Best trails in Mount Aspiring National Park
Want to find the best trails in Mount Aspiring National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 76 great trails for hiking, walking, and backpacking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 7 easy hiking trails in Mount Aspiring National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 3 to 14,855 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Mount Aspiring National Park.
Top trails
1
(1427)
•Moderate
•6.4 mi
This Track in the Mount Aspiring National Park has it all - a dramatic alpine landscape with awesome views, meadows, cliffs, waterfalls, rivers, and glaciers. There is a breathtaking view of the Rob Roy Glacier at the upper outlook and it's definitely worth the efforts.
When the paved road ends, there are exactly 30 km of flat, gravel farm road with ten sign-posted fords and numerous cattle grids to negotiate. In springtime expect to encounter sheep and cows on the gravel road and go very...
2
(758)
•Hard
•19.6 mi
Routeburn Track, also known as "the ultimate alpine adventure track, " is one of the most popular Great Walks in New Zealand. It's a high-mountain traverse that links Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks. Routeburn Track offers various landscapes, from lush forests with moss, fern, and waterfalls to stunningly wide alpine scenery with tussock, crystal clear post-glacier-age lakes, and a view up to the Tasman Sea.
This great walk is usually a three-day trip popular in summer and almost...
3
(577)
•Moderate
•6.0 mi
•Est. 3h 4m
This section is the beginning of the Routeburn Track Great Walk. It starts from the Routeburn Shelter at the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road end and takes you to Routeburn Falls Hut near the impressive Routeburn Falls cascade. It's a long uphill section through the forest following the Routeburn River.
Please note that online bookings are required in the Great Walks season to stay at Routeburn Falls Hut.
More information is available at:...
4
(551)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
•Est. 1h 55m
This section is the beginning of the Routeburn Track Great Walk. It starts from the Routeburn Shelter at the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road end and takes you uphill through the forest alongside the Routeburn River to Routeburn Flats Hut & Campsite. Please note that online bookings are required in the Great Walks season to stay at Routeburn Flats Hut & Campsite. More information about fees and bookings is available at:
Routeburn Flats...
5
(889)
•Easy
•1.9 mi
•Est. 47m
The Blue Pools Track is located in Haast Pass, between Haast and Wanaka. It's a lovely wooded bridge trail in the forest and then a long swing bridge to cross over before getting to the blue pools. The water is clear and vibrant. You can stay over at Cameron Flats Campground across the road at the trailhead.
Please abide by bridge closures and other trail warnings, these are posted for your safety and the safety of rescuers who will need to respond to any incidents caused by unsafe behavior...
6
(438)
•Hard
•3.3 mi
This challenging alpine mission in Mount Aspiring National Park is recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers and mountaineers only. Prepare for steep, rocky, rooty, exposed sections and sudden weather changes. Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks.
At the start of the hike, there is an unbridged river crossing across the Haast River, which is typically impassable after rain.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before embarking on this track. Do not...
7
(297)
•Hard
•16.2 mi
•Est. 8h 47m
This track is an alternative to the amazing Routeburn Track. If you only have one day to hit this track or you don’t have the possibility to coordinate having two vehicles or any other transportation at both ends of the track, this is the best alternative to see all the highlights of the iconic trail. Please note that bookings are required to stay at all huts and campsites along the track. Harris Saddle Shelter is located at the end of this track.
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8
(211)
•Hard
•6.7 mi
The Routeburn Track, also called ''the ultimate alpine adventure track,'' is One of the most popular Great Walks in New Zealand. This section takes you from Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut. Prepare for a challenging track in the alpine environment with steep, narrow, rocky, exposed sections and sudden weather changes - snow and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks.
You can stop and relax at Harris Saddle Shelter (enclosed day shelter - overnight use is prohibited)
Please note...
9
(215)
•Hard
•5.7 mi
This challenging alpine mission in Mount Aspiring National Park is recommended for experienced and well-equipped trampers and mountaineers only. Prepare for steep, rocky, rooty, exposed sections and sudden weather changes. Rain, low cloud, snow, and ice can create hazardous conditions on these tracks.
At the start of the hike, there is an unbridged river crossing across the Haast River, which can be impassable after heavy rain.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before embarking on this...
10
(160)
•Easy
•1.9 mi
•Est. 48m
Routeburn Nature Walk is located in Mount Aspiring National Park, around half an hour drive from Glenorchy. It is a short family-friendly loop walk through the beautiful red beech/tawhero forest with plentiful birdlife. Start from the Routeburn Shelter situated at the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road end.
