here we get a nice short day to recharge and take in the scenery, perhaps a quick swim in the river and comfy night in the hut.

2-3 hrs 300m descent

Following the Wilkin River along the Wilkin Valley Track, the track gradually rises, until reaching Top Forks. This area is one of New Zealand’s treasures with outstanding native bush and hanging glaciers. The track alternates between forest and open river flats. Top Forks Hut has a wood burning stove and views that are hard to believe.

7 hrs 300m ascent

We leave our packs behind for a day trip to Lake Castalia along the Wilkin River North Branch (towards Newland Pass). The track is rugged with plenty of stream crossings and boulder scrambling. Some may prefer a shorter day or just a rest day to swim and admire the world class views.

7 hrs 500m ascent 500m descent or a rest day

Note: if the weather forecast is good, your guide may decide it is of benefit to head over Rabbit Pass early on this day rather than wait for the next. In this case you may spend an extra day at Pickelhaub or Aspiring Discovery Camp, or you may head out of the Aspiring National Park a day early. The last day would then be a day walk from Wanaka.

An early start gets us up to Waterfall Flat. It is not hard to imagine where it gets its name with torrents of water pouring of the surrounding Southern Alps cliffs. The improbable scramble up the Waterfall Face leads to Rabbit Pass. We clip you into a fixed hand line for 60 meters to give you confidence on the trickiest part of the route. A long descent through native herb gardens is a magical end to an exhilarating day. The evening ends at Pickelhaub Camp, which is an expedition type setup with a cook tent, table and chairs with smaller four person tents to sleep in.

9-11 hrs 900m ascent 650 descent

Waking to the sound of icefalls crashing off the towering Pickelhaube mountain, we have a leisurely breakfast before heading down the upper East Matukituki Valley. Even with no track the going is easy through this isolated scenic valley, though expect many unbridged river crossings that make this route impassable during and immediately after heavy rain. Once we come to the magnificent Bledisloe Gorge the climbing begins again. From open river flats, through ancient forest and up to the alpine. This is a big climb, and many find this more challenging physically than the technical crossing of Rabbit Pass the day before. We camp at our incomparable Aspiring Camp with the same comfortable set up as the night before.

7-8 hrs 100m descent 400 ascent

It is the last day of the trek, and we all know what that means, that’s right: pancakes, whipped cream and blueberry jam. The trail down to the valley floor winds through tall beech forest with Mt. Aspiring dominating the view. Excitement comes in the form of 2 three wire bridges to cross the East Matukituki and Kitchner Stream. Gradually the track opens out into farmland just before we meet our waiting transport back to civilization and a hot shower.

5 hrs 500m descent

NB: Please note that this itinerary is a sample only and the actual itinerary may vary at the discretion of your guide. Weather, conditions and personal ability and needs may make changes necessary or advantageous to the participants.

This eight-day traverse links three of the region's major river valleys, crossing two alpine passes. This area is spectacular, surrounded by high glacier covered peaks, waterfalls, and lakes. This is home to many other rare and endangered species including the Kea, the World's only alpine parrot.

Our professional guide will ensure your safety as we explore this remote and seldom visited area. The crossing of Rabbit Pass is a challenging alpine crossing requiring good conditions to safely ascend and descend steep and exposed terrain. Prolonged periods of bad weather may prevent the crossing in which case the time is utilised exploring the alpine scenery of the Upper Wilkin area. Overnight gear and a delicious menu are provided at our private camps so all you carry is a light pack.

Pack 45-55 litre Weight 10-12kg