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New Zealand
> National Parks > Mt Aspiring
 Mt Aspiring National Park borders Fiordland National Park in the Southwest
New Zealand to comprise the
World Heritage Area known as Te Wahipounamu.
The Park
covers
355,531 ha and was established 1964. Mt Aspiring (the mountain) is a complex of impressively glaciated
mountain scenery centred on
Mount Aspiring (3,036 m), which is New Zealand's next highest peak to
Mount Cook.
The park spans a large area, from the Haast River in the north to the
Humbolt Mountains in the south. Large valleys, carved out by ancient
glaciers, dissect the high mountain ranges and Mt Aspiring itself is
viewable from near Wanaka and Haast.
Mt Aspiring is known by Maori as 'Tititea' meaning glistening peak. And
to The Waitaha as 'Te Maakahi o Tuterakiwhanoa' which
comes from the traditions of the Waitaha people and describes the wedge (maakahi)
of a legendary figure, Tuterakiwhanoa who used
it to shape landscapes.
 One of the most unusual areas in the park is the Red Hills, a mineral
belt in the southwest where the concentration of magnesium in the soil is so
high that few plants survive.
For most people a roadside view is sufficient, however for the
experienced tramping and climbing enthusiast there are many fantastic trails
to walk over. Note that this area is not for the uninitiated. The mountains
are steep, the rivers fast and deep, the weather can confine trampers to
shelter for many days. We strongly recommend that novice to intermediate
level trampers employ the services of
Alpine Guides.
There are several Great Walks:
Rees Dart Track
A four to five day tramping circuit which follows the Rees River and the
Dart River, through leasehold farmland and the southern part of Mount
Aspiring National Park. It is a moderately demanding tramp, and most days
average 6-8 hours of walking.
 The
Routeburn Track
This famous walk traverses 33km of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National
Parks with approximately 13000 walkers completing the track each year. The
track can be walked in either direction and between late October and late
April bookings are essential to guarantee your hut or campsite
accommodation.
Greenstone Caples Track
This walk is a moderate four to five day round trip, walk up either the
greenstone or the Caples rivers and back down the other. Like the Routeburn
bookings are essential.
The Cascade Saddle
Situated between the West Matukituki and the Dart Valleys the Cascade Saddle
is a popular alpine pass trip during the summer months for suitably
experienced trampers.
Driving Guide -
Transportation
-
Tramping Guide
Useful
Dept Of
Conservation Contacts:
The Visitor Centre Glenorchy
Cnr Mull & Oban Sts
P O Box 2
Glenorchy
Phone: 64 3 442 9937
Fax: 64 3 442 9938
Email glenorchyvc@doc.govt.nz |
Haast Visitor Centre
Haast Junction, Corner SH6 and Jackson Bay Road
PO Box 50
Haast
Phone: 64 3 750 0809
Fax: 64 3 750 0832
Email haastfc@doc.govt.nz
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Makarora Visitor Centre
Haast Pass Highway
Private Bag
Via Wanaka
Phone: 64 3 443 8365
Fax: 64 3 443 8374
Email makaroravc@doc.govt.nz |
Queenstown Visitor Centre
37 Shotover Street, Queenstown
P O Box 811
Queenstown
Phone: 64 3 442 7935
Fax: 64 3 442 7934
Email queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz |
Wanaka Visitors Centre
Ardmore Street, Wanaka
P O Box 93
Wanaka
Phone: 64 3 443 7660
Fax: 64 3 443 8776
Email wanakavc@doc.govt.nz |
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