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CLIMB WILD WALKS SKI Backcountry Calendar International Expeditions
hiking New Zealand Trekking in New Zealand, Wild Walks, NZ
 
Overview FAQ Mt Aspiring Discovery 3 days Upper Wilkin Experience - 4 days Gillespie Pass - 4 days Rabbit Pass - 4 days Gillespie/Rabbit Pass - 8 days Mt Aspiring glacier expedition - 3 days Franz-tastic fox to franz josef trek - 5 days Darran Mtns alpine trek - 7 days Cascade Saddle Assisted Trek 1-2 days Difficulty Scale

"Bronwen was a superb guide in every aspect. She gauged my fitness level very quickly and adjusted the pace accordingly. She was at all times patient, and very friendly. She made decisions decisively and communicated them to me in a most professional manner. It was like going on a trip with a friend who I could totally trust in experience, knowledge and character. She would give me advice on how to walk in certain terrain which made it easier (and I used the skills with the next hike on my own). I could not have asked for a better guide!" Eva Wilhelm, Mt Aspiring Discovery, Dec 2010

"Saw Rabbit pass on a calendar…then looked on the internet and saw your website. Knew I was no longer able to carry a full pack and all the other guided walks looked “too touristique”. Thank you +++ for a wonderful trip and memories and for making accessible a beautiful part of the country that would otherwise be beyond my limits. Special thanks to Jo who as well as being a perfect guide has really good people and teaching skills." Margie Leiman, Upper Wilkin Experience, 2010

WILD WALKS

A unique philosophy to hiking in New Zealand - Wild Walks by Aspiring Guides

The wild and remote nature of New Zealand's landscape and weather means that for most people, backcountry travel is limited to a few well established walking trails. While these popular tracks are often called "The Great Walks" they are not the best walks - just the popular ones!

Take the road less travelled. We guide only small groups (max 5) on our New Zealand hiking adventures. Let us take you on a truly "Wild Walk" - where no one else can. From seriously tough treks to easy walks, we provide a true wilderness experience.

We are professional mountain guides - not tour operators and we guide on the wildest backcountry trekking and hiking in New Zealand. Based out of Wanaka and Queenstown, our Wild Walks explore the lesser travelled corners of the Mt Aspiring National Park and the South West World Heritage Area - where the scenery is always spectacular, and the challenges many.

Come and join us for a Wild Walk in the unique NZ wilderness - join a schedule trek or book a private trip now!

Upper Wilkin Experience 4 days Nov – Apr (2-5 people) 

Easy/
Moderate
 

 

 

NZ$ 1,750
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.

2011
Oct 29 - Nov 1
Nov 14-17
Dec 3-6;  19-22
2012
Jan 8-11 FULL; 20-23 FULL; 30-2 Feb
Feb 13-16; 27-1 Mar 
Mar 19-22; Apr 6-9

 
 
Mt Aspiring Discovery 3 days Nov – Apr (2-5 people)

Easy/
Moderate
 

 



NZ$ 960
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.

2011
Oct 26-28
Nov 28-30
Dec 12-14; 27-29
2012
Jan 8-10; 30-1 Feb
Feb 13-15; 27-29 
Mar 11-13; 26-28
Apr 9-11

 

 

Gillespie Pass 4 days  Dec – April (2-5 people) 

Moderate/
Hard

 

 

 

NZ$ 1,540
per person

The track begins in dense temperate rain forest and steadily climbs into wondrous alpine paradise. There are mountain huts we can use but often we camp out.

We finish the trip with a thrilling jet boat ride back to civilization. Well prepared track and bridges make this trek less daunting, although 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. Combine Gillespie/Rabbit Pass in 8 days.

2011
Nov 14-17; 22-25 
Dec 5-8; 19-22
2012
Jan 5-8; 27-30
Feb 16-19; 27-1 Mar 
Mar 19-22; Apr 6-9

 

Rabbit Pass 4 days mid-Dec – March (2-5 people) 

Hard

 

 

NZ$ 1,750
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. Savour the unspoilt mountain valleys, rain forest, alpine meadows, huge waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and awesome campsites. This is the best way to escape the crowds and usual tourist trail. Once the grassy flats of the Wilkin valley are left behind there are no more huts. This is also home to the Kea, the only alpine parrot on earth. Our camps are our home in the hills and we pride ourselves on luxurious and environmentally aware sites. We provide everything you need to relax and enjoy this alpine paradise. Combine Gillespie/Rabbit Pass in 8 days.

   

2011-2012
Dec 12-15; 
Jan 5-8; 17-20; 27-30
Feb 10-13; 
Mar 1-4; 16-19

 
Gillespie Pass/Rabbit Pass traverse 8 days mid Dec-early April (2-5 people) 

Hard

 

 

NZ$ 2,550
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.

2011-2012
Nov 25 - 2 Dec
Dec 12-19 ;
Dec 27-3 Jan FULL
Jan 20-27 FULL
Feb 3-10 FULL; 15-22  
Mar 4-11; Mar 30 - 6 Apr


Ask us about :

 You only carry a light pack. No crowded huts. All you need is appropriate clothing, a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots (and a spirit of adventure). You will welcome the comfort of our fantastic home away from home.

We supply good wholesome food - there may not be champagne or caviar, but we do not use freeze dried food or instant coffee (unless of course you ask for it) and we are able to cater for specific requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free.

Join a trek, or book out your private trek on or around the dates listed below.

The Mount Aspiring National Park is a majestic and seldom travelled area. The surrounding peaks and huge tracts of unmodified native bush, give a feeling of timelessness. This is the basis of the area's reputation as having some of the most dramatic and undiscovered trekking in NZ. The park forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. 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.

Amazing terrain
Remote hikes
   
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