Showing results 1–10 of 76
Trail reviews for Mount Aspiring National Park
Mellow til you reach out the last 3 km On the 3 km only 1.5 km is really steep (I’ve done it in 2 hours way up and 1 hour way down) Go the the French ridge it’s beautiful View on the tip of mount aspiring It’s worth the few kilometres more Keas around be careful with your tent if you decided to camp up there A couple repack their tent and went to sleep in the kitchen due of their fierceness
The trail is as fantastic as everyone says. Gorgeous views, going early is better as the sun will be right above the glacier in mid-day. We were worried about the road going out, as it is 30 kilometers of wavy/bumpy gravel road and a few fords. In late February with dry weather recently the fords were all pretty shallow or dry. Definitely check with the Mount Aspiring Visitor Center if you're concerned. Driving fast over the waves on the dirt helps the car to glide over more smoothly, we found about 60 k/h worked for us in an old 2wd van.
Parking: Free, Large lot
Difficulty: Moderate
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Mount Aspiring National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Mount Aspiring National Park is Rob Roy Glacier Track, which has a 4.9 star rating from 1,427 reviews. This trail is 6.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,548 ft.
What is the longest trail in Mount Aspiring National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Mount Aspiring National Park is Haast to Wanaka Road Biking. This trail is estimated to be 92.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Mount Aspiring National Park?
There are 76 trails in Mount Aspiring National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 7,284 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Mount Aspiring National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Mount Aspiring National Park has you covered. Gillespie Rabbit Pass Traverse boasts the most elevation gain with 14,855 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Haast to Wanaka Road Biking, which will get you 10,160 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Mount Aspiring National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 30 camping trails in Mount Aspiring National Park and the most popular is Routeburn Track with an average 4.9 star rating from 758 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Mount Aspiring National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Mount Aspiring National Park and the most popular is Routeburn Track: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut with an average 4.8 star rating from 577 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Mount Aspiring National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Mount Aspiring National Park which is Haast to Wanaka Road Biking with an average 4.0 star rating from 1 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Harris Saddle and Conical Hill via Routeburn Track, Brewster Hut to Mount Armstrong: Off Track Tramp, East Matukituki River - Dragonfly Peak, Mount Cross Track, and Esquilant Bivvy Hut to East Peak Climb.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 15 trails with waterfalls in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Routeburn Track, Routeburn Track: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut, Brewster Track to Brewster Hut, Routeburn Track to Lake Harris and Harris Saddle Shelter, and Routeburn Track: Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut.
Are there any trails with lakes in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with lakes in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Routeburn Track, Routeburn Track to Lake Harris and Harris Saddle Shelter, Routeburn Track: Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut, Harris Saddle and Conical Hill via Routeburn Track, and Harris Saddle Shelter to Lake Wilson via Serpentine Traverse.
Are there any trails with rivers in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 55 trails with rivers in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Rob Roy Glacier Track, Routeburn Track, Routeburn Track: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut, Routeburn Track: Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut, and Blue Pools Track.
Are there any trails with huts in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 47 trails with huts in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Routeburn Track, Brewster Track to Brewster Hut, Routeburn Track to Lake Harris and Harris Saddle Shelter, Routeburn Track: Routeburn Falls Hut to Lake Mackenzie Hut, and Harris Saddle and Conical Hill via Routeburn Track.
Are there any trails with glaciers in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with glaciers in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Cascade Saddle Track, Dart Hut to Cascade Saddle, Brewster Hut to Mount Armstrong: Off Track Tramp, Dart Hut to Aspiring Hut via Cascade Saddle, and Aspiring Hut to Dart Hut via Cascade Saddle.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with scenic viewpoints in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Rob Roy Glacier Track, Routeburn Track, Haast Pass Lookout Track, Mount Shrimpton Track, and Cameron Lookout Walk.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Mount Aspiring National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with cliffs in Mount Aspiring National Park, including Rees Dart Track, and Rees-Dart Track: Daleys Flat Hut to Chinamans Carpark.
Activities
Suitability
Points of interest
- Matukituki River West Branch
- Route Burn
- Brewster Hut
- French Ridge Hut
- North Branch Young River
- Siberia Stream
- Lower Lookout
- Lake Harris
- South Branch Young River
- Rob Roy Glacier
- Liverpool Hut
- Shelter Rock Hut
- Bridge removed during winter
- Sandy Bluff
- Young Hut
- Young River
- Route Burn North Branch
- Makarora River
- Route Burn Left Branch
- Wilkin River