New Zealand Hiking and Trekking » Gillespie Pass

Gillespie Pass - 4 Day

The Young-Siberia-Wilkin round trip includes Gillespie Pass at over 1500m. A stunningly beautiful location. Well prepared track and bridges make this trek less daunting than Rabbit Pass but like all Wild Walks, it is still a challenge. The track begins in dense temperate rain forest and steadily climbs into wondrous alpine paradise. We finish the trip with a thrilling jet boat ride back to civilization. There are mountain huts we can use but often we camp out in tents.

If the native flora is your interest, the primordial plant associations will amaze you. Eighty percent of the Native plant species are found no where else in the world! This is an experience you will never forget.

The Gillespie Pass guided trek is located in the heart New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park.

This area is one of New Zealand's great treasures. The mountains here form a glaciated cirque named by one of the South Islands great explorers, Charles Douglas. Names were important to Douglas and he saved the best for the best.

Our professional guide will ensure your safety as we explore this remote and seldom visited area. All food and overnight gear is supplied; all you carry is a light day pack. On the Gillespie pass trek you will be required to carry your own sleeping bag and thermarest which is provided if you didn't bring one.

Evenings are spent at our spectacular campsites. Our camps are our home in the hills and we pride ourselves on luxurious and environmentally aware sites. Sit back while we prepare an outrageously good meal. We supply everything you need to relax and enjoy this alpine paradise.

New Zealand is a truly unique country. Due to its geographic isolation many plants and animals have evolved which exist no where else on earth. The only way to appreciate this biodiversity and get a sense of how glaciation shaped the southern alps is to walk through the densely forested valleys, relax by the crystal clear rivers and endure the trek up to a high alpine pass.

Itinerary

Day one

We meet you at our offices on the lakefront in Wanaka. After checking through the group's gear, we depart for the township of Makarora. 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. Tonight we stay at the new Young Hut. Waterfalls, roaring canyons and beautiful temperate rainforest, a big day!

20km -- 7 hrs -- 650m ascent

Day two

The track 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 track passes though open meadows that after 3 to 4 hours lead to the pass. The steep track winds up and up (and up) ending at Gillespie Pass and one of the great view points of the Southern Alps. From here there's an impressive view, with Mounts Alba and Awful dominating the skyline. Two hours downhill and we reach our camp next to tranquil Gillespie stream.

7km-- 6hrs--700m ascent--700m descent

Day three

We leave our packs behind today as we do a day trip to Lake Crucible. This unusual lake sits high above the Siberia Valley, nestled under Mt Alba. It is a steep climb through a forest, with a small river crossing, and finally the ascent through a snowgrass flat until you reach the lake. Surrounded by towering walls, Lake Crucible is a geographic wonder carved by the glaciers.

14 km return -- 7hrs -- 880m ascent -- 880m descent

Day four

This is the easy day so a sleep in and big breakfast are welcome after the big days so far. From our camp the track takes us through ancient Beech forest and open river flats. Great views of Mnt. Awful and Mnt. Dreadful (the early explorers had fun with the names here) with the Siberia River in the foreground. Bring your camera! It is all downhill to Kerin Forks Hut at the confluence of the Upper Wilkin and Siberia Valleys. Here we meet our waiting jetboat for an exhilarating ride back to Makarora. It is a wild finish to a Wild Walk

11km--5hrs--650m descent.

Logistics

Duration: 4 days

Grade: Moderate to Hard

Price : NZ$ 1,540 per person (minimum 2). Package includes fantastic food catering for all tastes, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, liner and all camping gear, permits and goods and service tax (GST). Trips begin and end in Wanaka.

2010/ 2011 Trek dates:

Dec 10-13; 17-20; 31-3 Jan
Jan 14-17; 28-31
Feb 11-14; 25-28
Mar 11-14; 25-28; Apr 8-11

Join one of our scheduled trips, or book your own private trip

Access : Walk in, jetboat out

Guide Ratio: 1 guide : 2 clients minimum or 1:5 maximum

Season: Dec-April

Prerequisites: Moderate to Hard Grade. To enjoy your Gillespie Pass trek you need to be fit and have good balance. The prepared track is rough and sometimes wet. Sometimes the footing is unstable. Hikers need to be good on their feet and be comfortable on rough or slippery ground. Hikers should be able to maintain a slow but steady pace up hill for an hour between rest stops. You will only carry your own gear plus sleeping bag (no tent or food) and each day walking is designed to be 5-7 hours. There is plenty of time to rest, swim, and take photos.

Accommodation: hut / tent

Bonus: Equipment included