Upper Wilkin

Upper Wilkin

The Upper Wilkin Experience is not an ordinary hiking trip. It places you in the heart of Mt.Aspiring National Park where the fantastic landforms and flora offer challenges far out of the ordinary. This trip is designed for walkers of all abilities. There is no need for experience and the fitness level is moderate. Families and novices are welcome. There are no heavy packs to carry and all equipment is provided. Some parts of the tracks are demanding, offering stimulating hiking opportunities for more ambitious hikers. It is a Fly In/Jet Boat Out trip.

Take a short flight into the remote 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 nowhere else in the world! This is an experience you will never forget.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 -

Upper Wilkin Camp Day

We meet with transport and guide and travel to the small village of Makarora. Here we board a 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 2 -

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 3 -

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 4 -  

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 challenging with numerous side stream crossings. A thrilling 1-hour jetboat ride brings us to our van and the return to Wanaka. 

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 6-7 hours a day. No heavy loads need to be carried. Previous hiking experience recommended but not required.

Please note that if weather is not suitable for a fixed wing flight a helicopter may used.

Photos courtesy Aspiring Guides