The Lake Nerine circuit is a rugged and challenging tramp through remote parts of Mt Aspiring National Park.
The route involves a 6km alpine hike along the main divide crossing over Park Pass at the head of the Rockburn Valley and North Col at the head of the North Branch of the Routeburn. One of the many highlights is spending a night camped by Lake Nerine, a tranquil spot with its rock knolls and outstanding views, it is a very special place to explore.
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Day One
Travel to the Glenorchy Road end and start on the trail through virgin bush that leads into the Rockburn Valley. There are many options of campsites along side the river, or you may choose to push on to Theatre Flat for a shorter second day.
Day Two
Carry on up the valley through the impressive Theatre Flat, flanked by smooth slabs and jagged peaks. A short climb through the last of the bush brings you into the upper valley and to Park Pass beyond. From Park Pass you follow the steep ridge before descending to the alpine tarns. Your companions along the way are the snowy Fiordland peaks of Madeline and Tutoko. The tarns overlook the Rockburn Valley with views across to the Park Pass glacier and east to the peaks of the Earnslaw massif. Not a place tor rush with plenty to explore before the final short climb over the saddle to arrive at Lake Nerine. Plenty of time in the afternoon to swim, take photos and relax.
Day Three
Perhaps the most challenging day of the trip. Lake Nerine catches the first rays of the morning sun but you shortly leave these behind as you cross on to the shady western aspects of Nerus Peak, overlooking Hidden Falls creek that drains into the mighty Hollyford River. A traverse route brings you to North Col and the head of the North Branch of the Routeburn. Here begins the challenging long descent to the flats over a variety of rough terrain including scree, scrub and following river beds. Camp next to the towering rock walls of Somnus.
Day Four
After a couple of long days the final day brings a gentle few hours on improving track out to Routeburn Flats. From here the contrast is felt as you jump onto the busy Routeburn track back to the road end, completing the circuit.
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 is one of our most challenging wild walks, traversing rough untracked terrain and can be exposed to inclement weather.
The route requires carrying full 12-15kg packs and multiple overnight camps. Experience on multi-day routes and wild camping is required. For example: Rabbit Pass, Mt Armstrong, French Ridge. It is possible to do it as a 5 day trip that gives you a slightly more relaxed pace, and more time to enjoy the route and the highlights along the way.
Clients are to have experience moving through rough terrain (such as unbridged rivers, tussock, river beds, roots, boulders and scree) and be able to demonstrate good balance and footwork.
Also experience carrying full 12-15kg packs, wild camping and long hiking days (8+ hours) is required.
book nowAvailability
| Trip Date | Available |
|---|---|
| Get in touch for Summer 2023/24 dates | 1st December to 31st March |
| December Fri 1st - Mon 4th | OPEN |
| January Wed 3rd - Mon 8th | OPEN |
| January Tues 16th - Sat 20 | OPEN |
| February Fri 9 - Tues 13th | OPEN |
| February Mon 26th - March Fri 1st | OPEN |
| March Mon 11th - Fri 25th | OPEN |
| March Fri 29 - April Mon 1st | OPEN |
Pricing
| Client Ratio | Price |
|---|---|
| 1:1 | $4300 |
| 1:2 | $2400 |
| 1:3-4 | $1800 |
What's included
- all meals and energy snacks
- tents/general camping equipment or hut accommodation
- satellite phone/ radio communications
- national park & guide fees
- 15% goods and services tax.
- 1 day weather contingency
Frequently asked questions
One thing we hear every trip is "the food was great! I never knew it was possible to eat so well on a climbing / skiing / trekking trip".
We put a lot of work into supplying you with wholesome meals with a variety of healthy and tasty ingredients and snacks catering to common preferences.
Where possible, we provide fresh vegetables and real coffee. However, there will always be limitations when cooking in an alpine or wilderness environment. Meals like salads are limited or not possible to provide. Some trips/ courses are not recommended for people with very restrictive or complex dietary requirements. If you do have a restrictive eating regime we ask that you disclose this to us at the time of booking and we may ask you to provide us with an advance copy of what you would typically eat on a wilderness trip.
For highly specialised diets requiring special food purchases - we may ask that you attend our offices on the day before your trip is due to commence. If you are joining a scheduled group that doesn't have food requirements, we may ask you to shop and pay for some of your preferred dietary requirements. You will also be required to carry this food and your guide may ask you to assist in the preparation of any separate meals required for you individually.
All our treks are physically demanding though our small group size means that you can go at your own pace. The fitter you are, the more you will achieve, and the more you will be able to enjoy the experience. Some experience walking on rough terrain is also the key, the better you are at this, the more efficiently you can travel, and the less energy you will expend.
All treks will have some degree of up and downhill, but on those that cross alpine passes (such as guided tours in Gillespie and Rabbit Pass), you can expect steep sections of around 500m vertically up and down. The advantage of these trips is that, due to the stocked camps, your pack weight will be light. On our more remote treks without serviced huts or campsites you will be carrying food and overnight equipment, so specific training with heavier loads (around 15 Kg) will help.
Generally, the price includes your qualified and friendly guide, all meals and snacks, park fees, hut fees, communications with Aspiring Guides Operations base and 15% Goods and Services Tax. Most technical equipment is included but transport costs like vehicle, jetboat, helicopter and/or air plane costs are not always included and vary with individual trips. See each individual trip description to see what is included or excluded from the price.
Equipment Detail
