New Zealand Hiking and Trekking » Upper Wilkin Experience

Upper Wilkin Experience - 4 Day

The Upper Wilkin Experience guided trek is located in the heart New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park. The trip starts with a fixed wing or helicopter flight up the Wilkin Valley and finishes with a jet boat pick up and transport back to the vehicle.

The hiking is amazing with a choice of easy day walks or challenging off trail scrambles. 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. You can lunch at the feet of Castor, Pollux, Mercury, Vesta, Juno, and Apollo.

Our professional guide will ensure your safety as we explore this remote and seldom visited area. Hiking times are kept achievable (approximately 5-6 hours hiking a day) to leave time for relaxing photography or side trips. All food and overnight gear is supplied; all you carry is a light day pack.

At night you can 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

Upper Wilkin Camp Day

We meet with transport and guide at 8:30 a.m. and travel 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora. Here we board a small fixed wing aircraft and fly into the heart of Mount Aspiring Park. A leisurely 2-hour walk brings us to the Top Forks Hut. The walking is not difficult but it is exciting with numerous river crossings and your first taste of wilderness travel. The afternoon is spent exploring this marvellous valley.

Day two

Alpine lakes

This day is spent discovering the three alpine lakes known as Diana, Lucidus, and Castilia. The trail climbs gradually as it weaves through native beech forest until breaking out above tree line. The hiking to final lake, Lake Castilia is some of the most rugged (and rewarding) terrain you will ever encounter. This day can be as long as you like, from 1 hour to 6 hours.

Day three

Waterfall Flat

The hike to Waterfall Flat climbs from dense forest into the high alpine. It is a magnificent climb as the trail rises through Snow-Bridge Gorge, a deep canyon surrounded by glaciers and waterfalls. The trail is challenging until it opens out into the incomparable Waterfall Flat. Surrounded by high peaks and flowing rivers, this seldom visited valley is a unique New Zealand paradise. 6-7 hours return.

Day four

Jetboat

We head down river to the Kerin Forks to meet the jetboat. This is a gentle downhill grade for 6-7 hours along the north bank of the great Wilkin River. The track is varied with numerous river crossings. A thrilling 1-hour jetboat ride brings us to our van and the return to Wanaka.

Logistics

Duration: 4 days

Grade: Easy/ Moderate

Price: NZ$ 1,620 per person (minimum 2). Package includes fantastic food catering for all tastes, flight in to Jumboland, jet boat out, backpack, sleeping bag, liner and all camping gear, permits and goods and service tax (GST). Trips begin and end in Wanaka.

Access: Fly in, jetboat out

2010/2011 Trek dates

Nov 22-25
Dec 6-9; 17-20
Jan 3-6; 17-20; 31-3 Feb
Feb 14-17; 28-3 Mar
Mar 28-31;
Apr 11-14; 21-25

Join a scheduled departure or book a private or custom trip to suit you.

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

Season October to May

Prerequisites: Easy/ Moderate Grade. Moderate trips are mostly on formed tracks but the tracks may be rough or slippery. While the terrain is challenging with long ascents and descents, most people will not have to walk over 6-8 hours a day. Ascents and descents of up to 500m (1650ft) may be encountered depending on the trip. No heavy loads need to be carried. Previous hiking experience recommended.

Accommodation: hut / tent

Bonus: All Equipment included.