Mount Aspiring National Park

Part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, Mt Aspiring National Park combines alpine peaks with valleys, rivers and ravines.

A must for keen mountaineers, Mt Aspiring National Park offers the best in alpine New Zealand hiking, walking and recreation.

Mt Aspiring National Park

Location

Mt Aspiring National Park sits in the South Island's south west. Located at the southern end of the Southern Alps, the park stretches from the Haast River in the north to the Humbolt Mountains.

Getting to Mt Aspiring National Park

The nearest towns to Mt Aspiring National Park are Queenstown, Wanaka and Haast.

Bus services to the park from Queenstown, Wanaka and the West Coast run regularly.

Accommodation in Mt Aspiring National Park

Many backcountry huts are located within the park, and a number of established camping areas line the tracks.

Along the Routeburn Track it is essential to pre-book your space in the huts.

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Walking & Hiking Tracks in Mt Aspiring National Park

The best-known and most popular walking tracks in Mt Aspiring National Park are:

The Routeburn Track (the most famous hiking track in the park)
The Dart/Rees River Track
The Greenstone/Caples Circuit
Wilkin Valley Walk

All these walking tracks are suitable for hikers of average fitness and experience but in the winter, greater skill is needed due to snowy conditions.

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Mount Aspiring Climate

In the summer expect hot conditions.
Winter brings blustery winds, snow and cold temperatures.

Wildlife in Mt Aspiring National Park

The thick beech forests chorus with the sounds of native birds – tui, bellbird, rifleman, South Island robin and yellow crowned parakeet just some of the inhabitants.

Many different kinds of introduced animal also inhabit the park – including red deer, chamois and trout.

Nocturnal animals, such as the native owl (morepork) and native bat, also inhabit the forest.