Upper Wilkin Experience - 4… (trip)
Upper Wilkin Experience - 4 Day
- Wanaka Airport, New Zealand
- Active & Adventure
| from $1,750* per person | 4 Days | November, December |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Wild Walks | 12 people max | |
The hiking is amazing with a choice of easy day walks or challenging off trail scrambles. This area is one of New Zealand's great treasures. The mountains here form a glaciated cirque named by one of the South Islands great explorers, Charles Douglas. Names were important to Douglas and he saved the best for the best. You can lunch at the feet of Castor, Pollux, Mercury, Vesta, Juno, and Apollo.
Our professional guide will ensure your safety as we explore this remote and seldom visited area. Hiking times are kept achievable (approximately 5-6 hours hiking a day) to leave time for relaxing photography or side trips. All food and overnight gear is supplied; all you carry is a light day pack.
At night you can sit back while we prepare an outrageously good meal. We supply everything you need to relax and enjoy this alpine paradise.
New Zealand is a truly unique country. Due to its geographic isolation many plants and animals have evolved which exist no where else on earth. The only way to appreciate this biodiversity and get a sense of how glaciation shaped the southern alps is to walk through the densely forested valleys, relax by the crystal clear rivers and endure the trek up to a high alpine pass.
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Locations visited/nearby
New Zealand, Australia and Pacific
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day oneUpper Wilkin Camp Day
We meet with transport and guide at 8:30 a.m. and travel 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora. Here we board a small 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 two
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 three
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 four
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 varied with numerous river crossings. A thrilling 1-hour jetboat ride brings us to our van and the return to Wanaka.
More information from Wild Walks:
- View trip on provider's website
www.wildwalks.co.nz/upper-wilkin-experience-4-day/… - Company profile, experience, and history
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