New Zealand Hiking and Trekking » Wild Walks

Wild Walks - Introduction

Hiking in New Zealand's Spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park

Wild Walks guides small groups of discerning clients on the wildest back country trekking and hiking in New Zealand. We operate primarily in Mount Aspiring National Park out of Wanaka or Queenstown.

We are professional mountain guides not tour operators. We take you, not on the great walks, but the best walks.

What's different about our walks?

Light Packs! - free yourself from the burden of carrying equipment and food!
Small Groups - 2 - 5 discerning clients
Wholesome trekking food catering to all tastes and diets (no freeze dried food)
Pre-placed camps instead of crowded huts
All treks to a strict environmental standard
Based in the World Heritage Mt Aspiring National Park

Upper Wilkin Experience

4 days Oct - May (2-5 people)

Easy/ Moderate

NZ$ 1,620 per person

A fantastic journey into the heart of New Zealand wilderness. The trek begins with a short flight into a remote landing strip in the Wilkin Valley. From our base at Top Forks Hut, stroll in the forest, swim in the crystal clear river, and relax, relax, relax. This area is one of New Zealand's great treasures. We lunch at the feet of Castor, Pollux, Mercury, Vesta, Juno, and Apollo. 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.

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

Mt Aspiring Discovery

3 days Nov - Apr (2-5 people)

Easy/ Moderate

NZ$ 940 per person

3 days Nov - May (2-5 people) Relax at a stunningly beautiful mountain retreat. This is your chance to avoid the crowded tracks and huts. Situated high over the East Matukituki Valley this high-end camp site has incredible views of Mount Aspiring, Popes Nose and Kitchener Cirque from your tent. It is your base to explore this magnificent sub-alpine and alpine wonderland. Day trips include the remote Albert Burn Saddle or the gorgeous Ruth Flat. Experience your first 3 wire bridge as an optional activity. You can hike, jump in a crystal clear stream or just relax.

Nov 26-28
Dec 6-8, 28-30
Jan 9-11, 17-19, 31-2 Feb
Feb 14-16, 28-2 Mar
Mar 14-16, 28-30
Apr 11-13; 22-24

Mt Aspiring Glacier Experience

3 days Mid-Dec - April (2-5 people)

Hard

NZ $1,250 per person

This is your chance to experience one of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. This multiday Glacier trek explores the magnificent Bonar Glacier. We supply all the technical gear, all you need are a good pair of boots and a spirit of adventure. New Zealand's glaciers are spectacular, but very few people ever get to visit the catchments of these vast oceans of snow. If you have ever wanted to travel on ice a thousand feet thick or safely explore towering columns of ice, this is the trip for you.

Many people do not realize that New Zealand does not have any large predators, no bears, no fox or wolf. There are no snakes in New Zealand. There are absolutely no animals which will harm you.
You wondered why there are so many sheep!

New Zealand Wild Walks climbing guides are members of the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association and the highest international qualification, UIAGM. We specialise in climbing and trekking in and around Wanaka, New Zealand and are permitted concessionaires in Mount Aspiring National Park.

Nov 26-28
Dec 6-8, 28-30
Jan 9-11, 17-19, 31-2
Feb 14-16, 28-2
Mar 14-16, 28-30
Apr 11-13, 22-24

Gillespie Pass Guided Trek

4 days Dec - April (2-5 people)

Moderate/ Hard

NZ$ 1,540 per person

A well prepared track and bridges make this trek less daunting than some of our harder walks, although it is still a challenge. The track begins in dense temperate rain forest and steadily climbs into a wondrous alpine paradise. There are mountain huts we can use but often we camp out under the stars. We finish this trip with a thrilling jetboat ride back to civilsation.

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

Rabbit Pass Guided Trek

4 days Mid-Dec - April (2-5 people)

Hard

NZ$ 1,690 per person

If you want a challenging "real NZ" trekking experience, this is without a doubt "THE" trek to do in Mount Aspiring National Park. To enjoy this ultimate experience you need to be fit and have good balance... some of the finest mountain terrain New Zealand has to offer.

Dec 13-16;
Jan 6-9; 14-17; 28-31
Feb 11-14; 25-28
Mar 11-14; 25-28

Gillespie Pass / Rabbit Pass Traverse

8 days mid Dec-April (2-5 people)

Hard

NZ$ 2,450 per person

The Gillespie/Rabbit Pass trip is the longest guided trek in New Zealand. Following the main divide of the South Island this route has exceptional views of the highest peaks, including Mt. Aspiring. Even though this trek is challenging, there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. No heavy packs needed, accommodation is a combination of beautiful mountain huts and our pre-placed campsites. This is a constantly changing journey through wild New Zealand. From temperate rain forest to high alpine glaciers, this route is one of the most exciting mountain trips in New Zealand.

Dec 13-20; 27-3 Jan
Jan 21-28; 31-7 Feb
Feb 14-21; 28-7 Mar
Mar 14-21; 28-4 Apr