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Combining two of our most popular Wild Walks, this is a 6 day trek exploring the Upper Wilkin river valleys and lakes, heading into the Siberia Valley and over the famous Gillespie Pass before descending down through the Young Valley. We spend several days hiking around the alpine lakes, valleys and waterfalls near the Upper Wilkin river and then head downstream, crossing the Wilkin river into the famous Siberia Valley. The names here reflect the challenging geography for the early explorers : Siberia Valley, Mt Awful, and Mt Dreadful. Luckily it's not quite as bad as it sounds for modern day hikers with pleasant huts and camps to sleep in. A side trip to Lake Crucible is well worth the effort before camping at our pre-placed site at Gillespie Stream. By the fifth day when you are heading over Gillespie Pass at 1600m you will be hiking fit, and able to enjoy the magnificent views of Mt Awful. Descending steeply into the Young Valley, our final night is spent in the Young Hut.
"Jo challenged us with river walks but we never felt unsafe. She was very instructive and made sure we all understood what we were to do. She took very good care of us. I like a bit of a challenge and like pushing myself just a little more than I am comfortable. This was definitely achieved especially with the river walks. We saw beautiful scenery, got some very good exercise and spent some quality time with friends, both old and new.The walk up to the foot of Rabbit Pass was my favourite - there was a variety of terrain, a beautiful day, a nice long walk and a great lunch spot!"
The 6 day Upper Wilkin and Gillespie Pass is suitable for experienced hikers who are comfortable on uneven ground, but It doesn't have the same exposed sections as some of our other Wild Walks (Rabbit Pass or Lake Nerine). This trip is ideal for fit (but not so intrepid) hikers who are wanting a more extended time in the New Zealand mountains. The scenery will certainly not disappoint - this trip has everything - alpine rivers, native beech forests, alpine tussock and snowgrass, snow capped mountains, ice covered lakes, waterfalls, and grassy meadows. There's also a high 1600m pass to cross which will also provide for a great sense of achievement at the end of the day.
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To enjoy your Upper Wilkin - Gillespie Pass trek you need to be fit and have good balance. This is classic New Zealand hiking which is to say the track is rough and sometimes wet. While there is a prepared track it is not groomed to the level of the busier Great Walks trails. Sometimes the footing is unstable and hikers need to be good on their feet and be comfortable on rough or slippery ground. While it can be slippery you will not encounter deep mud. Hikers should be able to maintain a slow but steady pace uphill 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. Track times and distances in New Zealand can be deceiving. The tracks here are quite slow progress compared to other countries. The nature of the terrain means that you seldom get long stretches of fast travel. Tracks twist through the forest, there are streams and waterfalls to negotiate around, as well as steep ascents and descents. In the alpine terrain there can be loose scree or exposed drops. Do not be deceived into thinking that days with short mileage will be easy - the days that we travel less than 10km can be more tiring than days we travel considerably more distance. Call it what you want, but it is never dull!
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